“What about the rings?”

“I’ve got them with me.”

She seemed stunned that he’d thought of that. “And the license?” Her smile faded. “It’s dated for two weeks from now.”

“I took care of that, too.” He handed her the envelope from the town clerk. “It’s got today’s date.”

“Ethan!”

“Is all set.” He explained the arrangements he’d made with Jonah’s mom.

“Alex…” She wiped away more tears. “God, you’re amazing. Any time I’m annoyed with you for the rest of our lives, please remind me of what you did for me today, and all will be forgiven.”

Touched by her excitement, he said, “You got it, baby. Let’s go get married.” With her still in his arms, he got out of the truck to applause from their friends. Erin and Sydney hugged Jenny, and Sydney handed her the bouquet Alex had asked her to get. “Where do you want us, Frank?”

“Right here,” Frank said, gesturing to a spot to the left of the lighthouse with a breathtaking view of the water.

“I see that someone has mowed the lawn,” Jenny said sarcastically, making Alex laugh.

“And I see that Erin hasn’t planted any tomatoes this season. Bummer.”

“Such a bummer.”

He reached for her hand, put his ring into her palm and then rolled her hand over the ring, kissing the back of it.

“Jenny and Alex,” Frank said, “I’m honored to have been asked to preside over this incredible moment in your lives, and I love a good surprise. Well done, Alex.”

“Thanks, Your Honor.”

“This, right here,” Frank said, gesturing to the two of them. “This is the epitome of love. What you’ve done for Jenny today, Alex, is something she’ll remember for the rest of her life. And Jenny, you’ll someday have the opportunity to return the favor for your husband by easing his worries and his sorrows. As long as the two of you can do that for each other, everything else you face will seem easy in comparison.”

Jenny wiped tears from her eyes, while Alex was forced to do the same. The import of the moment swept down on him all of a sudden, leaving him humbled by the knowledge that from this day forward, Jenny would be his wife, his partner, his lover, the mother of his children, the center of his world.

What had begun right here in this yard with flying tomatoes and angry shouts had become the best thing to ever happen to him. Alex couldn’t wait to have the rest of his life with her.

Frank led them through the recitation of vows and the exchange of rings.

Alex noticed how Jenny’s hand trembled as she put the ring they’d bought months ago on his finger.

“It is my great honor to now pronounce you husband and wife. Alex, you may kiss your bride.”