Page 47 of (Not Really) Faking It With My Best Friend's Brother

"Thank you all for being here tonight. Your support and generosity are essential in helping us reach our goals as a community hospital." She gave the crowd a warm smile, her usually stern gaze softening just a bit as she continued.

"We are all here because we have a common purpose, a shared vision...to aid the children of our community. And tonight, it gives me immense pleasure to introduce a man who embodies that vision. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present Dr. Nathaniel Reynolds, our keynote speaker for the evening."

A surge of adrenaline coursed through my veins as I heard my name being announced, and the room broke out in applause. I took a deep breath, Susan gave my hand a quick squeeze, before letting go and I stood to walk up to the stage. Each step towards the stage quickened my heartbeat, each stride a testament to years of hard work and dedication.

The room fell silent as I reached the podium, adjusting the microphone to my height with practiced ease. All eyes were on me.

Here we go, I thought. No turning back now.

I began speaking about the importance of children's health and the goals of the hospital's outreach programs. But my mind kept drifting to the small velvet box in my pocket and the woman I was about to ask to be my wife.

I shared a story about a young patient named Michael, who came into the hospital last month with a persistent cough. His single mother was struggling to afford his medication while working two jobs just to keep the lights on. The sadness in her eyes when I told her the cost of the prescription was heartbreaking.

"No child's health should suffer because of financial limitations," I said passionately. "Quality pediatric care should be accessible to all."

Nods and murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Susan beaming with pride.

I went on to share my vision for a low-cost pediatric clinic, one that could provide top-notch care without the financial burden on families like Michael's. The audience was captivated, leaning forward in their seats as my words painted a picture of this clinic becoming a reality.

"With your support, we can make this dream come true," I concluded. "Because the health of our children is the most precious gift we can give to our community's future." The applause was deafening. I stepped back from the microphone, exhaling as the nervous energy melted away.

Now for the real surprise, I thought, patting my pocket. The moment that would forever alter the course of our lives.

I turned to face Susan, her eyes shining under the warm glow of the ballroom lights. She looked radiant sitting there in her vintage-inspired gown, a soft turquoise blue that exquisitely complemented her petite frame. Like a golden-era Hollywood starlet brought to life, she exuded a timeless beauty that captivated everyone around her.

My pulse quickened as I took a step towards her, the world around us fading into a blur. It was just the two of us now, our souls entwined in this monumental instant.

"Susan," I began, my voice steady despite the riot of butterflies inside me. "To say that you have changed my life would be an understatement. From the moment you sat across from me at Rosewood Cafe, I knew there was something special about you. Your quick wit and sharp sense of humor had me captivated from the start, along with your heartwarming kindness and unwavering dedication to helping others. You continue to amaze and inspire me every single day."

Her eyes glistened with unshed tears as I dropped down to one knee, the crowd gasping collectively at the sight. The weight of the moment pressed upon me, but I held steadfast, my heart pounding against my ribs.

"I want to spend the rest of my life inspired by you, laughing with you, and building our dreams together. Susan Marie Phillips, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" My breath hitched as I opened the ring box, revealing a diamond that sparkled with brilliance.

Time seemed to stand still as Susan pressed a hand to her mouth, overcome with emotion. Her eyes shone with unbridled joy as she nodded eagerly, whispering a resounding "Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!"

I swept her into my arms as cheers erupted around us. At that moment, with Susan in my embrace, I was the happiest man in the world.

Susan clung to me, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks. I could barely hear her whisper "I love you" over the thunderous applause filling the ballroom.

As we pulled back, her eyes shimmered with happiness. She gently wiped away the tears from her face, laughter bubbling forth.

"I can't believe you just proposed in front of all these people," she exclaimed, her voice a mixture of awe and amusement.

A grin tugged at the corners of my lips as I replied, "I wanted everyone here to witness the moment that made me the luckiest man alive."

Just then, Mayor Tom Fletcher stopped beside me, grinning from ear to ear. He gave me a hearty pat on the back before making his way onto the stage and taking the microphone.

"Well, I'll be! Looks like Rivermint Cove has a wedding to plan!" he announced jovially. The crowd cheered in response.

"As mayor, it's my personal duty to ensure these two lovebirds have the grandest engagement party this town has ever seen! A real engagement party this time!" Tom declared.

His words sent a ripple of laughter around the room, easing any lingering tension from the engagement sham that initially brought Susan and me together. The townsfolk of Rivermint Cove, in their warmth and genuine sense of community, had forgiven our transgressions. Their cheers spoke volumes about acceptance, friendship, and, most importantly, love.

I nodded gratefully at the mayor before turning back to Susan. The applause and cheers still echoed around us as we stood center stage, hand in hand.

Then, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a familiar figure approaching. Tiffany glided towards us, an elegant vision in a sleek gown. Her typically severe expression softened into something vulnerable, something resembling a smile.

"Susan, Nate. I just wanted to offer my sincere congratulations," she said. "And to apologize...for the way I acted before."

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