I nod. “I’ll see you then. Love you too.” It’s so nice to feel like I’m part of a family unit, something I never thought was possible.
Tess joins my friends, along with their significant others, Evie, Darla, Ed, and Nadine at the front of the crowd. They’re my people—my family—and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Shayna, Alyssa, and Mallory are smiling from ear to ear as they raise their fancy to-go coffee in the air toward me. I don’t even care that they won the stupid bet anymore because it led me to Tyler. However, I could’ve done without buying the fancy espresso machine…but at least I get barista-grade coffee for life.
“I’m so proud of you.” Tyler kisses my cheek, making goosebumps erupt across my skin. “Your dreams are coming true.”
“You’re the person I want beside me when they do.” I peer up at him through my tear-filled eyes. “I love you, McDreamy.”
“I love you more, Anderson.” He nudges me toward the front door, his teasing smile lighting up his whole face. “Now, give all these people what they’re waiting for. Go cut your red ribbon, my little CEO.”
I grab his hand, tugging him before he can walk away. “Stand with me?”
“Always.”
Together, we move to stand in front of the small crowd.
“Speech!” Darla shouts.
“I don’t have a speech planned, but I’ll do my best.” I laugh. “First, thank you all for coming to the Tails of Hope Dog Rescue grand opening. It means the world to me to have you all here. To have your support.” I press a hand to my full heart. “I’ve dreamed of creating this organization my whole life, and it’s truly an honor to share in its opening with all of you today.”
I look back at the building, my dream come to life, and smile. “Every dog that will come through this organization, ready to be adopted by a loving family, will have a story—a background of abandonment, abuse, or neglect. But we get to offer them a better future. I can’t wait for the photos of adopted dogs to cover the walls inside, sharing their stories for all to hear.”
Taking in a shuddering breath, I continue. “Thank you for being part of that and for supporting me on this journey to find a loving home for every dog that comes through this organization. I couldn’t do it without the love and encouragement of myfamily”—I look at all my loved ones in the front row—“and the support of this community.” I motion to the building. “Without further ado, Tails of Hope Dog Rescue is now open.”
Tyler hands me giant scissors, and I cut through the red ribbon. The crowd cheers as it falls to the ground.
He pulls me into a hug, and I inhale the smell of his deodorant and cologne. Being in his arms is my happy place, my safe haven. In his arms, I’m home.
My arms are still wrapped around Tyler’s waist as the crowd moves inside to tour the facility, including the fifty dog suites and outdoor play area.
Darla waits until everyone else is inside before walking over to us. “Look at what you did here. It’s beautiful, even though I still think you should’ve done aduckrescue.”
We laugh together, and I shake my head at her antics, which, I’ve grown extremely accustomed to over the last year.
She wags her finger at us. “Now, when will you two give me some more great-great nieces or nephews to spoil?”
Tyler’s hands squeeze my waist. “Aunt D, you need to let me propose first.”
Darla taps her foot. “Well, what are you waiting for?” She waves her arm in a flourish. “Propose.”
He leans in, pressing a kiss to my temple. “Soon.” Although he’s answering Darla, his words feel like a promise—an inevitable for the future we both want together.
With Tyler, the idea of settling down doesn’t feel so scary anymore. I used to think that love didn’t last, but he has shown me what love is every day. So, no. The idea of marriage no longer terrifies me. Instead, it makes me feel joyful and hopeful for what can be. And I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with the man who continually shows me that it’s brave to open my heart—especially when I know he will never break it.
“You young people are always waiting for theright moment.” Darla huffs, walking inside while shaking her head.
When we’re alone, Tyler turns me around and lifts me up, kissing me in a soft, sweet way because he knows it won’t be thelast time. “You know, I’ve already given you my heart, so I may as well give you my last name.” He presses his lips to the soft spot beneath my ear, making my back arch at his touch. “Kelsey Reed does have a nice ring to it.”
I smile up at him, feeling more at peace than I have in my entire life. “I couldn’t agree more.”
