Page 115 of Devoted Enough

“I wouldn’t worry about it. If you see they’re torn up, we just don’t replace them.”

I nodded.

“Why are you wringing your hands?”

A nervous bubble of laughter slipped free. “I just want everything to work out. I want people to love the park.”

“Hey,” Nate said, setting his drink down on the table in the cabana. “Everyone is going to love it, Haven. Your vision and Doug’s wonderful work have brought to life something special. I’ve never seen a dog park like this before. It’s going to be a hit.”

“It did turn out to be even more than I ever dreamed.”

“I don’t think I’ve told you how proud I am of you, princess.”

Tears pricked at the back of my eyes. “I couldn’t have done this without you.”

He smiled. “Yes, you could have, and you would have.”

I shook my head. “Not like this. You’ve helped in so many ways, Nate.”

“Well, if you think you can handle one more surprise, I’d like to give it to you before we open.”

“A surprise?” I said with a wicked smile.

Nate laughed. “That surprise will be later when we’re alone.”

Taking my hand, we started to walk toward the picnic tables where everyone was gathered. Nate’s entire family was here, and I loved seeing the kids running around with the dogs. It was exactly what I pictured when I thought of this park.

Nate stopped and got everyone’s attention. “I want to thank all of you for your help, time, money, and prayers that you put out to make this adventure happen. I know I speak on behalf of Sophia and Haven when I say this couldn’t have happened without all of you.”

“Yes,” I added. “If it wasn’t for all of you, I’m not sure we could have made this dog park what it is.”

“I second that!” Sophia said as she put her arm around Josh’s waist.

“It was our pleasure, girls. Nothing is better than watching someone’s dreams come true,” Stella said as she walked up with Tanner walking alongside her holding a box. “And now, we get to witness yet another beautiful moment.”

Confused, I looked around before seeing Tanner hand Nate the box. Sophia walked up and took my hands, turning me away from Nate.

“Close your eyes, Haven.”

“What?” I asked with a laugh.

“Close your eyes!”

“But why?”

“For the love of all that’s holy, Haven Marie Larson, close your eyes!” my mother called out.

Closing my eyes, I asked, “What’s going on?”

“It’s your surprise,” Sophia softly said as she placed her hands on my shoulders. “Keep your eyes closed until Nate tells you to open them.”

Feeling giddy, I nodded and let her turn me around. Everyone was quiet, and it struck me that this was the first time I had heard the Shaw family this silent.

“Ready?” Nate asked.

“Yes! I’m ready!” I said, excitement filling my voice.

“Open your eyes, princess.”

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