Page 65 of An Engagement Pact

I stare as he lowers himself onto one knee and holds out a small jeweler’s box. My eyes burn again as I realize what his position means. “That’s not a new ring, is it?” I give a quick look at my left hand on which is still my pretty engagement ring and the moonstone wedding band that matches the one on his hand. We’ve both worn them for the past year.

“No, it’s not a new ring. I’m kind of fond of our original ones.”

“Good. Me too.” I rub my face and tuck my towel more securely before I nod. “Okay. I’m ready. Go to it.”

His shoulders shake slightly with repressed amusement at my instruction, but then his face clears as he says. “Vicky Emerson. I’ve been crazy about you from the first time I saw you, and I’ve loved you for almost as long. I know we got together for practical reasons, but my heart was in it long before I was brave enough to admit it. I love you. I’m always going to love you. And I never want to spend another day on this earth when I’m not your husband and you’re not my wife.”

I have to raise my hand to cover my mouth. I make a little whimpering sound as emotion catches up to me fast.

“So will you be my wife for the rest of our lives?”

I nod, momentarily unable to speak. Then keep nodding until I’m finally able to squeak out, “Yes.” I give a little sob as I reach out toward him as he raises himself to his feet. “Yes!”

He’s smiling as I hug him. His arms crush me for a moment before he relaxes his urgent grip.

It’s a minute before we’re able to let go of each other enough for him to present me with the box.

He obviously went through the same thought process I did when deciding on the gift. The rings can’t be replaced, but something else needs to reflect a ring in a proposal.

He chose a diamond pendant shaped as a sculpted gold loop, looking vaguely like an engagement ring and hanging on a chain. It’s so beautiful I stare down at it for a long time before I can finally touch the lovely object.

He helps me put it on. Then he kisses me, dressed in his nice suit while I’m wearing nothing but a towel.

Nothing could have been more perfect to me.

***

EVENTUALLY, I’M ABLEto do my hair and makeup fairly quickly before putting on the pretty sundress which fits me just right. When I’m ready, we drive over to his parents’ house, since our wedding renewal ceremony is going to take place in their large backyard.

He did indeed go overboard. He went all out with food, flowers, decorations, and the arch under which we’ll say our vows. Also the guest list.

His family is there, as are Jim, Esther, Savannah, and Lance. So are all our friends from Green Valley—his friends first and now both of ours.

But that’s not all. In attendance is the entire staff of Lock-N-Leash and every one of my doggie clients, dozens of thrilled and exuberant dogs, plus their owners.

As we make our way into the yard, greeting so many people we know and love, I almost choke when I see a couple of familiar faces.

Sage and Aspen from the wolf convention last year.

“Oh my God!” I say in a strangled voice as I recognize them. Then notice that nearby are more of the wolf aficionados. In fact, every single person who attended our wedding last year is here again today.

I have no idea how Dan managed it.

“My folks helped with the plane tickets,” Dan murmurs in my ear. “So we could pay for them to fly out to be here today.”

I’m almost sobbing now. I’ve never been a particularly sappy person, but I’m not sure anyone could keep it together in the face of such a gift.

All of this—all these people—are here for us. To celebrate our love. Me and Dan.

It was just over a year ago that I believed I was entirely alone in the world.

But I’m not, and I never will be again.

We eventually make it over to the flowered arch, and Dan moves the end of the aisle near the pastor.

Esther gives me a bouquet to carry, and I start walking when the music begins.

Sasha, my beloved, loud-mouthed Husky client, starts howling in fervent accompaniment to the familiar bridal strains. A few of the other doggie guests chime in with barks or yowls of their own.

And it’s perfect. It’s all perfect.

Plus, tomorrow morning I get to give Dan a proposal of my own.

***

---