First

 

He had always been first. He was born first. He had walked, talked, read, and gone to school first. He was first in his class. He was the oldest, the most level-headed, most dedicated, and he was valedictorian.

He had been first kissed, dated Ruth Kettner before Dan had dated any of his numerous dates, started college before any of the others, even managed to graduate with his bachelor's before Jim. He had driven first, owned the first car, and well, okay, Dan and Mart may have beaten him in one way, but THAT he wouldn't count.

Now, he stood at the wedding beside his best friend. He had been first to be the best man, fine with the idea he was not first to be the groom. But his youngest brother had been dating his girl for four years already and her parents had already given in and said they could marry before he graduated.

That meant he was last. Last to find the woman of his dreams. Okay. Take that back. Last to marry the woman of his dreams. He knew who she was. Problem was it was a one sided dream. SHE was having a great time, bringing different dates to every Sleepyside event. Barely talking to him. His sister and the other Bob-Whites seemed to have little to say about her.

Now it looked like he would be last. Last would be fine, if he believed it would ever happen. But his parents had grandchildren now. He was an uncle twice-over now, (with, it appeared, a third on the way). He knew his sister was ready to have one and Bobby would probably be soon after.

He wanted happiness and contentment. He wanted settled. He wanted HER. He had tried to find someone different but no one made him smile and grin like she did. He looked over to where SHE stood, her spot mirroring his. How did he get her to notice him now?