The next morning Jen woke bright and early. A sense of calm filled her. She’d told Ryne the evening before she was going to inform Johnston of their engagement and her decision to return to photography.
As she drove into the parking lot, she recalled the look of sheer pleasure that crossed his face when she told him of her plan. The smile and the glimmer of love in his eyes stayed with her throughout the night and lived with her in her dreams until she woke.
She’d been so caught up in her thoughts, she didn’t notice Ryne’s car so she didn’t realize he was there until she entered the building and heard his voice. She hurried into the office and found him sitting across from Johnston, sharing a cup of coffee. “Jen, look who the cat dragged in.”
Ryne stood and reached for her hand. Leaning into her, he placed a chaste kiss on her cheek and slid his hand around her waist. She knew his affection had come as a complete surprise to Johnston. Only a few people knew of their relationship and how close they’d become. With an astonished look on his face, Johnson motioned to Jen. “I see you’re early today. Have a seat for a few minutes so we can chat with Ryne.”
She nervously smiled at Ryne and sat in the chair beside him. She mouthed a ‘thank you’ to him before turning back to Johnston. “I was pleasantly surprised when Ryne walked into my office this morning.” Johnston took a sip of his coffee. “So Ryne, what brings you by Lakeview this bright and early, especially on a Monday?”
Ryne looked at Jen and reached out to her. Grasping her hand tightly in his, he motioned to her to share their news.
She cleared her voice. “I’ve wanted to tell you this for a while now, and I realized that the time has come.” She looked down at their clasped hands. She knew Ryne was aware of her nervousness and felt his thumb rub alongside her hand, providing her with the support she needed. “I wanted to give you ample opportunity…”
She turned to Ryne and demurely smiled again at him. She needed his strength to continue. Once again she felt his love as she looked into his eyes. His eyes sparkled full with the feelings he had for her. One squeeze of his supportive hand allowed her to finish.
“I want you to know this decision has been a long time in coming. Johnston, know that I appreciate everything you’ve done for me here at Lakeview. Last year, you presented me with an opportunity I wanted absolutely nothing to do with. The fundraiser was like a thorn in my side, especially when you asked for a gallery showing. I hadn’t picked up a camera in I can’t tell you when.” She shook her head trying to clear the memories. “You added Ryne to the mix and I had no out. In time, he made me see that I needed to follow through with the showing and confront my past.”
“That wasn’t my intent, Jen. I remembered your talent and thought we’d be able capitalize on it to raise money for Lakeview.”
“I understand that and I’m thankful we did. But along the way, I realized how much I missed being a photographer. Through Ryne’s encouragement and with the success of the showing, I’ve decided I can’t deny what I truly want to do with my life. Photography is my passion, and I’d thrown it all away when my parents died. Because of you and Ryne, I’ve decided I can’t ignore my calling any longer. I want you to know that I’ve decided not to return to Lakeview next year. I have to follow my heart and right now that’s being with Ryne and the career I’ve put on hold for way too long.”
With that, she lifted her hand. And there, sitting on her ring finger was Ryne’s engagement ring. She knew he’d been totally surprised by her first announcement but was completely thrown off guard when she raised her hand.
Shocked and almost stuttering, Johnston said, “I..I… Is that what I think it is?”
“It certainly is,” chimed in Ryne. “Jen and I are engaged.”
Quickly overcoming his shock, Johnston stood and practically ran to her side. He pulled her into a tight hug. “I’m so happy for you. Did this just happen? I had no idea you were even a couple.”
Sheepishly she said, “No, we got engaged at Christmas.”
“Christmas. How come I’m just finding out about it?”
“Because I wanted to wait until Ryne returned from his road trip to tell everyone. He’s been traveling since right before New Year’s, and it didn’t feel right sharing the news without him by my side.”
“So when’s the lucky day?”
“The first of July. We’re getting married in Canada.”
A perplexed look crossed his face. “Canada, why Canada?”
Again, she squeezed Ryne’s hand. “Because my family’s there.”
“I thought your grandparents lived here and on the East Coast.”
“They do.”
“I don’t understand.”
“My family, which now includes Ryne’s, is mainly from Canada. He has a gazillion siblings, and I didn’t think it was right for them to have to travel all this way when I have only a few family members and friends that live here.” He nodded approvingly. “Ryne and I are going to throw an engagement party here in a few weeks, and then I hope to have a little something here in St. Louis after the wedding. That way, my friends who can’t come to Calgary can still celebrate with us.” She looked at Ryne as she said this and discovered a supportive look cross his face. The idea came to her out of the blue when Johnston had questioned her reasoning for getting married in Canada. A party was the perfect answer, she thought.
Jen looked at the clock and jumped from her seat. It was almost time for the bell to ring, and she needed to get herself organized for the day. “I hate to hurry out of here, especially after dropping our news on you this morning, but I need to get a few things together before the day begins.”
