“We know what we want, Mom.” Dom's voice is calm but firm. “We've known for a while.”
“I just think that rushing into something this big without?—”
“It's not rushing. We've been together for three years.”
The table is quiet. Dad is clearly determined to stay out of it. Sarah's smile has dimmed.
I want to stand up and cheer for my little brother. For the kid who quit hockey and chose his own path and fell in love with a woman who makes him happy. I’m proud that he’s telling all of us how his life is going to go, whether they approve or not.
Dom has more guts than I've ever had.
“Well,” Mom says after a long pause. “I suppose a long engagement isn't for everyone.”
“No,” Dom says. “It's not.”
I lean forward. “I'm happy for you both. And I'm ready for best man duties whenever you need me.”
“Hey,” Nolan says, straightening up. “That's my job.”
“You live in Florida.”
“And? I'll fly in. I'm the fun brother. Best man has to be the fun brother. That's the rule.”
Dom laughs, and the tension breaks. “We'll figure it out. Maybe I'll have two.”
“You can't have two best men,” Nolan says.
“It's my wedding. I can have whatever I want.”
Sarah laughs. I’m glad to see that color has returned to her face. She deserves this. She’s tolerated my mother’s indifference and still showed up for family dinners.
Mom starts clearing plates for dessert. The conversation moves on, but the air in the room has changed. Dom drew a line tonight and held it, and I'm proud of him in a way I don't have words for.
Over dinner, Dad talks about the Renegades' winning streak. He tells me my positioning has improved and that my partnership with Blake is the strongest defensive pairing in the conference.
Three months ago, I would have absorbed every word and carried it around like a trophy. Tonight I keep checking my phone.
Nolan catches me looking. “Expecting a call?”
“No.”
“Then put the phone away.”
Dom asks about the plane scare, and I give them the version I've given everyone — it was rough, the pilots handled it, everyone's fine. Mom reaches across the table and squeezes my hand and says she thanked God every day that week.
By nine, I'm restless. I say my goodbyes. Mom hugs me at the door. “You've seemed different lately, Logan. Happier.”
“I'm playing well. The team's on a streak.”
She holds my face in her hands. “I'm glad.”
I kiss her cheek and walk to my car. On the drive back to Manhattan, I text Jasmine.
Just got in the car. Dinner was good. Nolan says hi. How was your night?
Her reply comes in three minutes.
Quiet. Glad you had a good time.
