Page 86 of And Then There Was Us
He dropped the microphone, swooped her off her feet, and spun her around. “I love you!”
He kissed her in front of the world, a long, passionate kiss that stole her ability to think—as all of his kisses did.
“I ordered your ring, but I won’t have it until next week. I’m so sorry, but I didn’t want to wait.”
“Ring?” Her mind was still in the clouds.
“Yes, an engagement ring.” He hugged her again. “You’ve made me the happiest man on earth.”
Treat held up the sign and showed it to the crowd.SHE SAID YES!
“Congratulations!” Her mother’s voice found her.
Brianna embraced her mother. “The sign?”
“I was a little overly confident,” Hugh said with a grin.
The reporters buzzed with the news. Brianna caught bits and pieces of the announcements. Her mind reeled.
“…have it folks…Hugh Braden is off the market!”
“Braden engaged…”
“Mommy!”
Her mind snapped to attention as Hugh picked up Layla and she put her little hands on his cheeks.
“I knew you were her prince! We will marry you, Prince Hugh! We will!” Layla pressed her pink lips to his cheek, then wrapped her arms around his neck.
Treat’s arms came around Brianna. “Welcome to our family,” he said. “He’s a good man, and now he’s a lucky man, too.”
“Thank you, Treat.” She swiped at the never-ending flow of tears.
“Another sister-in-law!” Max hugged Brianna. “I can’t wait to get to know you better. And you’ll love the rest of the girls, and of course the men, too, but you know what I mean.” Max sighed. “I never imagined I’d have so many sisters.”
Jean pulled Brianna into a hug before she could say another word. “This, I had no idea about.”
“He didn’t tell you?” Brianna asked.
“No, and I’m so happy for you, Bree.” Jean nodded at Layla, still in Hugh’s arms as he thanked his sponsors. “He’s right, Bree. You deserve a man who will adore you and treat you well, and it’s obvious that Hugh is that man.”
She watched Hugh walking toward her, his broad shoulders pushed back, his chest out, and the smile that had been on his lips since he took off his helmet lit up her heart. Love coursed through her, and when he finally stood before her, her hand was drawn to his stomach. Even through his thick suit, she felt his strength.
He arched a brow. “You know what that does to me.”
“I’m counting on it.” She licked her lips, because she also knew whatthatdid to him.
He stepped closer. “I told you that I’m not a halfway guy.”
“I wouldn’t have you any other way.”
“What about your twelve-year plan?” He cupped his hands on her waist, and it sent a thrill right through her.
“I exchanged it for a lifetime plan.” She pressed her cheek to his and whispered, “And I didn’t even need a sidecar.”
Chapter Forty-Two
THE WEEK FLEW by in a flurry of congratulations and too many hours of work for Brianna. Hugh waded in and out of video press conferences and interviews. By the time they arrived at Hugh’s father’s ranch in Weston, Colorado, Saturday morning, they were exhausted and equally as excited. It had been a week since they’d gotten engaged, and last night, Hugh wanted nothing more than to climb into bed beside Brianna, wrap his arms around her, and fall asleep, but they’d decided that they wouldn’t live together until they were married, for Layla’s sake. Which is how their decision to get married tonight, after the engagement party, had come about.
