Page 37 of Falling for the Veterinarian

“What you lookin’ at there?”

“Oh yeah! I am refreshing my memory on a property for a showing tomorrow. Lisa said she found a potential buyer for that amazing property I told you about. She said I could take lead on the sale!”

“Wow, that’s incredible. I am so excited for you!”

“Lisa said I needed to look extra dressed up. I’m not sure what to wear,” I confess.

“Hmm. You should definitely wear that green skirt and blazer set you were wearing when we first met. Your eyes alone will knock them dead.”

All next day, I constantly check the time. I cannot be late to set up the house. I desperately what to prove myself to Lisa. The housing market is quite different here than back in New York

My phone buzzes on the counter and Zach’s name flashes on the screen. “Hey, babe.”

“Hey, I’m closing the clinic early today. Do you want to meet up for dinner in a few?”

“Dang, I’m sorry. I can’t. I was just about to head out to prep the house I’m showing tonight. I don’t know how late I will be. If everything goes well, it could be a late evening,” I explain.

“Oh yeah, I forgot about that. No worries, call me when you’re done. I want to hear how it turns out.”

“Ok, I’ll talk to you later. Love you.”

“Love you too, bye.”

And overjoyed warmth fills my heart. Maggie is with Aunt Michelle while I work tonight; she said she wanted the company anyway.

The drive over is pleasant and peaceful. The snow finally melted a few weeks ago. The wildflowers are in full bloom and the trees are back to their normal lush green. The place looks as amazing as I remember. Coming down the road, I see the picturesque ponds, green grass, and the well-manicured lawn around the front of the main home. I park in the driveway, get out of the car, and steady myself on my four-inch pumps. I smooth my emerald skirt and adjust the matching blazer.

“Woof.”

Maggie? No.I dismiss the thought. It was a single bark; I must be imagining things.

I use the code for the lockbox and retrieve the key. I easily open the door and step inside.

My heart rate starts beating as fast as a hummingbird’s wings. My mind is suddenly blank, but I feel the tug of tears beginning to form. The foyer is lit with at least a hundred candles, and standing in the middle is…

“Zach? What’s going on?”

“Welcome home, Sarah.”

“What?” I really have zero idea what’s happening.

He walks closer to me and grabs my hands. This simple act and the romantic glow of the candles send my body into overdrive. My hands start shaking, and my heart rate starts beating even faster.

“Sarah, I have waited for you for a long time. When I bumped into you in New York, I was just a shell of a man. Just an empty soul, walking along, going through the motions. But since I’ve known you, I have felt more alive and whole than I think I have ever felt. I can’t imagine living another moment without you in it.”

He drops to one knee and pulls out a dazzling, two-carat, princess-cut diamond ring with a diamond-encrusted band. “Sarah, will you marry me?”

Tears of joy roll down my cheeks. “Yes!” He puts the ring on my finger just as a flash of a photo goes off. Simultaneously, the lights flick on in the living room, and clapping commences. Zach stands up, gives me a deep sensual kiss, and lifts me off my feet.

Maggie comes running to us. I kneel down to her.

“Itwasyou that I heard!” I giggle and rub her behind her ear. I stand and glance around the room, and all the people we love are here. Zach’s parents, my aunt and uncle, Jen and her husband, Lisa and her husband, and Trixie are all here sharing this amazing moment with us.

They start rushing over to hug and congratulate us.

“You tricked me.” I smile at Lisa.

“Hmm, not really. You did meet the buyer here,” she says.

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