It was a nice afternoon in downtown Brisbane, and the three Heeler brothers decided to go to the ring shop in the mall. Radley decided it was time to propose his marriage to Frisky, and he wanted to make sure to pick out the right rings. He was determined to convince the Cocker Spaniel to take his hand. His brothers decided to help him out pick the ring; neither Lyon nor the girls knew about this so he decided to keep the proposal a secret after buying the rings. The three brothers arrived in front of the shop, where the sign said Rafal's Rings.
"So have you decided which ones to pick," asked Stripe. "I haven't had much thought after everything that has happened. But I think I need more time to look them all, and with you two here, I would appreciate the help," mentioned Rad. "Well, no need to rush. I'm sure we'll find the perfect rings. I can't believe our big brother is finally going to be a husband soon," said Bandit, grinning at his elder brother.
"I wouldn't had made it far without meeting Frisky the first time during that night. Would it be strange to call it fate," asked the red blue heeler awkwardly. "Dunno mate, but this is your chance to really ask her. I'd say it's good luck," said Bandit. Rad rubbed his head with a small smile. After the three went inside the store, a Anatolian Shepherd dog, who wore a dapper looking suit, was polishing some rings on the counter. He saw the three heelers passing by. "Yes, can I help you three gentlemen," asked the shop owner in a British accent. "Hi, we're here to buy two rings for a proposal," said Radley. "Ah, yes. You happen to stop by the right place. My store has a wide variety of rings to impress the lucky loved one. Who's the one proposing," asked the gentleman. "This one," said both Stripe and Bandit, pointing directly at Radley. The dapper owner smiled. "You're just in luck. I know which rings you want to look for." He guided the three adult dogs to the special section where wedding rings are aligned in perfect order inside the glass counter.
"As you can tell, we have a special. Buy one, get one fifty percent off, and these are the only ones that qualify for the discount," said the owner. "Wow, those look nice. This is going to be difficult," said Rad, following a sigh afterwards. "One step at a time, sir. I assure you won't run out of options," said the owner. "My name is Rafal, and I will do my upmost best to help you with the selection." Rafal acted as a guide to Rad to narrow down his search for engagement rings through the store's catalog. The elder heeler brother inspected each ring in the book's photo while his brothers told him which ones to consider and which ones to avoid.
"I wouldn't go with those ones. They're too gaudy," said Bandit. "Oh, but those are a must. The ornate design with the coral gemstone is a must for the special lady," said the owner. "Hmmm, what else do you got that's not too fancy. I'm a fairly simple guy," said Radley. "Well, there this one. These ones still have engraved designs, but no gemstones," said Rafal. "I disagree. If you want Frisky to say yes, at least pick one that the stone matches her fur," disagreed Stripe. "This is going to be a long day," sighed Rad. For the rest of the afternoon, the brothers spent their time going through each ring in the catalog. Somehow, Rafal is growing somewhat weary of Rad's indecisiveness of picking the right rings. "Okay, how about these? Surely these must be the ones you seek," said Rafal. Rad took a good look at the rings; the simple, yet elegant appears to be twisted with a small periwinkle gemstone, and the male ring is platinum with a gold trim. "Oh, those look perfect," said Rad impressed. "They're both simple, and the gemstone color is Frisky's favorite."
"Can't say no to those," said Bandit. "I agree. Pick those," added Stripe. "So those then? Perfect! I should have these ready in a week or two. While I'm at it, would you like to do an engraving for both? Perhaps the initials for both you and your fiancé," asked Rafal. "Fine with me. Engrave both our initials for Radley Heeler, and Frisky Heeler," agreed Radley. "Wonderful! Well then Mr. Heeler, the rings shall be ready within the time frame. Thank you for your business," said the owner happily.
The three brothers stepped out of the store, and back into the mall floor. "That wasn't so hard was it," asked Bandit. "Not really, but it could have taken less time," said Radley. "What matters is to decide where to propose," said Radley. "I was thinking about reserving a place just for the both of us, and have dinner in the process. Afterwards, I propose."
