Ethan^

"I can't believe you're getting married" I said as I stood in the doorway to Ryder's room and he looked at me through the mirror and smiled

"It's strange you know" he said and beckoned me over and I walked in and sat on the edge of the bed,"But it feels right all the same. I'm marrying the love of my life and I honestly couldn't have asked for anyone else"

I smiled at that and pictured myself being in his place nervous as I wait for my mother to come and get me to walk me down the isle and meet with Riley. Because that's the person I see at the end of the isle in my dreams. The person that I see myself spending the rest of my life with.

"Have you thought about where you're going for your honeymoon?" I asked and he nodded finishing tying his tie before coming over to the bed and put his shoes on. The ceremony was starting at 6 and it was already 5:45 giving him 15 minutes to get ready.

"I thought it would be good to take him to Rome for a few weeks before heading to Paris. We thought about going away for a month" he said and I nodded

"Sounds like the perfect vacation" I said and he smiled turning to face me as he grabbed his jacket and out it on. I fixed his tie and felt my eyes sting with I shed tears and he smiled reaching up and wiping the tear that had won and slipped over the lid

"Hey, what's the matter now?" He asked and I swallowed the lump in my throat, sniffled and exhaled before shaking my head and smiling up at him

"Nothing, just being the emotional 17 year old that I am" I said making him smile

"You'll be in my place soon enough" he said with a wink making me roll my eyes

"It won't be for a long time though" I reminded and he raised a brow

"How so?" He asked and I shrugged

"Because we have t even talked about that" I answered and he nodded

"Well you have time to talk about the future" he said and I couldn't agree more. Besides we were still in high school. We have plenty of time to figure out what we're going to do with our relationship.

A knock on the door had us parting and Ryder called the person who knocked to come in and the door opened to reveal Casey dressed in a a similar tux I am was. Navy blue with a white button up underneath and black dress pants.

"You ready?" He asked and Ryder took a deep breath before he nodded. The ceremony hall was filled to the capacity with family and friends from both sides though there were more family from our side of the family than that of Ethan's.

Everything after that went by quickly. My brother and Ethan exchanged vows and each laced a solver band on their ring finger. There was not a single dry eye in the room. I looked over at Riley who was sort of Ethan's groomsmen and smiled. He looked utterly handsome in his black tux and his hair quiffed. He looked up and smiled when our eyes locked.

Love you he mouthed making me smile and look down before mouthing back that I to too loved him. Once the ceremony was over, we all headed to the banquet hall for the party.

"We have a few words from the new happy couple" the DJ said as we sat at the main table while the guests sat at there designated tables all around the banquet hall.

We looked to the far end of the table and saw Ryder and Ethan as they stood from theirs seat, each holding a glass of champagne.

"First of all, we want to thank each and everyone one you who took time out of their day to join Ethan and I on this special day" Ryder said as he looked over to his husband before turning to the guests once more," I want to also thank my family and friends for their unconditional support and love they've shown me throughout the years. You all have been my biggest supports and motivators and I couldn't have done this without you"

It still feels surreal to think that my brother, that the only person who ever supported me through everything, who stood at my side when Casey, Andrew and Matt wanted me to keep away from Riley, that my best friend was married. I couldn't have asked for anyone to love him as much as he loves than Ethan. They were the perfect couple. They complemented each other. They were perfect for each other and whoever disagrees is blind and stupid.

"And to the most important person in my life, my baby brother Alex" I looked up upon hearing my name and I blinked and he smiled looking at me,"He's been my biggest inspirations. He's shown me what unconditional love really means. He's been my rock and my support. Alex, you've taught me to believe in myself and to be true to myself. I love you and I couldn't have done this without you kiddo"

I bit the side of my cheek as tears welled up in my eyes before smiling. Guests clapped once both Ethan and Ryder had finished their speeches before a member of each family did a toast. Ethan's older sister, Jessie, spoke about how proud she was of him and that she wishes him endless happiness in his journey as a married man, Brian also spoke and congratulated the happy couple as well as telling embarrassing stories about Ryder when he was younger but all in good nature. After that was set and done, Ryder and Ethan each danced with their parents, while Ethan danced with his mother Ryder danced with our dad. They had their first dance before the dance flor was filled with dancing guests.

"Care for a dance?"

I smiled and took Riley's hand and let him lead me to the dance floor. The music was lively, the guests were all having a blast and the night couldn't have been more beautiful.

