“’Tis not nothing when it leaves you looking so sad.”
Taking a deep breath, he thought about his life with his twin; the bond that tied them so closely together. “From the moment Matthew and I were conceived, we’ve done everything together. And now…” His voice dropped into silence as a knot of grief clogged his throat.
“Now it’s all changing.”
Sean nodded. “It feels like someone’s about to tear a piece of my heart away and there’s nothing I can do to fix it.”
“Did you feel this way when Matthew asked Ashley to marry him?”
“It was easier, then. The wedding was supposed to be at least eighteen months away. We were busy on the ranch and life mostly continued on as normal. It wasn’t until this week that everything hit me. After he marries Ashley, he won’t be at the ranch when I wake up, or eat us out of house and home the day after we’ve bought groceries. I’ll even miss the toothbrush he refuses to put away.” He cleared his throat, hoping Becky didn’t think there was something wrong with him. “I’m thirty-five and upset because my twin’s getting married.”
“You love him. There’s no shame in showing your emotions. Have you spoken to Matthew about how you’re feeling?”
“He’s stressed enough as it is. He doesn’t need my problems on top of worrying about whether Ashley will marry him.”
She placed her bowl of ice cream on the coffee table. “Has it occurred to you that he might be feeling the same way?”
Sean frowned. “He’s looking forward to marrying Ashley.”
“Of course, he is. But with marriage comes the same sense of loss you’re feeling.” Her hand closed around his. “Talk to him. Right now. Tell him what you’ve said to me and all the things only the two of you will understand.”
“He’ll think I’m crazy.”
“You might be surprised.”
He took a deep breath, then pulled out his cell phone. “He’s having dinner with Mom and Dad. If he’s doesn’t answer, I’ll go and—” Sean frowned. “I must have called your number by mistake.”
Becky turned toward the entryway. “’Tis not my phone.”
Sean was already at the front door when the bell rang. Matthew couldn’t be here. He yanked opened the door and stared at his twin.
“You called?” And with tears in his eyes, Matthew wrapped Sean in a fierce hug. “I’ll miss you.”
The choked-out words brought tears to Sean’s eyes, too. He hugged his brother for what they’d miss and the changes that were coming.
By the time they walked into Becky’s living room, she was dabbing her eyes with a tissue. “You’d best go home and fill your hearts with each other. Tomorrow is only a stone’s throw away.”
“Are you sure?” Sean asked. “We were supposed to go through the list of wedding photos Molly’s taking. Matthew could help us.”
“’Tis not important. Go with your brother and take the tub of ice cream with you. Matthew’s sweet tooth will thank me for it.”
Matthew wrapped Becky in a hug. “Thank you for looking after Sean.”
“You’re welcome. Enjoy your time together.”
Before they left, Sean gave Becky a hug. “I’ll call you in the morning.”
“Make sure you do. Good luck for tomorrow, Matthew.”
“I hope we don’t need it.”
And with those words ringing in his ears, Sean left Becky’s home with his brother. He didn’t know what he’d do with Matthew, but it didn’t matter. Spending time together was all he needed.
On the dayof the wedding, Becky reached for the metal chain at the top of a chandelier. “Would you be sure this will hold? I’d not be wanting Matthew and Ashley’s guests to be crushed if it fell.”
Pastor Steven rubbed his hand along his jaw. “It should be okay. We’ve followed the directions and reinforced the beam the bolts are attached to.”
“Your words are not inspiring confidence in me.”
