Chapter 33

After Macklin paid for the bracelet, we left the store with my heart still fluttering from his unexpected kindness. I was grinning ear to ear as we strolled out into the bright San Francisco afternoon. His hand was warm in mine as he gently swung our hands back and forth with each step.

"Okay, Lex," Macklin said, his tone playful as we reached the car parked across the street. "We're heading to the surprise now."

I tilted my head curiously. "A surprise?" I asked, already wondering what he might have planned.

He grinned and shook his head. "Promise me you won't peek when we get there. I need to put something in the trunk first."

I laughed softly, nodding in agreement. "Alright, no peeking," I promised, even though my mind was already buzzing with anticipation.

We climbed into his car, the radio playing a mellow tune as we drove. The ride was quiet and comfortable, the cityscape of San Francisco gliding past our windows in a blur. Macklin's hand was still in mine and I could tell he was excited and possibly nervous.

After about twenty minutes on the road, the car slowed as we approached a beautiful residential area. The houses here were clearly upper-middle class to upper class—modern and renovated, yet with cozy touches.

"You ready?" he asked with a grin, clearly enjoying every moment.

I glanced at him, my curiosity piqued. "ready," I replied. The gate clicked open, and we drove through.

Soon enough, we found ourselves parked in front of a large, modern house that still managed to feel cozy with its brickwork and warm brown accents.

Macklin turned to me as he got out of the car. "Remember—no peeking," he reminded me playfully, his eyes dancing with mischief.

I laughed softly. "I promise.."

He shook his head, smiling. "You'll see soon enough." With that, he walked a few steps away. I watched as he disappeared into the house, leaving me to relax inside the car.

I turned toward the front door, wondering if this was his family's house. I heard footsteps approaching the car, I immediately close my eyes to keep my promise of no peeking. I waited, my heart racing with anticipation and a touch of nervousness. He tosses something in the trunk of the car then walked around to the passenger side of the car. He reached out and opened my door as he smiled at me.

"Macklin, are we at your family's place?" I asked hesitantly, my eyes searching his for a hint of an explanation.(A/N let's pretend his family house is nearby for the plot 🫡)He laughed softly, shaking his head. "Yes but no worries everyone's at work while my sister is at gymnastics,. It's just us today." He paused, giving me a reassuring look.

I nodded slowly, still a bit nervous but trusting him. I followed him inside, my footsteps echoing softly in the hallway. The house was spacious, yet there was an undeniable coziness in the way the brown accents contrasted with sleek, contemporary appearance.

We walked through the quiet hallways until we reached the living room area. It was here that a beautiful golden retriever suddenly bounded toward us. Before I could even react, Macklin's face lit up with excitement. "Cali!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine joy.

I couldn't help but smile as the pup sprinted up and started licking my face enthusiastically. "Oh my God, I love her," I laughed, pulling her into a gentle hug as she wagged her tail so hard it looked like she might take off.

Macklin knelt beside me, clearly delighted to see me smile. "If it's alright with you," he began, glancing at his phone with a small grin, "a little birdie, aka Will, told me that you've been missing Clover."

I paused, a blush spreading across my cheeks as I remember my sweet dog, Clover, and the way I'd mentioned missing his presence to Will relentlessly. "You're kidding," I said softly, still petting Cali.

"Not at all," Macklin replied. "I thought, why not spend a few hours taking Cali out with us? It might be a fun way to spend the day, and maybe take a bunch of photos right by the Golden Gate Bridge."

I grinned, "That sounds amazing, i'd love to."

Macklin's eyes sparkled with relief and excitement. "Great! Let's load up the car with Cali's essentials," he said.

We walked back to the car together, Cali happily trotting alongside us, her tail wagging constantly side to side.

As we pulled into the parking lot at Crissy Field, the sight of the Golden Gate Bridge took my breath away.

Macklin found a parking spot close to the entrance, turning off the engine with a satisfied grin. "Alright, let's give Cali— and us the best day ever," he said, reaching for the backseat where she was already waiting in anticipation.

The second he opened the door, Cali leaped out, her tail wagging wildly as she took in her surroundings. She immediately began sniffing at the grass. I couldn't help but giggle at how excited she was.

Macklin grabbed a bright green tennis ball from the backseat and tossed it lightly in his palm. "What do you think, Lex? Feel like getting a little exercise?"

I laughed. "If by exercise, you mean throwing the ball while Cali does all the running, then absolutely."

We made our way toward an open patch of grass near the water. Macklin unclipped Cali's leash, and she immediately started bouncing in excitement.

"Alright, girl, you ready?" Macklin asked, winding up for the throw. Cali barked in response, her entire body vibrating with energy.

He launched the ball across the field, and Cali took off like a rocket, her golden fur glistening under the sun. I couldn't help but smile as I watched her chase after it.

"She's fast," I commented, tucking my hands into my sweater pockets.

Macklin nodded, grinning. "She's got a lot of practice. Aiden, my brother, and I used to race her when we were kidsz"

Cali retrieved the ball and sprinted back, dropping it at my feet with a proud huff.