"You look beautiful" Riley said as we swayed around the dance floor

"And you look handsome" I murmured with a smile the the throne before leaning down and capturing my lips in a kiss.

"What was that for?" I asked with a smile

"Just wanted to kiss you" he replied with a grin and I shook my head with a chuckle. This kid was something else.

But I loved him either way.

~~~~~~~

A lot can happen in two years. Ryder and Ethan adopted a puppy they named Michelangelo, his an adorable five month old pit bull. Sadly my baby sister lost her battle to cancer three months after Ryder and Ethan's wedding. She was surrounded by people who loved and adored her. She left this world with a smile on her face. She was and will always be my role model. Avery was a fighter and she didn't give up until the very end. Her last wish had been to celebrate Christmas as it was her favorite holiday and we all knew that she wouldn't make it till them. We were only six months away, but the doctor said that she wouldn't make it until then.

We had decorated her hospital room in reds, greens and whites. We placed a Christmas tree in a corner with present underneath. We sang Christmas carols and watched Christmas movies. We posted about it on Facebook and the last thing we had expected was for strangers from around the world send cards, and parents for her. We didn't think it would have such a big impact on people but it just comes to show you that there are people in this world that actually care even if they don't know you.

We all cried, laughed and joked as we watched the smile on Avery's face as she ripped open each wrapped present open to see what people had sent her. She was filled with joy and happiness that it would be engraved in our memories for years to

come. She passed away later that night with my parents, brothers and Riley surrounding her bed. My mother sobbed as she held her limp small body in her arms. Days later we buried her. I don't think that there were caskets that small.

"Alex?" A voice called breaking me out of my thoughts and I looked over to see Riley standing in the doorway with a worried expression

"Yeah?" I asked, clearing my throat as it sounded strange

"Are you alright?" He asked walking in and standing in front of me. I swallowed the knot that had formed in my throat and I wanted to say yes, that everything was okay but I fond myself breaking down. Today marked two months since Avery's passing.

"Oh baby" he murmured pulling me into his arms and holding me as I cried.

"I miss her so much" I whimpered as I cling to him

"I know sweetheart, I miss her too" he murmured and I closed my eyes as I held onto Riley for comfort. Every day since her passing, has been difficult for everyone who loved Avery. My heart hurt for Benji, the malt as he was her best friend. They always hung out whenever Riley and I babysat. They were like two peas in a pod. You wouldn't find one without the other despite their age gap.

"Today is going to suck" I mumbled and he gave me a soft smile

"She's watching you and she's proud of you" He said kissing my forehead

"Wish she was here watching though" I murmured and he nodded

"She may not be here in person but she sure is in spirit" He stated and I smiled

"How do you just the right words to say?" I asked and he shrugged with a smile

"I just do, now come on, we don't want to be late for your big day" he said and I sighed. Today was my graduation and the last thing I wanted to do was celebrate it but I knew that Avery would be angry if I didn't so, with a reluctant sigh, I let Riley pull me out of my room and down the hall before exiting the house all together and climbing his car before he pulled out of the driveway.

"I'm proud of you,you know?" Riley said as we drove down the road towards the school and I turned to face him with a raised brow and he just smiled, his eyes focused on the road,"You've come so far since the day that I met you in 2015. You were this quiet and reserved 17 year old sophomore depended on his brothers and fitness to defend him, but over the years you've grown into your own person and today you're graduating at the top of your class"

"Well I wouldn't have able to do all that if I hadn't met you. You've been one of my biggest supporters since we met and not a day goes by that I'm not grateful to have you in my life" I said and he looked over for a split second with a grin before looking back at the winding road ahead

"Still, I'm proud you baby" he said lacing our fingers and giving it a gentle squeeze.

Yeah, a lot can happen in two years, but life goes on whether we like it or not. Avery taught me that. To keep fighting and moving forward no matter how hard life gets, and to never give up no matter what. She was my little motivator, my inspiration and I'll forever cherish every second I had with her, because where ever she is, she's watching over me and that's all that mattered to me. She's my little angel and I couldn't have asked for anyone more special than her.

I hope you're proud of me princess, because I am proud of you

I closed my eyes and I swore I heard her giggle in my ear before it was gone.

Proud of you big brother

I smiled and waned my head on the window a watched as the trees flew by as Riley sped down the road.

I'll see you one day kiddo.