by Addison Cole
Treat’s eyes shadowed with seriousness, and he set his gaze on Brianna. “Were you okay with that?”
“Not at first. It was a total sensory overload, and a little frightening, but Hugh knew just what to do. He swept Layla into the car, and he made sure we were all okay before attending to the crowd.” She remembered the way he’d revealed their relationship, and it brought a warm feeling to her chest.
“I’m glad to hear he took care of it. Hugh’s a good man,” Treat said.
“All the Bradens are good people.” Max set her hand on Treat’s leg and smiled up at him adoringly.
Brianna watched them closely, finding the dichotomy of Treat’s formality and Max’s casual attire interesting. When Treat looked at Max, his dark eyes darkened even more, and he bathed her in love. Brianna had seen pictures in Hugh’s house of his family, and as she got to know Treat and Max, the things he’d said about cars being just cars and his job being what he did, not who he was, made even more sense. She knew that Treat owned resorts all over the world, and yet neither Treat nor Max was pretentious. If she closed her eyes, they could just as easily have been in a station wagon.
Her mother reached over and squeezed her hand and mouthed, Nice people.
Nice people. That’s what mattered most.
Chapter Forty
HUGH PACED THE hotel lobby. He’d been waiting all afternoon to see Brianna, and when she walked through the lobby doors, his pulse accelerated. He crossed the marble floor and took her in his arms, pressing a loving kiss to her lips.
“I missed you, sweetheart,” he said. He held her a beat longer, feeling much more at ease now that she and Layla were there with him. “I don’t ever want to be away from you guys for that long again.”
Her eyes widened, then narrowed, the way they did when she had amorous thoughts. He squeezed her hand and kissed her again, before swooping Layla into his arms and tickling her belly. “And you! I missed you, too. Did you make up any great stories on the way over?”
“Treat gave me an activity book,” Layla gushed.
Hugh set her down, and Brianna took her hand. “He did? Well, Treat’s a pretty good guy.” Hugh kissed Jean’s cheek. “Was the trip okay?”
“Yes. Perfect, thank you.” Jean looked pretty in her casual long skirt and blouse. “Treat and Max were wonderful hosts.”
Hugh embraced Max and kissed her cheek as he had Jean’s. “You look gorgeous, Max.” It struck him then how similar in style Max and Brianna were, and he wondered what that said about him and Treat. Maybe they weren’t so different after all. Although, now that he thought about it, none of his siblings had chosen a life partner that was pretentious or overly showy. Dad raised us well. The importance of Brianna’s desire not to spoil Layla became crystal clear. After tomorrow, he’d be sure to rein it all in. After tomorrow.
“Bro.” Hugh opened his arms, and he and Treat embraced. Treat patted him on the back. “Thanks, man. I really appreciate you taking care of everyone.”
“That’s what family’s for.” Treat put his arm around Max and kissed the top of her head.
Hugh looked at Treat, Max, Brianna, Layla, and Jean, and he felt the impact of the word like a squeeze to his heart. Family.
Chapter Forty-One
THE FLORIDA SUN beat down on the bleachers, sparkling in Layla’s eyes as she watched the cars speed around the track. They’d all had dinner together last night, but both Hugh and Layla had turned in early. Hugh, to be prepared for the race, and Layla from pure exhaustion. Hugh had come to see them in their hotel room earlier that morning before he left for the track. I’m going to win this one for you and Layla. Mark my words. As Brianna watched his car speed by, she knew he’d win the race. She believed in Hugh. She trusted his words, and she trusted his love for her and Layla. She looked around the crowded bleachers, excited and proud to hear people cheering for Hugh. Treat and Max shared an intimate kiss; then Max went back to watching the race, while Treat’s gaze remained on Max.
“How are you holding up? Uncomfortable at all?” her mother asked.
“No, actually. I realize that all that foolishness doesn’t matter. Hugh loves me. The fear of wanting to run was a momentary blip on my radar screen.” She put her arm around Layla. “Actually, that’s not true, Mom. It wasn’t that at all. I think it was Dad’s leaving coming back to haunt me, and you know what? That’s his issue, not mine. And definitely not Hugh’s or Layla’s.”
“Now, that’s the Brianna I know and love.” Her mother bumped her with her shoulder. “Your man is doing well in the race. He’ll probably win.”
He already won my heart. “He said he’d win, and when Hugh says something, he means it.” Hugh had told her that he’d change the way she thought about men, and while he might not have changed the way she thought about all men, he’d proven the kind of man he was, and that was all she needed to know.
“Somehow I think you’re right.” Jean nodded at Layla. “I think your little princess loves the races.”
“I think she loves Prince Hugh.” And I know I do.
Treat and Max rose to their feet. “The race is almost over, and Hugh asked that we meet him down by the track.”
“Sure.” She held Layla’s hand, and they followed Treat as he descended the noisy stands. “Is this safe?” Brianna asked as they neared the track.
