Page 98 of Mail Order Splash

“That was our idea. What park?” I looked around out the windows.

“They have been very busy while we were gone.”

“They made the park. Look at all the trees and the fountains.” I held my hand to my heart to slow the rapid beating. “This is absolutely beautiful. Did you know?”

“I am as surprised as you are.”

“Welcome home.” Doc met us at the entrance. “Do you like your wedding present?”

“It’s exactly like Granddad would have wanted it, I know you must have overseen it. Thank you so much.” I kissed his cheek.

“Josh reserved a spot for you to watch the movie.” He pointed to a brand-new oak tree set up with a blanket and picnic basket. “You’ll find everything you need.”

“We really want to see the dolphins first.” I grabbed Dalton and ran inside before Doc tried to stop me. “Scrapper, you grew so much, boy.”

“Netty, girl.” Dalton squatted next to me to pet them. “I missed you.”

“I would have thought you would be out enjoying your new park, but my gut told me you’d be in here with them.” Josh pulled me into a hug. “We’ve all missed you. It’s not the same around here without you.”

“I have so much to tell you.”

“Save it for tomorrow; go watch the movie.” He shook hands with Dalton. “Your family gets things done, man. It’s impressive.”

“Somehow, I think you were involved as well. Thank you for the gift.”

“Hey, the movie is starting.” Doc called from the door.

“We better get out there. They’ve done so much planning.”

They’d thought of everything, right down to cushions under the blanket and giant pillows. I gazed up into his eyes, hoping as I had all week that he would want to kiss me, but the moment passed as the movie started on the big screen, pulling my gaze away.

“I wonder what they chose for the opening night movie?” he asked.

“It’s ‘Little Mermaid’. It had to be ‘Little Mermaid’. This has to be Josh’s doing.” I leaned into him when he moved closer. “Nothing could be more perfect than this.”

When Ariel swam into view on the big screen, I had to giggle. I felt his chest vibrating from laughing too. We watched in silence for a few minutes. I was about to say something when he spoke first.

“Hey, Kleine, I was wondering something.”

“What’s that?”

“Will you marry me?”

“I am married to you.”

“Will you marry me for real? Be my partner in sickness and in health?”

“I can’t seem to say no to you. It’s like you have a mystical power over me.”

I reached for his kiss as “Under the Sea” rang out.

“Thank you for saving me, Triton. I love you.”

“Thanks for picking me. I love you too, Ariel.”

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