“That’s a great idea.” I do like the notion of helping an animal who’s had a hard time.
“Sign up for the app,” Noah suggests, “and you’ll be able to see what animals are available when it’s time.”
“I will.” She beams at him, then at me. “This has been such a lovely surprise.”
“Best day ever.” Scarlett bends to blow kisses to a fluffy mixed-breed dog who’s standing there wagging his tail at her.
Orson winks at me, then takes her hand. I take Chessie’s, and we follow Cullen and Noah through the back door and into the sunshine.
The path leads through the animals’ yard, then out another gate, and we walk around the building toward the paddock. A fence runs around it, and a large oak tree stands by the gate, its huge arms causing dappled light to fall over the ground. Inthe distance, the Pacific is a startling blue, only matched by the cornflower-blue sky with its little puffy sheep-like clouds.
Under the tree is a table. Above it, white ribbons have been tied to various branches that flutter in the sea breeze. A man stands by the table. He’s wearing a smart navy suit, and he smiles at us as we approach.
“You must be Ian,” I say, and I shake his hand. “I’m Kingi, and this is Orson.” I then introduce the girls, who look puzzled, but politely shake his hand.
“What’s going on?” Chessie murmurs.
Finally, it’s time to explain. I take her hand in mine.
Since Chessie and I first moved in together back in May, she’s grown in confidence by several hundred percent. Although her father and brother help out at Ross Gardening, she runs the company pretty much single-handed, and she’s doing a fine job with it. She also helps me a lot with the work I do at the Foundation, and we’re developing various schemes for the youngsters to help them get jobs in the community.
But despite my best attempts at trying to convince her that I love her, her low self-esteem continues to make her doubt my sincerity. It’s not that she doesn’t believe me… she just thinks I’m eventually going to wake up and realize she’s not the girl for me.
Orson has the same problem with Scarlett. We’ve spoken to both of them—alone and together—about our hopes and dreams for the future, but both of them continue to brush us off in the nicest possible way. Neither will commit to planning a wedding, and I suspect they’ve secretly discussed the fact that they’re both terrified at the thought of a high-society event where everyone will pour scorn on their choice of a dress and their big day, no matter how much money we spend on it.
And so Orson and I decided to take steps. If we can’t bring the girls to marriage, we’ll have to… well, do the other thing.
*
Chessie
Scarlett looks as baffled as I feel. We both thought we were going to Waitangi today. The visit to Noah’s Ark was a wonderful surprise… but it looks as if the guys have planned more than a mere introduction to animal rescue.
“We’ve talked about getting married,” Kingi says. “But I know you’ve both been reluctant to set a date because you’re worried about all the pomp and circumstance surrounding a big wedding.”
Scarlett and I exchange a glance and nod slowly. We’ve spoken many times about the terrifying thought of a big event in front of hundreds of people. Both of us are quiet introverts who much prefer the company of close friends and family, and we’ve bonded because of that. We’ve tentatively mentioned the notion of a quiet wedding to the guys, but they both seemed confused, as they’re convinced that all women are desperate for the big dress and the grand event.
“We know neither of you want the fuss,” Orson continues. “So…” He smiles at Scarlett. “We thought we could get married here today, and then just have a blessing and a small party with our friends and family back home.”
Scarlett and I stare at them.
They glance at each other, their smiles fading.
Kingi looks back at me. “It was just an idea,” he says worriedly. “I was talking to Noah about coming to visit, and he happened to mention in passing that they sometimes hold weddings here, and I thought what a great idea it would be, and Orson said he thought Scarlett might like it too, and it might convince both of you how serious we are… but if you’re not keen it’s not a problem…” His voice fades away, and his brows draw together.
I look across at Noah King and Cullen, who are standing a short distance away, talking quietly. Noah glances at me and winks. I’m thrilled to have met him after reading his article. I found it so inspiring, and such a touching love story.
Get married here, to Kingi, today? In this beautiful, peaceful place, where animals come to heal and find happiness again?
I meet Scarlett’s eyes, and as one, a smile spreads across our faces before we both turn and throw our arms around our guys.
“Oh my God,” I whisper in Kingi’s ear, “you really want to marry me?”
“Silly, silly girl.” He hugs me tightly. “Of course I want to marry you. I don’t care where we do it, or who’s watching. I just want you to be mine.”
“I am yours, Kingi.”
“Then wear my ring and show the world that you’re my girl.”