Gabriel
My first trip to Poland couldn't be going any better.
I'm well fed.
I'm well fucked.
Seth's mom and siblings like me.
And I couldn't be more proud of him, seeing firsthand the fantastic work he, his mom, and their army of workers and volunteers are doing.
Even if the problem they're solving is heartbreaking.
The building looked ordinary, if not a little drab from the outside, but the moment we stepped in, the noise and smell hit me hard.
The barking, the pine disinfectant, the damp concrete, and the rows and rows of cages.
Dogs press forward in their kennels, some frantic, some distressed, some too quiet, all showing signs of past neglect or abuse.
I’ve seen and treated countless strays before, but I was not prepared for how many there are or how close together they live. All I see is exposed ribs and scars. I remind myself to stay calm, but all I want to do is get in there and help in any way I can.
"We have the best team in the world. I want you to meet them,” Seth says, taking my hand, which instantly soothes me a little, and guiding me into an open office cluttered with clipboards and donated supplies.
The staff greet me like they’ve been waiting for me, and I listen to them talk through the day-to-day work, peppering them with a million logistical questions that they don't seem to mind answering. Animal lovers really are the best type of people.
"I want to do more to help," I tell Seth that night over a traditional Polish six-course dinner at a beautiful, intimate restaurant in Old Town he's taken me to.
"The donation you made today will go a long way," he answers with a smile.
"I'm coming back here to help out when we wrap the season," I say definitively, and his smile grows, like it's music to his ears.
"That'd be wonderful." He takes a sip of water then adds, "You know, I've been thinking."
"About?"
"How our showmance storyline should end."
"Oh."
"Yeah. I think I've come up with a great idea."
"What is it?"
"Oh, shoot." He accidentally nudges his fork onto the floor and goes to retrieve it. When he lifts himself back up, he's not holding a fork but a small black box. He opens it, biting his lower lip. "Will you marry me?"
My heart shoots into my throat, but I somehow manage to form words. "Is this for real or for the show?"
"For real of course. I mean, I'm sure it'll play well on the show, too, but it's not about that for me. Whether it's here or back in the States, I want to be with you. Even once the show ends."
"But what about…"
"My allergy to love?"
I crack a grin. "Yeah, that."
"Turns out you're the best antihistamine there is."
I chuckle. "That's…weird."
"I know. I'm weird. I don't make a sound when I…" He leans in, lowering his voice. "Finish in bed. I have highly unlucky-in-love parents. I get on better with animals than I do with humans. But you get me in all of my glorious weirdness. Just like I get you in yours."
I feign shock. "How am I weird?"
"How much time have you got?"
If this weren't such a fancy restaurant, I'd flick a mini pierogi at him. "Yes."
His brows furrow. "Huh?"
"To your question. Yes, I'll marry you."
He breaks out into the biggest smile and gently places the ring on my finger. I inspect the dark tungsten band.
"Went for something practical and durable that you can wear at work. If you don't like it, I can get something else."
"I love it," I say, placing my hand over his so he can see how well it fits. "Just like I love you."
His smile is blinding, all joy and relief. "You've made me the happiest man in the world."
My heart is so full it's overflowing. "I love you so much, Seth. And I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with you."