The reception tent glowed soft under the string lights, laughter and music spilling out into the crisp September night. Rowie and Jordan’s wedding had been perfect—simple, heartfelt, everything they’d dreamed.

Now, as dinner plates were cleared and the dance floor filled with swaying couples and giggling children, the toasts began.

Everett, best man, stood first—tall and broad in his gray suit, voice steady but eyes already shining.

He raised his ...