A Holland and a Fighter

by Lori L. Otto

  I pat my brother on the back.

  Trey takes a deep breath and swallows. “Now the real stuff. The serious stuff.” He looks at Coley.

  “I think we’re probably in the minority–being this young and knowing exactly what we want out of our lives. We both have our dreams. You’ve known for years what you’ve wanted to do, and I love that I’ve been able to support that dream. I had a vague idea before of what I wanted to do, but it became very clear about two years ago… and it’s a big, scary dream. It got even scarier after what we witnessed in DC, but… I know that I was put on this planet–and in this city–to serve the people, and that’s what I intend to do–relentlessly, fearlessly and with integrity.

  “Knowing the battle we have ahead of us, the scrutiny we both will face, I gave you the option to weigh in. I was afraid you’d say no. I was afraid your concerns would convince me to change my mind.

  “I was afraid for nothing. Because, with you, Coley, I’ve never been afraid. I’ve never had reason to be. And what I vow to you–what I wish for you–is that I never give you reason to be afraid, either.

  “I will always be open-minded and listen to the people around me. I will never think that I know more than an expert in their field.

  “I will always be aware of potential threats that may put you or the people we love in danger.

  “I will take the necessary steps to protect our family and friends.

  “I won’t take careless or uncalculated risks.

  “I will put you first, knowing that we’re working together toward the same goals, and in time, we’ll get there. I will understand that it may take longer than the timeframe I have set for myself.

  “I will be patient.

  “I will cherish you every day for the sacrifices you’ve already made for me, and the ones you’ll make in the future. I know there will be late nights, and missed dinners, but there will never be a missed anniversary… or a missed birthday…” He clears his throat. “Or a missed birth. Period.

  “And if you ever become afraid, or if I ever break one of these promises, I swear to you right now, we will reevaluate everything–our plans, our goals–and come up with something that will work better for you and me.

  “My first dream was to be your husband. It was the critical one, and it came true today. All the rest of them build on that dream, so I’m not messing that one up. I promise you that tonight, in front of our parents, our brothers and Shea, our friends, and the rest of our families.

  “I promise to love you most. To listen to you first. To make you the priority. Above all else. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

  “To my wife.” He raises his glass and drinks, and we all follow suit. When he sits down, they kiss again.

  My youngest brother stands up but doesn’t leave the safety of our table. “Fuck tradition,” Max starts into his microphone. I shake and bow my head simultaneously.

  “Earmuffs!” Matty yells.

  “Too late!” Will counters.

  “I doubt it,” Livvy’s uncle follows up. I’m sure he’s not wrong; I’m sure there will be more. I look over at my girls, who are both giggling at their table. I so dread that day when their teachers call me in for this.

  “What was I supposed to do? Like, accept thanks on behalf of the bridesmaids? How outdated is that rule, right?” He walks around our table to Stella, putting the mic in her hand. “Here, would you like to say something? Accept thanks or... you know?”

  She laughs. “You’re all very welcome,” she says, nodding. “I love Coley and I’d do it again–wait! No! I don’t mean–”

  “Wrong answer, Stel,” Max says after stealing the microphone back. Everyone laughs. “Shea? You want to try?”

  “Just a simple, ‘you’re welcome.’ Love you, Sister Holland!”

  “Love you, Sister Scott!” Coley responds.

  Max wanders to the other table. “Pryana? Lucy? Kameisha?” They all shake their heads, but Edie is raising her hand. “Look how polite this one is. Edie? What would you like to say?”

  “Thank you for inviting me to be a junior bridesmaid, Coley.”

  “You’re welcome, sweetie!”

  “And you owe me and Willow swear money, Uncle Max.”

  “Does Uncle Max ever carry cash?” he responds quickly, making everyone laugh again as he returns to his spot at the front of the room. “You know where the deep pockets are.” He pauses once again, reading his audience well. “So… I really want to talk about Coley… and I want to talk about Trey… because I don’t think anyone knows these two as a couple better than I do. They probably wish I didn’t know them as well as I do sometimes, but, I mean, I lived with them for about two and a half years. I definitely wore out my welcome,” he adds with a sheepish grin, his voice trailing off.