“I’m sorry I kept you, but I’m thrilled with your news. Why don’t you come by my office during your morning break, and we can discuss your plans in a little more detail.” She smiled and nodded. She ran her hand across Ryne’s shoulder as she headed out of the room. “To say I’m surprised about you two is an understatement. How did you keep your relationship under the radar screen for so long?”
“We didn’t do it intentionally,” he said. “A few people knew about us. In the end, we didn’t want it broadcast all over the city. It’s not like we didn’t go out and do things, but we also didn’t make a big deal about it either.”
“I completely understand wanting your anonymity when you’re in public. I see what our parents here at Lakeview go through being recognized and it can be overwhelming at times.”
“It can be and that’s one thing that I don’t want Jen to have to encounter too often. She’s been really good about it so far, but sometimes it can definitely weigh on you.” Ryne glanced at his watch just as the bell rang. “If it’s okay with you, I’d like to stop by Jen’s classroom before I go. I know she’s pretty excited to share our engagement.”
“Sure.” Johnston stood and extended his hand to Ryne. “Your announcement threw me for a loop. I can’t even remember if I said congratulations or not, but congratulations,” he said shaking Ryne’s hand. “You couldn’t have found a better woman than Jen. She’s had a rough go of it since her parents died.”
“She has. But you know what? I consider myself the lucky one. She’s made such an impact on me and my family’s life already, and I can’t wait to see where we go in the next fifty years.” He raised his hand motioning goodbye. “I’ll see you soon.”
By the time Ryne made his way down to her classroom, the daily announcements were being broadcast. He peeked into her room and noticed the children had all gathered around her. They were sitting in a circle towards the back of the room.
He slowly opened the door and eased in. Her back was to him, and she was so enthralled with telling them a story, she wasn’t aware of his presence. As he leaned against the wall, a smile crossed his face. Even though he knew of her doubts as a teacher, she mesmerized him with her tale as she weaved her story. He listened intently and then laughed out loud at one part along with the class. No one had noticed him until they heard his guffaw, and then all eyes were upon him.
The kids were flabbergasted with his presence. Jen turned, acknowledging him. He strode to her and laid his hand on her shoulder. “I think you remember Ryne Ferguson,” she said, smiling at him as she reached up to squeeze his hand.
Her students’ all nodded. He felt her movement and realized she now stood at his side. He started to say something when one of her students let out a huge gasp. “Is that what I think it is, Miss Steele?” the girl sitting at her feet yelled.
He wasn’t sure what she was going to say or do, but she wrapped her arm around his waist and said, “Yes, Francine, your eyes are not deceiving you.” Her hair hit the side of his face as she spun her head and looked up at him. “Ryne and I are engaged. We’re getting married.”
Her class broke out in whoops and screams. It got so loud that Alison came running into the room. She glanced back and forth between them and then spotted Jen’s ring. Her hand flew to her mouth, and she dashed over to pull Jen into a hug. “Carson and I both saw this coming. Is it recent?” She reached for Ryne. She held on tighter than he expected, causing him to grunt. “Oh, sorry about that. I’m so excited for the two of you.” She grabbed Jen’s hand again, raising it to examine her ring. “When did this happen?”
Jen pulled in her lips as she gazed into Ryne’s eyes. She ignored Alison and turned to her students. “Let’s everyone return to your desks and grab your math books.” She pulled her hand from Alison’s. “How about I fill you during our break? I need to settle them down.”
“Sure thing,” Alison scurried from the room calling over her shoulder, “I won’t tell Carson. It’s my little secret, right?”
Ryne nodded. He followed Jen to her desk and whispered, “Sorry about the commotion. I thought this would have played out a little differently.”
She placed her hand on his cheek. This was her first day openly wearing her engagement ring. Since returning to school, she’d worn it on a chain close to her heart. “It’s alright. I didn’t think I’d be able to keep it a surprise for much longer, especially with me wearing this rock on my finger.” She glanced at her hand. The ring glowed brilliantly in the light and Jen raised her eyes to his — sparkling with her excitement.
She pressed her lips together to keep from smiling, but he knew she couldn’t keep the effervescent smile from him. She was happy. Their announcement to her class and Johnston played out just the right way.
He chuckled at her comment. “I guess not. I’ll talk to you later.” He squeezed her hand once again and started out the door. Winking back at her he said, “Have a good day.”
As he made his way to his car, he realized he needed to get busy arranging their party. Instead of returning home, he headed into the Generaldome where he immediately sought out Phoenix, who was in charge of the suites. “I’m sorry, Ryne, but all of the rooms are booked for that night. I wish there was something I could do.”
