Chapter Twenty-One – Haven
Chapter Twenty-One
HAVEN
“Haven, we’re going to be late!” Nate called.
I stared at myself in the bathroom mirror and exhaled. “This is it. This is the moment.”
“Haven? We’re going to be late,” Nate said as he walked into the bathroom. “What’s wrong?”
My eyes met his in the mirror. “What if no one shows up?”
He laughed. “What are you talking about? You’ve already sold how many memberships?”
“A lot.”
“Yes, a lot. People are going to be there. Besides, it’s open for all the public today, so that means even more people will be there to see what it’s all about.”
Turning, I nodded my head. “You’re right. You’re absolutely right. I’m just nervous.”
He took my hands in his. “I would be worried if you weren’t nervous.”
I forced myself to smile. “It feels like it’s taken forever to get here, and at the same time, it feels like the last seven months have flown by.”
Nate returned my smile. “A lot has happened, hasn’t it? Rose had Milly. Mackenzie had Tyson, and Lily is pregnant again and due in a few weeks.”
“Josh and Sophia are getting married in a few months. My mother and Doug got engaged,” I said with a slight laugh. “Lots of things have happened. I’m so happy Doug could get this done as quickly as he did with the winter we had.”
“Told you he was the best.”
I placed my hand on his chest. “Yes, you did.”
“We really should get going if we want to be there before everyone starts showing up. Josh texted and said they were there.”
Nodding, I drew in a deep breath and exhaled. “You’re right, let’s go.”
Nate took my hand as we walked through the house and to the garage. My nerves settled a bit once I was in the truck, but I was still worried. The drive into town was quiet except for the radio that played softly in the background.
When Nate turned the corner and I saw the dog park come into view, I couldn’t help but smile. There were a number of cars in the parking lot, but I could tell who most of them belonged to.
“Your parents are here?” I asked.
“Of course they are. Everyone is here for the big day.”
Over the last seven months, Nate’s family had quickly become my family. With each dinner and game night, I felt more and more like I was part of something beautiful. Never once did I feel anything other than love coming from everyone. Being part of a family that truly loved and cared for each other was such a beautiful feeling. And now, my mother was experiencing that with Doug.
Nate parked next to Josh’s truck, and I turned to look at him. “Ready?”
“So ready!”
“Then let’s do this!”
As I walked toward the main building, I felt my heart racing. It wasn’t the first time I’d seen it, of course, but now that it was finished, it was more than I could have ever expected. The sidewalk led you up to a gate that all visitors walked through. The main building, which housed the main office, the bar, and the snack bar for dogs was the first thing you encountered when you walked in. There was also a self-serve machine to buy a day pass or a membership. Once you purchased it, you got a code that unlocked the gates for both the small andlarge dog parks.
Sophia was behind the counter, along with Lenny, the bartender we had hired. To purchase drinks, you had to show your ID and get a bracelet that allowed you to do so. There was also a strict limit on how many drinks you could purchase. Outside the park in the parking lot was a food trailer that would be here Thursday through Sunday,and a groomer who would be at the park every Friday and Saturday. They were both here for opening weekend.
“How is it going so far?” I asked as I stepped up to the counter.
Sophia grinned and said, “Lenny is teaching me how to make some of the drinks.”
“I’m making the pupsicles!” Avery said as she held up one and smiled proudly.
Laughing, I said, “We may just hire you!”
“Did you guys need anything?” Nate asked.
Lenny shook his head. “We’re all good here. Some people stopped by earlier asking when the park would open. We told them today, and they promised to come back with their pups.”
“That’s wonderful!” I said, clapping my hands. “Are the gates unlocked?”
“They are,” Sophia replied. “I also checked the machine, and everything is working perfectly.”
“Wonderful. I’m sorry I’m late. I was…nervous.”
Sophia reached through the window for my hand. “No need to be, Haven. Everything is beyond amazing.”
Glancing around, I nodded. “I’m going to walk around and check everything before we officially open.”
Sophia smiled.
Turning to Nate, I exhaled. “Let’s go check it all out.”
Nate and I headed toward the large dog park. You had to walk through the first gate, where you entered your code. Then, down a sidewalk with donated bricks to another latched entrance. Once inside that area, there were two dog washing stations. I unlatched the third gate, and we entered the large dog park. Straight in front of us was the splash pad. Two dogs were already playing there. Lily and Maverick’s golden retriever, Winnie, and Doug and my mother’s boxer, Mr. Maple.
