Brandon (Anderson Billionaires #3) - Melody Anne Page 0,95
to surround herself with people who could remind her. Her strength was always there. Sometimes she just couldn’t manage to find it.
By the time she’d finished with all the pampering and had gotten dressed, she was wondering if she’d be able to recognize the person looking back from a mirror. But as she looked, her eyes filled with tears. The spa hadn’t overpowered her with layers of makeup but had highlighted her eyes and lips, letting her natural glow shine through. Her hair was placed on top of her head, with several strands curling around her face and shoulders. Her gown cascaded over her body, hugging her curves and then flaring into a full skirt that was perfect for being swirled around a dance floor.
Her besties stood by her side, looking stunning as usual. They linked arms as they smiled at their final results.
“Thank you so much for today,” she managed to get past her tight throat.
“Don’t you start crying and ruin all of this hard work,” Brooke said, sounding suspiciously close to tears herself. “We have a gala to go to,” she finished. “It’s so nice to be a woman for a while—separate from being a mother, an employee, and even a wife. We do lose ourselves in the many roles we play. Those roles are amazing, and I wouldn’t trade them, but I like finding myself again with the two of you.”
“I couldn’t have said it better,” Sarah said.
“Let’s go surprise our men,” Chloe said.
The three of them glided from the house to where a stretch limo awaited them. Chloe had no doubt she’d see a smile on Brandon’s face. Did she want more than that from him? She was thinking that she just might indeed.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Brandon stood with Finn, Noah, Hudson, and Crew. It was always nice when he was with all four of his siblings. It wasn’t often, as they were all busy. But this soft opening for the place they’d all worked hard on was the perfect chance for them to come together and appreciate what they could accomplish as a family and as a community.
“Where in the world is Chloe?” Brandon asked. “I wanted to pick her up, but she said she was coming with Sarah and Brooke.”
“You know how those ladies are when they get together,” Finn said with a laugh. “I wouldn’t be entirely surprised if they got to talking and forgot the time. They might not make it here at all.”
“Yeah, I’ve seen that happen before,” Noah chimed in.
“So you’re saying your wives would rather have an evening without you?” Hudson said with a smirk.
“Maybe they’re already regretting their marriage vows,” Crew teased.
“If you guys ever settle down, you’d know what a real relationship is like. My marriage is nice and cozy,” Finn said, not goaded one bit.
“Yep. I thought being in a relationship with one woman was the end of everything. I was so wrong,” Noah said.
“I’ve never been happier in my life,” Brandon added.
“Not you, too, Brandon. Didn’t we all vow eternal bachelorhood at one point in our lives?” Hudson asked.
That made them all laugh. “I think we were preadolescent,” Finn pointed out. “It doesn’t count then.”
“I have to admit I’m a little jealous of what you have. It’s pretty impressive,” Crew said, seeming extra thoughtful that evening.
“Does that mean you’re next?” Brandon asked with a smile.
“I think you’re next if your constant attention to the door is any indication,” Crew pointed out.
“Oh, I’m done for,” Brandon said, not even slightly embarrassed. “I’m in love. I’m just waiting for the perfect moment to give Chloe this.” He pulled out an impressive diamond ring from his pocket.
Crew and Hudson whistled while Finn and Noah smiled. “You did good,” Finn approved.
“Mine’s better,” Noah said.
That again made them all laugh. They’d been competitive their entire lives, and it wasn’t going to stop with marriage and becoming fathers. They’d compete at who raised their kids better and looked the best being a father. No dad bods for them. It wouldn’t ever get to the point that it became harmful to their relationships, though, or to where they didn’t love their nieces and nephews as much as their own children. But friendly competition was good for the soul.
“We’ll see whether Chloe takes it or throws it back in my face, then know whose is better,” Brandon said.
“I can’t believe you bought a ring. I guess you have fallen,” Hudson said. He seemed a bit panicked.