Ruby and I

chapter 48

Ruby stood at the edge of the garden, taking in the sight of the flowers, the guests, and the archway where she would soon meet Clark. The air was filled with the soft hum of conversation and the distant strains of the quartet playing a gentle melody. Her heart raced with anticipation, but there was peace too, knowing her dad would be by her side.

Johnathan walked up quietly, his footsteps barely audible on the gravel path. He paused for a moment, watching his daughter, who seemed to be caught in a moment of reflection.

"You look amazing, kiddo," Johnathan said softly, his voice breaking the silence. Ruby turned to face him, a gentle smile tugging at her lips.

"Do I?" she asked.

Johnathan nodded, his eyes shining with unshed tears.

"Aww, don't cry!" Ruby said, embracing him.

Johnathan squeezed her gently, his grip warm and reassuring. "Where does the time go? I wish you could stay as a little girl forever," he said.

Ruby pulled away as a tear slipped down her cheek, and Johnathan carefully brushed it away with a tenderness. "Me too Dad. But if I did, you wouldn't have seen me blossom into the powerful woman I am. And I owe it all to you and Mom." she said.

"It has been the greatest joy of my life to be your father," Johnathan said, his voice thick with emotion. "And today, I'm honored to walk you down that aisle. To see you so happy, so in love...it's all a father could ever hope for."

"Did you ever think I would ever be a wife?" Ruby asked.

"Of course baby girl. No matter how stubborn you were about relationships, I always knew there would be that one person to finally get to you. You probably got that stubborn attitude from me!" he laughed.

"Ohh, so mom was the one to break down your brick wall," Ruby said.

"And I'm happy she did because I would've lost a good woman," he said.

"Just like I could've lost that man," Ruby recalled.

Jonathan takes both of her hands into his. "Your mother and I are very proud of you," he said.

"You are?" Ruby asked.

"Why wouldn't we be? This is a huge moment for you. All we ever wanted was to give you a good life, teach you from right to wrong, and support you at all times. You've become a lovely young woman and then here comes this gentleman ready to sweep you off your feet. And I'm happy it was him. Because I know that he will treat you like the wife you were always destined to be." Johnathan expressed.

"Thank you, dad. And don't worry, as long as I'm living, I'll always be your kiddo," Ruby said.

They hugged once more but not for much longer when Camila appeared at the edge of the garden, her expression warm and knowing. "It's time, Ruby," she said softly, giving them a gentle smile.

Ruby looked at her father, taking one last deep breath. "Are you ready?" she asked.

Johnathan smiled, nodding as he offered her his arm. "I've never been more ready," he said.

With those words, they stepped forward, the soft flower petals crinkled beneath their feet that were tossed by Daniella beforehand. The guests stood up in awe of her as they watched her being led down the pathway. Ruby couldn't help but take in the sight around her. The garden was stunning with greenery and flowers cascading from every corner, the sunlight filtering through the leaves of the tall oak trees that stood guard over the scene. At the archway, Clark can see her beautiful face peek through her veil, and he can already feel himself getting choked up and his eyes start to water.