Page 57 of Small Town CEO Grump

Once we arrived at the venue and everyone started climbing out of the limo, Ryan asked if he could have a moment with just Tyler and me.

The driver shut the door, and Ryan exhaled.

“Wow,” he said. “This is the most quiet I’ve had since I woke up this morning. What about you guys?”

I nodded. “Yes,” I said. “It’s been one thing after another.”

Tyler also nodded. “There is so much going on!”

“I know!” Ryan said. “I just wanted us to have a minute of peace before we go out there. I have a feeling once it starts, it’s just going to be a blur of activity until it’s over.”

I knew Ryan was right, and I was thankful to have this time together, no matter how fleeting it might be.

We looked out the window and saw the wedding planner getting everyone lined up. The wedding party was going to be introduced, and then Ryan and I would make our grand entrance and have our first dance.

Ryan took a deep breath. “It looks like it’s time. So, Tyler, I hope you have so much fun tonight. And I hope you know that your mom and I love you very much.”

“I know that,” Tyler said. “And I love you, too.”

Ryan looked at me. “And, you, dearest Jenna, my darling wife. You make everything better.”

My heart was so full I couldn’t speak.

Epilogue

Ryan

“Thank you all for coming,” I said, looking out at the room full of friends who had come to celebrate this wonderful day with us. “I cannot believe that just one year ago today we were all gathered together at the wedding. In some ways it seems as if the year has just flown by and I can’t believe it’s already been a year, but in other ways it feels so right and good, and I can’t believe it’s only been a year.”

I looked over and made eye contact with Jenna, and she smiled. We truly loved being married to one another.

“However, today is not just a day to celebrate our one year anniversary. As you all know, yesterday morning we went to the courthouse where I was able to officially adopt Tyler.”

The whole crowd cheered, and Tyler and Jenna came up and stood next to me. “We have been a family since day one,” I said. “But now it’s all official and legal, and for the first time, publicly, I want to proudly announce that I am Tyler’s dad!”

Everyone cheered once again, as I hugged Tyler, and then Jenna. All three of us were crying, and we didn’t even try to hide it.

“Thank you, Dad,” Tyler said. “I didn’t think it would feel this different, but it really does and I love it.”

“Me too, son,” I said.

“Thank you, again, for being here,” I said to the crowd. Over two hundred people had gathered at the beach to help us celebrate, and we were going to have an amazing party.

“The food will be making its way around, the music will start soon, so we hope all of you enjoy and have fun!”

Everyone started milling about, and Tyler ran off to play with his friends.

I turned towards Jenna, feeling an overwhelming surge of love and gratitude.

“Thank you,” I said, softly.

“What are you thanking me for?” she asked. “I should be the one thanking you.”

I shook my head. “No. I am definitely the one thanking you. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your life, and thanking you for allowing me to be part of Tyler’s life. I am a dad now, and I am forever grateful to you.”

Jenna wiped away her tears and wrapped her arms around me.

“You are an amazing dad,” she said. “And you are an amazing husband. Both Tyler and I are lucky to have you.”

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