I am, rather famously, a man of few words. I only speak when necessary, when I've thought of something worth saying that hasn't been said.

The few people who have seen me without Phineas are surprised to learn I actually speak even less with him around, but then they assume it's because he speaks so much, I just can't get a word in edgewise. Sometimes, that is the case, but usually it's just because he's already said whatever I felt like I needed to say.

She enlists the help of the Fireside Girls to make our invention work correctly again. I open my mouth to express appreciation.

"Thanks Isabella. You're the best," Phineas says.

She enters the backyard, worry clearly etched into her frown as she mentions she can't find Pinky. I begin to offer our services; Phineas beats me to it.

"Don't worry, Isabella. We'll find him."

Her eyes are puffy from crying. In an attempt to forget my brother (I only know because she told me, and it was a hard thing to keep from Phineas as he ranted jealously about it), she'd gone on a date with a football player. It hadn't ended well. I placed a hand on her shoulder, about to express my distaste and determination to fix it.

"Ferb and I will take care of him, Isabella. No one hurts our friends and gets away with it."

She's looking for a dress. Her intent was to take me to determine if Phineas would like what she ended up with, but he'd ended up coming along as well. She steps out in a teal gown that fits her perfectly. It takes my breath away; I'm about to tell her so when I hear Phineas gasp.

"You look amazing, Isabella."

She's clearly upset. The first guy she called her boyfriend has broken up with her rather harshly for some incomprehensible reason. I'm about to offer condolences when Phineas puts a hand on her shoulder.

"It's his loss, Isabella. He's just dumb."

She's ranting about something, her arms are crossed and she's glaring, and she looks adorable. I just know it's time. I've waited too long as it is. But once again, Phineas beats me to it.

"Would you like to go out with me sometime, Isabella?"

She's over for a movie, just the three of us like old times. Her head is resting on Phineas' shoulder, but her feet are tucked under my legs and we're close enough that some of her hair is brushing my arm. She's dozing off and I can feel my heart swelling with affection I just have to get out. It bursts and my heart breaks when I hear Phineas' whisper.

"I love you, Isabella."

I'm standing at the front of the church in an itchy tux, which I hate. Suddenly, it doesn't matter, because she's floating down the aisle towards me, an angel in white, and all I can think of is her. The pastor begins to ask for a promise, to love her and cherish her and take care of her for life and I have to bite my tongue against making the promise myself. I'm just the best man. My brother, grinning, agrees to the vow.

"I do."

"Why did you never tell her?"

"Tell who what?"

"That you loved her."

I meet Phineas' eyes. My male friends know there was a girl I loved that I never got a chance with, but had never let go either. They call her the one that got away. I think Buford has guessed the truth, but I know Phineas still thinks it was Vanessa.

It's one of the few times he can't read me. I shrug.

"You've said it enough for the both of us, Phin."

For once, my brother is speechless. The silence is only broken when their two year-old cries from the other room.