Six years ago, I helped Christianna get ready for her first date with Christopher. I knew, right away, that he must have been special since she didn’t keep him a secret.

I don’t remember the very first time I met him, but that’s only because he was quiet and well-behaved—or maybe we were too loud for him to get a word in. But really, it’s because everything happened so fast. I remember Christianna gushing about him, and then I remember them moving in together.

I know a lot happened in between there, but it seemed like once you were in each other’s life, you were in it full throttle.

It was the way you called my sister throughout the day, to see how she was doing, if she got to the store okay, or just because. It was and is the obvious ways you care about her, look at her, and most of all, treat her, that is powerful to witness. It created a standard for me, to not accept anything less than what you two have together.

So, three years ago, when I would visit Christianna at her house after work, I understood why she was emotional. She couldn’t wait to start her life with you, and I could prove it by the short video I took of her crying about it, wiping her happy, tear-swollen eyes at the thought of you. But you weren’t being silly.

That August, before both feet were in the front door, Christopher confessed that he was going to propose, the ring box already in his hand and open. He was ready, and probably for a long time before he let anyone know. But like I said, we all secretly knew it was going to happen eventually.

Sort of how Christianna eventually grew to like me--from wanting a little sister, to sort of liking me, to strongly disliking me in her teens, to loving. Christianna used to bring me everywhere with her, mostly under mom’s pressing. But I think after a while, it sort of stuck.

And being by your side is one of my favorite places to be.

Which leads me to Chris[topher]; you’ve been on the other side of her for six years already, and I feel like I should hand over the baton, so you can get the full rein. But you’ve had your own rein for some time now.

And I want to thank you, for never letting me feel like a third wheel. From the start, you’ve always possessed a big-brother-vibe with a knack for gift-giving.

We all love you [Christopher,] not only for your role in my sister’s life, but for the incredibly well-rounded person you are. Which leads me to your family--Christianna, I don’t think you could have married into a better one.

And Christopher, I know you know how lucky you are to have my sister as your best friend and soulmate, so I won’t try to intimidate you with what I would do if you ever hurt her. Because I know you would never. I know she is to you a thousand times what Whitney Houston was for Kevin Costner in the movie BodyGuard, and vice versa, of course under different circumstances.

I can’t believe the day is here, and you two are married. You both worked so hard to be able to make your fairy tale wedding come true. Now bask in it—you deserve all the good fortunes of the world.