We did this.
After dessert, Ethan stands and taps his glass.
"I want to thank everyone for coming tonight to celebrate these two incredible women. My mother, who taught me everything I know about strength and resilience and love. And my sister, who's been my partner in crime since day one."
There are murmurs of agreement around the table.
"This year is special," Ethan continues. "And I wanted to do something worthy of the occasion." He picks up the first wrapped box. "Mom, this is for you."
Diane's hands shake slightly as she unwraps the necklace. When she opens the box, she gasps.
"Ethan... this is..."
"It's our family tree," he explains. "Every stone represents someone who loves you. And there's room to add more as the family grows. And dad’s birthstone is right next to yours."
Diane bursts into tears, pulling Ethan into a fierce hug.
"I love it. I love you. Thank you, baby."
Claire is next. She unwraps the first book carefully, and her reaction is even more dramatic than her mother's.
"Is this... is this a first edition?" Her voice cracks. "How did you..."
"Open the other one," Ethan prompts.
She opens it carefully. "This isn’t even out yet!"
"Open the cover."
When she sees the signature, Claire actually screams. "You got Lydia Hartley to sign the book?! How?!"
"I had help." Ethan's gaze finds mine across the table. "Lily tracked it down and arranged everything."
Suddenly, everyone is looking at me.
"It was nothing," I start to say.
"It wasn't nothing," Claire interrupts, coming around the table to hug me. "This is the most thoughtful gift anyone has ever given me. Thank you."
"You're welcome," I manage, overwhelmed by the emotion in the room.
The rest of the evening passes in a blur of laughter and stories and warmth. But through it all, I'm acutely aware of Ethan watching me.
Not with possession.
With pride.
Like he's showing off something precious.
Like he's showing offme.
When the last guest finally leaves around eleven, I kick off my heels and collapse onto the couch, exhausted but elated.
"We did it," I say to the ceiling.
"You did it." Ethan sits beside me, pulling my feet into his lap. "You were magnificent tonight."
"Your family is wonderful."
