The much anticipated day had come. Julie was home and the family of five buzzed with excitement as they prepared for Ambrose and Kellyanne's beach wedding. Adrian, who was the best man, slipped into a light, gray suit. Natalie found him studying his appearance in their bedroom mirror. She stepped beside him and helped him adjust the aqua tie that matched her bridesmaid dress. He checked the mirror again and nodded his approval.

Natalie reached up and kissed his cheek. "I like these colors on you. You look very handsome."

He touched his tie. "I wasn't sure about this color." He reached around her waist and pulled her closer. "But it sure looks good on you."

She turned and slipped her arms around his neck. "I know those girls of ours are going to want to dance with you, but you make sure and save a few for me, okay?"

He flashed her his dimples. "You wearing your dancing shoes?"

"Oh, yeah. If you will recall, I couldn't dance at the last wedding because I was eight months pregnant and my feet were killing me. This time, however, I plan to dance the night away with my sexy man."

"I'm glad to hear that because I was planning to fill up your dance card." He bent to kiss her, but before their lips met, the doorbell rang. Adrian reluctantly dropped his hands from her waist. "I'll get it," he grumbled.

Moments later, Adrian opened the door to find Benjy Howe holding a bouquet of pink roses. He was looking very grown up in his tan suit with a blue dress shirt he was wearing open at the collar. Adrian furrowed his brow. He knew Julie had invited him to the wedding, but he thought Benjy would meet her there. "Benjy? Can I help you?"

Benjy shifted on his feet. "Hi, Mr. Monk. Is … is Julie home?"

Adrian turned to look back into the house. "I think she's still getting ready. Are you giving her a ride?"

His lips curved into a bashful smile. "Yes. Well, if that's okay."

"That would be fine. Come in." Adrian opened the door wider for his unexpected guest.

Adrian closed the door behind Benjy and moved toward the living room. He turned back, surprised when Benjy didn't follow. "Would you like to take a seat?" He gestured to the couch.

Benjy moved the roses from one hand to the other. "I … uh, could I speak with you for a moment … uh, privately?"

Adrian's furrow deepened, then he looked to the stairs. "They'll be a few minutes longer. Come have a seat."

"Thank you," Benjy said before joining Adrian.

"Can I take those?" Adrian asked.

A question formed on Benjy's face before he looked at what he held in his hands as if he'd forgotten. "No. No, thank you. I'd like to hold on to these for now."

Adrian nodded and gestured for him to take a seat on the couch. He did and Adrian took a seat in his chair. He leaned forward. "What can I help you with, Benjy?"

Benjy rubbed his free hand on his pants leg and cleared his throat. "I … well, I think you know Julie and I have seen each other a few times since we met at her play."

"I think Natalie may have mentioned it."

"Then, Julie invited me to come with her to her uncle's wedding today."

Adrian nodded. "Yes."

"Well, I …" Benjy paused and swallowed. "I would like to see her more."

Adrian's brow furrowed again. "I'm sure you'll see her around. With your mom and dad moving back to the city …"

"No, Mr. Monk. That's not what I meant."

"It's not?"

"No." He swallowed again. "I, uh, well Julie and I hit it off really well, and I like her. I care about her. I want to ask her to uh, you know, go out as more than friends, but I wanted to ask you if that would be okay first."

Adrian's eyes widened with understanding. "You want to date her?"

"Uh, yes. I know you have old-fashioned values, and I respect you, so I thought I should ask you before I ask her for a real date."

Adrian nodded and leaned back, observing the nervous young man. Even though he knew Julie dated, it was hard for him to wrap his head around the idea at times. In a way, she would always be the sweet, shy eleven-year-old girl he first met, but he couldn't deny she had grown up before his eyes. He was proud of her. He trusted her. He knew a day would come when a young man would be serious about her, but he couldn't have possibly imagined it being Benjy. Sharona's son? The idea seemed so odd, but he'd always liked Benjy. He'd been like a son, just as Julie had been like a daughter before she really was. They were both good kids—thoughtful, kind, smart. Did he have a reason to object?

He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I appreciate that, Benjy. It means a lot, and yes you may ask her. Julie is a grown woman and doesn't need my permission, but you have my blessing. You are both very special to me, so I wish you the best. Just … just don't break her heart, okay?"