"That sounds like a good plan. Let us know what places you'll consider, and we'll decide," said Stripe. "I appreciate it guys, but I had a specific place in mind. Something in Frisky's best interest."
"Oh? What is this place," asked Bandit curiously. "That's a surprise," said Rad with a grin.
Two weeks later:
Two weeks after the brothers went out to shop for the rings, and it was the day Rad went to pick up the rings. He had Lyon with him, unknown to him for the reason on their way to the mall. He was confused why they're stopping by the ring shop. "Why are we going to a ring shop, dad," asked Lyon while holding Rad's hand. "Well, Lyon, remember what I said about a surprise I've been meaning to tell you? I decided showing would be best," said Radley. Lyon's eyebrow was raised in confusion by that statement.
Rafal saw Radley two weeks ago, this time with Lyon. "Ah, Mr. Heeler. You're order is set. I'll have it ready for you now." Rafal walked through his office where he organized his clients' orders and picked out the one with Rad's name. He brought a navy ring case and went to the counter to show Rad the two rings. The two rings are the exact same from what he choose from the catalog ages ago. "They're perfect! I'd expect no less," added Radley, impressed by the pristine rings. "Great! I wish you luck in your proposal to your fiancé."
Proposal? Lyon was even more intrigued by the word, and he suddenly realized the reason why his adoptive father bought two rings. "Wait, this is…"
"Yes, the surprise I told you! I've decided to marry Frisky," said Rad excitedly. "Really? This isn't a dream, is it," asked Lyon wagging his tail. "Nope, no dream," assured Rad. Lyon decided to pinch himself to confirm this wasn't a dream. "Then that means….I'll have a mum again!" Lyon's tail wagged even faster and felt excited that he will have Frisky as a mother in his life. For a long time, he dreamed of what it was like to have a maternal figure, and he was glad it was Frisky. "When's the wedding?!"
"Well, I had to propose first. You see, I want Frisky to accept first and make it a special night for both of us. Then I ask her to marry me by showing the rings. That's how these things work. It doesn't happen instantly," explained Radley. "Do you think she'll say yes? I hope so," added Rad. "I would think so," assured Rad, hoping the same.
After the two picked up the ring at the shop, they decided to buy something to eat in the food court. They entered the area and picked out the Japanese shop where they sold ramen dishes, and cuisine. The duo went to the dining table with two beef bowl ramen dishes, and Lyon had a mochi donut for dessert. Rad places the rings next to his food. The two converse while finishing their lunch.
"So what is a ring bearer, dad," asked Lyon after gulping the beef.
"The ring bearer is the one who brings the two rings to the bride and groom. It's usually a boy who does the job," explained Rad while sipping his green tea drink. "Would that be something you want to do?" Rad wanted to make sure his son is comfortable doing an important task.
"I think so. I would like to practice being the best ring bearer," said Lyon. "And my cousins are the flower girls as well. It would make practice a lot easier with them around."
"Good, you've got plenty of time to practice so there's no rush," assured Rad. "You know, I had this feeling someday I would have a mum. I am glad Frisky will be the one," admitted Lyon. "Oh, that so," asked Rad. "Yes, I mean, it was nice when it was just the two of us before, but it was more fun when we three are together, and I hope it lasts forever." The wolf dog smiles with passion.
After they finished lunch, they went back to the parking lot into the vehicle and went their way back home. Once they arrived to the house, they saw both Bandit and Stripe's vehicles parked on the side of the street's curb. It seems both brothers and their kids came to visit Rad and Lyon. "Oh, looks like we have company," said Rad. The two got off the ute to greet their family members.
"Did you get the rings," asked Bandit. Rad smiled, and revealed the ring box, opening to show both the feminine ring with the periwinkle stone and platinum ring with gold trim. "Nice, this is sure to impress Frisky," said Stripe.
