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“Yeah, totally!” I exclaim.
“I can’t lie, it does suit me pretty well.”
Ris and I raise a glass to each other, toasting our marriage and its wonderful ceremony. All around us, guests help themselves to various foods and drinks arranged in the dining hall.
Beside us, Ezra is scoffing down finger food as if trying to see how much he can fit into his mouth. Laughing, Ris prevents him from eating anything further for the time being, hoisting his son up onto his shoulder.
Ris’ eyes narrow as he looks towards the opposite end of the hall, like he spots someone familiar.
“I see my parents over there chatting with some of the other guests. They told me they met you before, do you remember that?” he asks.
“Vaguely, it was a long time ago but I remember the interaction being pleasant,” I reply.
“How about we go and say hello?” he suggests.
“Good idea, we can also introduce them to their grandson.”
Ris takes my hand as we delve into the crowd, exchanging quick pleasantries and formalities with guests extending congratulations to us. We come to the middle of the room with me leading when suddenly, Rhovier appears from out of nowhere.
I instantly tense up, as does Ris for I feel the grip of his hand strengthen around mine. Rhovier, seemingly reading our defensive body language, throws up her palms in what looks to be a show of surrender.
“Relax, just take it easy. I have a few things to say to you.”
I step forward in defiance, breaking away from Ris.
“Why should any one of us give you the time or energy?” I hiss.
“Because I’m here to give you my apologies,” she says.
You’re… sorry?
I cast a glance over my shoulder, seeing that Ris also wears a face of surprise at Rhovier’s words. I turn back to face his sister, whose forest green eyes look forlorn.
“Sienna, I’m so sorry that I ever treated you the way I did. There’s no excuse for my behavior and I wish I could have been different.”
Her face turns to Ris.
“You too, brother. I put myself first in front of you, I should have been a better sister. I apologize.”
Her eyes begin to dart between her brother and I.
“I’ve committed a lot of wrongdoing to each of you, your son included. All I can say is sorry, though I cannot utter it enough. I hope you can all forgive me, though I understand if you wish to continue not associating with me.”
Rhovier turns to leave. I grab her wrist, causing her to look at my hand in surprise, then at me.
“I forgive you.”
Ris steps forward, joining my side.
“If she says it’s okay then I forgive you too.”
“Thank you both,” replies Rhovier in disbelief.
“There’s a lot of work and healing to be done before we can even hope to call each other friends,” I tell her. “But I’m willing to start by leaving everything behind in the past,” I continue, stretching out a hand to her.
She takes my hand, shaking it with a warm smile.
“From now on, I’ll be treating each of you with the respect that you deserve. It’s clear to me that you make my brother a happy man, and right now that’s the most important thing.”