Benjy blew out the breath he was holding. "Thank you. Thank you so much, Mr. Monk. You don't know how much that means to me, and I promise I will treat her right."

A moment later, they both looked up when they heard the loud patter of Sophia's shoes as she hopped down the stairs, making her white dress float around her. Natalie carried Timothy behind her. Adrian took Timothy from Natalie and smiled. He was dressed in a miniature version of Adrian's gray pants and white dress shirt, but instead of the jacket, he wore a matching gray vest, and instead of the necktie, he wore a bowtie made of the same aqua. Even his tiny shoes were shiny black, just like his father's. Adrian wanted to wear his sandshoes, but Natalie gave him a definite no on that.

Adrian looked up when he heard shoes on the stairs again. This time, it was Julie. He had to blink twice when he saw his oldest daughter. Julie was no longer a little girl. She was a beautiful young woman who reminded him greatly of her mother. Her long hair was styled into an elegant updo and her sleeveless, floral dress made her blue eyes sparkle. Adrian turned his attention to Benjy. He had also taken notice. His gaze never left Julie as she descended the stairs.

Natalie started toward the living room, but Adrian grabbed her hand. "Let's go get the kids into the car."

"But I don't have everything we need yet."

Adrian nodded to the young couple still standing at the foot of the stairs. "You can come back in a minute." He turned to pick up the diaper bag just in time to see Benjy hand Julie the roses, which he was rewarded for with an embrace.

At 5:00 pm that evening, Adrian stood between Ambrose and Kellyanne's brother under a wooden arch on a white sand beach in Monterey County. Natural beauty surrounded them, lending it's décor to the outdoor ceremony. The lowering sun provided the beginnings of pink streaks in the western sky. The ocean waves lapped the beach, leaving their foam on the sand. A short walk away, the water met sheer, gray cliffs, sending white sprays high above the rocks. The air was perfumed with the scents of sea and salt. Adrian breathed it in and scanned the small crowd seated in the folding, white chairs. In the front row, sat a proud-looking Jack Monk almost unrecognizable with his new, shorter haircut and black suit. Behind him, sat Benjy and Julie, holding Timothy. Molly and Luke arrived, taking their seats in the next row back. Kellyanne's family and friends filled out the other side of the aisle.

The string quartet began to play, and the crowd quieted. Kellyanne's best friend came down the aisle, then Natalie, who gestured behind her for Sophia to follow. Sophia, who was now a flower girl for the third time in her young life was practically a pro. She scattered red rose petals along the white runner that had been stretched across the sand. Then, from out of the tent where the reception would be held, Kellyanne came out on the arm of her father. She wore a simple, white, strapless gown. Her strawberry-blonde tresses had been styled in loose waves and the warm, ocean breeze blew them gently, along with the hem of her dress. Adrian could see Ambrose's shoulders begin to shake. It had been a year and eleven months since he had watched Natalie walk down the aisle at their wedding, but the memory was as fresh as ever. He handed Ambrose a clean handkerchief and rested his hand on his shoulder.

Like the setting in which it took place, the ceremony was simple but beautiful. Before they knew it, the pastor pronounced them husband and wife, and Ambrose was kissing his bride.

Later, under the tent, Adrian, Natalie, and their family ate their wedding dinner at a long table with the groom, bride, and her family.

Ambrose turned to Adrian. "I'm sure glad you are here, little brother."

Adrian smiled. "It would take more than a bullet to keep me from my brother's wedding."

"Now you Monk boys have one more thing in common," Kellyanne said, taking Ambrose's hand. "You both took a bullet for someone."

Ambrose gazed at her, enchanted by his bride. "I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Not only is Adrian still alive, but it led me to you."

They didn't have long to recall the memory as the announcer then called for the best man toast.

Natalie patted Adrian's arm and smiled at him. He stood and straightened his jacket before walking to the dance floor. "Hello. I'm Adrian Monk. I'm Ambrose's brother." He paused and glanced back to his table. Natalie nodded her encouragement. He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a stack of notecards, which he had prepared the night before. He cleared his throat as he read the first one. I have known Ambrose my whole life—since, you know, he's older than me. He always looked out for me. I can remember Ambrose helping me to walk and go downstairs. He even let me play with his rock collection. He was the kind of brother every kid should have."

