Not my husband

My family spent some time at the temple together last week. When I arrived at the check-in desk, I saw that some of my other family members were waiting for my parents, and the gentleman behind the desk said:

I think your husband is already down there.

With surprise and amusement at this kind elderly gentleman's remark, I replied:

Oh, wow! That's amazing!

My older brother and his wife were behind me and thought my response was hilarious. There was no way I was going to make that man feel badly for not noticing my naked left hand ;-) Plus, what if I thought this guy he was thinking of was cute?

I went downstairs and met with some more of the family, looking around and wondering who that man thought my husband was...

... Then it hit me.

We're pretty sure it was Aaron.

You know, my brother Aaron.

(Pretty sure I've mentioned him on here once or twice...)

Aaron's about the right age and has the same last name, so it makes sense if you don't know any better... I guess I shouldn't have been surprised.

Sadly/amusingly, the man at the temple was not the first to make that assumption! The last time we had a family photo, the photographer assumed that Aaron and I were married, even though when he asked who the couples were, neither Aaron nor I raised our hands, were standing on the opposite side of the room, and -- again -- were not wearing wedding rings.

"Put your hand on your wife's shoulder!"

It's a little disturbing that we probably have to spell it out for people when we first meet. I once announced the brother/sister relationship in Relief Society when we attended a singles ward together, and he made sure to mention it during the first rehearsal for Robin Hood. The thing is, we are darn good wingmen for each other. Aaron's about the nicest person you could ever meet, and fascinates women who think that chivalry is dead and men don't ask women out anymore; he's old-fashioned, not afraid to go for what he wants, and one of the nicest, most genuine people you'll ever meet. He's more than willing to pick up the slack if I get tongue-tied around a cute guy, and I'm always happy to chat with whichever lucky lady has caught his eye. It's fun to have a "partner in crime" as it were.

I guess that's what happens when you're such good friends with a sibling who is so close in age. Aaron and I have many of the same friends and like to travel and hang out together. We're comfortable with each other, have a lot of in-jokes -- it all comes from growing up together. He's one of my best friends and favorite people in the world. If a man like him wanted to marry me, I'd be a fortunate, happy woman.

Aaron, I love you. I hope you know that you are an amazing, wonderful man, and that I am proud to be mistaken as your wife (in the least icky way possible). Hopefully someday soon you'll have actual wife and I'll have a real husband of my own for future family photos. Until then, I'll be your wingman and #1 supporter for as long as you need me -- and even after!

Peas in a pod

Thirty years later, we still are!