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Doug and Carol headed out to the dock to wait for the fireworks to start. It was a risk because they were outside and hoping the 4th of July festivities wouldn’t wake up Tess and Kate, but Carol had put on a white noise machine and left the TV on for extra noise barriers.
“You know, back in Chicago, I thought seeing the fireworks over the baseball field during the annual County vs. Medics game was pretty magical,” she said to Doug. “I mean, what’s more American than baseball and fireworks on the 4th of July?”
“Well, baseball, fireworks, and grilling. I have good memories of all that food at the potluck.”
“Fair point. And this is the twins’ first one. I’m kind of glad we decided to spend it at home this year. There will be time for baseball games and carnivals when they’re older and able to handle the noise better.
“You did a good job with the food, by the way,” she added. “I was starving. Both the hot dogs and the burgers were amazing. I wish I hadn’t had to work even a partial shift today, but it is what it is in our jobs.”
“If you want me to show you my grilling secrets before I have to work Labor Day, just ask.” Doug grinned at her.
“I think I’ll take you up on that. It’s never been one of my strong suits.”
She looked out at the water. “I was trying to say, I’m looking forward to seeing the fireworks over the water, in our own backyard. No need to fight the traffic and arrive hours early to get a good spot. We have everything we need right here. And I can’t wait for even more holidays together now that the girls and I are here for good.”
“When you walked down the yard and towards the dock back in May,” Doug said. “I wasn’t expecting you to just turn up. I was honestly in shock when you told me this was an impromptu decision because there were days I thought I’d be visiting Tess and Kate in Chicago forever. That we’d be long distance and you’d still be wearing your engagement ring, but we’d never actually get married or work out something more permanent.”
“I wanted to consider relocation when the time was right for me and not a minute sooner,” Carol explained. “I mean, I could have thought it out but—”
“What’s the fun in that when you love someone?”
He got down on one knee, and she looked at him in disbelief. “Doug, there’s one problem.” She tried to hide her laughter. “I never took my ring off. And you already asked me to marry you over two years ago.”
“I know. But just listen.
“Carol, I knew I loved you from the minute I saw you. I know this relationship has been a bumpy ride at times. I haven’t behaved perfectly, and I felt guilty about the ways that I hurt you, but somehow, I could never see myself being with anyone else. We have two beautiful girls together and you’re a great mom. They’re going to grow up and see just how lucky they are. When I saw you come to me two months ago, it was like I’d never left, and we immediately knew this was still where we wanted to be. And I’m happy you’re still wearing that engagement ring because I still want to marry you. If you feel the same, I hope you say yes again.”
Carol instantly knew the answer to the question. It had been on her heart when she quickly left County to get the first possible flight to Seattle. “I’ve been in love with him since I was 23,” she had told Luka. Why else would she abruptly quit the job she loved and leave her friends behind if there was any doubt as to whether Doug still loved her?
And now that he was on one knee, eagerly awaiting her response, she didn’t have any more reason to wonder.
“I will,” she replied through tears of happiness. “Yes. Let’s plan this wedding. We need to invite all our friends from Chicago and anyone you’ve made friends with at work, and my family. But let’s not wait anymore.”
“As long as you don’t wear the dress you were going to wear when you almost married Tag.”
“Who?” They both laughed, and Carol briefly but fondly recalled how Doug had been there for her in the aftermath of being left at the altar four years earlier.
“But don’t worry; I won’t,” she reassured him. “I gave that dress away maybe, like, a week later and besides, it would be too out of style to wear today. I think I need something more fit for a wedding on the dock.”
“You want to do it here?”
“Well, if not that, then the reception. It’s very Father of the Bride- inspired, but we have the perfect setting. We just need an indoor backup plan in case it rains.”
As if on cue, the boom of fireworks started, and Doug and Carol turned to look up at the colors shooting upward into the night sky and reflecting off the water.
“Yeah,” Doug agreed. “This is perfect for a wedding. We can start planning tomorrow.” And with that, they sealed their re-engagement with a kiss.