[ELARA'S POV]
Julian showed up unannounced on a Tuesday evening.
Not unusual. He came over a lot. Part of the family now. Had been for years.
But tonight he looked nervous. Sweaty. Fidgeting.
"You okay?" Damian asked. "You look like you're about to throw up."
"I'm fine. I just... I need to talk to you. Both of you."
We sat. Julian paced. Damian and I exchanged looks.
"I'm proposing to Emma." He finally said. "This weekend. And I want... I need..." He couldn't finish.
"You need what?" I prompted. Gentle.
"I need to know if you'll be my best man." He looked at Damian. "I know we've only known each other six years. I know I'm basically a stranger who showed up claiming to be your brother. But you're the only family I have. The only person I'd want standing next to me."
Damian's throat worked. Eyes getting wet.
"Obviously." He said. Rough. "Obviously I'll be your best man."
Julian's face crumpled. Relief. Emotion. Everything.
"Thank god. I was terrified you'd say no."
