The room erupted in applause. Some people even stood. My knees went weak as tears streamed down my face.
Noah handed the microphone back and walked straight to me. I wrapped him in the tightest hug, whispering, “I love you, I love you so much.”
When I looked up, Daniel was there. His face was red, his eyes glossy. He stepped forward and hugged both of us.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered in my ear. “I should’ve said something sooner.”
Charlotte stood frozen, her smile brittle. For once, the spotlight wasn’t hers.
The rest of the evening shifted. Guests came up to me, praising Noah’s courage. One of Daniel’s college friends even said, “That kid’s got more backbone than most grown men I know.”
Later, Daniel pulled me aside. “Sarah, I need to talk to Charlotte. But please, don’t ever doubt how much you mean to me. You’re my sister. You raised me in so many ways. You’re part of me.”