Adrian stopped and scanned the notecard. Then, he lifted it and scanned the next one. A murmur arose from the crowd as they waited for him to continue. After a moment, he took the stack of cards and put them back in his pocket. He looked at Ambrose and wiped his eye. "I … I've not always been a good brother to Ambrose. We went many years without speaking due to an unfortunate misunderstanding." He paused and looked down. When he looked back up, he took a deep breath. "We have become closer in the last few years, due in large part to my wife's encouragement, and I am thankful. I … I missed my brother. He was the first to believe in me, the first to encourage me to chase my dreams when I didn't think I could. He was a shoulder to lean on when our mother died, and a short while ago, he risked his life to save mine." He paused again and tugged his jacket. "Seeing him and Kellyanne here today, I couldn't be happier for him, or more proud." He lifted his glass of sparkling cider. "Here's to Ambrose and Kellyanne. I wish them all the best. They deserve it and more."

Adrian came back to the table and pulled out his handkerchief. He dabbed his eyes as an equally teary-eyed Ambrose gripped his arm from across the table.

"Thank you," Ambrose said. "I love you."

It was then time for the dances and Natalie rubbed Adrian's back as they watched Ambrose dance with Kellyanne. Then, they danced with her mother and father. Adrian sat in awe as he observed his brother. He could hardly believe the changes he was witnessing in the man who, a couple of years earlier, wouldn't leave his house. Ambrose had come alive. There was no other way to describe it. That's what the love of a good woman could do. He reached for Natalie's hand and entwined his fingers with hers. It was something he was well acquainted with.

Jack turned to them. "I never thought I'd see the day."

"Kellyanne is good for him," Adrian said.

Natalie squeezed Adrian's hand. "She's wonderful, isn't she."

"She is," Jack said, "but so are you, Adrian. I'm so thankful you boys had each other when I was gone."

Adrian nodded. "I am too, but you're here now. That's what counts."

"So, what are you going to do in that big house all by yourself?" Natalie asked.

Jack shrugged. "I'm going to finish fixing it up. It gives me something to do." He bounced Timothy on his knee. "Besides, I'd love to see my grandkids more, and as fast as your family is growing, I need the room."

Adrian's face grew hot, and he was thankful for the interruption when the next announcement was made. The dance floor was now open for all guests.

Benjy turned to Julie, and she nodded. He stood and took her hand as they made their way to the dance floor. Luke and Molly followed.

Then, Sophia squirmed off her chair and tugged on Adrian's sleeve. "Dance with me, Daddy."

Natalie laughed and released Adrian's hand. "Go on. Just remember to save a few for me."

Adrian took Sophia's hand and led her to the dance floor. Natalie smiled as she watched him take her hands and led her in small steps, careful not to step on her toes. They danced for a couple of songs, and after Sophia tired of trying to follow the steps, Adrian picked her up and swayed with her in his arms. After a while, Molly came over and took Sophia from him. Then, she motioned towards Natalie.

He stepped over and held out his hand. "May I have this dance?"

Natalie grinned as she stood. "I thought you'd never ask." They crossed to the dance floor, and Natalie's arms slipped around her husband's neck as he held her close.

Across the dance floor, Julie looked at her parents and sighed. "They're so romantic."

Benjy swayed to the music. "It takes some getting used to seeing Mr. Monk like this. I sometimes heard Captain Stottlemeyer tell my mother what he was like before his first wife died, but I never thought I'd see him like that again."

"It's been fun watching him and my mom fall in love and have a family. Couple goals for sure."

Benjy slowed his pace. "Uh, Julie."

She looked up into his eyes. "Yes, Benjy."

"I … well, I talked to your dad before you came downstairs."

"You did? About what?"

"About us." He dropped his eyes to his feet and realized they had stopped moving.

Julie followed his gaze. "Why? What about us?"

Benjy slowly lifted his head and took both Julie's hands in his. "Julie, I'm really glad I decided to come back to San Francisco for college because on top of everything else, I met you. I …" He cleared his throat. "You've been a good friend in the short time since we met, and I've really enjoyed being together, and well, I'd like to be more than friends if … if you'd like that too."