Turning to the right, you followed another sidewalk directly into the large dog park. The grass we had picked was hardy, and I hoped it would hold up with all the pups. Picnic tables were at the end of the park near the bar. Directly across from us were the cabanas that you could rent. They were covered with bench seating and a TV in each cabana. They were available for people to rent for parties and such. Opposite the picnic tables and at the other end of the park was a covered stage for live music on the weekends. A giant screen TV was at the back of the stage, and Nate and Josh had already purchased the NFL ticket so that they could play the football games come fall. Paw Patrol was currently on the TV.
Four large troughs were filled with water for dogs to cool down in. An ice pool would also be filled with ice during the summer months.
“We need to remember to fill the ice pool before we open,” I said to no one in particular. The staff we hired to monitor the park were all wearing bright yellow shirts with The Cozy Pup Playground on them. It was the name that the community had voted to win.
Several Adirondack chairs were scattered throughout both parks for dog owners to sit and relax as their pups played. They were all made with poly lumber and would last much longer than wooden chairs. Nate suggested the chairs, and they were one of my favorite additions to the dog park, besides the cabanas that Doug suggested.
“Wow, everything looks amazing, Haven,” Nate said as he walked up to me holding a drink. “Want a taste of my puparita?”
Laughing, I nodded and took a sip. “That’s good.”
“I know. I also tried the bark and sip.”
“The one with the vodka and ginger beer?” I asked.
“Yes. It was good. Lenny informed me I had already met my two-drink limit.”
I laughed once again.
Spinning around, I took everything in. “Have we missed anything?”
Nate took another drink and looked around. “I don’t think so. The only thing you need to do is fill up the ice pool with ice, and I asked Bryson to help Josh get the ice.”
“Why didn’t you help him?” I asked with a grin.
Nate held up his drink. “I’m sampling the drinks.”
With a roll of my eyes, I walked over to the cabanas. “I’m not sure about the pillows. I have a feeling they won’t last long.”
Nate picked one up that had a paw print on it. “They’re cute. And when the cabanas aren’t rented out, these will be closed up, right?”
“Yes.”
“I wouldn’t worry about it. If you see they’re torn up, we just don’t replace them.”
I nodded.
“Why are you wringing your hands?”
A nervous bubble of laughter slipped free. “I just want everything to work out. I want people to love the park.”
“Hey,” Nate said, setting his drink down on the table in the cabana. “Everyone is going to love it, Haven. Your vision and Doug’s wonderful work have brought to life something special. I’ve never seen a dog park like this before. It’s going to be a hit.”
“It did turn out to be even more than I ever dreamed.”
“I don’t think I’ve told you how proud I am of you, princess.”
Tears pricked at the back of my eyes. “I couldn’t have done this without you.”
He smiled. “Yes, you could have, and you would have.”
I shook my head. “Not like this. You’ve helped in so many ways, Nate.”
“Well, if you think you can handle one more surprise, I’d like to give it to you before we open.”
“A surprise?” I said with a wicked smile.
Nate laughed. “That surprise will be later when we’re alone.”
Taking my hand, we started to walk toward the picnic tables where everyone was gathered. Nate’s entire family was here, and I loved seeing the kids running around with the dogs. It was exactly what I pictured when I thought of this park.
Nate stopped and got everyone’s attention. “I want to thank all of you for your help, time, money, and prayers that you put out to make this adventure happen. I know I speak on behalf of Sophia and Haven when I say this couldn’t have happened without all of you.”
“Yes,” I added. “If it wasn’t for all of you, I’m not sure we could have made this dog park what it is.”
“I second that!” Sophia said as she put her arm around Josh’s waist.
“It was our pleasure, girls. Nothing is better than watching someone’s dreams come true,” Stella said as she walked up with Tanner walking alongside her holding a box. “And now, we get to witness yet another beautiful moment.”
Confused, I looked around before seeing Tanner hand Nate the box. Sophia walked up and took my hands, turning me away from Nate.
“Close your eyes, Haven.”
“What?” I asked with a laugh.
“Close your eyes!”
“But why?”
“For the love of all that’s holy, Haven Marie Larson, close your eyes!” my mother called out.
