Page 102 of Second Shot

I have no doubt that she’ll sell all of herpieces.

“Mama,” Noah says in my arms, pointing a chubby finger atBrynne.

“Mama’s busy.” I tickle him and he lets out a hoot of laughter. “You need to bequiet.”

I didn’t think it was a good idea bringing him, but Brynne insisted. And I’ll do anything for her. Even drag a seven-month-old to an artexhibition.

Brynne’s gaze lands on me and her smile broadens, causing my heart to speed up the way it always does when she looks at me likethat.

“Hey,” Sebastian slaps me on the back, grinning from ear to ear like the damn Cheshirecat.

“You look like you’re up to trouble,” I mumble, giving him a sidelongglance.

“Is it that obvious?” He reaches out for Noah, who goes to him easily. “Mind if I take him for a few minutes? The kid’s a chickmagnet.”

I laugh because Sebastian has never had any issues in the women department, other than that they like him a little too much. Even got himself a stalker for awhile.

“Need a new wingman now that you’re taken.” He winks atme.

Blake comes up behind me and slaps me on the back. “Youready?”

“Forwhat?”

He nods and I follow hisgaze.

Brynne is standing on the raised platform near the back of the room. A soft spotlight shines down on her, making her gown shimmer. She’s looks radiant, and her eyes sparkle with a mix of excitement and fear as her gaze findsmine.

A soft hum comes from the microphone she’s holding, and it cracks briefly before she speaks into it. “Hello.”

The room quickly quiets, all heads turning in herdirection.

“I wanted to say a quick thank you to everyone who came here tonight.” The mic cracks again and I hear her unsteady breath. “This has been a dream come true, and I’m grateful to everyone who helped make ithappen.”

A small round of applause goes through theroom.

She tugs her bottom lip between her teeth and waits a second before continuing, “Each painting you see here tonight represents a moment in my past that made me who I am today. Some good. Somebad.”

Her gaze focuses on me, and I see the small quiver of herlip.

“But I have one last piece that I want to share with you all tonight. This one is different. Instead of my past, it’s my future. At least, I hope itis…”

Her shoulders rise and fall as she sucks in a deep breath, then turns slightly and pulls the cover off the mounted canvas behindher.

A gasp goes through theroom.

It takes me a moment, probably longer than it should, to register the words written on the canvas behindher.

Will you marryme?

All eyes are on me, but it’s only Brynne that Isee.

“Well, Madden?” Her voice trembles with the slight hint offear.

Blake slaps my back, knocking the wind back into me. “Don’t be a chump. Answer thewoman.”

Five long strides and I’m across the room, scooping her into my arms, and crushing my lips against hers. I hear the microphone drop, the sharp static sound as it hits the floor, then the cheer from the people aroundus.

I press my forehead againsthers.

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