“I understand,” he said, then realized he had another avenue he could try. Ryne left Phoenix and headed up to the executive offices. He was almost assured he’d found a way to make their party happen.
He approached a closed door and rapped his knuckles against it. He heard a muffled, “Come in,” then cracked open the door. He poked his head around the edge.
“Ryne, is that you? Come on in.”
Ryne strode into the room and stood directly in front of Ed’s desk. Ed rose and reached out his hand. “This is quite a surprise. Is there something wrong?”
“No, oh no, nothing like that.” He ran his hand through his hair. He was a tad bit nervous and didn’t want to be presumptuous. Still…. “I have a favor to ask.”
“Have a seat,” Ed said, gesturing to the chair in front of his desk. “What’s up?”
Ryne knew he needed to be upfront with him. He wasn’t even sure if Ed knew he and Jen were dating, let alone serious. “Okay, here goes nothing,” he mumbled to himself. “I’m not sure if you’re aware of this, but Jennifer Steele and I have been dating for some time now.”
“Yeah, I knew.”
He blew out a breath. At least he knows that. “We’re pretty serious…”
“Glad to hear that’s she’s found someone like you to date.”
“Well, it’s a little more than date. Jen and I are engaged.”
Just as Ryne said the word engaged, Ed took a sip of water. When he heard the words, he swallowed wrong and started hacking away. Ryne jumped from his chair and started pounding Ed on the back. After a few moments, Ed said, “Ryne, quit beating me, I’m fine.
Ryne returned to his seat. “Are you sure you’re alright?”
“Fine. I’m fine.” He paused. “I guess congratulations are in order.”
“Thank you, sir. I appreciate it.”
“I’m happy for you. Outside of this news, is there something else you needed?”
“Ah, yeah there is. My brothers play for the Storm.”
“I’m aware of that. In fact, wasn’t it your twin who knocked you into the boards and caused your injury?”
“Yeah, that was Etienne. He says he didn’t mean it… I need to get back on the subject here. The Storm is coming to town, and Jen and I wanted to have an engagement party while the team was here. I tried to book one of the boxes but they’re all…”
Before he could finish his sentence, Ed said, “My suite’s all yours.”
“Really, just like that?”
“Jen is like a daughter to me, especially after her parents’ deaths. I’d do anything for her. So, yes, you can use it.”
“Thanks, Ed. That means a lot. I hated having to tell Jen our family would be scattered around the arena.”
“Have you thought about using Faceoff?”
“That’s where I’m headed next. Hopefully the party room is available.”
“More than likely it will be. Let me know if you have any problems with that, and we’ll figure something else out.”
When Ryne stood, Ed said, “You’re going to be good to her, right?”
“Of course.”
“I have to assume you received Ro’s approval.”
“I did. In fact, I went to see Miles and Rowena first. I wasn’t too sure, but Rowena actually likes me. At least that’s what she told me.”
“You must be a good man, not that I don’t know you are, but Ro’s a hard nut to crack.”
“That she is,” Ryne added as he walked to the door. “I appreciate it Ed and I’ll get back to you.”
“Hey, Ryne. Is this a secret, or does everyone know?”
“Give me ten minutes and everyone here will be up to speed. I just came from Lakeview. Johnston was totally clueless to our relationship, and her class was overflowing with excitement. They were so loud; Carson’s wife came running in thinking something was wrong.”
“I didn’t want to say anything if it was a secret. Did you just get engaged last night?”
“No. I proposed during Christmas break. I haven’t seen her since, and she decided to keep it quiet until I returned from our road trip.”
“That’s good to know.”
Ryne proceeded to the locker room where he shared the news with his teammates. Congratulations rang out from everyone. “You mean we’ll have to play nice with Etienne and Philippe?” Derek asked as he slapped him across the back.
“Not during the game,” Ryne said. “I plan on being my normal rough self. I definitely won’t be going easy on them, especially Etienne.”
Derek roared with laughter. “But after?”
“Well, they are my brothers, so I have to play nice in the sand since my family and Jen’s will be there too. I need to be on my best behavior, especially around her grandparents. I won them over, and I don’t want to jeopardize that.”
The weeks leading up to their engagement party were busy. Ryne had gone on two short road trips, leaving Jen to handle the nitty gritty details of planning.
While Ryne was on the second of his prolonged road trips, Jen and Lauren took the long President’s Day weekend and went wedding dress shopping. Jen was unsure what she wanted in a gown, so they visited traditional wedding dress shops, wedding boutiques, and anywhere else that might have the perfect dress. Luck wasn’t on her side. She was tired and cranky when she said goodbye to Lauren and stopped by her grandparents’ home for dinner.
Since Wilford and Rose were expecting her, she walked right in. Her grandmother was at the stove. The smells pierced her senses as Jenn leaned over Rose’s shoulder, peeking into the pot. “What smells so good?” she asked as she kissed Rose’s cheek. “Ooh, looks like your special sauce.”
