“Definitely not,” Nate said.
I leaned to smack him playfully.
“Betty, it was a wild day, one I don’t know quite how to summarize, but your aunt and I are proud of the woman you’ve become. You’ve taken on a leadership role in your equestrian realm while supporting your cousin and me gracefully. I know you’ll roll your eyes and say it’s nothing, but it is more than nothing. So, to Betty, may your thirtieth year be the best on record—so far, anyway.”
Everyone raised their glasses in a way that mortified me.
Mary did the predictable thing, “Skol!” Then, she realized we weren’t done yet.
“There is a tradition,” Uncle Olav said. “Where we goaround the table and say something kind about the birthday girl or boy. So, we toast after each person, but you’re welcome to drink in the interim as it is a joyous day.”
Mary flushed bright red.
I shoulder bumped her playfully. “You’re fine. It’s cringe but we do it because it’s tradition.”
“It’s cute,” Mary agreed.
They began with Pappa, “Betty, we adore you for who you are—your boldness most of all. We wish you many more years of not listening to a single thing we say. Skol!”
Mamma spoke next, “Elisabeth, you’re every bit your grandmother’s daughter with all her determination and heart. She’d be proud of you as your namesake, but also even more proud of you for finally saying who you are?—”
“Oh my fucking god, Mamma, I will die here,” I groaned. “Me being bi doesn’t define me. Yes, it’s part of me I didn’t shout from the rooftops, but like… can we please assume I am the same person… just queer?”
“Why?” Mamma demanded. “It’s a new part of you. That’s all I’m saying,” Mamma said. “And it’s important to be yourself, sweetheart.”
Cici said, “If I can give unsolicited straight advice, Bets, itdoesmatter. In the last year you’ve taken on so much and grown—not just because you found someone wonderful.”
“I haven’t grown.” I blushed.
“Youhave. You became the leader of the equestrian team because I retired. You took up UniVox and engagements despite your insane schedule?—”
“And carried on a secret relationship with a rockstar,” Nate added.
I glared.
“Yes. But it’s all growth. And you being you and advocating for yourself—and for Mary—is proof you are finding your voice. That’s beautiful. So, to us, itdoesmatter, but it’s only a part of the puzzle.” Cici paused, then looked around, “But be mindful family, because if we say too much, she’ll turtle.”
I blushed and resisted that urge. It was a compliment and hadn’t occurred to me how much Ihadtaken on in the process.
Keir said, “Well, I’m just glad youtoldus, as Mary seems like a good person and very talented. And at least she cares about you rather than breaks up with you at a christening.”
“Oh my God, please don’t bring him into this moment,” I groaned. “We know Hank has you all still angry but?—”
“Look, we all make poor choices, but Hank pushed her to accept my apology for being weird after I found out who she was,” Mary said. “He did one thing right.”
“It couldn’t have beenthatbad,” Aunt Kiersten said. “You look plenty happy.”
“She was cross,” Mary agreed. “And, I don’t blame her. I was sort of an ass. Instead of being an adult andtalkingto her, I got in my feels, and then realized I genuinely regretted it.”
I smiled. “And she groveled, which helped.”
“I did, which I don’t regret. But I’m sorry I did it at all. I just… I figured this very dinner would never happen.”
I squeezed her knee. “And yet? We’re here.”
“Through a wild maze of crazy, yes,” Mary sighed.
“But the song? Are we going to talk about the song?” Ingrid asked. “Because I don’t think anyone has ever written a song about me before.”
