For the first time, we take the steps to the foyer, hand in hand. When I first met Brandon, my brother’s roommate at college, it was here at one of my mother’s galas, and I took an immediate liking to his Aussie humor. The following year, we joked around as friends, brushing with flirtation as the attraction grew. The following year, we had already quietly hooked up before the gala, and we did our best to hide the magnetism between us. But we did, as we were never officially a couple. We just couldn’t keep our hands off each other when he visited, and we were left alone.
For the last three years, I have attended the gala without a partner, and I have never felt more alone. Tonight, the secrecy ends. We are a couple, and I get to walk through the double doors, head high, with my hand linked through my man’s arm.
“Charlotte…” My mother’s friend comes to me and kisses my cheek. “You look radiant, dear.”
“Thank you. As do you.”
She laughs and waves a hand at me. “Oh darling, you flatter me.” Her eyes flick over Brandon until recognition clicks.
“Evening, Mrs. Burbridge. It’s lovely to see you again.”
My God, he remembered her name.
He takes her gloved hand and kisses her fingers. Mrs. Burbridge’s hand rises to her throat as she inhales a sharp breath.
“What a pleasure to see you, Mr. Johns.”
“The pleasure is all mine.” He nods and takes my hand, continuing into the main ballroom.
“Where is my Aussie, and what have you done to him?”
He squeezes my hand. “I have attended enough of your mum’s galas to know the right things to say.”
We head directly to our round table and greet the rest of my siblings and their wives. My parents will be last as they make a grand entrance once all the guests are seated.
Just like in old times, Brandon is seated beside Byron, and for the first time, my seat is next to Zara. She clicks her champagne glass with mine the moment it’s filled. Giana is very pregnant, and Penny is still in the morning-sickness stage. “It’s you and me, sister.”
“Did I not tell you?” I place my glass on the table and widen my eyes as though it’s a secret. The way her eyes round, I can’t keep a straight face. “I’m sorry,” I say and laugh. “Your face was priceless.”
“What’s so funny?” Byron asks.
I shake my head. “Nothing.”
He frowns and continues talking with Brandon.
Mom wanders in and checks we’re all settled then places her hands on my shoulders. “The emcee has just pulled out. Could one of you please step up?”
I turn and see her eyeing Jobe and Franklin.
Byron leans in close to Brandon. “I’d rather shit in my hands and clap.”
Brandon snorts, and my mother looks at him. “Sorry, Mrs. Hendricks. It’s the time of year I have allergies.”
Oh, hell. I’d rather these two be bickering than go back to the idiots they used to be as best friends.
The band begins to play covers of modern songs, and we all take to the dance floor. It reminds me of when we were carefree and young, dancing in my gown, only tonight, I’m not barefoot. The song switches to a slower beat, and Brandon swoops me into his arms, and we sway to the music.
It’s the first time we have waltzed together in public. I can’t remember the last time I waltzed, maybe with my father or one of my brothers at a wedding, but never with a lover. People just don’t waltz for fun. In his arms, gazing into each other’s eyes, I wish I did this more. I wish we held each other more because I feel his love flowing deep into my core.
Brandon leans his forehead against mine, our feet slow, unmoving, as our bodies gently sway. “I love you, Lottie. I always have.”
I push up onto my toes and kiss his lips. “I know.” I wait for a while before I say more. “From the first time I saw you, a goofy freshman hanging with Byron, I looked at you and thought, I’m going to marry him.”
He takes a step back, holding onto my hands. “You mean it?”
I smile at my beautiful man. “I do.”
“Then let’s drive to Vegas tonight.”
