15. Sage
Sunlight spills across the expansive field, illuminating a kaleidoscope of scattered balloons and a swarm of energetic children darting in every direction like fireflies at dusk.
Parents converge in cheerful clusters, their voices merging into a lively chorus. I busily prepare for the school picnic alongside Eloise, attempting to drape a vibrant string of bunting while simultaneously managing a whirlwind of tasks.
As I inspect the neatly arranged tables, my gaze flickers repeatedly toward the park entrance, eagerly scanning for Ian's arrival.
"I'm dying in this heat," Eloise complains, tying up her curly hair with a swift twist of her wrist. "I’m definitely not an outdoorsy girl. "
"I hear you," I chuckle, adjusting a teetering pile of cups. “The day will be over before you know it.”
“I seriously doubt that.” She blows little strands of hair out of her eyes.
The playground behind us explodes with sound as a pack of kids hurtles past, racing each other to a bouncy house set up near the field's edge.
Eloise drapes an arm around my shoulder, her eyes narrowing as she leans in. "Where’s Ian?"
"I guess he’s running late." I shrug and scan the entrance for Ian as if staring hard enough will make him appear.
"Relax, he'll show up. That guy is absolutely head over heels for you. It's nauseating," she says, mimicking a gagging sound, causing me to roll my eyes.
The aroma of grilled hot dogs wafts over, mingling with the fresh, earthy scent of cut grass. Nearby, a bunch of dads have lined up their smokers, and the lively discussion about charcoal versus gas is already in full swing.
We're almost done when more families pour in, blankets and lawn chairs under their arms, claiming spots on the grass like they’re front-row seats at a concert. The sound level spikes as the crowd swells, turning the whole field into a playground .
A dad I've seen around but never learned the name of catches my attention. "Ms. Higgins," he calls, waving an arm as he approaches. He's got two toddlers strapped to his chest and a wide grin that makes me wonder what kind of caffeine supercharge he's on. "Everything starts at one, right? Or are we late?"
"You're right on time," I assure him, returning his enthusiasm with a smile of my own. He veers off to join another set of parents who are already breaking into their picnic basket, sipping iced teas, and sharing insider gossip about the school's next principal.
That's when I see him.
Ian emerges from the sea of people, moving with an effortless grace that seems to part the crowd like a gentle wave. His dark hair dances with the breeze, and even from a distance, I can see the familiar intensity in his eyes as they lock onto mine, making me momentarily forget how to breathe. The world narrows down to this singular moment.
"Try not to drool in front of the kids," Eloise teases, her voice light and playful as she reaches over and hands me a napkin, breaking the spell.
"You’ll understand what I’m feeling one day," I mutter, unable to tear my gaze from Ian's captivating eyes.
"Oh, hell no," she retorts, looking utterly horrified as if I had suggested she join a convent or something equally drastic. "I’m perfectly happy with my life the way it is. I don’t need a man to complete me."
“We’ll see.”
I forget all about my best friend as Ian moves steadily toward me with Winnie prancing alongside him as if she were the guest of honor at a royal gala.
The little drama queen spots me, and her excitement is palpable. Winnie rushes ahead, her short legs pumping furiously, her tongue flopping out with unrestrained enthusiasm as if the entire world exists just to welcome her.
She paws at my leg with eager intensity, and I bend over to scoop her up, feeling her warm, lively body against mine. "I'm glad you finally got here," I laugh, clutching Winnie tightly to my chest, her soft fur brushing against my cheek.
"Sorry we're late," Ian says with a playful grin, wrapping his arm snugly around my waist and pulling me close for a quick, tender kiss. "The diva made me work my ass off to get her out of the house." His eyes sparkle with amusement, and I can't help but chuckle, knowing full well that Winnie has a will as strong as steel, expecting the world to bend to her whims.
"Thanks for bringing her." I smile up at him, feeling grateful and content. He swallows, and for a brief moment, I catch a flicker of unease in his eyes .
"She actually has a job to do for me," he confesses, his voice tinged with a hint of mystery.
I frown up at him, curiosity piqued. "What job?" I ask, casting a glance around and realizing with a start that his parents, brothers, and my own parents have gathered around us, their faces glowing with anticipation. What on earth? I had no idea they were all coming to the school picnic.
"She's my very important assistant." He smirks down at me, mischief dancing in his eyes. "Put her down and let her do her job." I frown, puzzled, but obediently bend over to set Winnie down on the grass. Ian then throws a brightly colored ball toward us, and Winnie dashes after it with enthusiasm. Ian taught her to fetch? That was the very important job? I wonder, my mind swirling with questions, as Winnie triumphantly returns with the ball clutched in her mouth.
I reach down to take it from her, intending to throw it again, when I notice a faint jingling sound. Intrigued, I carefully open the little plastic ball and am stunned to find a breathtaking diamond ring nestled inside. My heart skips a beat as Ian drops to his knees before me, his eyes filled with love and hope. "I met you at Career Day, so I figured another school function would be the perfect place to ask you to marry me."
"Oh my God," I manage to say, my voice trembling with delight rather than shock .
"Is that a yes?" Ian asks, a hint of nervousness in his voice as a tiny bead of sweat rolls down the side of his face.
"It's definitely a yes!" I laugh, my heart soaring as he stands, enveloping me in his strong arms and gently slipping the ring onto my finger. As our families gather around, their voices a chorus of oohs and aahs over the dazzling ring, I glance at Ian and ask, "How in the world did you get Winnie to learn how to fetch?"
"Determination and treats," he replies with a cheeky grin, his brothers’ laughter echoing around us, the sound weaving into the fabric of this unforgettable day. “I’ve found it’s the best way to deal with stubborn females.”
I roll my eyes, realizing loving Ian is going to keep me on my toes but I’m up to the challenge.