Blimey, were cutting it close! Emma glanced at her watch for the third time in five frantic minutes. Serge, were still on schedule, arent we?
The wedding limo driver, a cheery chap named Steve, beamed at her through the rearview mirror. Dont worry, Emma. Were ticking all the boxes.
Emma had heard the word programme a lot latelytwo months of rehearsing the ceremony timetable, the photoshoot itinerary, the dinner schedule. Everything was supposed to run like clockwork.
Arthur, her fiancé, was a stickler for plans. A perfectly timed wedding is the dream, hed said, his voice dry as a spreadsheet. Hed spent his career as a finance director, where nothing ever happened without a Gantt chart.
Emma watched Arthur from the side of the seat, his eyes glued to his phone, doublechecking the minutiae. It was a far cry from the first time theyd met three years earlier, when hed shown up late to work and shed knocked on the wrong café door, spilling her latte over his snowwhite shirt. Instead of snapping at her, hed laughed and invited her for a second cup.
A fond memory made Emma smile. Its been ages since weve seen each other, she thought.
The quiet was shattered by the screech of brakes. The car lurched forward, but the seatbelt kept Emma safe.
What on earth happened?! she shrieked.
Dog, Steve muttered, as if that explained everything. We didnt see it in time.
Emma bolted from the vehicle, ignoring Arthurs shouted, Where are you going?
Lying on the road, just in front of the limos bonnet, was a large lightred dog, motionless.
My word is it still alive? she whispered, kneeling.
Steve knelt beside the animal. Breathing barely.
We need to get him to a vet, now!
Arthur placed a hand on Emmas shoulder. We cant. The ceremony starts in forty minutes.
How can you say that? Emma turned to him, eyes blazing. A living creature is dying right here!
We have guests waiting, dear, he replied, as if that mattered.
My eyes are watering, Emma protested. We cant just walk away.
Other cars in the convoy pulled over, and guests began to gather, murmuring.
Whats the story? one asked.
Why are we staying? another wondered.
Oh, for heavens sake, the poor dog a voice sighed.
Someone suggested calling a vet, while others argued they should press on.
Steve, do you know where the nearest veterinary clinic is? Emma asked.
A few miles away, he replied, but were out of time for gifts!
Emma! Arthur grabbed her elbow. Are you off your rocker? We have a wedding to run!
Right, the wedding, he said, stretching his arm back. The day two people pledge to love and support each other, no matter what. Are you really willing to abandon a dying animal for a programme?
A shout rose from the back of the crowd: Lucy! Lucy!
An elderly gentleman, his silver hair in disarray and glasses sliding down his nose, huffed over. Lucy, my dear, what have you done? I told you not to run off. He bent down beside the dog, his hands shaking as he stroked its reddish coat.
Is this your dog? Emma asked softly.
Tears welled in the old mans eyes. I only have one left. After my wife died, Lucy has been my only companion.
He turned back to the animal. You idiot!
Well take him to the vet, Emma said firmly. Steve, could you help?
The driver nodded and gently lifted Lucy into his arms. The dog weighed at least thirty kilograms, its limp legs and drooping head making Emmas stomach flutter.
We need a blanket, Steve called, scanning the scene.
One guest spread a rug over the back seat. Here, be careful.
TogetherSteve, Emma, Arthur, and the old man, Mr. Thompsonhurried the dog into the vehicle. In the dim cabin light, the dogs red fur looked oddly matte.
Hang on, love, the old man whispered, patting the animals shivering body. Dont give up on us.
Emma cradled Lucys head on her lap. The brides white wedding dress was promptly speckled with red hairs, but she didnt notice.
Steve, lets get moving! Arthur barked. Watch the corners, please.
At the veterinary clinic, Emma kept rubbing the dogs soft fur, feeling its uneven heartbeat and watching its paws twitch in sleep.
Hold on, sweetheart. Were almost there, just a little longer.
Mr. Thompson sobbed quietly, wiping his tears with a trembling hand.
Dont worry, Emma said, offering a steady hand. Well be fine.
Arthur, standing nearby, looked at her with surprise and admiration.
Lucy stirred faintly, then whispered a soft whine.
Quiet, quiet, love, Emma murmured, stroking the dogs head. Were almost there.
Emma, Arthur snapped, were going to be late.
Well be late, she replied, turning to the guests. Sorry, but the ceremony will have to be postponed. I hope you understand.
Surprisingly, no one objected; many nodded in agreement.
Ill go with Steve, Emma announced. And tell the office well be late.
No, Arthur said suddenly, Ill come with you.
Emma stared at him, amazed. Really?
He smiled weakly. Youre right. Ill drop the programme.
An hour later, the wedding procession finally arrived at the venueforty minutes late, but by then nobody cared.
Lucy, the dog, remained at the clinic with a mild concussion and bruises, but he was alive and well. Mr. Thompson stayed by his side.
You know, Arthur said as they walked up the stairs, I havent seen you like this in ages.
What do you mean? Emma asked.
When you argued with me over the dog, you were so alive, so honestjust like that café incident.
Emma laughed. You were as boring as ever.
Arthur shrugged. Hey, Im not the one who stayed boring till the end.
He grinned, By the way, I visited the clinic earlier!
Emma paused, genuinely thankful. Thanks.
Why? he replied. Because youre not dull.
The ceremony moved forward slowly. The brides dress was a little rumpled, the grooms tie missing. Yet when they exchanged vows, every word sounded sincere, especially the for better or worse.
A week later, after their honeymoon, they visited Lucy and Mr. Thompson first. They hadnt even planned the visitsometimes the best moments happen spontaneously, without any schedule.
Lucy now has new friendsa young couple who pop over with treats and take her for walks.
Mr. Thompson says hes never seen his dog so happy, and in truth, hes never been happier himself.
Sometimes you just have to stop rushing, even if youre late.
Stop and help, because you can.
And the world feels a little brighter for it.
The wedding turned out to be perfect, just a touch offschedule.
A year later, in Mr. Thompsons modest flat, a quirky but warm gathering sat around a festive table: him, Emma, Arthur, and of course, the hero, Lucy.
Happy Day of Salvation! Emma raised a glass of orange juice. A year ago fate threw us together.
I was a lonely old chap after Mary passed, Mr. Thompson said, talking only to my laptop. Now Ive got a whole family, and we even chat online about things I never thought Id discuss!
He patted Lucys head, and the dog gave a grateful lick.
Remember the animal shelter we helped set up? Arthur chimed in. Weve already found homes for three rescued dogs.
Do you recall the orphanage project? Emma mused.
Three months ago we invested some savings into a tiny shelter for stray animals, Mr. Thompson added. Ive become a regular there, helping the pups and sharing my stories on social media.
By the way, Arthur pulled out some papers, the plot next to the orphanage is finally cleared. The shelter can expand and take in more animals.
Yes, Emma nodded. No more paperwork headaches.
Seriously? Arthur laughed. Youre amazing, Emma.
You? she teased. Youre the miracle.
Without Lucy, Arthur admitted, Id have been a wreck. I used to think I could smash any plan for a dog, but now I see sometimes you have to break the schedule to let life improve.
Exactly, Mr. Thompson agreed, as Maria always said.
He launched into another tale from his colourful past. Emma listened, resting her head on Arthurs shoulder, while Lucy snored at their feet, happily barking her name.
It was a mess of plans and spontaneity, but it was theirs, and that was just fine.
