God, please, were running out of time! Emily glanced at her watch for the third time in five minutes. James, were definitely on schedule.
The wedding limousine driver flashed a grin in the rearview mirror. Dont worry, Emily. Were sticking to the plan.
The whole idea of a programme had been on everyones lips for the past couple of months. The ceremony time, the photoshoot timetable, the reception schedule everything was mapped out to the minute.
Thomas, her fiancé, insisted that the wedding day had to be flawless. He loved it when everything ran like clockwork, a habit no doubt forged by his career as a finance director where nothing ever went offscript.
Emily glanced sideways at Thomas. He sat beside her, buried in his phone, doublechecking the itinerary.
It was strange. When they first met three years ago, he seemed completely different more spontaneous, more alive.
Their first encounter had been anything but planned. Hed arrived late to work, and Emily had accidentally knocked over a coffee cup on the café counter, splashing his immaculate white shirt. Instead of getting angry, he laughed and invited her to share another cup.
Emily smiled at the memory. Its been a while since weve seen each other.
A sudden screech of brakes broke the silence. The car lurched forward, but the seatbelt held her safely in place.
What happened?! she screamed, panic in her voice.
Dog, the driver muttered, eyes wide. We didnt see it in time.
My heart dropped.
Emily leapt from the vehicle, ignoring Thomass shout, Where are you going?
On the road, just in front of the limousines bonnet, lay a large, lightred dog, motionless.
My God Emily whispered, kneeling beside it. Is it still alive? she asked the driver.
He knelt next to the animal. Breathing, but barely.
We need to get it to a vet, now! Emily demanded.
Thomas placed a hand on her shoulder. We dont have time. The ceremony starts in forty minutes.
How can you say that? Emily turned to him, tears welling. Its a living creature dying right here!
We cant help it. The guests are waiting, dear secretary
I dont care about the secretary! Emily snapped, her eyes brimming. We cant just walk away!
Other cars in the convoy stopped, and guests began to gather, murmuring.
Whats happening? someone asked.
Why are we staying? another replied.
Oh my God, the dog! Poor thing.
Voices rose into a clamor. Some suggested calling a vet, others urged them to press on.
James, Emily asked the driver, do you know where the nearest animal clinic is?
A few miles away, he replied. But we cant waste time.
Emily! Thomas grabbed her elbow. Are you mad? We have a wedding!
Yes, a wedding, Thomas said, stretching his arm back. The day two people promise to love and support each other, no matter what. Are you really willing to abandon a dying animal for a programme?
From the crowd a cry rang out: Lucy! Lucy!
An older gentleman rushed over, breathing heavily. His greying hair was dishevelled, and his spectacles slid down his nose.
Lucy, my dear, he called, what have you done? I told you not to run off.
His hands shook as he stroked the redcoated animal.
Is this your dog? Emily asked softly.
He looked at her, tears in his eyes. I only have one. After my wife Mary died, Lucy kept me sane.
He turned back to the dog. You fool, he muttered.
Well take it to the vet, Emily said firmly. James, can you help?
The driver nodded and gently lifted Lucy onto his shoulder. The dog weighed at least thirty pounds. Its limp legs and drooping head made Emilys stomach churn.
We need something to move it, the driver said, scanning the area.
A guest spread a blanket on the ground. Take this. Be careful.
They laid the blanket over the rear seat of the limousine, and James, Emily, Thomas, and the older man George carefully transferred the dog. In the soft cabin light its red fur appeared oddly dull.
Love, love, the old man whispered, patting the animal with trembling hands. Dont die on us.
Emily sat beside Lucy, cradling the dogs head on her lap. The brides snowwhite wedding dress was instantly speckled with red hair, but she seemed oblivious.
James, lets get out of here! Thomas urged. Watch the bends, please.
At the clinic, Emily kept stroking the dog, her fingers sliding over its soft coat. She felt its heart thumping unevenly, watched its paws twitch in sleep.
Hold on, love. Were almost there, she murmured. Just stay with us.
George wept quietly alongside, wiping his tears with a shaking hand.
