Chapter 15 - The Only Rule That Ever Mattered
One year later.
The sun shone brilliantly over the ocean terrace at the Palmetto Crown Resort. The Atlantic sparkled like crushed diamonds beneath a cloudless South Carolina sky.
The striped umbrellas fluttered gently in the coastal breeze. Acoustic music drifted up from the pool below.
At a private table overlooking the water, Claire sat wearing a beautiful white lace dress, laughing with Jenna and her mother, Evelyn.
On Claire’s left ring finger sat a stunning, emerald-cut diamond that caught the sunlight with every movement.
A shadow fell over the table.
Dominic stepped up behind Claire’s chair, leaning down to press a tender kiss to the crown of her head. He was dressed in a crisp white linen shirt, completely relaxed, the dark shadows of his past entirely replaced by peace and radiant joy.
Beside him, Ethan set down a tray of fresh lemonades and iced espressos.
“How is the most beautiful bride on the East Coast feeling?” Dominic asked softly, sliding his hand into Claire’s.
“She’s feeling very smug,” Jenna chimed in with a grin. “Considering she married the man who broke every single rule on her original list.”
Dominic pulled out his phone, unlocked it, and showed the screen to Jenna.
The original Note had been archived. In its place was a photograph of Dominic and Claire dancing at their wedding reception, surrounded by Rosa, Evelyn, and Claire’s students.
Beneath the photo was a single note typed by Dominic on the day they exchanged vows:
The Only Rule That Matters: Love her fiercely, honor her freedom, and thank God every day that she sat three tables away.
Claire looked up at her husband, her heart overflowing with pure, unshakeable happiness. She reached up, touched his jawline, and smiled.
“You passed with honors, Mr. Russo,” Claire whispered.
May you like
Dominic leaned down, capturing her lips in a sweet, lingering kiss as the ocean breeze carried their laughter across the sun-drenched terrace.
THE END