Closing my eyes, I asked, “What’s going on?”
“It’s your surprise,” Sophia softly said as she placed her hands on my shoulders. “Keep your eyes closed until Nate tells you to open them.”
Feeling giddy, I nodded and let her turn me around. Everyone was quiet, and it struck me that this was the first time I had heard the Shaw family this silent.
“Ready?” Nate asked.
“Yes! I’m ready!” I said, excitement filling my voice.
“Open your eyes, princess.”
When I opened them, I saw Nate on one knee holding a chocolate lab puppy. My hands came to my mouth as I drew in a breath.
“Haven, these last seven months with you have been the greatest months of my life. Watching your dreams come true has been a gift I will forever cherish.”
I wiped the tears from my cheeks as Nate cleared his throat and went on.
“When I’m with you, the rhythm of your heart echoes within my soul. I never dreamed I would find a love like this, and every morning when I wake up and see your beautiful face, the fire of my love for you grows stronger and stronger.”
“Nate,” I whispered as I lowered down to the ground. It was then I noticed the puppy had a bow tied around its neck.
“You once said you wanted a dog but couldn’t have one in your apartment. I thought now was the perfect time to gift you with your very own pup. I also needed his help to ask you a very important question.”
My hands started to shake as Nate handed me the puppy. That sweet puppy breath filled my senses, and I laughed when the little guy started licking my face.
“Hello there, little baby,” I said as I hugged him to me. “What’s his name?”
Nate smiled. “I figured you would want to name him.”
Holding him up, I chuckled when I saw his paws. They were huge. “I think we should name him Bear, ’cause he looks like he’s going to be as big as a bear.”
Nate laughed. “Bear, it is. If you’ll look on his bow, Bear has something for you.”
I found the little note and untied the bow. My hands shook as I opened it and read the note.
I’m so happy to finally meet you, Mommy. Daddy picked me out because he said I would be the perfect addition to the family, and he needed me to help with the second part of your surprise.
I glanced up and nearly dropped the poor puppy when I saw Nate holding open a jewelry box that contained a beautiful sapphire ring surrounded by diamonds. I instantly started to cry when Nate took the ring out and took my left hand in his.
“Haven, would you do me the honor of becoming my partner for life?”
Setting the puppy down, I launched myself at Nate, nearly knocking him over.
I heard everyone start cheering while Nate laughed. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
Drawing back, I looked into those beautiful silver eyes that had captivated me years ago and said, “I would love nothing more than to marry you, Nate Shaw.”
With a wide smile, Nate slipped the ring onto my finger as everyone around us erupted into more cheers.
Nate stood and helped me do the same. Once I was on my feet, I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him. Everything else faded away, and it was the two of us for a few short moments. When Nate drew back, he rested his forehead to mine.
“I love you, Haven.”
“Oh, Nate, I love you too.”
The puppy barked and we both looked down at him sitting next to us, staring up. I reached down and picked him up. “You cannot be here once this place opens up, little man.”
“I’ve already got someone coming to get him and take him home for us. She’ll pet sit until we’re finished up here today.”
I slowly shook my head. “You have it all covered, don’t you?”
He winked. “I tried.”
Sophia walked up and pulled me into a hug. “We should have a double wedding!”
Laughing, I said, “Let me get used to the idea that I’m engaged first!”
My mother stepped up and took my hand. “That is stunning, Nate. Just beautiful.”
“Thank you, Grace. It was my grandmother’s ring.”
That little bit of knowledge made me start crying again. How special was it that Nate gave me a family heirloom.
“It’s breathtaking,” I softly said as I stared down at the ring.
Once my mother stepped back, the line formed for everyone to congratulate us.
“Haven, this is Karen. She applied for a job here and reminds me of a younger you,” Nate stated as a young girl about seventeen walked up.
“I dog walk too! I started doing it after you picked up our dog Monty.”
With a tilt of my head, I stared at the young girl. “Oh my gosh, Karen? When did you grow up?”
She laughed. “According to my mother, it happened overnight.”
“I’d say!”
“Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of Bear today for you, so you don’t have to worry.”
I reached down and picked up Bear, giving him a hug and kiss. “I hate letting you go when I just got you!”
Nate reached down and kissed Bear on the head and I fell in love with him a bit more. “He’ll have fun. I bought out PetSmart and gave Karen three bags of toys to take to the house.”