  “I don’t know how many of you know about the night I first met Coley. It was right after they started dating. I lived in California at the time, but I had flown back to the city one Saturday with a friend, and my return flight wasn’t until the next morning. Naturally, I went to hit up Trey for a place to crash.

  “Now, I know what you’re all thinking–you had family that lived here, even then, right? Yeah, well.” He points to me. “Rugrats.” Then he walks to Will and Shea and draws a big heart over their heads with his fingers. “Newlyweds. Like, of the worst kind. It was embarrassing to be a guest in their apartment.”

  “Shut up, Mascot,” Shea says, putting her hands over her face.

  “Yeah, you weren’t shy back then.”

  “TMI, buddy,” Will adds, his cheeks red. “Cut it. This is for Trey.”

  “I’m building up to the story. That’s the background. So, I went to Trey’s apartment, knowing that Coley would be there. I also was ready to give her a piece of my mind because the friend that I had flown with to New York was… Trey’s ex… who was my other best friend.

  “And I was pissed, because the breakup was still fresh, and I had spent the past week or so consoling my friend–my friend who I was certain was perfect for Trey.

  “And what did Coley do?” He shakes his head. “This girl answered every awkward question head-on. She never missed a beat when I tried to shake her confidence. She went toe-to-toe with me and kept up with my banter, dishing back what I gave her. She was my perfect foil.

  “And fuck–10 bucks, girls, whatever–see Uncle Cal–I’d found a new friend. I literally went to sleep that night thinking Trey found the straight, female version of me.”

  Trey and Coley both start laughing. “I’m not as vulgar as you,” Coley shouts.

  “Oh, yes, you are,” he argues. “You just use prettier words–that don’t rhyme.”

  Her jaw drops and she looks at her new husband, who shrugs his shoulders and nods. “He’s not wrong, laureate,” Trey says. “I love you for it. But I don’t agree that she’s the straight, female you, Mascot. She’s… very different.”

  “You keep telling yourself that… and now that I put that in your head, you’re always going to think about it. It’s a good thing, though. I’m your lifelong friend. That only means good things for her, right?”

  Trey nods. “I guess so.” He holds her hand on the table, then picks it up to kiss it. “She’s much tidier than you, though.”

  “I’m tidy; I just know you and Coley and Callen can do a better job, so…”

  “We can leave the arguing for… after dinner,” Trey suggests.

  “You’re right. I wasn’t expecting the two of you to talk back. This is my speech, right? So… now I turn to Trey. Whoa. There is so much I could say about T… but it all starts with Livvy, so I want to mention her briefly. If my brother, Jon, hadn’t met Trey’s sister, Livvy, I never would have had this life… and it’s been rough lately,” he says, his eyes watering, “but I will never take a day of it for granted. Because Livvy and Jon became an item, Trey and I became best friends. Not simply friends, but the best of friends. My brothers taught me a lot, they did, but it was so nice to have a friend my age. Some
one to teach me things he was learning in his fancy school, someone who was going through similar things as I was at the same time. Someone who liked the same sports I did. Someone who watched the same shows I watched, laughed at the same jokes I thought were funny. A kid really needs that. It’s something I didn’t have at home.

  “Now, Trey, he had dozens of friends. I mean, look at this room. You’re all here. But he was so gracious and kind that he shared them all with me. When he was invited to outings or parties, he’d politely ask if he could bring a friend. I remember him telling some of you that we were a package deal.” He laughs. “What eight-year-old kid does that? Especially when the other part of the package is a kid whose clothes were older than he was, and who wasn’t always able to shower every day because the water kept getting cut off at his apartment?

