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“But do you still want something more meaningful? And when you worked at the clinic before, did that count? Did it make you happy?”
I think I’m starting to see where this is going. “I did love it there. Even if I managed to get stuck up in a tree.” I squeeze his hand. “And we still haven’t broken in that desk of yours. I was promised a certain action on top of it.”
“You’ll get that for sure.”
“You mean if I work for you again?”
“Yes. I miss you there. And maybe it would be different this time.”
“You mean you won’t kiss me against the wall anymore?”
“Oh, I’ll definitely kiss you against the wall at every opportunity. But I have something to address the dating part of your concern.”
He reaches in his pocket and pulls out the clicker and frowns. “It’s here somewhere.” His hand dips inside again, and out comes a baggie of treats.
Then a spare poop bag.
“What are you looking for?” I ask.
His lips are a grim line. “Okay. There it is.”
“Drew?”
He opens his palm. “I brought this.”
I suck in a breath. It’s a diamond ring. “You carried it all day?”
“Weeks, actually. Waiting for the right moment.” He looks around. “Since everything started at a wedding, I figured another wedding would be a good time to take the next step.”
He drops to one knee. “Here’s what I know. This place makes you think of your mother. And since she can’t be here, maybe this is exactly the right place to ask my very important question.”
Tears smart my eyes. “And what is that?”
“Ensley James, I love you. I’ve loved you since you were twelve years old. So this is a long time coming. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
He looks so handsome in his tux, just like the last time, almost exactly a year ago at Ronnie’s wedding. The colors stream behind him through the glass, and over his head I spot a depiction of the Virgin Mary looking over the manger.
Maybe Mom is here somehow, making sure I’m standing this way and seeing this window.
I bend down to lean in close. “Yes, Drew Daniels. I will marry you. On one condition.” His lips are breathlessly near mine. I’m eager to kiss them, but not yet.
“And what’s that?”
“Weelope.”
His smile is big and genuine, a sight I once never thought I could see on this grumpy veterinarian’s face. And when he leans in to seal our decision, I know that somewhere, my mom is clapping her hands with delight.
And the twelve-year-old version of me is right beside her, jumping up and down, because every single one of her dreams is about to come true.
