33. Chapter Thirty-Three #3
"Okay, but now we need a tag," Liam says, already heading toward the custom engraving station. "Something good. Something memorable."
"What are you thinking?" Tyler asks, following him.
We all converge on the engraving station like we're planning a play.
"It needs to be simple," Graham says. "Clean. Not too wordy."
"But it needs to be clear," Josh adds. "Sarah needs to read it and immediately know what's happening."
"Will you marry me?'" Tyler suggests.
"Too direct," Liam says. "It's coming from Ranger. It should be from Ranger's perspective."
Aiden leans against the counter. "What about 'Will you marry my dad?'"
"That's perfect," Brett says.
"It's cute without being cheesy," Graham agrees.
"And it makes Ranger part of the proposal," Josh adds. "Which he should be."
Tyler's already got his phone out, filming. "Dude. This is sick. Lindy is going to lose her mind when she sees this."
"You're not filming the actual proposal," I tell him.
"I know, I know. This is just the setup. But trust me — people are going to want to see how Ranger got his proposal collar." He's already typing on his phone. "I'll send it to Lindy and Paige with strict embargo orders. Nothing goes live until after you give the signal."
"Tyler's actually being responsible about social media," Graham observes. "What timeline is this?"
"The one where I don’t give Sunshine a reason to never block for me again," Tyler says.
The woman behind the counter has been watching this whole production with barely contained amusement. "So, what would you like on the tag?"
I pull out my phone, type it out, show her the screenshot of exactly what Ranger would say if we’d asked him his preference.
Her whole face lights up. "Oh, that's adorable. Give me a few minutes."
"Okay, we have time to kill." Tyler's already looking around. "We should get treats. Do you have treats for Ranger? What about a new toy? Oh shit, they have hockey stick chew toys!"
"We're here for a collar," Aiden reminds him.
"But look at this!" Tyler holds up a plush toy shaped like a hockey stick. "Ranger needs this."
"He has seventeen toys at home," I point out.
"But does he have a hockey stick toy? This is essential equipment."
Graham plucks the toy from Tyler's hands, puts it back on the shelf. "Stay focused, Momo."
"You guys are no fun."
While we wait, the guys spread out. Tyler disappears into the toy section to buy some indestructible things for Hercules. Liam's reading treat labels. Josh pulls aside the pet food department manager to ask questions about organic chicken and brown rice food for Moose.
Brett stays next to me, leaning against the counter.
"You nervous?"
"I shouldn’t be. But yeah, a little bit. I know she’ll say yes. But I need to get it right. We did everything backwards and upside down. This needs to be the perfect moment she deserves."
"Good." He's quiet for a second. "You don’t have to make it elaborate. That’s not even you and Sarah. It wouldn’t feel authentic. Just keep things honest. That's what Sarah needs — you following through on what you said you'd do."
I let out a deep breath. "When did you get so wise?"
"I’ve done this once before." He grins. "And she’s still with me. So, I guess I did okay. And you’re gonna do okay too."
Tyler reappears with armfuls of dog toys. "So, I was thinking—"
"No," everyone says at once.
"You don't even know what—"
"Put them back," Graham says.
Tyler sighs but shuffles off to return them all, muttering about people with no vision.
The woman comes back with the collar. The navy leather looks sharp and the brass tag catches the light.
RANGER ST. CLAIR on one side.
"Will you marry my dad?" on the other.
I get this completely settled feeling looking at it. No game-day adrenaline. No second-guessing.
"Dude." Tyler's voice drops an octave. "That's actually really good. Ranger's gonna look so official."
"Good luck," she says. "I hope she says yes."
"She will," Liam says, serving as official spokesman. “My work here is done.”
Tyler pulls out his phone one more time, gets a shot of me holding the collar. "Got it. Sending to Lindy and Paige now with strict embargo orders."
"You really like this social media stuff, huh?" I ask.
"I might get good at something other than hockey." He shrugs, but he's smiling. "Who knew?"
"We knew," Camper says. "You've always been good at getting attention. Now you're just channeling it productively."
"That's the nicest way anyone's ever told me I'm annoying."
We eat lunch at a taco place off Manchaca that Liam swears by. Afterwards, we drop Brett back at B. Barton to get his car, then head to the arena so everyone else can get their vehicles and go back home.
"Wing Wednesday tonight?" Liam asks as we're pulling into the parking lot.
"Yeah. Sarah and I will be there."
"Fuck yeah. You better be." He grins. "Can't wait to see how this plays out."
I flip him off and head to my truck.
I've got a ring to hide, a collar to put on Ranger, and a proposal to figure out before Sarah gets home at five-thirty.
I passed Crash’s Five Hole Challenge on my first try last year, so basically I can do anything.
Even if this time, I only get to use one knee.