"Oh, I see how it is," I said, picking up the slobbery tennis ball.

Macklin chuckled. "Consider it an honor. Cali doesn't let just anyone play fetch with her."

I winded up before tossing the ball again. Cali bolted after it, her ears flopping with every bound.

After several rounds of fetch, we plopped down onto the grass, both of us laughing as Cali happily flopped onto her back between us, rolling around to scratch an itch.

"Okay, okay, you win," I said, reaching down to scratch her belly. "You are officially the best fetch player I've ever met, don't tell clover."

Cali barked happily, then suddenly got up and trotted over to Macklin. She nosed at his hand before gently taking it in her mouth and guiding it toward mine.

Macklin let out an amused breath, shaking his head as he let her push his hand into mine. "Wow," he mused, fingers now intertwined with mine. "Cali really might be the best wingwoman I've ever had."

I laughed, my cheeks warming as I squeezed his hand. "I guess she has good taste." I joke.

Macklin smirked. "That she does."

We stayed like that for a while, sitting in the sun, petting Cali, and enjoying the peaceful lull of the moment. The sound of waves crashing nearby and the occasional bark of a dog in the distance made everything feel calm, almost dreamlike.

Then, after a while, Macklin suddenly stood up, brushing off his jeans. "I'll be right back," he said casually. "I just need to grab something from the car."

I looked up at him, my brows furrowing slightly. "Want me to come with you?"

He shook his head. "Nope, stay here. I'll still be in eyesight. Just give me two minutes."

Before I could question him further, he whistled for Cali, who perked up immediately and trotted after him.

I watched as they made their way back toward the parking lot, curiosity bubbling inside me. Macklin had been hinting at a surprise all day and I was starting to get the feeling that it was about to happen.

I sat back on the bench, running my fingers over the gold bracelet on my wrist, my heart thudding in anticipation as I watched him disappear around the corner.

As Macklin and Cali made their way back toward me, I noticed the golden retriever's tail wagging even more excitedly than usual. But what really caught my attention was the small paper scroll attached to her collar, secured with a red ribbon.

Cali must have sensed my curiosity because the moment they were close enough, she suddenly bolted forward, sprinting toward me with all the energy of an overjoyed puppy. Laughing, I crouched down, letting her snuggle into my pets as I reached for the scroll.

I glanced up at Macklin, who stood a few feet away with an amused yet slightly anxious expression. "What is this?" I asked, holding up the tiny rolled paper.

He simply nodded toward it. "Open it."

My fingers quickly worked the ribbon loose, and I unraveled the paper. My heart thumped the second I saw the words written inside in a slightly messy but undeniably cute handwriting that is still legible.

"Macklin is a good owner, and I think he would be a good boyfriend. Will you be his girlfriend? - Cali"

At the bottom, there was a perfect little paw print stamped in ink, as if Cali herself had signed off on it.

I clasped my hand over my mouth, my heart swelling with warmth as I read the message again. I turned to Macklin, who was now standing still, watching me closely, his eyes hopeful, but a little bit nervous.

"So... what do you think?" he asked, his voice softer now, filled with anticipation.

I barely let him finish before grinning widely and blurting out, "Yes! I would love to."

Before I could even think, I was on my feet, throwing my arms around his neck and jumping onto him. Macklin caught me effortlessly, his hands settling around my waist as I wrapped my legs around him.

He laughed, the tension in his body disappearing in an instant. "Yeah?"

"Yeah," I confirmed, pressing my forehead against his, unable to stop smiling.

His grin stretched wide before he spun us around in excitement, causing me to squeal as I clung to him. When he finally stopped, he didn't hesitate to kiss me again—this time slower, more meaningful. My heart pounded as I kissed him back, feeling like I was floating and nothing else mattered in the world.

When we finally pulled away, I was breathless as he let me slide back down to my feet, though he kept his hands on my waist.

"Okay," he said, exhaling like he was still processing what just happened. "That was even better than I imagined."

I laughed. "You imagined this?"

"Of course, I was hoping you'd say yes."

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Obviously, I was going to say yes."

His chest puffed out slightly in satisfaction. "Good."

After a moment, he suddenly let go of my waist and reached down toward the duffel bag he had brought back from the car.

"I actually have one more thing," he said, pulling something out.

When he stood back up, he held a hockey jersey in his hands, I gasped as I looked at the back of it, where the name CELEBRINI was stitched boldly across the shoulders.

"For you," he said, his voice a little shy but proud at the same time. "Figured you should have my name on your back now." My heart swelled, and I reached out to touch the fabric, feeling its smooth texture under my fingers.

"Macklin..." I whispered.

He grinned. "You like it?"

I looked up at him with the biggest smile yet. "I love it. Thank you.. for everything"

-=+=-

EEEE HOW U GUYS LIKE ITTTT

Only took 33 chapters to get to this point 😮‍💨🤭

Kiss on the forehead for each of my viewers/voters hehe