When Pigs and Parrots Fly (16 page)

Her heart pounded so hard that she didn't know how he didn't hear it. “Yes,” she mumbled, barely audible. “The question still stands. And I accept your reply.”

In a single, swooping motion, he swept her into his embrace, and Josh's mouth covered hers. In the back of her mind, she registered that the buzz of conversation around them suddenly faded into silence.

For a second, he stopped kissing her, but he spoke with his lips touching hers. “I think I've loved you for years and was too stupid to realize it. I've wasted so much time. How soon can we get married?”

Her mind spun in circles. “I don't know. What day is this?”

“Saturday.”

Slowly, the gears started to connect. Josh already wanted to set a date. For their wedding.

He brushed his lips against hers again. “You're still killing me. How soon can you clear your appointment schedule?”

“Clear my schedule?” Her mind spun. She'd kept her appointment book clear for today so she could tend to Murray at the fair, which meant her schedule was double-booked in places for the next two weeks, especially on the weekends. The only day she didn't schedule surgeries was Saturdays, except for emergencies. But that didn't make her any less overbooked.

She had an agreement with a vet in the next town that, if she was away when any emergencies came up, she could refer them to him; except she'd never left Bloomfield since she'd opened her clinic. She was pretty sure the offer still stood. After all, she'd taken a few of his emergencies when he'd been out of town, but she had to make sure. She also had to take care of everyone who had been waiting weeks already—she certainly couldn't cancel those at the last minute. Although she was sure most of her regular clients wouldn't mind if she took care of all the appointments she'd already made, then closed the clinic for a week. Most of them were probably watching, or on the phone with someone who was.

She started to push away, but Josh only held her tighter. “What's wrong?” he asked.

“I'm sorry. I can't clear my schedule.”

“No,” he muttered. “Please don't change your mind.”

She shook her head. “I won't. I meant to say that the soonest I can leave my schedule clear is three weeks. But it will probably take at least that long to make all the plans.” She'd organized Amber and Stan's wedding in three weeks. It hadn't been easy, but it was doable.

Sarah grinned and pressed one hand over Josh's heart, which pounded beneath her palm. “Don't worry. It's been a long time, so I'm not letting you go. And don't think that you can escape like Murray, because I'll go after you.”

Josh grinned back. “I surrender. I'm at your mercy, and your wish is my command. Big wedding or small?”

“Big.”

“Indoors or out?”

An outdoor wedding in Bloomfield sounded fantastic. Then she wouldn't have to buy high heels, because they'd sink in the grass. They could get married barefoot, like people did in Hawaii. Or at least they had on one episode of
Hawaii Five-0
that she'd seen. “Outdoors. Then people can bring their pets.”

“Deal.”

“That's not much time. What about invitations?”

Josh turned his head over his shoulder to call out to the crowd. “The wedding's in three weeks. In my backyard. Bring your pets. Spread the word.”

As a cheer went up, Josh kissed her again. “Everything's taken care of. Now we each have to go home and let our dogs out. And speaking of the dogs, which one gets to carry the rings? Or should we leave that up to Murray?”