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Caleb shook his head, giving her a silent warning. “Not now, sweetheart. I’ve got to get the ball.”
Sergio came out of the water and shook, spraying all of them. Madison and Joelle screamed with laughter. Caleb was the only one not laughing, but then the thought of the cold pond didn’t sound like much fun. The ball continued to drift down the shore, leaving him no choice. Taking off his shoes, he rolled up his pants and tentatively stuck his foot in the water. The cold water was a bit of a shock, but he had little choice in the matter.
All his planning was wiped out, and not once had he considered this as a possibility. He had to get the ball…before it sank. And it would sink, considering the hole he put in it.
Madison chuckled. “Caleb, stop. It’s not that important. This isn’t like you.”
“Someone once told me to roll with the punches when life doesn’t go as planned. That’s what I’m doing. Only in this case, it’s go wading.” He moved out a little further, Sergio joining in the game. “Thanks, boy.” Caleb started laughing. His proposal was floating away, and everyone thought he’d lost his mind.
But he’d lost his heart.
To Madison.
Just a few more steps and he grabbed the ball, holding it high over his head.
Woof. Woof.
“No, boy. Sorry. Maybe later. After I get warmed up at home,” Caleb said. The second he hit the shore, Madison was handing him his socks and shoes, taking the ball from him.
“Thanks. But don’t let him have the ball. Please,” Caleb insisted. He sat down on the ground, the warmth of his socks a welcome relief.
“What is so important about this ball?” Madison asked, glancing down at it.
Caleb stood and moved to stand next to her. “Joelle, can you hold Sergio for a second?” He snapped the leash on the dog’s collar and then handed it to his daughter.
“Finally,” Joelle said, her joy resonating as she realized it was time for the surprise.
He took the ball from Madison, then dropped to one knee and held it up to her. “Madison Bradley, I love you with all my heart. Joelle loves you with all her heart. Will you marry me and become a part of our family?”
Tears slipped down Madison’s face, and she brushed them away. “I don’t understand. You’re proposing with a dirty dog ball?”
“No, I am proposing with what’s inside the ball. This will always be a special memory for me because it’s when you came into our life.” He pressed open the small flap of the plastic ball and dropped a ring into his hand and then held it up. “Will you? Marry us?”
“Oh, my goodness.” Her eyes glazed over as tears formed and slid down her face. “Yes, yes, yes! I will marry you. I would love to be a part of your forever family. This is where I belong,” Madison said, her sunshine smiles all the warmth he would ever need as he slid the ring on her finger.
“Yay!” Joelle danced in circles and hugged Madison.
Sergio barked and danced around everyone.
Caleb kissed his fiancé. “You taught me life is for living, and with you by my side, my heart is full and more than ready to see what adventures life has in store for us. I love you.”
“I love you, too. Both of you. My forever family.”
***
