Nathaniel Howe, don't you dare, oh. Now Bethany is tearing up as well, before she folds her fingers around him. Holding on tight to him, as she had for ten years.

A tear trickled down her cheek, and then the other, before she let out a soft choked noise.

"You know - you know I love you, so much. You've been the older brother I always wanted, but probably never deserved. Whatever I've taught you about being happy - well. You should know that you taught me everything I ever needed to know about being strong, being able to stand on my own two feet. For once - for once in my life ... unafraid."

She leaned in, and kissed his cheek, hard.

"Thank you. Thank you ... for making sure I saw this moment." She sucked in a breath, unsteadily, tears still rolling down her face, "Thank you for being my family."