We walked for what felt like two minutes before stopping. I heard S3 gasp, then went quiet.
I felt Seth step behind me, his hands gentle as he removed the blindfold.
“Keep your eyes closed,” he whispered against my ear.
I did, even though every part of me was screaming to open them, my heart pounding, breath shaky, knowing wondering what was in front of me.
“Open them,” he whispered, and I immediately heard soft cries and laughter all around us.
I hesitated, heart racing, then slowly opened my eyes. And there he was… Noah standing right in front of me. All grown up, more facial hair and wearing a uniform. It had been two years since I’d last seen my little brother at my grand opening. That night, I had read his letter, clinging to every word. After that silence. My calls went straight to voicemail, and eventually his number was disconnected. I hadn’t imagined seeing him today.
“Noah.” The word caught in my throat. My face was already wet with tears.
“Stormi.” He pulled me into a hug, holding me like he was never letting go.
“Noah’s back!” S3’s voice echoed from somewhere behind us, full of awe and excitement.
“You’re a Marine?” I whispered into his ear, still stunned.
“I told you I was gonna get my shit together and make you proud,” he said softly, and all I could do was cry harder, clinging to him, holding him tighter than I’d ever held anyone.
“I love you so much, Noah. I’ve missed you,” I choked out, unwilling to let him go.
“Same, Stormi. I love you too. But I had to get away and do this for myself,” he replied.
“I’m so proud of you,” I said, my tears spilling freely.
“I know and I’m so proud of you too. Jo’s kids: we really made it,” he said as we pulled back slightly, looking into each other’s eyes.
“Oh my God, Noah” I whispered, taking him in, brushing my tears away, trying to memorize every detail of him in that moment.
“Look at these little dudes,” Noah said, eyes scanning the boys with a mixture of awe and disbelief. “Shiloh, last time I saw you I could barely get you off your mommy’s hip. And Savior, you were still in your mommy’s tummy.”
He scooped up both boys effortlessly, holding them like they were weightless.
“How did—” I started, but Noah cut me off before I could finish.
“Seth and I stayed in touch,” he said. “Your husband helped me get my shit together.”
“Shit!” Shiloh shouted, clearly proud of himself.
“Shiloh!” I scolded him, though I couldn’t help laughing. He knew exactly which words were bad words and it was all he ever repeated.
“Congrats, Noah,” Seth said, dapping him up before they pulled each other into a solid, brotherly hug.
“Sorry, I’m late. Couldn’t miss seeing this nigga finally on the right track,” Rich said as he approached.
“Rich,” Noah greeted him, grinning, and they exchanged a few more dap shakes.
“Congrats, lil nigga. We are proud of you. Whatever you need, you know we here.” Rich pulled Noah in for another hug and, without missing a beat, grabbed Shiloh and held him upside down. Shiloh erupted in uncontrollable laughter.
“That’s why he acts like that,” I muttered, shaking my head but smiling.
“Happy birthday, sis,” Rich said next, pulling me into a hug while setting Shiloh upright again.
“Alright, family, friends, and Marines,” the woman on the stage announced, her voice commanding but warm. “The ceremony is about to begin. Everyone, please find your seats.”
The room buzzed with energy, laughter, and quiet anticipation. I looked around at my husband, my boys, and my brother, and felt the weight of this moment.