"Hi, girls," said Lyon to Bluey, Bingo, Muffin, and Socks. "Hi, Lyon," said all four girls. The brothers, and their children went inside to the living room, where the three adult dogs sat on the couch. Socks sat near her father while her older sister and three cousins sat down on the floor, playing. "So does this mean Frisky will be our new aunt, Uncle Rad," asked Bluey. "Yep, I intend to ask her soon," said Rad. "Hooray, Frisky will be Aunt Frisky," said Bingo. "Well, Bingo, that's only if she accepts, remember," said Bandit. "I want to be a flower girl," said Muffin.
"I'm sure we can all practice our parts. Dad said I'll be the ring bearer," said Lyon. "What's that," asked Muffin. "I'm responsible for bringing the rings to my dad and Frisky. My role is important," said Lyon, being a bit boastful. "Oh, wow," said all four girls in unison. "Hey, dad, mind if we borrow the rings to practice," asked Lyon.
"Hmmm, I prefer if you don't. I wouldn't want them to get lost," said Rad, reluctantly to turn down on Lyon use the rings. "Aw," said Lyon. Rad thought of a good substitute for the rings, sensing Lyon's eagerness to practice. He then noticed both his and Bandit's root beer bottles are empty. He took the caps off and gave them to his son. "Here, you can pretend these caps are the rings, and use this cushion to put them on top. "Just make sure you keep them balance while waking," explained Rad, handing the couch's green cushion to his son.
"Hmmm, okay. Better than nothing," said Lyon. "Hey, Bluey and Bingo, can you pretend to be the bride and groom, while Socks and Muffin are flower girls. You can switch places so you can also get flower girl practice," asked Lyon. "Yeah, we can help," agreed Bluey. The five children rush to the backyard.
"Good one," said Bandit. "Thanks, I know he wants to play his part," said Rad. The three brothers decided to watch footy on the television whereas the kids were busy playing wedding in the backyard. Lyon decided to place some of his toys as the audience, and brought some chairs for them to sit down. Muffin and Socks collected some leaves, and pretend to be flower girls, throwing the leaves as they walk to the path. Bluey and Bingo pretended to be the bride and groom. After everything was set up, Lyon prepared the green cushion with two bottle caps placed meticulously in the middle as if they were real rings. The younger cousins were behind him as well. "Alright, is everyone ready," asked Lyon. The four girls all said yes; Lyon slowly walked towards both Bluey and Bingo with Muffin and Socks tossing leaves around the path. However, Muffin was too close to Lyon, and bumped into him. "Ah, Muffin, that's too quick," said Lyon, while picking up the cushion and rings. "Sworry, Lyon," said Muffin. "No worries, let's try again."
The three went to the beginning of the path again. Socks tossed some leaves through the path, and then threw some to Lyon's toys. Lyon paced himself, keeping the cushion at balance with the two bottle cap rings still. "That's it, you're doing great," said Bluey.
"Bluey, the groom shouldn't speak to the ring bearer while he brings the ring," advised Lyon. "Oh, sorry," apologized Bluey quickly. The two sisters smiled at their cousin, who played his role proudly, yet serious at the same time. Once they arrived to the blue and red heeler girl, they swapped places with Muffin and Socks. "Okay, second round," said Lyon. Bingo giggled, excited that she is a flower girl. The two girls followed Lyon in a moderate pace whereas Lyon breathed in slowly, hoping he doesn't trip again. He didn't realize he was walking too fast, knowing he was feeling anxious about messing up. He tripped and dropped the cushion.
"Darn it," he said. "You alright, Lyon," asked Bingo while reaching her hand for him. "Yeah, I'm good," said Lyon, grabbing her hand while standing up again. "This would be better if I had the real rings," admitting Lyon. The three brothers went outside to check up on the kids. "How's practice going," said Rad. "Could be better," sighed Lyon. "Takes time. You'll get better," said Bandit. "Hate to cut your practice session, but we have to head back now. Your grandparents are visiting us," said Stripe, referring to Trixie's parents. "Aw, can't we stay a bit longer," pleaded Muffin. "Sorry, Muffy. Your mum wouldn't want us to be late seeing your grandparents. Both Muffin and Socks were sad that their game was cut short. They were having fun being flower girls.