Julie's face beamed as a big, white smile spread across it. "Benjy Howe, are you asking me on a date?"

He shrugged. "Yeah, I guess I am."

"I kind of thought that's what this was," she giggled.

Benjy's mouth fell open. "Oh, uh, I thought you just asked me as a friend."

Julie's cheeks turned pink as she shook her head. "So, tell me, what did my dad say?"

Benjy's cheeks matched hers. "Well, he thanked me for asking him. Then, he said you were a grown woman and didn't need his permission, but gave his blessing. He also told me not to break your heart."

Julie's eyes widened. "He said that?"

"Yes, and I assured him I wouldn't. So, uh, would you like to dance some more?"

Julie looked across the dance floor. "I'd love to, but there's someone else I owe a dance to first."

Adrian was so enjoying holding Natalie on the dance floor, he didn't notice who approached them.

"Can I cut in?" Julie asked.

Natalie smiled. "Oh, I suppose." She looked to the table. "I should see how Grandpa Jack is doing with the kids anyway."

Adrian put his hand around Julie's waist and took her hand. "Did I tell you how lovely you look tonight?"

"No, but thank you."

Adrian spotted Benjy sitting with Sophia on his lap as they watched the dancers. "I don't think I'm the only one who noticed."

Julie blushed all over again. "Dad … Benjy told me what you said to him, and I wanted to thank you."

Adrian shrugged. "He's a good kid. I trust him."

"But, you told him not to break my heart."

"I did. I couldn't stand to see my little girl with a broken heart."

Julie stopped dancing and wrapped her arms around Adrian's neck in a tight embrace. When she let go, he could see her eyes were glistening.

Adrian's brow furrowed with concern. "Are you okay?"

She nodded and wiped her eyes. "It's just, well, it's just so wonderful to know I have someone to look out for me like that. All those years in between when my dad died and you came into my life, I wondered if I'd ever have someone to tell a boy not to break my heart. I wondered if I'd ever have a dad again, but I do, and you are the best dad a girl could ask for." She kissed his cheek. "I love you, Daddy."

Adrian touched his cheek as he watched his not-so-little girl bounce across the dance floor to join their family and the boy she was growing quite fond of. It reminded him of the first kiss she gave him—the one Natalie wouldn't let him wipe off. He smiled as he joined them. He was glad she hadn't let him wipe it off.

After Natalie saw that Benjy and Julie were playing with Sophia, and Timothy was safely asleep in Jack's arms, she stepped to Adrian and whispered in his ear.

He smiled as he took her hand and let her lead him outside the tent. The sun had set, leaving a full moon in the night sky. The ocean breeze cooled the warm air, and with the higher tide, the waves splashed against the nearby rocks. They took a few steps away from the tent but stayed close enough to hear the music. Adrian took her in his arms again, and they swayed to the rhythm.

Before long, they heard the first strains of Frank Sinatra's, The Way You Look Tonight. "They're playing our song," Natalie said.

Adrian looked into her eyes, almost the color of the ocean in the moonlight. "Yes, and it was true. I've never forgotten the way you looked when I danced with you to this song at our wedding." He touched her cheek. "You were beautiful then, but you've only grown more beautiful."

"Adrian …"

"No, it's true, and I'm not just talking about physical beauty, even though that is also true. In the time since we've been married, your love has grown—beyond what I often feel I deserve. I've watched in awe as you care for me and our children. Your devotion to us is simply unparalleled. You remain my biggest cheerleader, my most trustworthy friend, and the best partner a man could ask for. I didn't think I could love you more than the day I married you, but sweetheart, I do."

Natalie wiped away a tear. "It's all because of you, love. You've had my heart for a long, long time. Loving you and our family is as natural as breathing, and I plan to do it for the rest of my life. "

He stroked her cheek and smiled. Then, he bent and kissed her tenderly. Natalie laid her cheek on Adrian's shoulder, and they continued to hold each other close. Adrian looked into the vastness of the sparkling night sky and thanked the creator of it all for the gifts of his life, his love, and his family.

Author's Note: This story has come to a close, and along with it, The Monk Family Series. I want to thank each of you for reading and following along. Your interest, kind words, and reviews have meant the world to me. It has been an absolute joy to write for you, and I will miss it as I take a break to focus more on family and other pursuits. Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart.