“I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings, Sarah,” she said, her voice softer than before. “It was meant to be a joke, but I see now it wasn’t funny.”

I nodded, accepting her apology for the sake of my brother and the new family he was building. “Thank you, Charlotte. Let’s move on and enjoy the night.”

By the time the evening drew to a close, I felt a newfound sense of peace. Though the day began with heartache, Noah had reminded me of the power of truth and the simple, healing nature of love. As we left the venue, his hand tightly holding mine, I knew that while some things might remain unsaid, the bond between my brother and me—and now, between Noah and me—was stronger than ever.