Page 116 of Stepping Up to the Plate

After a delicious dinner of salmon and balsamic glazed Brussel sprouts, Brady pours me another glass of wine and leads me into the living area.

“Ready for your surprise?”

“Yes,” I respond, gleefully.

“Okay, I’m going to go get it. Close your eyes.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really. Do you want it or not?”

“I want it,” I mumble.

“Then be a good girl and behave. It will be worth it.”

I let out an exaggerated sigh, but comply. A minute later, I hear a jingly noise. I squeal when something cold and wet touches my hand. My eyes fly open and licking my fingers is a puppy.

I glance up to see Brady staring at me. “Who-whe-how? What?” I exclaim, puzzled.

He laughs as I snuggle the puppy into my chest and comes to sit beside me.

“This,” he says, “is Dolly. A friend of mine mentioned his dog had puppies and when I saw her, I knew she would be perfect for us. She’s a German Shepherd-Golden Retriever mix.”

“She’s ours?”

“She’s ours,” he repeats.

“This is the best surprise ever!” I whisper-shout as to not startle the fluff ball in my lap.

“You haven’t seen the best part yet,” he remarks. “Check around her neck.”

I run my hands over Dolly’s collar and grab her tag. On one side, it lists her name and Brady’s number. When I flip it over, it is embossed with the words, ‘Say Yes.’

“That’s cute,” I comment. When I peer up from the tag, Brady isn’t sitting on the couch anymore. He is kneeling in front of me. On one knee. He smiles when he takes in my shocked expression.

“Since the first time I saw you, I have been entranced by you. Every second I have spent with you has only solidified further that you’re the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with; to start a family with.

“I know it’s soon, but there is no doubt in my mind that you and I are meant to be. I am ready to get on with the rest of our lives. Starting with you being Dolly’s dog mom, and my wife. Lola, will you marry me?”

I stare, stunned as he pulls out the most beautiful ring I have ever seen. It’s an oval stone with a cluster of three round stones on each site set on a yellow gold band. I glance from the ring to his face and back again several times as tears form in my eyes, grinning like a maniac.

“I love that you’re smiling, sweet girl, but I am going to need an answer.”

Placing Dolly on the couch beside me, I launch myself into Brady’s arms. Thankfully, he maintains his balance and catches me. “Yes,” I finally reply. “There is nothing I want more than to be yours.”

His hand glides to the back of my neck as he brings my lips to his. The kiss is slow and steady but filled with emotions. When he pulls away, he slips the ring on my finger.

“It’s gorgeous,” I murmur.

“I’m glad you like it. Phoebe and Tim designed it.”

“The metalsmiths?” I question as I admire my new bling.

“Uh huh,” he replies. “They were more than happy to help me create something as beautiful as you.”

“Hey! You never showed me the stamped pendant you made that day!” I recall.

Brady smirks at me. “Yes, I did.”

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