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    The room stood, and applause echoed from around the tables.
    Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Jackson Alexander Everett.
    Champagne bottles popped at every table at the reception.  Everyone appeared to be having a great time.  Laughter and conversations moved like waves from one side of the room to the other as the bride and the groom made their rounds for photos and thank yous.  It was early afternoon, but the shading on the windows created a feeling of early evening.  After the meal had been served, Mason gathered everyone’s attention by tapping his spoon against the champagne glass he held high in his hand.  The room grew silent. 
    “Three and a half years–”
    “Four,” Keri eagerly corrected him.
    “Four,” Mason clarified, looking down at her.  “Four years, and they finally did it.  For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Mason Everett, Jacksons younger brother.  Today is actually a good day, because after all these years, in front of every single one of you, Jackson is finally admitting that I am the best man.” 
    Laughter spread across the room. 
    “But the better man, in all honesty, without question is …him.  Jackson and I…have been through a lot together.  More than most, I would say,” he said, looking at Jackson.  “And if it weren’t for you, I honestly wouldn’t be able to stand here today and tell you and everyone one else how proud I am to be your brother, and how honored I am to be your best man and share this day with you.  Jackson led by example, and I followed close to almost everything ...almost.”  He laughed, “I don’t see marriage for me in any part of my foreseeable future.  So you are going to have to forgive me if I stretch out the eternal bachelorism a little longer.”
    Jackson laughed, joining in with the guests.   
    “But seriously, it’s because of Jackson that I know the extent of caring for someone beyond a situation and circumstances.  So to Keri, take care of my brother.  There is only one of him.  Treat him well and be to him what he needs, when, how, and in every position,” he joked.  “To Jackson,” he said, raising his glass.  “I love you man.  Congratulations to the both of you.”
    Clinking of raised glasses filled the room, and the day went on.  Mason walked down from the head table, where he had been sitting with the bridal party, and headed to the bar.  Walking in between the tables of friends and guests, he admired the turnout of so many people there smiling and laughing, sharing Jackson’s moment.  They didn’t have a lot of family; in fact, the little they had could be summed up as one person.  Even with her especially with her Mason kept his distance.  At least he tried to for the most part.  On days like today, it was nearly impossible.   Piercing through the guests, both seated and standing, he heard his name being called.  Hesitant at first, he wasn’t sure that it was his name he heard.  By the third time, he knew exactly who it was.  He turned around slowly, seeing her walking towards him. 
    “ Mom,” he cordially greeted her. 
    Unknowingly, she was cautious in speaking and a bit standoffish. She had grown used to keeping her distance over the years, though, more so at the request of her son than her.
    “Mason, you …you look real good, son.  How are you?” She asked, her voice pleading for a response with every word. 
    He looked off, clearly agitated at just the sound of her voice. 
    “Thank you,” he forced out, but was decidedly short.  “Look I’m glad you came, and I know Jackson appreciates it, but–”
    “Mason, I was actually hoping we could maybe talk for a few minutes,” she cuts him off.
    He laughed.
    “About what?” he asked nonchalantly, but highly irritated.  “Talk about what? 
    “About …things.”
    “About things, huh,” he looked down at the ground scratching his head.  “There’s nothing to talk about…I have nothing