The microphone was thrust into Coach’s face. “Coach, do you think that settling down and getting married will affect Robert Blade’s game?”
“Nothing affects his game. Blade is the best player in the NFL as far as I’m concerned. I’m proud that he’s on my team. I’m even more proud that I’m going to be able to call him son-in-law.”
The journalist’s face screwed up with confusion, but before he had a chance to ask for clarification, Coach put his arm around Amber’s shoulder and said, “That’s right. Dr. A.C. Morgan, acclaimed physical therapist, is my daughter, and I’m very proud to say that.”
The journalist turned to face the camera and continued with his monologue while Coach moved everyone away for privacy.
“Thank you for saying that,” Amber said, tears filling her eyes once again. “I just wish . . .” She shook her head. “Never mind. It doesn’t matter how long it took us to get here. We’re here now, and there’s no more sneaking around or keeping secrets. You’re my dad, and I’m proud that everyone knows it. I was going to surprise you and change my last name to Morgan-Gaston, but it looks like I’ll be changing it to Morgan-Blade now.”
She turned to rest her eyes on Robert with a look that made his insides turn to butter. As he kissed her hand, the sunlight hit the diamond on her finger and temporarily blinded him. “Did you see this thing?” he asked Tommy, turning Amber’s hand toward his brother.
“They could see it from space. It’s beautiful. I also saw you forget to take the ring out the first time you proposed.” Tommy laughed and slung his arm over Robert’s shoulder. “It was hysterical, bro!”
“Blade, I always told you that you’d forget your head if it wasn’t attached,” Coach bellowed, but with a smile.
“Let me see that ring.” Jessi pushed her way through the men and reached for Amber’s hand. The daylight made the diamond glow with a million tiny sparkles. “Wow. You did good.” Jessi raised Amber’s hand a little higher. “Did you see this?” she asked Amber’s mom.
“Of course,” Catherine answered. “Robert came to us and told us he wanted to propose. He wanted our blessing. Or, rather, my husband’s. I think he knew he already had mine.”
“Did you really ask my parents for their approval?” Amber asked Robert.
“Yeah. No more secrets. Remember? I needed to make sure Coach wasn’t going to have a problem with the world knowing we’re in a relationship. And that’s why I asked you if you were OK with the cameras here today. I wouldn’t have proposed in front of everyone if you weren’t.”
She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him, and he fell in love with her all over again.
The camera circled them, capturing a beautiful moment, but he was done with the attention. He wanted privacy. “Let’s go inside and look at the animals.”
The group moved into the section of the dealership set up as a pet adoption center. Cats and kittens were sitting in enclosures, some purring away, others sticking their little paws through the openings hoping to catch someone’s heart.
Dogs and puppies were in large wire crates or in partitioned play areas. Some were being walked on leashes, meeting their prospective new owners. It tugged at Robert’s heartstrings. “I can’t believe all these animals need homes. I want to do more. Maybe I can do more commercials. Be like a spokesperson. Or help financially.”
“I think that’s a great idea.”
Over Amber’s shoulder, Robert spotted his mom across the room. She looked upset. She kept wiping a tissue underneath her glasses, and he realized she was crying. Worried, he immediately headed toward her. “Mom? What’s wrong?”
She could barely answer and covered her face with her hand. “It’s your father.”
He knew his father could be abrasive and insensitive sometimes, but he never made his mother cry before. “What did he do?”
His mom sniffled and struggled to speak. “He . . . he . . . he’s adopting a dog.”
The anger left Robert’s heart in an instant, and a warm feeling took its place. After all these years, his dad was finally getting a dog. “And you don’t want one?” he asked.
“I didn’t.” She wiped her eyes again. “Until I saw Panda.” She sobbed on the last word. “He’s a cute black and white dog who someone abandoned. They moved out of their apartment and just left him.” She sobbed heavily. “Who could do such a thing?”
“Oh, Mom. It’s OK.” He put his arm around her and rubbed her shoulder. “You and Dad are gonna adopt him and give him a great home.”
She nodded, then suddenly burst into a smile, and her eyes brightened. “There he is!” She waved her wadded up tissue to somewhere behind Robert.
He turned to find his dad walking toward them with a bounce in his step, holding a leash with a black and white dog on the end. Panda was a medium-sized terrier mix with a lolling tongue and whiskers. “He’s so cute! Amber!” He waved her over. “My parents adopted a dog! Come look.”
Amber practically ran across the room. “Mine too! They adopted a three-year-old pit bull mix found as a stray.” As soon as she saw Panda, she dropped to her knees and pet him while he licked her face. “You’re adorable!” When she looked up, her eyes rested on Robert’s mom. Concern passed over her features, and she stood and went to her. “Are you OK, Barbara?”
“I’m fine.” Robert’s mom waved the tissue. “I just can’t believe we’re going to have a dog again.” Her lips quivered. “I’m so happy.”
Amber gave her a side hug. “So is he. Look at that smile!”
The day was a success for everyone. Countless dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens were adopted. The shelter received a ton of press. The car dealership had new and perspective pet owners inquiring about vehicles. Robert couldn’t believe his parents adopted a dog, and Amber’s parents as well. Coach’s announcement to the world that Amber was his daughter put the final seal on their mended relationship. But all of that good fortune combined didn’t add up to the best thing that happened that day—the most beautiful girl in the world was going to become Robert’s wife.
