“All kidding aside, however, I’ve also had the unique perspective of knowing Alex before Jenny and after Jenny. I’ve got to say I much prefer post-Jenny to pre-Jenny, even if I’ve sacrificed quite a lot of sleep in the post-Jenny era.” While everyone laughed, he sought out Hope, who watched him with a wistful look on her face that made him feel more optimistic about his plans for later. She looked so beautiful today in a clingy, sexy dark gold dress. He held her gaze as he said, “It’s a rare thing, a miracle of sorts, for two people so incredibly well-suited to each other to find one another in this chaotic world, and it’s even more special when they both deserve the kind of happiness Alex and Jenny have found together.

“Although our parents always loved me better than him,” Paul said to more laughter, “they’d be delighted to welcome Jenny into the Martinez family, and on their behalf, I say to Jenny that the Martinez family is lucky to have you—and so is Alex. I love you both and wish you a lifetime of the kind of happiness you’re sharing with all of us today.” He raised his glass to them, and when he saw tears in their eyes, he decided he’d done his job. Then he shifted his gaze to Hope and caught her dabbing at her own eyes.

Alex stood and took the microphone from him. “Thank you, Paul, and for the record, Mom and Dad always loved me best. They frequently said they should’ve quit while they were ahead.”

Paul punched his brother’s arm and returned to his seat.

“I want to thank you all for being here today. Jenny and I are so thrilled to share our special day with you. I’m sure you must be wondering why there’re bowls of tomatoes on your table. This was a little surprise I orchestrated for my lovely bride, who introduced herself to me by chucking tomatoes at me the day we met. It was true love from the second that first tomato hit me square in the back after my gang mower woke her up during last year’s heat wave.”

Jenny hid her face behind her hands as she shook with laughter.

“Don’t let her fool you—that sweet exterior and soft Southern accent hide a steel magnolia on the inside, and she set the tone from the beginning by letting me know I wasn’t going to get away with anything. She’s been keeping me in line ever since, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” He held up a flute of champagne. “To my beautiful wife, Jenny. Getting hit by your tomato was the best thing to ever happen to me. I love you forever.”

As Jenny wiped up tears, the rest of the gathering laughed and clapped at Alex’s story.