  “Trey Holland was that kid. He was never embarrassed of me. Not ever. Well, not until we were teenagers, maybe, and I got a little lippy in public. Then maybe I embarrassed him. But he tolerated it all, and still called me not only his friend, but his best friend.”

  Max walks over to Callen. “And if it wasn’t for Trey, I wouldn’t have Callen, my… cornerstone. Trey has always been supportive of us, and I love you for being so persistent in leading me back to him when I was so stubborn. You always know what’s right. Always.

  “But…” He looks around the room. “If you’re wishing I wasn’t here right now… wasn’t keeping you from your dinners… you only have Trey to blame.” Facing the head table again, he speaks from the heart. “He risked his life to save mine on those steps in DC.” He bows his head to the floor. “And trust me, twenty Maxes aren’t worth one Trey. I’ve done the math.” His voice is shaky, and the room is silent. “I’m grateful for what he did, but if that opportunity ever presents itself again…” He looks up. “Don’t do it again.”

  “Max,” Callen pleads audibly from his seat. I put my hand on his shoulder, feeling the same pain he must feel at that directive.

  Coley can’t contain her tears, and Trey gets out of his seat, taking the mic from Max and shutting it off. He holds him tightly, and they exchange words that none of us can hear. They’re both crying–I can tell–and I can’t stay in my seat any longer, feeling the lump in my throat.

  I join in their embrace. Before I know it, Will and Callen have joined in, and soon after, Coley and Shea throw their arms around us, too. No longer quiet, the room is filled with sniffles and muffled weeping.

  “If only Liv were here,” Trey says, “it’d be the perfect circle.” He looks directly at me, and I nod, wiping my eyes.

  “It’s pretty damn close, though,” I admit. “I love all of you so much.”

  Everyone repeats my sentiment, and Coley’s giggle sets us all off in bittersweet laughter.

  Trey switches on the microphone again. “Were you finished?”

  “Almost,” Max says, clearing his throat and taking his place again. He waits until they both sit down before continuing. “You’re gonna be a perfect husband to Coney–sorry, Coley.” He winks at her, the mistake on purpose. “And I know you have huge dreams, but I hope you have some normal ones, too… like, have some kids, because you helped to raise me right. I can’t give Jon and Will all the credit. You had your work cut out for you, too, and it was harder for you, because you were a kid, just like I was. But you would be such a good dad, following in the footsteps of your own.

  “And I promise I’ll be the uncle to make sure their swear jars send them to college, just like I’m doing for Jon’s and Will’s kids.” The guests laugh again. “And you guys didn’t know there was a reason behind all the cursing. I’m not selfish.”

  A waiter brings out three tumblers, putting a pair in front of the bride and groom and handing the other to Max.

  “To the female me, Coley, and the guy everyone should want as a best friend, but somehow, I’m the lucky one, because he’s mine–Trey Holland. I hope you guys are nothing but happy… and healthy… for the rest of your lives.”

  “Here, here!” Will shouts, standing up with his water.

  Max walks over to them and taps the rim of his glass to theirs. He and Trey finish their drinks quickly, but Coley only takes a few sips, setting the glass next to her champagne.

  “To Trey and Coley!”

  “Now… you can all eat,” Max says before shutting off the microphone. Instead of taking a seat, he walks down the middle of the aisle toward the back of the room. Callen follows him, weaving through the stream of the waitstaff who are now pouring in, delivering plates to tables.

  “Is he okay?” Shea asks.

  I shrug my shoulders, deciding to send Callen a text to ask him the same question. I expect his standard “he will be” response, but I don’t hear anything right away, and decide to eat dinner with the rest of the table, assuming that he will be.

  “Was there something with the drinks they had?” Will asks us.

  “I think it was bourbon and coke,” Stella says. “If it was, that was what they had the night Max met Coley. I think they all kind of consider it their… drink.”

  “Ohhh,” I say. “That makes more sense. Yeah, I knew Trey drank it… I was his supplier for a while before he could buy it.”

  “You?” Will says, surprised. “Like, before he was 21?”

  “Guilty.”

