Jasper chuckles. “I forgot to tell you Mr. Willis called them by name as they went inside.”
“Oh?”
His lips twitch. “Ruff and Scruff.”
The “ha!” I release is so loud, it startles birds from a nearby tree. “You’re kidding. Those are…interesting? I prefer Maynooth, although now I feel bad we didn’t name his friend too.” I pause and Jasper nods. “I really do hope they’re okay.”
“Mr. Willis seemed more careless than anything. They’re obviously well fed and they weren’t wary of us in the least, so I doubt they’re abused in any way. Just given far too much free rein.”
“Have you ever had a dog, Jasper?”
“No, although I’ve always wanted one. When I asked for one as a child, my parents said it would be too much to add a dog into the mix in a house with seven people. Years later, I discovered their refusal was actually because of Evan’s allergies. Our parents didn’t want the rest of us to blame him for us not having a pet.”
“Your parents sound wonderful,” I say, and he nods again, smiling wistfully. “Could you get a dog now?”
“Icould,” he says slowly. “My building allows pets. I’m gone such long hours for work, though, and it doesn’t seem fair to keep a dog cooped up alone in my apartment. Maybe someday.”
I make a hum of acknowledgment and lean back, supporting my weight on my hands. My finger catches on a rough spot on one of the gazebo floorboards, and I yank my hand back with a hiss. “What the hell is up with me getting splinters lately?” Luckily this one isn’t as deep as the one at Nansom Farms was, and I’m able to pluck it out easily.
“Do you want me to go get—” Jasper starts, but I wave him off, knowing he’s going to ask if I want the travel-size First Aid kit he carries in the car.
“No, no, it’s fine, thanks.” I pull my cross-body bag around to the front and fish out my trusty hand sanitizer. After slathering it on, Jasper takes my hand, cupping it in both of his as he examines it. I have a flashback to that day at Nansom Farms when I got a splinter from the ladder. Jasper inspected my hand then too and I told him I’d let him kiss it if it made him feel better.
I don’t say anything now. Apparently I don’t have to. He raises my hand to his mouth and presses his lips to my finger. I swallow a gasp and then hold my breath. Jasper’s gaze lifts to meet mine, his eyes dark and serious, searching. Something in my chest expands, making me feel light and giddy and…hopeful?
Despite being distantly aware of the sound of car doors slamming, I don’t pay any attention until a shriek brings me back to the present. Jasper reluctantly releases my hand. We turn in unison to see Gwen dashing across the park with Evan trailing behind her. Her hands are over her mouth and her eyes are wide and bright as they scan the setup around the gazebo.
“Whatisthis?” she squeals when she reaches us.
Jasper waits until Evan joins us where we’re now standing at the foot of the gazebo steps, and then explains the plan to them. Gwen bursts into tears, throwing herself into Jasper’s arms. Evan and I laugh, even though tears have filled my eyes. I love seeing Gwen so happy, and it hits me all over again how incredibly thoughtful Jasper is. Even Evan looks emotional, so I turn to him and give him a hug while Gwen continues to embrace Jasper.
“And you!” Gwen says, spinning to face me once she’s released Jasper. “You were in on this too?”
Before I can respond, she tackles me in a hug. I laugh breathlessly as I wrap my arms around her. “I honestly can’t take any credit. I was just along for the ride.” I meet Jasper’s gaze over Gwen’s shoulder. His cheeks are flushed again and his eyes are shining as he smiles at us. My heart swells with a mixture of affection for these three people and gratitude that I get to be here for this experience.
“I hate to break this up, but we should get started while the light is good,” Jasper says.
“Oh! Okay.” Gwen whirls around, grabbing Jasper’s hand. “First, there’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you and this seems like the perfect time.” She takes a deep breath, looking from Evan to me and then Jasper. “I’d like for you to walk me down the aisle on Evan’s and my wedding day.”
Jasper stares at Gwen as if she spoke in a foreign language and he’s struggling to translate. His mouth opens and a string of nonsensical sounds come out, followed by a stammered, “Oh, well, I mean, is that really…? Shouldn’t you…? Surely there’s someone better suited. Someone you’ve known longer. Perhaps Hugh?”
“Hugh is officiating, remember? I think it’d be kind of hard for him to pull double duty. And even if he wasn’t, I want it to beyou. I want someone I love to hold my hand, keep me calm, and be there to prevent me from turning into a blubbering mess as I walk down the aisle. Evan and I talked about walking in together since we’re not sticking to tradition in other ways, but he said he wants to stand at the end of the aisle and watch his future bride walk toward him.”
I wish someone would holdmyhand right now and stopmefrom becoming a blubbering mess. The look of love that passes between Gwen and Evan nearly takes my breath away.
“So, Jasper,” Gwen says. “Don’t make me get down on one knee before I ask again because you know I will.” She lets out a shaky laugh that echoes Jasper’s. “Will you walk me down the aisle? It would mean so much to me. To both of us.”
“I’d do anything for you, Gwendolyn,” Jasper says softly. He turns her hand in his and lifts it to kiss her knuckles. “And I’d be honored to walk you down the aisle.”
Gwen lets out another wobbly laugh and swipes at the tears streaming down her face. “That’s settled then. Thank you.” She puts her arms out for another hug and Jasper enfolds her in a tight embrace. When he pulls back to kiss her temple, our eyes meet and I see his are swimming with unshed tears.
And just like that, I’m officially a goner.
