Ruby and I

chapter 49

The muffled sounds of laughter and music drifted through the door as Ruby and Clark found themselves alone in a small, dimly lit room just off the grand ballroom. The room was a peaceful retreat from the euphoria of the day and a space where they could steal a few special moments together before stepping into the whirlwind of their reception. Ruby stood in front of a mirror, adjusting her veil. Her hands trembled slightly, not from nerves, but from the overwhelming feeling. She glanced at Clark through the mirror, catching his reflection as he leaned against the wall, watching her with a soft, adoring smile.

"Hey," Clark said gently, pushing off the wall and moving closer to her. He wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. "You okay?"

Ruby nodded, her eyes meeting his in the mirror. "I'm more than okay. I'm just...trying to take it all in," she said.

Clark smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "It's been a pretty fantastic day so far, hasn't it?" he asked.

"Fantastic doesn't even begin to cover it," Ruby whispered, turning around in his arms to face him. She placed her hands on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her fingertips. "I still can't believe it's real. We're married, Clark. Like...we're really married." she said.

"Didn't think you would make a lovely bride?" Clark asked.

"No. I didn't." Ruby said.

Clark chuckled softly, lifting a hand to stroke her cheek. "Well, you do. And I promise you, Ruby, I will make you the happiest wife in the world," he said.

"You already did," Ruby said. She blinked back the tears to avoid crying for the hundredth time.

Clark leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "No more tears, okay? Not yet. We've still got a whole night of celebration ahead of us." he said.

Ruby nodded, taking a deep breath to compose herself. "You're right. I'm just...I'm so happy, Clark. I've dreamed about this day for so long, and now that it's here, it's even better than I imagined." she said.

Clark smiled, his eyes shining with the same love and happiness Ruby felt. "I know exactly what you mean. But before we go out there, I just want to have this moment with you. Just us, before we share our night with everyone else." he said.

Ruby smiled, leaning into him. "I love that idea," she said.

They stood there for a few moments, wrapped in each other's arms, savoring the quiet intimacy of the moment. The sounds from the ballroom seemed distant now as if they were in their own world.

Clark pulled back slightly, just enough to look into her eyes. "I think William is gonna introduce us in a minute. You ready to go?" he asked.

Ruby laughed softly, a lightness in her chest. "Only if you're ready to be the most handsome husband."

Clark grinned. "Deal."

He took her hand, their fingers intertwining, and together they walked toward the door.

"Clark, I just want you to know that I'm so lucky I get to spend my life with you," she said.

Clark's heart swelled at her words, and he leaned in to kiss her. When they finally pulled apart, Clark rested his forehead against hers.