  “I don’t believe it. He’s such a by-the-book kind of guy… and you’re pretty strait-laced yourself.”

  “I made him follow rules to stay in my good graces. He was really good about it,” I say, blushing.

  “Did Liv know?”

  “Hell, no.”

  “So, you did keep secrets from her…”

  “No,” I say, shaking my head. “No. That can’t count. I told her everything that mattered. We never hid anything from one another. That… that doesn’t count.”

  “I’m just kidding,” Will says, putting his hand on my arm. “Of course, it doesn’t count. It’s inconsequential. She knew her brother was a good kid. A responsible kid.”

  “Yeah.”

  “She knew you’d never do anything to hurt him, either,” Shea adds.

  “Never. He’s my brother.” I look up at him as he talks to his bride. I wish Liv could be here to see how happy they both are. I wish she could be here to wish him well. To give Coley guidance. I wish she could see how proud her parents are to see their son marry this woman who lights up any room–and in so doing, shines a light on him. I do rest easy knowing that she saw the perfect match that they were for many years. She knew they would make one another happy for the rest of their lives long before a ceremony was even planned.

  And tonight–that gives me peace. Being in the presence of my family and her family–that gives me peace. Having her daughters here to take part in the service–that gives me peace. Knowing that we’ll be picking up Luca on the way to our dream home and spending the night together–that gives me peace.

  After dinner, I look over at the other table and notice Edie and Willow aren’t there. Peron lets me know that they went to the dressing room after my oldest suggested they reapply their lip gloss. It doesn’t look like they ate much of their dinner, but it doesn’t surprise me. It was a pretty sophisticated meal for their taste. I’ll make them something if they’re hungry when we get home.

  “Is it clear?” I speak into the dressing room before going in, not wanting to barge in on any of the bridesmaids who may be lounging inside.

  “Come in, Daddy!” Willow yells, then laughs hysterically. I brace myself for what I’m about to find, but even then, I wasn’t prepared for the sight in front of me.

  Willow’s tucked into Max’s side as he flips through one of her books. He’s squinting, clearly unable to read because he’s not wearing his glasses. Callen has pulled over one of the vanity stools to sit near him, and he’s holding a tray of makeup. Edie is standing in front of my brother and appears to be putting the finishing touches of eye makeup on to him–and not just a small amount to highlight features. It’s a smo
ky eye if the eye had been through a seven-alarm fire and burned down to soot and ashes.

  Edie has already finished with his lips and cheeks. They’re very similar in color to each other–sort of a deep coral red.

  “Oh, lord. Bunny, what have you done?”

  “I’m just practicing,” she says, matter of fact.

  “Was your uncle awake for this, or…”

  “Yes… he said it was fine.”

  He blinks up at me, and I notice the clumps of mascara on his lashes.

  “Looks great,” I tell him.

  “I trust you’re being honest with me. I haven’t seen yet–but we’re not lying to each other anymore…”

  “Yeah, I’m lying,” I admit, shaking my head. “Not sure what look you’re going for.”

  “Whatever look makes your daughter happy.”

  I smile, appreciative of his response.

  “That’s sweet of you. Liv would let her do this on occasion…”

  “That’s what she said.” He looks back at the book. “What am I looking at here, Wils? Is that an octopus?”

  “No! It’s a woman in a spacesuit!”

  “How many limbs does she have?” he exclaims, trying to move closer to the page before Edie pushes him back into the sofa to apply powder to his forehead.

  “Let me have it.” Willow takes the book from him and slides it into her lap. “That’s Sally Ride, you dummy,” she mumbles.

  “Wils.”

  “Sorry.”

  “She’s right. She’s lightyears ahead of me in science. I won’t argue with her there.”

  “She’s not allowed to call you dummy. It’s not nice.”

  “Gimme five bucks.” Max holds out his hand but doesn’t turn away from Edie’s steady application of makeup. “I know you have it. I saw Callen give it to you. You owe me.”