Designed by Desire
Page 19
Mrs. Hamilton slipped one arm around her daughter’s waist and the other around Collin. Beaming from ear to ear, she led them down the hallway and paused expectantly at the living room threshold. “Great news, everyone,” she said, raising her voice to be heard above the chatter. “Collin and Brianna are engaged!”
Shrieks, cheers and applause erupted across the room. Everyone gathered around them, offering hugs and well wishes, and when Daniel clapped Collin on the back and said, “Welcome to the family,” Brianna pinched herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming.
Proudly showing off her engagement ring to Azure and Zoe minutes later, Brianna still couldn’t believe that Collin had popped the question or that she was wearing a ten-carat canary-yellow diamond worth his yearly salary. They’d picked it out that morning at Cartier, and every time Brianna looked at her ring, tears stung her eyes.
I never dreamed I could be this happy!
Her gaze circled the room, and when she spotted Collin standing in the kitchen shooting the breeze with her brothers, a smile overwhelmed her lips.
God, I love that man!
The mood inside the penthouse was festive and celebratory, but once the champagne was poured, everyone settled down to hear Mr. Hamilton’s toast.
“To Collin and Brianna,” Mr. Hamilton announced, raising his flute high in the air. “May your life be filled with love, happiness and unspeakable joy.”
“And lots of romance!” Mrs. Hamilton added, wagging a finger at her sons and nephews. “Boys, remember, a happy spouse makes a happy house!”
Everyone laughed and clinked flutes.
“What are we celebrating?”
A hush fell over the room. Brianna glanced over her shoulder and saw Bailey standing beside the grand piano. Brianna flew across the room. “Bailey!” she shrieked, embracing her. “What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be in St. Thomas.”
“No, I’m supposed to be here, with my family, where I belong.”
“That’s true, pumpkin. You couldn’t be more right.” Nodding his head, Mr. Hamilton wiped at his eyes and dropped an arm around Bailey’s shoulder. “I’m awfully glad to see you.”
“It’s good to see you, too, Dad, and it’s great to be home,” she said with a soft smile.
Sniffling, her lips quivering ever so lightly, Mrs. Hamilton cupped her daughter’s face in her hands and gave her a pointed look. “What have you been doing to yourself in St. Thomas? You’re nothing but skin and bones!”
Bailey rolled her eyes to the ceiling. “I missed you, too, Mom.”
Laughing, mother and daughter shared a long, tight embrace.
“So?” Bailey gestured to the appetizer trays and champagne bottles along the breakfast bar. “Did we win another industry award or something?”
“No, we’re celebrating my engagement.” Wearing a proud smile, Brianna raised her left hand in the air and pointed at her diamond ring. “Collin proposed last night and I said yes!”
“I’m not surprised. You guys couldn’t keep your hands off each other in St. Thomas!” Giggling, Bailey hugged and kissed them both. “I wish you guys nothing but the best. You’re a great couple, and I hope all of your dreams come true.”
Collin drew Brianna into his arms. “As long as I have the love and support of this strong, beautiful woman standing here beside me, I have everything I need.”
Brianna rested her head on Collin’s chest, happier than she’d ever been. His words and his tender caress along her shoulders made her heart swoon. He was the man of her dreams, her everything, and Brianna felt blessed that she’d been given a second chance at love. This time around she was marrying for the right reasons—not because her biological clock was ticking or because she was scared of being alone—and when Collin kissed her passionately, Brianna knew they were going to have a long, prosperous marriage.
And, the cutest kids in all of New York!
* * * * *
We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Kimani Romance story.
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ISBN: 9781460320082
DESIGNED BY DESIRE
Copyright © 2013 by Harlequin Books S.A.
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