Page 109 of Rules

"She's everything," I reply, not taking my eyes off her.

Ruth's uncle and I shake hands, a moment of silent understanding passing between us. He places Ruth's hand in mine, and the warmth of her skin against mine centers me in this perfect moment.

"You look incredible," I whisper. "Take my breath away."

"So do you," she replies, her eyes taking in my light gray suit with rolled-up pants that let my feet touch the sand. "Ready to make this official, Sheriff?"

"More than you know."

When I called Clark to tell him, he not only agreed to be at the ceremony he insisted he officiate the wedding. Saying it's one of the perks of being the police commissioner. The ceremony is everything we wanted, simple, meaningful, filled with promises we both intend to keep. We wrote our own vows, and when it's my turn, I have to take a breath to steady my voice.

"Ruth, I never thought I was capable of loving someone like you. I thought I wouldn't ever know what happiness felt like, again. I was wrong. You showed me that love can overcome obstacles and opinions. That it's about challenging each other, growing together, and finding the courage to be vulnerable. I promise to love your strength as much as your softness. I promise to be your partner in every sense of the word. I promise that no matter what comes our way, we'll face it together. My new rule is to spend every day telling you that I love you, every part of you, and I will for the rest of my life."

Ruth's eyes shimmer with tears as she begins her vows. "Tobias, you found me when I wasn't looking, annoyed me when I wasn't expecting it, and loved me when I thought I was unlovable. You've seen me at my worst and somehow decided that's when you loved me most. I promise to keep challenging you, because we both know I will." The crowd laughs, and she smiles through her tears. "I promise to be your safe harbor and your adventure. I promise to remind you every day that love isn't about age or what others think. But rather, it's about the way your heart recognizes mine. I loved you yesterday, I love you today, and I'll love you every tomorrow that comes our way."

When Clark pronounces us husband and wife, I dipped Ruth backward with a long kiss. As our friends and family cheered.

The reception is held in a picnic area draped with fairy lights and wildflowers. The caterer Holly recommended has outdoneherself, and we all eat more than we should, sharing stories and laughter as the sun begins its descent toward the horizon.

I'm thrilled to look out and see my team enjoying themselves. Laughing and snickering, they and their spouses sat together. They've stood by me and always had my back. I'm honored to have such amazing people around me daily. As dessert is being served, Tim stands and taps his glass with a spoon, calling for attention.

"Everyone, I'd like to make a toast to the happy couple." The crowd quiets, turning toward my son. "Dad, I never thought I'd see the day when you'd loosen up enough to get married on a beach with no shoes on." Laughter ripples through the gathering. "Six months ago, you were a mess." People laugh again, "I worried you and Dianna were done speaking to each other. But because of the love of this incredible woman, you're happier than I've ever seen you." Tim's gaze shifts to Ruth. "Ruth, we welcome you to our family with open arms and full hearts. You've not only brought light back into my father's life, but you've shown him how to let it shine." He raises his glass higher. "As an expression of our love for this family, Dianna and I have a gift for each of you. Please open them together."

Dianna steps forward with two packages of identical size, both wrapped in crisp white paper with silver ribbons. She hands them to us, then stands beside Tim, who wraps his arm around her waist with a knowing smile.

"Well, go ahead," Tim urges, practically bouncing with excitement.

Ruth and I exchange curious glances before carefully unwrapping our packages. Inside each is what appears to be a black t-shirt folded neatly. I unfold mine, reading the font.

"NO!" I exclaim, my voice breaking. "Really?" I drop the shirt and leap up to embrace both Tim and Dianna, kissing their cheeks.

"What does it say?" calls Sang.

"Yeah, what's on the shirt?" Several others chimed in.

I hold up the shirt, unable to contain my grin. "World's Best Grandpa. I'm going to be a grandpa!"

Everyone erupts in applause and cheers. Beaming, I embraced Tim again. Then turned to see Ruth and Dianna locked in a tearful embrace, both of them laughing and crying at once.

"Are you sure?" Ruth asks, pulling back to look at Dianna's face.

"One thousand percent," Tim confirms, his smile wider than I've ever seen it. "Due in February."

"Roo, what's wrong?" I ask, noticing her tears picking up.

Ruth releases Dianna and picks up her shirt, turning it for everyone including me, to see. Written to match mine, it reads "World's Best Grandma." Her face is radiant with joy.

"I'm going to be a grandmother," she says, and then laughs. "Well, step-grandmother."

"No, no," Tim walks to Ruth, "grandmother, no step or anything else. Just grandma" Tim corrects her. "Our baby will be lucky to have you." They embrace and it's my turn to wipe away a tear. With my heart about to burst, I wrapped us all in a group hug.

Later as the music plays and the sun starts to set over the lake, I pull my bride into my arms. From tragedy to joy, from fear to courage, from loneliness to this moment of perfect belonging, this has been our journey. It's brought us here, to this very moment, the beginning of something beautiful.

"Happy?" Ruth asks softly, her arms around my waist.

"Yes, Mrs. Trenton, I'm more happy than I ever thought possible," I reply, and kiss her again under a sky painted with stars just beginning to appear.

Law

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