God, please, were running late! I glanced at my watch for the third time in the last five minutes. Sergei, Im sure were still on time, I muttered.
The wedding limo driver flashed a grin in the rearview mirror. Dont worry, Poppy, were right on schedule.
Wed been talking about the timetable for weeks ceremony, photo shoot, reception, everything down to the minute.
James, my fiancé, was a stickler for a perfect day. He loved everything running like clockwork, probably because his job as a finance director never left him without a detailed plan.
I stole a glance at James. He was hunched over his phone, doublechecking the itinerary. It was odd when we first met three years ago hed seemed so lively, almost spontaneous.
Our very first meeting had been the opposite of any plan. Hed turned up late for his shift, Id accidentally knocked on the wrong café door and spilled coffee over his crisp white shirt. Instead of getting angry, he laughed and invited me for another cup.
Thinking back, I smiled. It felt like ages ago.
The quiet was broken by the screech of brakes. The car jolted forward, but the seatbelt kept me safe.
What happened?! I shouted, my voice trembling.
A dog, the driver said, flustered. We didnt see it in time.
My heart thudded.
I sprang out of the limo, ignoring Jamess shout, Where are you going?
On the tarmac, just in front of the limo, lay a big, lightred dog, unmoving.
My God I whispered, stepping closer. Is it still breathing? I asked the driver.
He knelt beside the dog. Its panting, but barely.
We have to get it to a vet, now!
James placed a hand on my shoulder. We dont have time. The ceremony starts in forty minutes.
How can you say that? I turned to him, eyes wet. Its a living creature dying right here!
We cant abandon it. The guests are waiting, dear, he replied.
I dont care about the guests! Tears welled up. We cant just walk away!
Other cars in the procession started pulling over, guests murmuring and gathering.
Whats happening? someone asked.
Why are we staying? another.
God, the dog! Poor thing, someone sobbed.
The chatter turned into a low buzz. Someone suggested calling a vet, another insisted we keep moving.
Tom, I said to the driver, do you know where the nearest veterinary clinic is?
Just a few miles away, he replied. But we need to get him there fast!
Anna! James shouted, grabbing my elbow. Are you losing it? We have a wedding to get to!
Right, the wedding! he said, extending his arm. The day two people promise to love and support each other, no matter what. Are we really going to ditch a dying animal for a schedule?
A voice cracked from the back, Julie! Julie!
An older man, his grey hair disheveled and glasses sliding down his nose, rushed over, breathing heavily. Julie, my love, he called, kneeling by the dog. What have you done? I told you not to run.
His hands shook as he stroked the dogs reddish coat.
Is this your dog? I asked softly.
Tears filled his eyes. I only have one. After my wife died, Julies been the only thing keeping me sane.
He turned back to the dog, anger flashing. Are you an idiot?
Well take him to the vet, I said firmly. Tom, can you help?
The driver nodded, gently lifting Julie into his arms. The dog weighed at least thirty kilos, its limp legs and drooping head making my stomach churn with fear.
We need to improvise, he said, looking around.
One of the guests spread a blanket on the ground. Take this, but be careful, he warned.
We laid the blanket over the back seat of the limo, and Tom, Poppy, James, and the elderly man carefully moved the dog onto it. In the cabins light, its red fur looked oddly dull.
Sweetheart, please dont go, the old man whispered, shaking his hands over the dogs head. Dont give up.
I sat beside Julie, cradling her head on my lap. The brides snowwhite wedding dress was instantly dusted with red hair, but I barely noticed.
Tom, lets get out of here! I urged. Watch the turns, please.
Outside the clinic, I kept petting the dog, tracing its soft coat with my fingers. Its heart beat irregularly, its paws twitching in sleep.
Hold on, love. Were almost there. Just stay with me, I murmured. The old man beside me was quietly weeping, wiping his tears with a trembling hand.
Dont worry, I said, offering a steady hand. Well get through this.
James, standing nearby, turned to me with surprise and admiration in his eyes. He hadnt expected this at all.
The dog shifted a little and whispered, Quiet, quiet, love, as I gently patted its head. Were close.
Poppy, James snapped, irritated. Were going to be late.
Then well be late, I replied, facing the guests.
Im sorry, but the ceremony will have to be postponed. I hope you understand, I announced.
Surprisingly, no one complained. A few nodded in agreement.
Ill go with Tom, I said. And you, James, tell the venue well be late.
No, James said suddenly. Ill go with you.
He looked at me, surprised. Honestly? Youre right. Forget the programme.
An hour later, the wedding procession finally arrived, forty minutes behind schedule, but nobody seemed to mind.
The dog, now named Jasper, stayed at the clinic with a mild concussion and some bruises, but he was alive and relatively well. The old man, now called George, stayed with him.
Talk, James, he said as we walked up the stairs, I havent seen you like this in ages.
What do you mean?
When you fought with me over the dog. You were so passionate, so honestjust like that coffee spill in the café.
I laughed. You were as boring as ever.
He shrugged. Honestly, Im glad you both came. It reminded me why I love this town.
Later, after our honeymoon, we visited George and Jasper. We hadnt even planned it. Sometimes the best moments just happen, no schedule needed.
Julie now has new friendsa young couple who often bring over treats and take her for walks.
George says hes never seen Jasper so happy, and he admits hes never been happier himself. He finally has a little family.
Sometimes you have to stop, even if youre rushing, even if youre late. Just pause and help.
And the world feels a bit brighter because of it.
Our wedding turned out perfect, just a bit off the script.
A year later, in Georges modest flat, a warm little gathering took place. Around the table sat George, me, James, and of course our hero Jasper.
Cheers to the day fate brought us together, George raised his glass of juice. I was alone after Mary passed. I talked only to my dog.
He petted Jaspers head, and the dog licked his hand gratefully.
Now I have a whole crew. We meet up often, even on social media, sharing animal rescue stories, James added.
Remember how we helped that orphanage? I said, smiling dreamily.
Its funny, George laughed, A few months ago I and James funded a small shelter for stray animals. Ive been a regular there, helping the dogs and learning new tricks.
By the way, James pulled out some papers, remember that plot of land next to the orphanage?
Yes, I nodded. We finally got the paperwork sorted.
Officially approved, James announced. The shelter can now take even more animals.
Really? I wrapped my arms around him. Youre amazing.
Me? he chuckled. Youre the miracle. Without your perseverance last year
If it werent for Julie, I corrected, smiling at Jasper, who barked happily at his name.
Yes, without Julie, James agreed. I was so uptight. I thought a dog would ruin everything. Now I see breaking a plan sometimes saves a life.
Exactly, George said, My mother always said the same.
He told another story from his life. I rested my head on Jamess shoulder, he ran his fingers through his hair, and Jasper curled up at our feet.
So thats how it all went, love. A bit chaotic, a lot heartfelt, and completely unforgettable.
