Page 71 of Truly, Madly, Deeply
Tommy leaned down and whispered near Annalee. “I can’t imagine.”
“Me, either.” Annalee didn’t look away from the two couples. To think the Quinns had given up a frozen embryo that had, years later, become the baby the Wests gave birth to. It was like something straight out of science fiction. Yet it wasn’t. Because here—between the two sets of parents—was a love that could only be divine.
Finally Tommy’s parents and his siblings rushed up the walkway out of breath. His mom tossed her hands and laughed. “Forgot my phone.”
“We had to turn back.” His dad gave a nervous laugh. “Lost ten minutes.”
“But we’re here now! And it’s only twelve-twenty!” Tommy’s mom waved at the group. “Hello, everyone! I see a few new faces.”
More introductions and then Maddie’s dad explained the situation. “Dawson asked us to wait till twelve-thirty.” Peter looked at his watch. “Which is in one minute. Then we’re supposed to stay together and head tothe lion area.” Peter went on to remind them that Maddie and Dawson had gotten here an hour earlier. “By now, they’re probably watching the meerkats. Maddie loves those little guys.”
“Here we go.” Tommy bent down and kissed Annalee’s cheek. “This will be one of the happiest moments in my cousin’s life.”
“I can’t wait.” Annalee felt a thrill as Tommy began to push her again. Slower this time, since they were in the middle of the group. Maddie had been engaged once before. To a longtime friend of hers. Connor something. A relationship that at first seemed like Annalee’s and Tommy’s.
But their dating days had always been a little off according to Maddie. Something she hadn’t fully realized until she met Dawson. Apparently Connor was dating someone new now, too. Tommy said that Connor and Maddie had actually talked recently and they’d both agreed that their breakup was the best thing.
Hard as it had been.
The group reached the lions and Brooke’s dad organized everyone to line up along the exhibit wall. As if they had never in all their lives been more intent on watching wild cats. Sitting in her chair lower than the rest of them, Annalee caught a glimpse of Dawson and Maddie walking their way.
Maddie didn’t seem to notice the people crowded around the lion encounter. Dawson was grinning, talkingto her about something Annalee couldn’t hear. He walked Maddie to a spot just behind Peter. Then speaking in a louder voice he looked right in Maddie’s eyes. “Maddie West… I have a surprise for you.”
That was the cue they’d all been given. Those words.
And in a rush the group turned around and yelled, “Surprise.”
Annalee had a front-row spot. Maddie put her gloved hands to her mouth and then looked up at Dawson. “What…” She turned to the group. “You’re… you’re all here!” Her eyes welled up.
Dawson couldn’t stop smiling. He put his arm around her and drew her close. Then with gentle care he took off her gloves—one at a time—and slid them into her coat pocket.
Maddie made a sound that was more laugh than cry. “Dawson… what are you doing?”
Sunshine broke through the clouds and shone down on them as Dawson took Maddie’s hands. “God alone could’ve dreamt this up, Maddie. This crazy, amazing story between us.”
The crowd of family formed a half circle around them, so everyone could hear what Dawson was saying.
“You, Maddie.” Dawson framed her face with his hands. Their chemistry made Annalee forget the winter cold. Dawson looked at Maddie for a long beat. “You are the one I’ve always prayed I’d find.” He ran his hand over her hair. “And now you’re here.”
“Dawson…” Maddie put her hand on his. She seemed completely unaware of the rest of them. “What… what is this?”
“I found you and now…” He shook his head. “I don’t want to spend a day of my life without you.”
“Me, either.” Her voice was softer than his. Like she was mesmerized by the magic of the moment.
Tommy took Annalee’s hand and looked into her eyes. “One day,” he whispered. “One day, Annalee.”
Her heart felt light as air.One day. Yes,she wanted to tell him. This was all she wanted one day. When she was well and they were older and the time was right. But here all she did was nod and let her eyes do the talking. Then they both turned again to the beaming couple before them.
Dawson took a step back and dropped to one knee. From his peacoat, he pulled out a velvet box and opened it.
Again Maddie put her hands over her mouth as happy tears slid down her cheeks. “Dawson!” She danced in place a few seconds and squealed.
Suddenly one of the lions let out a ground-trembling roar. So loud Dawson couldn’t have been heard if he shouted.
He laughed and lowered the box. For a second he looked down and shook his head and then, as the lion quieted, Dawson’s eyes found Maddie’s again. “Have I mentioned that I love how this is your favorite place? The zoo?”
Everyone laughed, and Maddie covered her face for a moment, her tears and laughter mingling in the most happy way.
