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“Oh, probably about Tyler’s intentions with Brook.”
“Mom!” I blush.
“Oh, come on, sweetie, we both know he’s going to propose soon. That man looks at you like the sun rises and sets in your eyes. You wouldn’t be surprised by it, would you?”
I can’t hide it. “No . . . actually, he already showed me the ring on the car ride here.”
“Oh my God, what’s it look like? Did he ask already?” Mallory can’t conceal her excitement.
I explain the situation and they ooh and aah over his desire to show respect and ask for my hand in marriage.
“I told him Daddy would tell him it’s not necessary.”
“Oh, Brook, don’t spoil Tyler’s fun.” Mom swats at me. “Your dad will think it’s a wonderful gesture. He’s very impressed with Tyler. We both are.”
It feels like everything is finally falling into place, and I feel so blessed. I reach out and hold my mom’s hand. “Thank you, Mom. I know you guys want me to be happy with someone who treats me right, and I promise you he does.”
My mom gives me her sassy look with a devilish grin—the same one I give Tyler. “Trust me, sweetie, we’re not worried about him treating you right. We’re worried about whether that man knows what he’s getting himself into.”
Three Months Later . . .
“Yes,that one is perfect, so is this one . . . and this one . . .”
I pull the photos Kevin took of Tyler last week. This is our third photo shoot in as many months. Tyler’s patience is wearing pretty thin with the number of shoots I booked, but with the launch of our new spring seltzer variety pack and two new spring beers, I don’t have time to worry about that too much.
I stand back and look at the whiteboard in my office. I have my roadmap for this quarter pretty much mapped out, which is a great feeling considering I’m going out to a new winery in Fort Collins tonight.
I glance at my watch. “Shit.” I was already supposed to be back at the house, bags in hand.
My phone buzzes and I don’t even have to look at the screen to know that it’s Milly or Dolly calling.
“Hey, I know I’m late. I’m on my way!” I say as I grab my keys and purse and run down the hall toward the elevator.
“Wouldn’t be a girls’ night if we weren’t waiting on you to finish work,” Milly teases.
“I know, I know. I promise I’ll make it up to you ladies. First round’s on me. See you soon!” I hang up the phone and toss it in my purse as I shift my SUV into drive and haul ass back home.
The last three months have been a complete whirlwind. Once Tyler and I came back home from my family Christmas, he insisted I move in with him—something he didn’t need to actually insist on. And apparently, he has become best friends with my dad and brother, something I love even though it can also be annoying, especially when they get to talking on a group call and forget I exist.
Work has been stressful, but in the best way possible. I’ve even been able to hire two new team members who report to me and take some of the day-to-day stress off my plate. It’s going to be a lifesaver once our new seltzer flavors and spring beers launch.
The best part is that Neal hasn’t reached out to me or anyone in my family. Life is pretty damn perfect right now . . . except I still don’t have a ring on my finger. It’s something I’ve tried not to focus on, but it’s starting to get to me.
“I’m here!” I shout as I jump out of the SUV and wave at Dolly, Milly, and Adrienne. “Two minutes,” I say as I run up the stairs of my front porch to change my shoes and grab a snack for the road.
“Hey, sorry, can you do a little detour over to the barn so I can say bye to Tyler?” I say once I’m in the car.
Milly pulls over to the barn just as Tyler is walking out. I swing my door open and walk over to him, tossing my arms around his neck.
“Hey, sexy,” I plant a quick kiss on his lips, “we’re taking off for the night. I don’t plan on being out too late, so wait up for me.”
“Of course, baby.” His hands settle on my waist. He pulls me in for another kiss, and this time his hands wander down to my ass. He grabs two handfuls and presses himself against me. “Just remember what’s here waiting for you.”
I whimper. “I’m sure we have time to duck into the barn for a few.” I snake my tongue into his mouth, which elicits a low growl from his chest.
“After three rounds this morning? You’re insatiable.”
I giggle just as Milly lays on the horn and Adrienne shouts from the passenger window, “Let’s go, you horndogs!”