“Hugh would never put you or Layla in danger.” Treat’s commanding presence was second to the confidence in his tone. He picked up Layla and carried her safely in his arms as Hugh crossed the finish line and the crowd roared. Layla covered her ears, and Brianna and Jean cheered.
“He’s going to be pumped!” Treat squeezed Layla. “Hugh won, Layla.”
“Yay!” she cheered.
“Congratulations!” Max said to Brianna.
“It’s all Hugh,” Brianna said. Her heart thundered in his chest. He won. Just like he said he would.
Max shifted her eyes to Treat. “I love to see him with Layla,” Max said.
“He looks like a natural. Do you plan on having children?” Brianna asked.
“Oh, yes. Definitely.” Max’s cheeks pinked with her smile.
“There’s no greater joy,” Jean added. She put her arm around Brianna.
“Thanks, Mom. I feel the same way about Layla.” She watched the cars pull into their pits.
“Come on, ladies; it’s time for the winner’s circle.” Treat picked up his pace.
Winner’s circle? Brianna’s nerves took flight. She’d thought they would remain on the sidelines.
The winner’s circle was inside the track and mobbed with media crews. Hugh finished his victory lap, then spun out across the grass.
When he stepped from the car, Brianna’s breath hitched. He was so handsome in his driving suit, and when he whipped off his helmet, his eyes immediately found hers. A rush of heat spread through her. Hugh blazed a path toward Brianna right through the mass of reporters, who spread like the Red Sea. Treat was behind him, carrying a sign.
“May I?” Hugh took the track announcer’s microphone and closed the gap between him and Brianna. He took off his glove and handed it to Max, then took Layla’s hand and guided her in front of Brianna.
Brianna put her hands on her daughter’s shoulders. Hugh’s smile reached his eyes, and his dimples—those glorious dimples—appeared deep and true. His chest rose and fell with each hard breath. His eyes held her captive, and his rich, smooth voice sent her stomach into some kind of anxious rumba. She felt the eyes of the fans upon them, making her heart race.
“I will get on with my thank-yous in just a moment. Please bear with me.” Hugh’s voice boomed through the loudspeakers.
Hugh placed his hand on Brianna’s, which held Layla’s shoulder. “I won that race for Brianna and Layla Heart.”
Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Brianna couldn’t breathe. She couldn’t move. She squeezed Layla’s shoulder, and Hugh’s hand lovingly held hers as he dropped to one knee before them. One knee! Brianna felt her knees weak
en and she shifted her gaze to her mother, who was wiping tears as quickly as they fell.
“Brianna.”
She drew her eyes back to Hugh, kneeling before her. Kneeling!
His eyes dampened, and Brianna’s throat swelled. “You’re the bravest, most loving woman I know, and when I think of my future, I see you and Layla. When I look into your eyes, I feel your love for me.”
Tears streamed down her cheeks. She had no idea how she remained standing, or if she was even still breathing, as the man she loved said everything she could ever dream of hearing.
“My life is full of challenges and competitions, and I know I can face anything with you by my side. You deserve a man who will love and cherish you and Layla. You deserve a man who will nourish your love and feed your spirit. Brianna, will you let me be that man? Will you marry me?”
She opened her mouth to speak, and nothing came out. Her jaw trembled. The world went silent, save for her thundering heart.
“Mommy! Say yes!” Layla whispered loudly.
The reporters laughed.
“Yes.” It was a whisper. “Yes.” Darn it! Where’s my voice?
Hugh rose to his feet with hope in his eyes. “Yes?”
She nodded, her legs somehow propelling her forward. “Yes!”
He dropped the microphone, swooped her off her feet, and spun her around. “I love you!”
He kissed her in front of the world, a long, passionate kiss that stole her ability to think—as all of his kisses did.
“I ordered your ring, but I won’t have it until next week. I’m so sorry, but I didn’t want to wait.”
“Ring?” Her mind was still in the clouds.
“Yes, an engagement ring.” He hugged her again. “You’ve made me the happiest man on earth.”
Treat held up the sign and showed it to the crowd. SHE SAID YES!
“Congratulations!” Her mother’s voice found her.
Brianna embraced her mother. “The sign?”
“I was a little overly confident,” Hugh said with a grin.
The reporters buzzed with the news. Brianna caught bits and pieces of the announcements. Her mind reeled.
“…have it folks…Hugh Braden is off the market!”
“Braden engaged…”
“Mommy!”
Her mind snapped to attention as Hugh picked up Layla and she put her little hands on his cheeks.
“I knew you were her prince! We will marry you, Prince Hugh! We will!” Layla pressed her pink lips to his cheek, then wrapped her arms around his neck.
Treat’s arms came around Brianna. “Welcome to our family,” he said. “He’s a good man, and now he’s a lucky man, too.”
“Thank you, Treat.” She swiped at the never-ending flow of tears.
“Another sister-in-law!” Max hugged Brianna. “I can’t wait to get to know you better. And you’ll love the rest of the girls, and of course the men, too, but you know what I mean.” Max sighed. “I never imagined I’d have so many sisters.”
Jean pulled Brianna into a hug before she could say another word. “This, I had no idea about.”
