Ed, visibly contrite, approached me with a sheepish smile. “I’m sorry,” he said, sincerity coloring his words. “I didn’t think it through. I was trying to be funny, but I went too far.”

I took a breath, feeling the support of my brother and our guests. “Apology accepted,” I said, finding it in my heart to forgive him, though it would take time to move past it completely. “Let’s try to focus on what really matters today.”

With that, the DJ played a lively tune, and guests began to fill the dance floor, eager to resurrect the joyous atmosphere. Ryan stayed by my side, offering comfort and a steady presence, as Ed and I joined our guests, determined to make the best of the day.