The group went outside and were about to say goodbye to Stripe's family. Before they left, Bandit notice something amiss on Stripe's car. It looks like one of the tires was lower than before. "Hey, Stripe. Did you check your tires? It looks like one of them is going flat," pointed out Bandit. Stripe noticed it and was somewhat irked. "Aw, biscuits. Really? I must have hit a nail along our way here," griped Stripe. "Looks like we're staying put a bit longer girl." Both Muffin and Socks cheered hooray, knowing they have extra time to keep playing as flower girls. "Here, I'll get the tools in my garage. Do you have a spare tire," asked Radley.
"I do. I hope I can get it fixed in time. Trix is going to have a fit why we're late," added Stripe. The two younger brothers opened Stripe's trunk to get the spare tire while Radley went to his garage to find the tire tools. The kids rush back inside to continue their game. Just as they were about to go back to the yard, Lyon stared at the ring box sitting by the coffee table in the living room. Bluey noticed her cousin, who was tranced by the ring box. "Lyon, what's the matter," she asked. "Oh, nothing. I was just thinking," said Lyon. "Thinking about what?"
Lyon looked at his cousin, with a reluctant smile. "You don't think my dad would mind if we borrowed the rings, would he? For our little practice?"
"Uh, I don't think we should use them for real life," added Bluey. "Besides, aren't those meant for the wedding?"
"Well, yeah, but I want to feel the real thing. To be honest, bottle caps aren't good substitutes for wedding rings," admitted Lyon. He thought borrowing them for a little while would not hurt, and would make sure to put them back where they belong before the three brothers finished changing the tire. "I promise it'll be quick. We'll put them where they belong once the adults are finish changing the tire."
Bluey, despite her reluctance, hoped her cousin knew what he was doing. "Okay, but just be careful," she agreed. Lyon's tail wagged and took both rings out of their box in his hand carefully. When the two joined up with Bingo, Muffin, and Socks, who were patiently waiting for the older kids to join their game. Lyon scooped up the green cushion, placing two rings. "Wow, did Uncle Rad let you use the rings," asked Bingo astoundingly. "Well, not exactly. I want to use these before they finish with the flat tire problem. After all, I won't lose them," promised Lyon. "But we need someone to check once they're done. I don't want you to get in trouble with your dad," said Bluey worryingly. She walked to Sock, giving her a task to spy on the Heeler brothers. "Socks, keep watch for our dad, and uncles. If they're done, bark twice," said Bluey. Socks agreed, and rushes to the front yard, spying on the adults from afar.
"Good, that should keep us on time before your dad finds out. But we have to make sure to act quickly once Socks barks," said Bluey. "Thanks, Bluey," added Lyon, agreeing to go with the plan. Bluey and Bingo were at the front of the toy audience, playing as the bride and groom again. Lyon was in his ring bearer stance with Muffin being the only flower girl. "Okay, let's begin," said Lyon. He walks steadily, feeling more confident with actual wedding rings as if it were the real thing. Muffin, who was excited to be a flower girl, threw each bundle of leaves around the pathway. "Try not to bump me, Muffin," warned Lyon.
"Okay," said Muffin, keeping a respectable distance between her and Lyon. Both Bluey and Bingo smiled as they saw their cousin proudly playing his part well. Once they arrived, they shouted hooray for success. "Again," said all four. The four kept rehearsing with Muffin swapping her flower girl role with Bluey, making sure her older cousins receive flower girl practice.
Meanwhile, Socks was watching from afar behind the bush, seeing her father and uncles working hard on changing the flat tire. Stripe's car was lifted by the car jack. "If you had checked your tires before, you wouldn't have had this problem," added Bandit. "You don't have to tell me twice, mate," said Stripe, annoyed. Radley twisted the tire pipe to the left to loosen the tire nuggets of the old tire. Alright, gimme the tire," asked Rad to Stripe. Rad removes the tire carefully and installs the spare time.
Socks remained observant to make sure once the brothers are done. Back at the rehearsal, Muffin took her third turn being the flower girl with Bluey and Bingo being the bride and groom once again. "You're getting better at being a flower girl," said Lyon to his younger cousin. "Thanks, Lyon," added Muffin. The two walked along the path, playing their roles. Lyon was feeling more comfortable being the ring bearer. Muffin threw each handful of leaves around the walkway, including the toys, who were already covered in leaves after so many practices runs. "Try not to throw too many leaves on the audience, remember," said Lyon.
