Page 138 of Bittersweet

“What do you—” I start to ask, but then I’m cut off by cheers and whoops.

In the doorway, my brother, the brother who is as to himself as I am, the brother who just a few years ago would simply bark yes or no answers when people tried talking to him, is standing, straight upbeaming. Both hands are raised, fists pumping like he won a game, one holding a woman’s hand.

The hand belongs to Jordan, his girlfriend. Her face is red from the attention, one hand over her face like she’s trying to hide it, her dark auburn hair pulled into a ponytail, but a smile is on her face. A huge one that mirrors Tanner’s.

And on the hand that Tanner is holding is a ring.

A big fucking rock.

Holy fuck, he did it.

“Benjamin!” my mom said, swatting my shoulder, making me realize I said that out loud. Lola’s hand tightens in mine and I can feel her face on me, questioning, but I can’t pull my own gaze from Tanner and Jordan.

He proposed.

It all makes sense.

Sure, this was a party for Mom. But it was also an announcement, a party for Jordan. I realize now that their friends are here, all cheering and clapping as well. Chris Jacobs and Tony Garrison. Luna and Zander Davidson. Jordan’s family, including her sister, Autumn, her nieces, and her brother-in-law.

I get it now.

My little brother is getting married, and he wanted me here to seethis moment.

And I almost missed it.

I truly am an ass.

I turn to my mother.

“Did you know?”

“Know what?” She’s smiling.

“Don’t play games.”

“Of course, I knew, Benjamin. All these years, never once gave you shit about coming home. This year I did. And for my birthday? I thought you’d have figured it out. I figured that was why you came,” she says, eyes moving to Lola.

Because I did not come because I realized Tanner was going to propose to his girlfriend. I did not come because I wanted to celebrate with my soon-to-be sister-in-law.

I came because a sweet woman gave me the courage to make the trip in the form of her presence.

I look down at her, and her lips are tipped up. She knows. She knows, of course.

“Bet you’re glad you made it,” she says in a whisper.

“Shut up,” I reply, smiling at her and catching Tanner bringing Jordan into his arms and kissing her big as the guests take pictures.

* * *

Hours later, we’re surrounded by friends, Lola two drinks in and giggly as fuck.

I’ve never seen her like this.

Relaxed.

I like it.

Seeing her like this, surrounded by people I know, people I grew up around, people I love, I’m reminded that I wouldn’t hate having this in my life forever.

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