Promises
When Dad died, I sobbed about who’d walk me up the aisle. He wrapped me in a bear hug and said, “I’ll be there.” I didn’t even have a boyfriend, but my brother’s promise was what I needed.
Haven’t seen him in years; it’s Joe who holds my hand now.
But today, Joe’s inside and I’m out here alone, smoothing out my train.
There’s a shout from the lake and a boat roars into view. I don’t know what Joe or our priest will think about his attire, but we keep promises in our family. That’s gotta count for something.
elmowrites 
Quite the entrance. I kinda like Joe for keeping his promise, even he has been posted missing for a while it seems!
I was thinking there were things that kept the brother away, but that’s a story for another time.
Oh, what an emotionally satisfying story this is. Your sentences in conclusion are perfect.
Thanks, that’s my favourite line too!
You’re welcome.
I had to choose someone to stand in for my daddy. It was the hardest thing ever… I was going to choose my brother, but he had ‘other things’ to do. Haven’t seen him in person since the wedding rehearsal. A rehearsal really isn’t the real thing…
Hmm, no it is not! Sometimes it’s the family you choose who stand by you the best.
That is true. I’m ever so thankful for my “adopted” family.
A lovely moment of joy. I liked this as it was spiritually uplifting.
Ah, I like that. Thanks!
Great story giving readers a warm feeling inside.
Sometimes I like to be gentle, just for a change!
A satisfyingly rounded story
Thanks Neil!
When you’re family and you make a promise, you better keep it. And looks like her brother did!
Nice work!
Indeed. Promises are important, no matter how much time has passed since.
Oh, great story!
At this point, her heart melts that he showed up.
She’ll harangue him later about not keeping in touch 🙂
Thanks. Yes, I think this moment is worth the discussions they will have afterwards.
A promise is a promise. And some people take them more seriously than others.
Absolutely. I wanted him to remember, and for her to appreciate it, regardless of what had passed in between.
Dear Jen,
You left me wondering what he’s wearing. No matter. He kept his promise. Love it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Dear Rochelle,
Yes, this story begged to be twice or three times the length, so we could get more about the first and last paragraphs, as well as the reasons for their estrangement. Shame someone sets the limit at 100 words 😉
In my head, he’s not wearing anything particularly crazy, just not dressed for the occasion. However, in one in-my-head version, he’s escaped from prison to be at the wedding, so I suppose then he’d be in orange!
Jen
Lovely story, Jen. They may be 100-word stories, but we have all the commentary that follows. Often helpful. Promises can be sacred. 🙂
Yes, sometimes I scour the comments on people’s stories to find more clues, although I do like it when they stand entirely alone too. I’m glad you enjoyed this one.
Me too. 🙂
A very nice ending, Jen.
Thanks Brenda! I do like a happy ending occasionally
Aww! Good for the brother! I love a happy ending 🙂
Me too! Sometimes, at least…
I found myself reflecting on your characters life.
I’m glad! Weddings are a time for reflection sometimes – and for renewing relationships that have drifted away.
A roaring way to fulfill a promise 😀
Intergrity counts for more than style in my books. He kept his promise.