We walked back inside just as the emcee invited guests to share toasts. Noah squeezed my hand, then let go and marched toward the stage.
The emcee looked confused as Noah tugged on his sleeve and whispered something. With a shrug, he handed over the microphone.
My heart pounded. The room fell into a hush.
There was my little boy, standing in the center of the dance floor, clutching a microphone almost as big as his head. His tuxedo was wrinkled, his bowtie crooked, but his voice rang out clear:
“Hi. I’m Noah. I’m the ring bearer, and I’m nine.”
A few chuckles rippled through the guests, but Noah didn’t falter.
“I just want to say something about my mom. She’s the best person I know. She works really hard. She makes me pancakes every Saturday, even when she’s tired. And she always helps Uncle Daniel whenever he needs anything.”
I bit my lip, trying not to cry.
“My dad is in heaven, so it’s just me and my mom. And sometimes people don’t see how amazing she is. But I do. Uncle Daniel does too, even if he forgets. And I think everyone should know that my mom is the bravest, kindest, prettiest person here tonight.”
Gasps echoed across the hall. Charlotte’s smile faltered. Daniel’s eyes widened.
“So… if anyone doesn’t think she belongs here, then they don’t really know what family is. Because family means sticking together. And my mom is the reason Uncle Daniel and I are so close. She’s the reason we’re all here.”
