Something Blue

the oldest piece of our history together.

'I found it in a box of old papers,' he said, smiling. 'I thought I had given it back to you, but I guess I never did?'

'No. You just told me yes at recess. Remember?'

'I guess so.' Ethan nodded and then said, 'Turn it over.'

I did, and on the other side, I could see that he had written a question of his own.

Will you marry me?

I looked up, startled. Then I cried and said yes, yes! Ethan's hands trembled slightly as he removed a small box from his jacket pocket, opened it, and slid a sparkling cushion-cut diamond ring onto my finger.

'It doesn't take vows or genetics to be a family. We are one already,' Ethan said. 'But I want to make it official. I want to make it forever.'

Then, always one to capture a moment on film, he extended his arm and snapped our engagement photo. I knew my hair was messy from the wind and that both of our noses were red and running from the cold, but I didn't care. I had learned to let those surface issues go, to value content over form. I knew that every time I'd look at that picture of us on the mountain in Scotland, I would see no imperfections, and would only think of Ethan's words. I want to make it official I want to make it forever.

So on this joyful June day, below skies so blue they look airbrushed, we are just that: an official family, embarking on our forever.

Later, after we all have moved into the Belvedere for a champagne brunch, the toasts to Ethan and me begin. Some people joke about our fifth-grade romance. Others reference our hectic life as the parents of twins, marveling at how we do it all. Everyone says how happy they are for us.

Then, when I think that the last toast is over, Rachel stands tentatively and clears her throat. She seems nervous, but perhaps I just know how much she hates giving speeches.

'Nothing could make me prouder or happier than being here to witness the marriage of two such close friends,' she starts, looking up from an index card and glancing around the room. 'I have known Darcy and Ethan for what feels like forever, and so I know what fine people they are. I also know that they are that much better together.' She pauses, her eyes meeting Ethan's, then mine. 'I guess that's the power of true love and true friendship… I guess that's what it's really all about.' She raises her glass, smiles, and says, 'So here's to Ethan and Darcy, true love and true friendship.'

As everyone applauds and sips champagne, I smile back at Rachel, thinking that she got it just right. Love and friendship. They are what make us who we are, and what can change us, if we let them.