Page 130 of Rush

I return to Riley, wrapping my arms around her.

“Was that okay?”

“Babe, more than okay,” she says, squeezing me tight.

I exhale, the weight on my shoulders finally lifting. The pressure is off.

“Kiddo, your mum would be so bloody proud.” Jack beams, pulling me into an embrace—and I feel it, how much he misses her. It radiates off every part of him.

I let go, clearing the tears from my throat.

“Damn, El.” Broderick’s voice cuts through the moment, catching my attention. “I don’t know how I’m meant to follow that.”

My eyes fly to where he stands by the stage, mic in hand. He clears his throat before taking his place behind the podium.

“Before I tell you about Andrew…can I get some noise for how absolutely beautiful Phil looks tonight?”

The crowd cheers in agreement. Riley and I clap and whoop along with them.

“Phil,” he says, turning to her. “Andrew is a lucky man. You’ve become one of my best friends since coming into his life. I’m glad I helped bring you two together, because so many wonderful things have happened since.”

His eyes sweep the room—then land on me. He holds my gaze a beat longer than necessary before returning to the happy couple.

“Beautiful and smart—you’ve got it all. You never fail to offer an encouraging word or shrewd business advice. Fussing over me like a mother hen only shows how deeply you care. I’ll say it again—Andrew is a lucky man. And I hope he knows it.”

He takes a deep breath. “I’m not really a wordsmith. I prefer action—acts of service—to show love and loyalty.”

He look towards Andrew beaming with pride.

“I think that’s why Andrew and I became fast friends—two bright-eyed freshmen ready to conquer the world. Now, I won’t bore you with stories from college…plus, Andrew’s parents are in the room. They’d be horrified to hear about the shenanigans their golden boy got up to after years locked up at an all male boarding school.”

Laughter ripples through the room. The groomsmen cheer, clapping Andrew on the back. Philippa laughs politely beside him.

“Andrew always says I’m the brother he never had. What an honor that is. He’s the kind of person who, when he’s in—he’s all in. He took a chance on a Brooklyn boy with a scholarship, working three jobs to support himself and his family. He shared his meal allowances. His clothes. You name it. He’s one of the most generous people I’ve ever known—which is surprising for an only child not used to sharing his toys with anyone.”

A soft chuckle rolls through the room.

“But he’d sooner give you the shirt off his back before he let you go cold. He’s the reason for my success. And brother…” Broderick pauses, swallowing hard. “I can’t thank you enough.”

He raises his glass. “A toast—to my best friends, on finding the kind of love everyone wishes they had.”

Jack, Riley, and I lift our glasses, clinking them together before taking a long sip.

Broderick’s speech only underscores how deeply Andrew and Philippa matter to him. It’s beautiful. It’s moving.

And it terrifies me.

They’re not just friends. Just like Riley is to me. They’re family.

And the more time I spend around him, the heavier our arrangement feels—if this were to go all wrong.

“What’s on your mind?” Riley asks, nudging me. She follows my gaze to Broderick, who’s in a back-clapping embrace with Andrew. My sister stands beside them, wiping at her tears before they sandwich her in a hug.

“Ah.” Riley smirks, the dots connecting.

I sigh, “Are you enjoying yourself?”

“Always—when I’m with you.” She smiles, wrapping her arms around me and resting her head on my shoulder as we watch Philippa and Andrew make their way to the center of the dance floor to cut the cake. They share a peck and a small bite. It’s sweet.