She ran her finger along the wooden spoon Rose had used to stir the red sauce, and touched it to her tongue. “Oh my, that’s good. I can’t wait for dinner.” The smells lifted her spirits after a depressing day of looking for dresses.
Jen grabbed a glass from the cupboard and filled it with ice cold water. Taking a sip, she lost focus and the cool water dribbled down her chin. She wiped the coolness away and strayed to the table, where she plopped into her seat.
“Rough day?”
She nodded her head. “I lost track of the number of stores we visited. I feel like we drove from one end of the city to the other, and nothing called out to me saying this is the dress.”
Rose turned from the stove and walked out of the room. Momentarily she returned with a huge box. Jen could tell it was relatively old, the cellophane over it had yellowed and become brittle. Parts of it had cracked open.
“What’s this?”
“See for yourself, my dear.” She set the box on the table. “Open it.”
Again, she asked, “Grandmother, what is this? It looks old.”
Rose sat across the table gestured again for Jen to open it.
“Are you sure?”
“Dear, if I wasn’t, do you think I would have struggled getting it down from the closet? Please just open it. If you don’t like it, I’ll have it rewrapped. In fact, by the condition of this box, I need to do that as it is.”
Jen chewed on her lower lip unsure what was in the massive box. As she contemplated what to do, Wilford walked in. “Hey there, honey. I didn’t know you’d arrived.”
“I’ve only been here a few minutes.” Her grandparents exchanged a look.
“What do you have there?”
“I don’t know. Grandmother just gave it to me.”
Wilford sat next to Rose and reached for her hand. “Why don’t you go ahead and open it.”
She saw a second glance exchanged between her grandparents as she pulled the box closer. Some of the cellophane crumbled. She wiped her hands together, then ran her fingernail along the edge of the box, breaking the seal. She pulled the brittle covering away, crunching it into a ball, and set it aside. Rose stood and threw it away. As she returned to her seat, she grabbed onto her husband’s arm.
Both Rose and Wilford watched her lift the lid and pull aside the yellowing tissue paper. Jen gasped as soon as she realized what lay before her. Tears began to cascade down her face. She tried to brush them away but one fell right after the next. “She would want you to wear it.” Jen didn’t utter a word as she listened to her grandmother’s voice.
A glimmer of sadness crossed Rose’s face but was replaced with an expression of peacefulness. Jen’s breathing slowed as she took one look at the off-white dress sitting in the box and knew she’d found her answer. She tipped her head back, closed her eyes, and ran her hand along the delicate fabric. The briefest of smiles crossed her face as she laid her hand across her heart. She knew this was right.
She gazed at her grandparents and saw the look of love on their faces as they watched her. Rose opened her arms and Jen found herself engulfed in a tight embrace. Somehow, she contained her emotions.
“I can still see your mother in this very dress walking down the aisle on your grandfather’s arm. Her eyes shone brightly with unshed tears. I knew she was happy and that your father was the only man for her. They loved one another, I think, from the moment they first laid eyes on one another. Their love never waned, and I have to believe they are living happily together right now.”
Rose lifted her head and grasped Jen’s hand. “Jennifer, I see in you and Ryne what I saw in your parents— an all-consuming love. The way you look at him and he looks at you— I feel like I’ve fallen back in time and I’m witnessing your parents all over again. Stay true to that love. Never forget what you have.”
Jennifer knew exactly what Rose spoke of. She clearly recalled every time her father walked into a room; her mother looked at him with the brightest of smiles. If there was one thing she’d always remember about her parents, it was the true love that always emanated when they were together. She hoped she’d forever feel the way she did right now. Ryne was her world and he meant everything to her.
“So, what about the dress? Will you wear it?”
Jen looked back at the gown. It was such a gift that her grandmother had given her. She knew by wearing it, her parents would be close to her heart on her special day— as though they were there in spirit. She lifted the dress from the box, holding up the top half. “Of course, I’ll wear it. Mom and Dad will be with me as I pledge my love for Ryne.” She ran her hand along what she knew were puffy sleeves. Being a dress from the 1980’s, the sleeves would need to be tamed down a bit. “I think we’ll need to alter these,” Jen said pointing to the puffiness. Rose broke out in laughter. “Don’t you think, Grandmother?”
“I’d have to say yes. Those sleeves are definitely out of date. A few alterations and it will be all yours.”
Jen enjoyed the remainder of the evening. Rose’s dinner was the perfect way to end the emotional rollercoaster of a day. What had been a truly stressful one driving around the city looking for the perfect dress turned into one filled with memories of her parents’ happiness and undying love for one another. Jen was relieved when she closed the door on the last few hours. She’d found the perfect dress. Now she could move forward planning the remainder of their special day.