Daniel made a sound somewhere between laughter and crying.

A few people glanced toward his brother.

Then Theo read the final instruction.

“And don’t start breaking promises just because I’m not around to remind you.”

He lowered the paper.

“I nearly didn’t come today.”

His voice became quiet.

“My dad told me people would misunderstand. My mom thought it would upset everyone. My sister said it was a ridiculous idea.”

He looked down at the dress.

“But she lent it to me anyway.”

A young woman near the back of the chapel covered her mouth.

Theo’s sister.

Then he looked directly at Daniel and me.

“I wasn’t trying to disrespect Jack. I was just trying to keep the promise I made him.”

Tears rolled down his cheeks.

“I never wanted to make this day harder for you.”

That was when I couldn’t remain seated any longer.