Page 122 of Men or Paws

The audience laughed, taking pictures, and shooting video.

Hopefully, Josh would get to the point because Holly was the one who was supposed to be in the spotlight at the moment. I didn’t want to steal her thunder when this was such a special moment in her life, one that she would always remember.

Josh winked at me. “Anyway, back to my girlfriend, Holly.”

Thank God.

“Her support and encouragement and love over the last four years has meant the world to me. It’s not easy being on the road without the one you love, so I just wanted to say thank you. And I love you.” He blew Holly a kiss.

“I love you, too.” Holly blew a kiss back to him.

“In fact, come up here for a moment. I want everyone to meet my beautiful girlfriend.” Josh waved her up to the stage.

Since Holly has never been shy, she stood up and made her way to the stairs on the right side of the stage.

Josh held out his hand and helped her up the stairs, guiding her to the middle of the stage.

I pulled out my phone and started recording a video.

“Holly, my love . . .” He pulled out the ring from his back pocket and got down on one knee.

Holly placed her hand on her chest as she gasped in surprise.

Her mouth dropped open.

Tears streamed down her cheeks.

The audience went nuts, cheering, everyone pulling out their phones.

Tears trickled down my face.

I could barely see what I was recording.

“I love you with all my heart,” Josh continued. “Please make me the happiest man in the world by becoming my wife. Will you marry me?”

Holly could barely get the words out, nodding emphatically as she said, “Yes.”

Josh grinned and placed the ring on her finger.

He stood and kissed her, then pulled her close for a heartfelt embrace.

“I’m getting married!” Josh yelled to even more cheers as everyone in the comedy club got to their feet, celebrating even louder than before.

The moment was perfect. My heart was filled with happiness for my best friend and my brother. My dreams and prayers had been answered.

It had finally happened.

Josh and Holly walked backstage, hand-in-hand, looking like the happiest couple on the planet while the audience kept whooping it up like crazy.

Rocco put his arm around me. “How did you like the proposal?”

I smiled. “I loved it. And you?”

He grinned. “It couldn’t have been more perfect.”

Suddenly, the crowd swarmed around us, asking Rocco for pictures and autographs. One after another after another, a smile of gratitude on Rocco’s face the entire time. Occasionally, he would check in with me with his eyes, making sure I was okay, sending me winks and smiles. It was touching. I loved that during the madness of his fans’ presence, he was still thinking of me.

There were even a few people who wanted a picture of me and Rocco together in an embrace, which made me feel even more special.