Part 7 — What Nathan Knows
I never told Nathan what Margaret said that night.
He doesn’t know there was ever a discussion about whether he should walk beside me.
He doesn’t know someone once worried that his face would appear in too many wedding photographs.
He doesn’t know I secretly hired extra photography coverage because of that conversation.
And I hope he never needs to know.
Because as far as Nathan is concerned, the story is much simpler.
Our father died.
His little sister was getting married.
There was a job Dad was supposed to do.
Nathan asked if he could do it instead.
Everyone said yes.
So he practiced.
He counted every step.
He wore Dad’s cufflinks.
He held out his arm.
He walked beside me when I needed him.
And when we reached the altar, he reminded everyone in that church of something Dad had taught him years before:
A big brother takes care of his little sister.
Nathan believed that was his job.
And he did it perfectly.
Looking back, I think that is the only version of the story that truly matters.
Note: This story is a work of fiction inspired by real events. Names, characters, and details have been altered. Any resemblance is coincidental. The author and publisher disclaim accuracy, liability, and responsibility for interpretations or reliance. All images are for illustration purposes only.
