Page 112 of Show Off

I glance at Korain as my uncle wipes a tear. “Beautiful,” he says as we get to our feet. “Your parents would be proud.”

It’s not just the tradition that’s important. It’s every detail of this wedding. The dress Rosa wears was designed by a woman who lost both legs to a landmine in Cambodia. My brother’s tie came from our dad’s collection. Both bride and groom chose to skip attendants, keeping things intimate for just the two of them.

Except Mouse, obviously. She’s wagging and barking as my brother wheels down the aisle with his new wife on his lap. “Congrats, you two!” Lana waves after them and Ji-Hoon winks.

As his eyes lock with mine, he points and mouths a few words.

Neon hal su iss-eo.

“What was that?” Lana whispers. “I couldn’t make out what he said.”

“I’ll tell you later.” Good thing she knows just a few words of Korean. Not those ones, either, though maybe it wouldn’t matter.

Ji-Hoon mouthing, “you can do it,” might not tip her off for what’s to come.

I put an arm around Lana as we start down the aisle. “Should we hustle to the reception?”

“I’m starving,” she says as we fall in step with the crowd. It’s a short walk to the ballroom just down the hall. Ji-Hoon chose to get hitched right here at Juniper Ridge, in the lodge where we first signed on to do the show. He wanted a hat tip to the place we call home. That he and his wife will maketheirhome.

Not gonna lie, it’s been hard to adjust to not living with my brother. Moving in with Lana helps a lot. I never get tired of making breakfast in bed, being sure her plate stays piled with hash browns and bacon.

We make our way into the reception hall, and I try to recall what Rosa said last night. “We’re not doing assigned tables, so pick the one close to the buffet,” she urged. “It’ll have purple flowers.”

My brother chimed in, too. “Choose seats facing the string quartet,” he added. “That way, the videographer can film you.”

The plan sounded nuts to me. “You’re sure about this?” I scanned their faces, not wanting to break any etiquette rules. “This is your big day. It seems wrong to steal your thunder.”

“Are you kidding me?” Rosa looked at Ji-Hoon. “How cute your brother thinks he could possibly steal any weather from us.”

“Hail, lightning, tornadoes…” He trailed off, shaking his head. “Nope. I’m sorry to say, we’ve kept it all to ourselves.”

“Go get your sunshine.” Rosa held up a hand for a fist bump. “We’ll have a front-row seat.”

That’s how it’s looking as we move through the bustling room. Lana smiles as we wave to her brothers and sisters.

“Hey, guys.” I focus on Nick, who’s texting while walking. “Everything okay with Lauren?”

“She’s great.” He looks up and grins. “Want to see a pic?”

I smile as he holds out his phone. His wife stayed home with their new baby, since newborn vaccines made little Lola woozy. Nick tried to stay home with his girls, but Lauren wouldn’t hear of it. “One of us is seeing that damn wedding,” she commanded last night at the rehearsal. “And unless you learn to breastfeed, it’s gonna be you.”

His grin makes it clear he’s a man in love. “I’m slipping out with an extra piece of cake for her as soon as I can,” Nick says.

“Good man.” I always knew Nick would make a great dad.

Cooper claps him on the back, his free hand pushing a stroller. “I know you’re new to fatherhood, but they shouldn’t have cake until they’re at least three months old.”

Amy rolls her eyes, then bends to tuck the blanket tighter around their daughter. She’s eleven months old and looks just like her mom, feathered blond wisps like a halo over bright blue eyes.

“It’s baby central around here,” I murmur to Lana. “You think it’s contagious?”

“Might be,” she muses. “Should we socially distance at dinner, just in case?”

“You can’t be too careful.” I guide us to the table Ji-Hoon’s pointing out, weaving through waiters passing out apps. There’s a tray of stuffed mushrooms and caprese skewers glistening with olive oil.

My brother and I had a blast choosing the menu. “There.” I point out a platter to Lana. “There’s the guy with the deviled potato bites.”

“Yes!” She plucks one off a passing tray, popping it in her mouth as I pull out her chair.

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