Page 63 of An Engagement Pact

He dresses nicely but doesn’t wear ties or French cuff shirts, so tie clips and cuff links won’t be much use. And there’s no way I’ll replace or upgrade our wedding rings. So, after much thought and research, I finally landed on a money clip that’s skillfully crafted in the shape of two gold rings that look like wedding bands.

It’s discreet and not gaudy, but it looks special. He already uses an old money clip to carry his cash, ID, and credit card so this gift will fit smoothly into his regular routine.

And he’ll use and see it every day.

It’s the best I could come up with, and it definitely wasn’t cheap—although it’s not so expensive he’ll be worried about my spending too much of the savings I need for grad school.

A few months ago, I was admitted into the Master’s program in wildlife conservation at UNC. It’s a great program, and I’m thrilled and proud to get in. It’s a couple of hours away from Green Valley, but Dan and I have already made plans for how to handle the distance. That way Dan can keep his job, and we don’t have to move out of Green Valley.

At least not yet.

I’m incredibly nervous about starting such a big, new thing, but that’s a worry for another day.

Right now, my main concern is making sure everything goes smoothly tomorrow morning.

Oscar is in as exuberant a mood as ever, and the edge of his excitement has only slightly worn off as we head back through downtown toward his owner’s place.

When he gives a little hop and spins twice before pulling toward the right, I have no idea why until I see Dan down the block. Oscar saw him before I did and is every bit as excited by his appearance as I am.

Dan is dressed in khakis and an argyle sweater vest that makes him look an adorable blend of preppy and geeky. He waves and grins when I see him, and I have to hold Oscar back from jumping up to give him a full-body hug.

At least the dog isn’t muddy today.

Dan is carrying his computer bag and clearly headed for the coffee shop. He still likes to go most mornings since I have to leave so early to walk Oscar.

He doesn’t know that I’ve taken tomorrow morning off to go through with my romantic plan.

“How are you, buddy?” he greets Oscar in a warm voice. “Did you have a good walk today?”

Oscar makes a series of twitches and jerks as he attempts to be a good boy and hold himself back from more extensive gestures of joyful enthusiasm. But he pants and grins up at Dan, squirming with glee as he receives appropriate pets.

“Good boy,” I tell him, scratching behind his ears as he preens with pride at his excellent behavior. “You’re such a good boy.”

“Thank you,” Dan says, his eyes slowly sliding up to my face and his smile transforming to something deeper and warmer. “I do my best.”

I step over and stand on tiptoe so I can kiss him lightly. Then I pat his head approvingly in a way that makes him laugh.

“You’re the best boy,” I tell him, wondering if the day will ever come when I don’t want to melt with affection when unexpectedly encountering this man.

Oscar butts his head in between us, clearly concerned about the attention straying from it’s most appropriate target. Namely him.

After we both give the dog some extra love, Dan smiles at me and nods toward the coffee shop. “Your extra jobs are this afternoon, right?” he asks, although we already discussed my schedule earlier.

“Yeah. I’m going to squeeze them in after lunch, so I’ll be home at the regular time.”

I used to have no problem taking on extra evening jobs for more money, but now that means giving up my time with Dan, and I hate having to do that.

“Okay.” He gives me another quick kiss. “See you later. Have a good day.”

“You too.”

Oscar and I watch for a minute as he strides the rest of the way down the sidewalk to the door of the coffee shop. Both the dog and I have sappy smiles on our faces.

When Dan is out of sight, I continue on to drop Oscar off at home and move forward with my day.

I can’t wait until tomorrow. Dan will be so surprised.

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