I chuckled. “Spoiled already, I see.”
“Nothing but the best for my son.”
My head snapped up to look at Nate. “Your…son?”
He grinned. “Yeah. He’s the perfect addition to start our family.”
If we were alone, I would drag Nate off to a corner and have my way with him.
I handed Bear to Karen and kissed him goodbye. After everyone had given us their best wishes, they broke out into smaller groups. Stella was sitting with Lincoln and Timberlynn, each with a drink in their hands while they smiled and talked about something. I had a feeling they were talking about weddings.
Nate held onto my hand as we walked Karen out of the park and to her car.
“Take care of him,” I said as I gave him yet one more kiss. I hated letting him go after just getting him.
“Don’t worry. We’re going to work on some commands and hopefully get him started on potty training.”
“Do I see a little trainer in our future?” I asked.
Karen nodded. “Yes! That is my plan.”
“Maybe those plans might include working here as a trainer,” I stated.
Karen’s eyes lit up. “That would be amazing, Ms. Larson.”
“Call me Haven.”
She smiled. “Haven, it is!”
Karen put Bear in the front seat and clipped a dog seat belt to his little harness. She waved as she got into her car.
“I’m sorry to give him to you, then take him away,” Nate said as we both watched Karen drive off.
“He’s beautiful, Nate.”
“I was hoping you wouldn’t be upset that you didn’t get to pick him out.”
Facing him, I shook my head. “I loved that you picked him out. He’s perfect.”
With a quick look at my engagement ring, I added, “And this ring is just…it’s stunning, Nate.”
“Did I surprise you, then?”
“I’ll say!” I laughed. “But you’re not the only one with a surprise.”
He waggled his brows, put his hands on my hips, and drew me to him. “Oh, yeah? What’s your surprise?”
I chewed on my lower lip as I placed my hands on his chest. “It’s a big one.”
“Really? How big?”
“Big.”
He laughed. “Please tell me you didn’t adopt a great dane or something. I’m not sure we can handle two dogs.”
I ran my finger along his shirt. “No, it’s not a great dane.”
The sound of a car pulling into the parking lot had us both looking in that direction.
“People are starting to show up,” Nate said, excitement filling his voice. He focused back on me and said, “So, are you going to tell me what my surprise is? Maybe a new piece of lingerie?”
“That’s not it.”
“Okay, well, are you going to make me wait or tell me?”
Reaching into my back pocket, I pulled out a small envelope and handed it to him.
He took it and grinned. “You wrote me a note too?”
I shook my head. “It’s not a note.”
He opened the envelope, took out the paper, and stared at it. My heart pounded in my chest as I studied his face. He blinked a few times and finally pulled his eyes from the paper to look at me.
“Holy shit.”
I nodded. “Holy shit is right.”
Nate’s eyes went wide. “We’re going to have a puppy and a baby…at the same time?”
Laughing, I nodded. “Looks like we’ll be growing that family sooner than you thought.”
Nate looked at the sonogram again, then at me. “Did you know?”
I shook my head. “I had my yearly appointment and mentioned I was a few weeks late. She decided to take some blood work and test my urine. When it came back positive for pregnancy, she did the sonogram.”
“How far along are you?”
“Seven weeks.”
Nate picked me up and spun me around before setting me down and kissing me like he had never kissed me before. When we broke the kiss, he looked at me and laughed.
“A baby.”
“You’re happy, then?”
“Happy? Haven, I’m fucking over the moon!”
Looking past him, I saw Sophia speaking to the group of people who had walked up to the window. She was explaining about the park and the membership system to them.
“I was thinking we could keep this to ourselves for a bit. I’m so early on in the pregnancy, and with the park opening, there is going to be so much going on.”
Nate laced his fingers in mine. “I agree. I’d like to keep this between us for now.”
“Me too.”
“I cannot wait to get you home and make love to you.”
I giggled. “I was already wishing there was a place we could sneak off to, but I guess it wouldn’t look good for us to not be here when the place opens!”
Nate tossed his head back and laughed.
More people started to pull in and park.
“Come on, my future wife and mother of our child. Let’s get our party hats on and open up this dog park.”
As we walked back through the gates and I saw our families laughing and having such a wonderful time with the dogs that were slowly filling the park, I reached over and pinched myself.
“Nope, not dreaming.”