Page 145 of Love is a Game

Our people are here. Mom already dabbing her eyes—Dad blinking rapidly so as not to follow. Pen’s dad looking like he could burst with pride. Friends from every chapter of our lives—laughing, crying, holding hands, stealing glances at one another like they can’t believe this is actually happening. And neither can I.

But it is.

It’s happening. Even if we’re piecing it together as we go along.

We haven’t even planned our vows.

Yet the words come like I’ve been practicing for this moment my whole life.

Maybe I have.

I hold her hands in mine. Stare into her shining dark eyes. And tell her how I feel.

“Penelope.” I begin, feeling the whole world narrow to the space between us. “You never make anything easy. You complicate everything. Challenge every assumption, question every norm, push every boundary.

“You’ll scour the earth to find the most sustainable products, scrutinize ingredient lists like an environmental scientist, work your designs to a level of perfection that surpasses most mortals. Not just because you obsess over the details. But because you care about the bigger picture, too. You refuse shortcuts that go against your values, and you stand your ground like a damn mountain when anyone tries to sway you.”

Pen bites her lip, shaking her head with a mock-wince. But her fingers squeeze mine a little tighter.

“Youlovea good argument,” I add. “Mostly because you always win them.”

Laughter fills the air around us. She smiles, rolling her big brown eyes.

“And yet—loving you has been the easiest thing I’ve ever done. You make me strive to be better. You call me out and call me forward. And standing here, right now, knowing I get to partner with you on every challenge that lies ahead?”

I swallow against the rising emotions. “It’s like you’ve taken the map of my life and redrawn it completely—only this time, it’s filled with a thousand new paths I never even imagined. And I want to walk every one of them with you.”

She blinks, trying to hold back the tears. One escapes anyway, sliding down her cheek before she speaks. But when her voice comes, it’s calm and assured.

“Tuck—my incredibly patient, thoughtful, lionhearted…soon-to-behusband…”

Whoops of excitement erupt at the word, and my heart just…flips inside out at hearing her using it for the first time.

Husband.

Pen gives a sidelong glance, playing the crowd. “But,” she says with a grin, “let’s not get carried away. He’s notthatperfect. He has plenty of flaws, too. Just so you know.”

She turns back to me, feigning a grimace. “Okay, fine. He doesn’t. Heisactually pretty damn perfect. I know—because I tested the theory. Repeatedly. With levels of difficulty no sane person would have tolerated.”

The laughter now is knowing, affectionate. And I nod—because yeah, that’s true. And I’d do it all again.

“And the fact that you love me anyway?” Her eyes glint. “That’s what gives me faith that we can actually pull this off. That this crazy, unpredictable game of life is one we’re meant to play together.”

Her voice softens. “Because I know love isn’t a fairytale. That it requires risk, bravery, and determination. It takes teamwork. And bucketloads of trust. That’s why I pick you, Tuck. For every round. Every level. Every unexpected challenge. There is no one to match you. No one I would rather build a life with—a family with—than you.”

Just as the emotions are set to overwhelm us all, Brady steps forward. He can’t resist hamming it up, milking the moment for all it’s worth, especially with Finn live streaming and Molly snapping a thousand photos.

He holds up the rings with a dramatic flourish, clearly reveling in his honorary role. With Mason MIA and our vows completely improvised, Brady has stepped up as best man, matron of honor, impromptu emcee, and caterer—all rolled into one.

“Shame you couldn’t be here, Mase!” He grins at the camera. “But don’t worry—I’ve got it all under control.”

Pen briefly explains the ring choice: matching pieces handcrafted by Arnold, the skilled local jeweler she discovered, that are imprinted with the contours of this landscape. She laughingly assures me there are plenty of smooth stretches in there, too, not just the craggy ridges and ravines to navigate.

And then we’re in the moment…being announced husband and wife.

Our first kiss, official now, hits me with enough adrenaline to scale a mountain.

Then the rush of cheers, hugs, teary grins, camera flashes, and champagne corks. Birds scatter. Music kicks in. I can’t stop touching her.

---