Dont worry, Emily said, offering a steady hand. Well get through this.
Thomas, standing nearby, turned to her, his eyes filled with surprise and admiration. He hadnt expected this turn of events.
Lucy shifted slightly and whispered, Quiet, quiet, love, as Emily gently patted the dogs head. Were close. Were with you.
Emily, Thomas said irritably, were going to be late.
Yes, well be late, she replied, addressing the guests. Im sorry, but the ceremony will have to be postponed. I hope you understand.
Surprisingly, nobody objected. Many nodded in agreement.
Ill go with James, Emily announced. And tell the office well be late.
No, Thomas said abruptly. Ill go with you.
She stared at him, surprised. Really?
He managed a weak smile. Youre right. Forget the programme.
An hour later the wedding procession finally arrived at the venue, forty minutes behind schedule, but no one seemed to mind.
Lucy, now safe at the clinic, recovered with only a mild concussion and some bruises. George stayed with her, grateful for the company.
You know, Thomas said as they walked down the stairs, I havent seen you like this in ages.
What do you mean?
When we argued over the dog, you stood your ground. You were so alive, so sincere, just like that café day.
Emily laughed. Youve always been as boring as ever.
Thomas shrugged. Hey, hey! he joked, nudging her shoulder. By the way, I did go to the clinic.
She looked at him seriously. Thanks.
Thanks for what?
Because he hadnt been boring until the very end.
She giggled and lifted his chin. Its a sign.
A sign of what? he asked.
Just maybe you should take a break. Dont try to control everything.
Who are you to tell me how to treat my fiancé? Emily snapped, startled.
Im serious, Thomas replied. We talked about wedding gifts, didnt we? Why not donate the money to an animal shelter in memory of today?
Emily felt tears well up again, this time with relief.
Because I love you, she whispered.
Because Im kind? Thomas teased.
No. Because you can change, and youre not scared of it.
The ceremony moved forward slowly. The brides dress was slightly rumpled, the grooms tie gone missing. Yet as they exchanged vows, every word rang true and heartfelt, especially the classic for better or for worse.
A week later, after their honeymoon, they visited Lucy and George. They hadnt even planned the trip; sometimes the best moments happen spontaneously, without any schedule.
Lucy now has new friendsa young couple who often bring treats and take her for walks. George says hes never seen his dog so happy, and admits hes never been happier himself.
Sometimes you just have to stop, even if youre in a hurry, even if youre late. Pause and help where you can. That makes the world a little better.
And the wedding? It turned out perfect, just a little off the script.
A year passed. In Georges modest flat, a warm, slightly odd gathering assembled around a festive table. Present were George, Emily, Thomas, and, of course, the heroic dog Julius.
Happy Day of Salvation! Emily raised a glass of orange juice. A year ago fate brought us together.
Ive turned my life around, George said, smiling. After Mary died I was lost, talking only to my beloved dog. Now I have a whole family. I come here often, we even chat online now!
Animalrights groups, Thomas suggested. We could help more pups find homes.
Exactly, Emily agreed, dreaming. Remember how we helped the orphanage? Three dogs now have families because we told their stories.
Three months ago Thomas and George invested some of their savings in a small shelter for stray animals. George became a regular volunteer, caring for the dogs and sharing his experiences.
By the way, Thomas said, pulling out some papers, remember that plot of land next to the orphanage?
Yes, Emily replied. The paperwork was a mess.
Its sorted now, Thomas announced. The shelter can expand and take in more animals.
Really?! Emily wrapped her arms around his neck. Youre amazing!
Me? Thomas laughed. Youre the miracle. Without your perseverance last year, we wouldnt be here.
If it hadnt been Lucy, Emily corrected, smiling at the dog, who barked happily at his name.
True, Thomas agreed. Back then I was so worked up, thinking Id have to ruin all my plans for a dog. Now I see sometimes breaking the schedule improves life.
Exactly, George said, nodding. Maria always used to say the same.
He began another tale from his past. Emily rested her head on Thomass shoulder, listening. Thomas twitched his fingers through his hair. Lucy slept at their feet.
