Of course it was, I’d just zipped it in there less than five minutes ago. But I wouldn’t feel a hundred percent at ease until it was on her finger.
“Okay, buddy,” I said to Renzo as I started the engine. “Let’s do this.”
Meg
It was one of those spring Saturdays that felt like a gift. Temperatures in the sixties, bright blue sky, a few puffy clouds, and plenty of sunshine. The weather had been the one element of today that was not in my control, so all I’d been able to do was hope for the best.
And by some miracle, I got it.
Everyone’s mood was sunny too. I’d never seen so many smiles at the starting line of a race. It was a little chaotic getting everyone all lined up since there were multiple start times and tons of strollers and push chairs and gait walkers, not to mention all the dogs. But we hadn’t turned anyone down—and if it made the event a little more hectic to organize and get going, so be it.
I ran too, alongside Noah and Asher, who held Renzo’s leash. We waved to family on the sidelines, encouraged those whose energy flagged, shared a kiss at the finish line and gave out high-fives as participants crossed it. I felt proud and happy and exhilarated. But by the time every entrant had completed the course, I’d lost Noah in all the celebration.
I searched for him in the crowd, but he was nowhere to be found. Spotting Asher talking to his friend Alicia, I jogged over to them. “Hey Ash, do you know where Noah is? I can’t find him.”
“No,” he said, without the use of his device. I’d noticed him growing more confident with his own voice lately. “Maybe he’s with my mom?”
“I’ll check, thanks.” I smiled at them before shading my hand with my eyes and scanning the area again.
Just then, I spotted Renzo trotting toward me. It was totally unusual for Noah to let Renzo loose in a crowd, so I got worried for a moment. “Hey, you.” I knelt down to pet the dog, who sat obediently. “Where’s your dad, huh?”
That’s when I noticed the black bow tie Renzo was wearing.
I laughed. “You’re so fancy,” I told him. “Were you wearing this the whole time? How did I not see it?”
I looked closer at it—then I gasped. The bow tie had a tiny attachment with a snap hook at the end . . . and hooked to it was a diamond ring.
“Sometimes we don’t see something right away.” Noah’s voice came from behind me. “Even if it’s been there all along.”
I jumped to my feet and spun around to see him standing right there. I covered my mouth with my hands.
“Come here, boy.” Noah motioned for Renzo to come to him, and the dog obeyed. Removing the ring from the hook, Noah went down on one knee, and my stomach turned cartwheels. Was this a dream?
“I know it hasn’t been that long, but then again, I waited seventeen years to put this in motion, and I promised myself I’d never waste that kind of time again.”
“Oh my God,” I said, my voice trembling and muffled behind my hands. A hush had fallen over the crowd.
“I didn’t think I was the type to get down on one knee and ask somebody to spend the rest of her life with me, but dammit, Sawyer—you’ve got a way with me. And I can’t live without it.”
Happy tears filled my eyes.
He grinned at me. “You gonna give me that hand, or do I have to come get it?”
Laughing, I held out my left hand. “It’s yours.”
He slipped the beautiful, classic solitaire on my finger and kept my hand in his. “What do you say, Sawyer? Want to change your name to mine?”
“Meg McCormick,” I said softly, wanting to weep and shout for joy at the same time. “I like it.”
“Does that mean you’ll marry me?”
“Yes,” I said, unable to stop laughing even as the tears fell. “Yes!”
He stood up and embraced me, and people around us cheered. But we only kissed for one blissful moment before our families accosted us with hugs and tears and jubilant congratulations.
“Did you guys know?” I asked my sisters, all four of us wiping our eyes.
“I had a feeling,” April said, “but I didn’t know for sure.”
“I was clueless!” Frannie exclaimed.
“I was clueless too,” added Chloe. “But it was the best surprise ever!”
“It was,” I agreed.
“Another wedding to plan.” Frannie poked April’s shoulder. “You up for it?”
“Of course.” April beamed at me. “Just don’t ask me to get you a cake made out of Twinkies.”
I gasped. “That is an awesome idea!”
Noah came over and was accosted by my sisters, who all wanted to hug and kiss him. Then his family came over, with tears in their eyes and huge smiles and heartfelt congratulations. I was thrilled they were all here to share this day with us, but I was also dying to get him alone.
When it finally happened, back at home in our kitchen, he put his arms around me and held me tight.
“I’m so proud of you,” he said. “I hope you know that.”
“I do. Thank you for everything. Today was a dream come true.” I held out my hand behind his shoulder and peeked at the ring he’d given me. “I can’t believe I’m going to be your wife.”
“Me neither. Can I still call you Sawyer, even after you change your name?”
I laughed. “Call me any name you want. Just call me yours.”
“I will.” He hugged me so close I felt his heart beat against my chest. “Now. And always.”