Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 87260 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87260 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
“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.