Reaching into the envelope, I pull out four photos. They were left with her father’s lawyer, along with the letter. ‘These are pictures of your parents,’ I say, placing two on the table in front of her. She picks them up one by one and studies them.
‘You can see a bit of you in both your parents, but mainly your mother.’
‘I know. I can’t believe I’m finally seeing what they looked like.’ She gently runs her fingers over the images. ‘It’s something I’ve always wondered.’
Placing the next two photos down, I wait for her reaction. One is of her parents with a small boy, and one of her and the boy together. ‘Who’s this?’
‘It’s your brother, with your parents,’ I say, pointing to the first photograph. ‘And this one is of the two of you together.’
‘Oh. My. God,’ she squeals, turning on my lap to face me again. I can see tears pooling in her eyes again. ‘I have a brother?’
‘Yes. His name is Tate. He’s three years older than you.’
Her gaze moves back to the photos, as she studies them both.
‘I can’t believe I have a brother,’ she whispers. ‘Please tell me he’s still alive?’
‘I haven’t been able to track him down yet, but yes, as far as I know, he’s alive.’
‘I have a brother,’ she whispers again.
‘I’ll promise I’ll find him for you.’ It’s a huge promise to make, but I won’t give up until I do.
A week later, and our postponed announcement dinner is back on. I’m eager to share our news. I know my mum and Josh will be over the moon to hear about our engagement. Jade wants Rupert and Theo there because they’re the closest thing she has to family. It’s taken her a while to recover from the shock of finding out her father is dead and her brother is probably alive. Not that I’ve managed to uncover any more information about Tate. Christ, I hope I can track him down. She deserves some good news.
Mum, Josh and Theo all arrive together. Apparently Theo had his driver pick them up on the way over. Jade has set the table on the back deck, since it’s such a lovely night. Once we’re all seated with drinks in hand, Jade gives my leg a squeeze under the table, signalling it’s time to share our news. I stand and help her to her feet. Once I have everyone’s undivided attention, I speak.
‘We invited you all here tonight for a reason. You are our family, and we wanted you to be the first to know our news—’
‘Brock’s asked me to marry him, and I said yes,’ Jade squeals, holding out her hand to show off her ring. I can’t help but laugh at her outburst.
We receive a few cheers, and Mum starts to cry. I guess they’re as happy with our news as we are. Jade hugs me, looking just as happy as I feel. Rupert is first to stand and congratulate us. After shaking my hand, he wraps Jade in his arms. ‘I needed some good news. If anyone deserves a happily ever after, it’s you.’
‘I’m so happy, Rupert’ she says as she looks at me over his shoulder. The smile she gives me hits me right in the chest. Seeing her happy is all I’ve ever wanted. I know we’re going to have a wonderful life together.
‘I love you,’ I mouth.
Her smile widens before she draws back to make eye contact with Rupert. ‘Will you give me away at the wedding?’
I love how close they’ve become since he’s been living here. He’s the closest thing to a father she has. Hopefully one day I’ll be able to track down Jade’s brother. She’ll always have us, but I’d love to be able to find him for her.
‘I’d be honoured to give you away,’ Rupert chokes out. They both wipe the tears from their eyes when they part.
‘My turn,’ Theo says as he pulls Jade into his arms, squeezing her tight. ‘You deserve happiness, babycakes.’
‘Thanks, Theo,’ she whispers. ‘You’ll get yours one day too.’
‘I guess I’ll have to start telling people we’ve officially broken up.’ We both laugh at Theo’s comment. Going to his house all those months ago was the best decision I’ve ever made … It was the day Jade and I reunited and the day I realised I didn’t want to live my life without her in it.
‘I’m glad you didn’t let this one get away, bro,’ Josh says extending his hand as he comes to stand beside me. ‘A guy couldn’t ask for a better sister-in-law.’
My mother is still crying when she pulls Jade and I into a group hug. ‘Don’t make me wait too long for grandbabies.’
‘Jesus, Mum. Give us a break, we’re not even married yet.’