Brandon (Anderson Billionaires #3) - Melody Anne Page 0,98

pulled out the box that had been in his pocket for weeks. He’d looked at the diamond a thousand times. Her eyes widened as her lips parted. He was barely aware of the music stopping or the eyes that were all on them. He didn’t register Joseph’s huge grin as he fist-bumped his brother George.

“Chloe, you’ve brought joy and hope to my heart. I can’t picture my life without you. Please, take away my suffering and marry me,” he asked.

She didn’t take her eyes off him. And he didn’t look away from her. He wanted her to see the truth in his eyes. Besides that, he was holding his breath as he waited for her answer. She was either going to trust him or not. But he knew he wouldn’t give up, even if her answer wasn’t yes on this night. They were meant to be together, and he had no doubt that wasn’t going to change.

After what felt like an eternity, she nodded as the tears continued to flow. Brandon jumped to his feet and pulled her into his arms, then lifted her high off the ground and locked his lips to hers. She fell into his kiss, and he knew this was truly the best day of his entire life.

He wasn’t sure how long their kiss went on before he noticed the sound of applauding around him. He reluctantly pulled from Chloe, whose cheeks turned scarlet as she realized they weren’t alone. Both of them had completely tuned out the rest of the world for this precious moment. Brandon took her hand and slipped the ring on her finger, the gem sparkling brightly in the perfectly lit room. He turned toward the swarm of people, his lips turned up so much his cheeks were beginning to ache.

“She said yes,” he said. Their friends and family erupted into applause all over again. His brothers came over and clapped him on the back before giving him hugs while Sarah and Brooke engulfed Chloe in a group hug and squealed.

All the air was sucked from Brandon’s body as Joseph enveloped him in a hug so tight he was wondering if he had a few cracked ribs when his uncle let him go.

“You’ve done very good, son,” Joseph said.

“Yes, I have,” Brandon agreed.

Chloe looked up, and their eyes met again. They pushed past all the people offering their congratulations and fell into each other’s arms again. He couldn’t quit smiling as they gazed at each other.

“I love you, Brandon,” she told him. It was the first time she’d spoken the words, and that was when he knew how powerful those three words truly were.

“I love you, Chloe,” he said, then kissed her again. The cheering of their friends drew them apart. “Is it time to leave yet?” he asked.

She laughed with pure joy. “Not a chance. I just got engaged. I’m going to enjoy my five seconds of fame as the belle of the ball tonight.”

“As you wish, my princess,” he said with a bow that had her laughing.

He might have been joking, but he truly did mean the words. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do or give to this woman. And their journey together was only just beginning.

Her mother stepped up to her, a smile on her face. “You look absolutely radiant,” her mother said.

Chloe wrapped her arms around her mother in a messy, hard hug. “I feel amazing,” she said. “I love him.”

“That’s more than obvious, darling. I’m glad you have found yourself. I know I haven’t always communicated in the best way, but your father and I both want you to get all of your dreams.”

The words obviously shocked Chloe. Brandon knew her mother had never said anything like this to her before, and he was sure she didn’t know how to reply.

Her father saved her from having to do so. He took Chloe from her mother and gave her a hug.

“Your mother couldn’t have said it better. Watching you this past year has made us realize we’ve made many mistakes in life. One thing we got absolutely right was in having you and seeing the beautiful, talented woman you’ve turned out to be. We’re very happy for you.”

“Thanks, Dad,” she said. Brandon knew she’d always called her parents by their formal names of Mother and Father. He was glad to see that tight hold loosening. Formalities had been instilled in Chloe since she was a very young child.

“Mr. Hitman, can we ask you some questions?” a reporter said