"Okay, Lyon," said Muffin. Just as things were going well, Muffin tripped, and accidentally knocked over Lyon. The wolf dog loses his grip on the cushion, and the rings. "Oops, sworry Lyon," apologized the toddler. "No, it's okay Muffin," said Lyon. He picked up the cushion, and saw the groom's ring is there. However, the bride's ring seem to have disappeared. "Wait, where's the other ring," asked Lyon.
"Uh oh," said Bluey. The four cousins looked aggressively for the missing ring. They searched high and low in the yard, and thought it might have been lost in one of the bushes. "Oh boy, this is bad," said Bluey. "Maybe it went on the other side of the neighbor's yard," said Bingo.
Lyon was speechless for this result. How could he have been so careless at losing the ring his dad was going to propose to Frisky? He was flustered and ashamed. Just then the group heard two barks from Socks, who was rushing back to the backyard. "Oh no, they're done," said Lyon. "Lyon, put the ring back in the box," said Bingo panickily. The wolf dog nodded and did not hesitate to go back to the living room, placing the groom's ring in its box without the bride's ring. He was frightened that he had lost the other ring. No point in worrying now.
The children walked their way back to the front yard. "How am I going to tell dad about this," said Lyon miserably. "Maybe you should just not say anything," suggested Muffin. "But that would be lying. You'll have to be honest with him," said Bluey. Lyon felt uneasy by the idea of confronting his dad.
The five kids went back outside to checkup on the dads. "Alright girls, we're good to go," said Stripe nonchalantly to Muffin and Socks. The younger cousins said goodbye to their older cousins and uncles, feeling silent from the unfortunate event. Once Stripe's family took their leave back to their house, Lyon held his hand over his arm, feeling guilty. "So did you girls enjoy your wedding game," asked Bandit. "Oh yes, dad. We had fun," added Bluey reluctantly. "Yes, it was great," said Bingo, pretending all is well. Lyon simply nodded in agreement without words. "You know, if you need more practice, your uncle and I wouldn't mind playing the bride and groom so Bluey and Bingo can be the flower girls while Lyon is the ring bearer," said Rad, not minding being a part of the shenanigans. "Uh, that's okay dad. I had enough practice for today. Why don't we do something else," insisted Lyon. "We can play with my cricket set." The two sisters nodded, deciding to not bring up the rehearsal that reminded them about the lost ring.
"Well, okay. If you insist," said Radley. That late afternoon the rest of the family played cricket in the backyard with Lyon batting the ball, and Bandit throwing the ball. Both adults took turns in throwing whereas the kids took turns in hitting the ball.
That late evening, both father and son were eating dinner. Lyon reluctantly took a few bites of his pasta. He was even playing with his food by pushing each vegetable around. "Lyon, are you okay? You barely touched your plate," asked Radley worryingly. The wolf dog was caught by his father's words. "No, dad. I'm alright," said Lyon. "Not hungry?"
Lyon nodded no, yet he reassured Rad he was not sick. "I'm sorry. I'll try to eat my dinner," said Lyon. He still couldn't get his mind off the ring. He was still upset and was trying to figure out how to make up an excuse. He knew from the start he was told not to use the real rings to avoid losing them.
After dinner, Lyon insisted on brushing his teeth, and head straight to bed. Rad was slightly bewildered by his son's eagerness to go to bed without a story to read. Just as he was about to go to his bed, he wanted to check up on the rings. He headed to the living room, where the ring box was sitting on the coffee table. He opened it, and his eyes widened. The bride's ring was missing. "That's odd. Where did Frisky's ring go," asked Radley to himself. He lowered himself underneath the coffee table, and checked below the couch, hoping the ring may have fallen underneath. He could not find any ring.
He searched in the kitchen in case it might have been there by searching high and low. No such luck. He decided to ask one of his brothers.
