Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 28557 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 143(@200wpm)___ 114(@250wpm)___ 95(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 28557 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 143(@200wpm)___ 114(@250wpm)___ 95(@300wpm)
"Try not to drool in front of the kids," Eloise teases, her voice light and playful as she reaches over and hands me a napkin, breaking the spell.
"You’ll understand what I’m feeling one day," I mutter, unable to tear my gaze from Ian's captivating eyes.
"Oh, hell no," she retorts, looking utterly horrified as if I had suggested she join a convent or something equally drastic. "I’m perfectly happy with my life the way it is. I don’t need a man to complete me."
“We’ll see.”
I forget all about my best friend as Ian moves steadily toward me with Winnie prancing alongside him as if she were the guest of honor at a royal gala.
The little drama queen spots me, and her excitement is palpable. Winnie rushes ahead, her short legs pumping furiously, her tongue flopping out with unrestrained enthusiasm as if the entire world exists just to welcome her.
She paws at my leg with eager intensity, and I bend over to scoop her up, feeling her warm, lively body against mine. "I'm glad you finally got here," I laugh, clutching Winnie tightly to my chest, her soft fur brushing against my cheek.
"Sorry we're late," Ian says with a playful grin, wrapping his arm snugly around my waist and pulling me close for a quick, tender kiss. "The diva made me work my ass off to get her out of the house." His eyes sparkle with amusement, and I can't help but chuckle, knowing full well that Winnie has a will as strong as steel, expecting the world to bend to her whims.
"Thanks for bringing her." I smile up at him, feeling grateful and content. He swallows, and for a brief moment, I catch a flicker of unease in his eyes.
"She actually has a job to do for me," he confesses, his voice tinged with a hint of mystery.
I frown up at him, curiosity piqued. "What job?" I ask, casting a glance around and realizing with a start that his parents, brothers, and my own parents have gathered around us, their faces glowing with anticipation. What on earth? I had no idea they were all coming to the school picnic.
"She's my very important assistant." He smirks down at me, mischief dancing in his eyes. "Put her down and let her do her job." I frown, puzzled, but obediently bend over to set Winnie down on the grass. Ian then throws a brightly colored ball toward us, and Winnie dashes after it with enthusiasm. Ian taught her to fetch? That was the very important job? I wonder, my mind swirling with questions, as Winnie triumphantly returns with the ball clutched in her mouth.
I reach down to take it from her, intending to throw it again, when I notice a faint jingling sound. Intrigued, I carefully open the little plastic ball and am stunned to find a breathtaking diamond ring nestled inside. My heart skips a beat as Ian drops to his knees before me, his eyes filled with love and hope. "I met you at Career Day, so I figured another school function would be the perfect place to ask you to marry me."
"Oh my God," I manage to say, my voice trembling with delight rather than shock.
"Is that a yes?" Ian asks, a hint of nervousness in his voice as a tiny bead of sweat rolls down the side of his face.
"It's definitely a yes!" I laugh, my heart soaring as he stands, enveloping me in his strong arms and gently slipping the ring onto my finger. As our families gather around, their voices a chorus of oohs and aahs over the dazzling ring, I glance at Ian and ask, "How in the world did you get Winnie to learn how to fetch?"
"Determination and treats," he replies with a cheeky grin, his brothers’ laughter echoing around us, the sound weaving into the fabric of this unforgettable day. “I’ve found it’s the best way to deal with stubborn females.”
I roll my eyes, realizing loving Ian is going to keep me on my toes but I’m up to the challenge.
Her pen makes a squeaking sound on the calendar like a mouse caught in a trap, and I know it’s a cry for help. We’ve been trying to pick a date for this wedding longer than I can remember, but it’s like herding cats with dynamite strapped to their backs.
Every time we settle on something, her mom, my mom, or someone else has another issue with it. We’re outside the old chapel on Main Street, and I’m watching Sage’s eyes narrow as she stares at the calendar.
“Why don’t we just fly to Vegas and get married?”
She gives me a look like I’ve lost my mind, but I can see the wheels start turning. “You’re serious?” She bites her bottom lip.
“Serious as a heart attack.” I want her to have my last name like fucking yesterday.