The room hushed. All eyes were on him.

“My mom is the bravest person I know,” Lucas said, his voice carrying clearly. “She works really hard every single day so that I can have everything I need. She helps me with my homework, she cheers the loudest at my soccer games, and she makes the best pancakes in the world. She’s not missing anything—she’s both my mom and my dad, and she does it better than anyone else ever could. I don’t care if she’s not married. Our family is real, and it’s the best family I could ever want. I’m proud of her, and I love her. And Uncle Daniel, you should be proud of her too.”

The room erupted. Some people gasped, others broke into applause, and more than a few wiped tears from their eyes. My father stood and clapped, my mother pressed a hand to her chest, her face glowing with pride. Even people from Madeline’s side of the family began to applaud, nodding at me with newfound respect.