Page 116 of Devoted Enough

When I opened them, I saw Nate on one knee holding a chocolate lab puppy. My hands came to my mouth as I drew in a breath.

“Haven, these last seven months with you have been the greatest months of my life. Watching your dreams come true has been a gift I will forever cherish.”

I wiped the tears from my cheeks as Nate cleared his throat and went on.

“When I’m with you, the rhythm of your heart echoes within my soul. I never dreamed I would find a love like this, and every morning when I wake up and see your beautiful face, the fire of my love for you grows stronger and stronger.”

“Nate,” I whispered as I lowered down to the ground. It was then I noticed the puppy had a bow tied around its neck.

“You once said you wanted a dog but couldn’t have one in your apartment. I thought now was the perfect time to gift you with your very own pup. I also needed his help to ask you a very important question.”

My hands started to shake as Nate handed me the puppy. That sweet puppy breath filled my senses, and I laughed when the little guy started licking my face.

“Hello there, little baby,” I said as I hugged him to me. “What’s his name?”

Nate smiled. “I figured you would want to name him.”

Holding him up, I chuckled when I saw his paws. They were huge. “I think we should name him Bear, ’cause he looks like he’s going to be as big as a bear.”

Nate laughed. “Bear, it is. If you’ll look on his bow, Bear has something for you.”

I found the little note and untied the bow. My hands shook as I opened it and read the note.

I’m so happy to finally meet you, Mommy. Daddy picked me out because he said I would be the perfect addition to the family, and he needed me to help with the second part of your surprise.

I glanced up and nearly dropped the poor puppy when I saw Nate holding open a jewelry box that contained a beautiful sapphire ring surrounded by diamonds. I instantly started to cry when Nate took the ring out and took my left hand in his.

“Haven, would you do me the honor of becoming my partner for life?”

Setting the puppy down, I launched myself at Nate, nearly knocking him over.

I heard everyone start cheering while Nate laughed. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

Drawing back, I looked into those beautiful silver eyes that had captivated me years ago and said, “I would love nothing more than to marry you, Nate Shaw.”

With a wide smile, Nate slipped the ring onto my finger as everyone around us erupted into more cheers.

Nate stood and helped me do the same. Once I was on my feet, I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him. Everything else faded away, and it was the two of us for a few short moments. When Nate drew back, he rested his forehead to mine.

“I love you, Haven.”

“Oh, Nate, I love you too.”

The puppy barked and we both looked down at him sitting next to us, staring up. I reached down and picked him up. “You cannot be here once this place opens up, little man.”

“I’ve already got someone coming to get him and take him home for us. She’ll pet sit until we’re finished up here today.”

I slowly shook my head. “You have it all covered, don’t you?”

He winked. “I tried.”

Sophia walked up and pulled me into a hug. “We should have a double wedding!”

Laughing, I said, “Let me get used to the idea that I’m engaged first!”

My mother stepped up and took my hand. “That is stunning, Nate. Just beautiful.”

“Thank you, Grace. It was my grandmother’s ring.”

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