Text:
Rad: Hey did you guys by any chance have Frisky's ring?
Bandit: No, why? I made sure to put both rings back after looking at them.
Stripe: Yeah, me too.
Rad: Because I checked, and it is missing. Just my ring is there.
Bandit: That's odd. Have you by any chance misplaced it before?
Rad: Nope. I made sure it stays there, and never take it out until I propose.
Stripe: You don't think…well don't mind me.
Rad: No, say it.
Stripe: I was going to say, if maybe the kids might have an idea
The idea never struck Rad. Could Lyon and his cousins may have something to do with the missing ring? He was reluctant to think Lyon may have lost it, but it wouldn't be surprising if he have involved his cousins as well.
Rad: I…..never thought that as a possibility.
Bandit: Maybe ask. I'll ask the girls just to be safe.
Stripe: Yeah, me as well.
Radley went upstairs to Lyon's room. He knocked on the door, which was close. "Lyon? Do you have a minute?"
Lyon's eyes widened by the knock. "Come in," he added. Rad held his breath, not wanting to interrogate his son about the missing ring. "Sorry, I know you're about to go to bed, but there's something important I need to discuss with you. This won't take long," explained Rad. He kneeled down to the bed's level, emptying his mind, and try to be direct. "I hate to ask this of you, but might you have any idea where Frisky's ring is? I checked, and it's no longer in the box." Lyon bit his tongue a bit by that question. "No, dad. I have not. I never touched it." Rad was half unconvinced by that statement. "Are you sure you haven't taken it out? I know you wanted to practice being a ring bearer boy and treat it as if it was the real thing. But I did say before it's off limits to avoid losing them." The wolf dog looked down at his bed sheet, avoiding the question. He was worried he would anger Radley for losing the ring, especially if it was an expensive piece of jewelry from the shop, recalling all those fancy rings he saw today.
"I won't get angry, mate. Just be honest," said Rad, insisting Lyon speak the truth. Lyon did not want to get in big trouble since he usually is a behaved child. "It was….was….," he trembled. Rad had an intent look on his face, trying to make out with Lyon's words. He can understand Lyon was nervous. "Muffin. Muffin lost the ring," said Lyon bluntly. Rad was stunned by the answer. "Really? What happened?"
"We were playing wedding to practice our roles. Muffin kept opening the box inside, and I told her not to. She said we can use the ring for our practice."
Rad simply nodded in understanding. "I see," he said silently. "Am I in trouble," asked Lyon. "No, sport. I just wanted to know the answer. I promise no one is in trouble," said Rad, placing his hand to his son's hands, who was trembling. "I know you kids really wanted to play, but you shouldn't be playing with things that don't belong to you or told not to." Rad simply let out a sigh, knowing that he lost Frisky's ring. Lyon felt more guilty for lying by shifting the blame to his little cousin. "What…are you going to do?"
"That's a good question, mate," said Rad. "I'll figure it out." The red heeler let out a weak smile, feeling sad that the bride's ring was lost. He patted Lyon's head, and said good night. Rad walks back to his bedroom, texting his brothers.
Text:
Rad: I found out from Lyon, Stripe. Muffin lost the ring.
Stripe: What?! No, impossible.
Rad: Lyon told me she was playing with the ring, and wanted to use it in the wedding game the girls were rehearsing.
Stripe: I…see. I don't know what to say.
Rad: It's not your fault, little brother. I should have not let the ring unsupervised. This could have been avoided.
Bandit: You should call the jewelry shop. Maybe you can get insurance to cover the lost ring.
Rad: I intend to find the lost ring first before doing that.
Stripe: As for Muffin, well…I better have a good word with her.
Rad: Don't be too hard on her. She's only three. She didn't know any better.
Stripe: I know.
Rad decided to search early in the morning in the yard before he attempted to call the shop for possible replacement options. He wanted to make sure if the ring is still lost in one of the bushes. Meanwhile, Lyon, who could not sleep, was feeling guilty. Not just him losing the ring but pinning the blame entirely on Muffin. His conscious is starting to get to the better of him.