Page 382 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

Just then the side flap of the reception tent opens.

Toby steps inside wearing an expression that can only mean one thing.

He's planning something.

I exchange a glance with Jamie. He notices it too.

"Toby..."

"What?"

"I know that face."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"You absolutely do."

"I absolutely don't."

Without another word, Toby slips both hands into the deep pockets of his tuxedo jacket.

When he pulls them out...the entire reception gasps.

Two tiny golden retriever puppies blink curiously at the room from the safety of his arms.

Each wears a satin ribbon tied neatly around its neck.

One pale blue.

One soft pink.

For a heartbeat the entire reception simply stares.

Then every child in the room squeals at exactly the same moment.

My hands fly to my mouth.

"Toby..."

He looks genuinely puzzled. "What?"

"Why are you carrying puppies?"

"I thought weddings needed more dogs."

Liam points toward him. "You know...I can't actually argue with that."

Laughter sweeps through the tent.

One tiny puppy stretches sleepily before yawning with such determination that his entire body wobbles.

"Oh..." I whisper. "They're adorable."

"I stopped by the rescue this morning," Toby explains.

"They needed someone to transport them to a foster family."

He looks down at the puppy in his arms before smiling at me. "I asked if I could borrow them for an hour first."