And So I Ran - Complete

Chapter 62

When I saw Anastasia's pretty blush as we toasted her, I couldn't help but kiss her again. Then I sat beside my bride, taking her hands in mine as we prepared ourselves for Elliot's speech.

"Having been to a few weddings already this year, I've noticed that all the best man speeches set out to denigrate and cast aspersions on the character of the groom. While it seems cruel and completely unnecessary, who am I to fight tradition!? Seriously, though – I was honored when Christian asked me to stand with him today, if for no other reason than that he's finally admitted that I'm the best man."

I rolled my eyes as Elliot grinned at the resulting laughter. He was a born comedian and was no doubt loving this.

"Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to offer my support to Christian and Ana. I'm sure I'm not the only one here who thought they'd never see this day happen. But what can I say? When a man meets someone as wonderful as my now sister-in-law Anastasia, they'd be an idiot not to try and win her heart, and one thing my brother is not is an idiot... Despite his behavior at times!"

Ana was giggling, and it was the sweetest sound I'd heard. She squeezed my hand as I settled in for a dose of Elliot's sometimes questionable humor.

"Now while I know Christian would like you to believe he has always been the poised, successful businessman, philanthropist, colleague, friend, son, grandson and now husband that he is today, in the interests of full disclosure, there are a few things I think you need to know about, Ana. For starters, somewhere in the depths of the study at Bellevue there exists a videotape of Christian during his shortlived but highly amusing rap phase. Not content to just listen to rap music, Christian was convinced he was going to be Seattle's version of Eminem, and he liked to give performances for the family. In fact, I thought maybe you'd like to give it a go again tonight, Christian? No...? Oh well – just watch the tape, Ana – it's hysterical. And don't worry – I threw out his denim overalls... you can thank me later!"

My traitorous family was howling with laughter at this recollection, and Ros was openly offering my mother a sizeable donation to a charity of her choice if she could arrange a public screening.

"Now I'd like to say that's my only funny recollection about Christian, but as his brother, and often partner in crime, that would be a lie. As most of you will know, Christian can be quite competitive – sometimes to a fault. One such occasion that springs to mind was when he was thirteen, and we decided to see who could eat more chilies. But in typical Christian fashion, he declared he would eat two chilies for every one I consumed. In retrospect, I suppose I probably should have warned Christian the smaller the chili, the spicier it would be, but since he was eating twice as many as me, it was kinder to let him have the small ones, right?! Christian learned a few important lessons that day... One – big guys do cry. Two – if it hurts going in, it hurts going out. Three – never mess with your big brother. I know about stuff!"

I laughed. Elliot had got me good that time. It was over a year before I could even think about eating spicy food again!

"So, we've talked about some of Christian's less spectacular decisions – now it's time to talk about when he's got it right. Specifically, his relationship with Ana. Now you've all heard the story of how they met – when Ana interviewed Christian for the college newspaper. What some of you might not know about is one of their subsequent meetings. Christian had not yet told anyone about Ana. He and I were staying in Portland and were having dinner one night when he got a phone call from some girl who I now know as my sister-in-law Anastasia Grey. She was out with friends celebrating her final exams and called to suggest Christian join her. I should have known, then, that Anastasia was someone special because I don't mind telling you, Christian was halfway to the car before I'd even had a chance to stand up! When I saw Christian with Ana that night, I knew my brother was falling in love. I don't know whether he knew it, just then, but the way he was with Anastasia was all the confirmation I needed. Christian is my brother, but he's also my best friend, and I was delighted to see him find someone to love and care for. Someone special who he can share his life with."