“He didn’t tell you?” Brianna asked.
“No, and I’m so happy for you, Bree.” Jean nodded at Layla, still in Hugh’s arms as he thanked his sponsors. “He’s right, Bree. You deserve a man who will adore you and treat you well, and it’s obvious that Hugh is that man.”
She watched Hugh walking toward her, his broad shoulders pushed back, his chest out, and the smile that had been on his lips since he took off his helmet lit up her heart. Love coursed through her, and when he finally stood before her, her hand was drawn to his stomach. Even through his thick suit, she felt his strength.
He arched a brow. “You know what that does to me.”
“I’m counting on it.” She licked her lips, because she also knew what that did to him.
He stepped closer. “I told you that I’m not a halfway guy.”
“I wouldn’t have you any other way.”
“What about your twelve-year plan?” He cupped his hands on her waist, and it sent a thrill right through her.
“I exchanged it for a lifetime plan.” She pressed her cheek to his and whispered, “And I didn’t even need a sidecar.”
Chapter Forty-Two
THE WEEK FLEW by in a flurry of congratulations and too many hours of work for Brianna. Hugh waded in and out of video press conferences and interviews. By the time they arrived at Hugh’s father’s ranch in Weston, Colorado, Saturday morning, they were exhausted and equally as excited. It had been a week since they’d gotten engaged, and last night, Hugh wanted nothing more than to climb into bed beside Brianna, wrap his arms around her, and fall asleep, but they’d decided that they wouldn’t live together until they were married, for Layla’s sake. Which is how their decision to get married tonight, after the engagement party, had come about.
“This is gorgeous, Hugh.” Brianna looked out over his father’s ranch. “I can’t even imagine what it must have been like to grow up here. It’s so…fresh and free.”
“We can live anywhere you want and raise our children in any state. If you want to stay in Richmond, that’s fine. If you’d rather move to someplace like Weston, I’m all for it. Home for me is wherever you and Layla are.”
She touched his belly, and he pulled her close.
“Other than college and your race, I’ve never been anywhere, but I like the idea of being around family.”
“Then we can stay in Richmond. We have a beautiful house there, and Layla’s friends are there.” He opened the front door.
“Hugh, I meant maybe around your family. Let’s see how we get along and think about it.”
Hugh stopped cold. “You would move?”
“Families offer love and support. It might be nice for Layla to have more people around to love her. Let’s think about it.”
“Hugh!” Savannah flew out the front door and wrapped her arms around him.
“Hey, Vanny. Where’s Jack?” Hugh kissed her cheek.
“He’s down at the barn with Dad.”
Savannah’s auburn hair flowed to the middle of her back. She flashed a bright smile at Brianna and folded her in her arms. “Bree! I am so glad to finally meet you.” She looked at Hugh out of the corner of her eye. “I told you you’d find her when you weren’t looking.”
“Hi.” Brianna put her hand on Layla’s back. “This is Layla. Layla, say hello to Savannah. Savannah is Hugh’s sister.”
“Hi, Savannah,” Layla reached up to touch Savannah’s hair. “Your hair is pretty.”
“Thank you. Your hair is pretty, too.” Savannah whispered to Bree, “She’s adorable.”
Layla jumped up and down. “Guess what?” Before Savannah could answer, she squealed, “We’re marrying Hugh today!”
Savannah laughed. “I know! I’m so excited!”
“Savannah, are you sure you’re okay with us getting married tonight?” Brianna put her hand on Layla’s shoulder.
“Oh my gosh, really? Bree, you’re going to be my sister-in-law. Do you know how many years I spent with just brothers? Now I have five sisters in my life. I’m thrilled. We all are.
“Come on inside.” Savannah took Layla’s hand and walked through the open foyer to the living room, where all of Hugh’s siblings and their significant others were waiting.
Brianna hugged Treat and Max, and Max introduced her to the others. Hugh loved seeing his family embrace her and Layla. Brianna smiled at Hugh over her shoulder.
“You’ve gone all googly-eyed on me.” Treat appeared by his side.
“Yeah. I probably have,” Hugh admitted.
“Brianna’s great. She and Max really hit it off.”
“I know.” Hugh watched Lacy hug Brianna. Lacy’s golden tan set off her thick blond corkscrew curls. Layla reached up and sprang one of Lacy’s curls.
Treat put his arm around Hugh. “Are you ready to be a husband?”
“More than you can ever imagi
ne.” The truth of his words nearly pulled tears from his eyes. He swallowed past the lump of love that had lodged in his throat.
“And you’re adopting Layla? I’m proud of you, Hugh. I wondered if you’d ever settle down,” Treat said in a serious tone.
“Says the man who was almost forty when he got married,” Hugh teased.
“I was waiting for the right woman.” Treat nodded toward Max. “By the way, what’s up with no ring, you cheapskate?”
Hugh turned his back to the others and pulled a velvet bag from his pocket and handed it to Treat. “Cheapskate, my butt.”
Treat withdrew two rings from the velvet bag and admired them. “Emerald cut, three stones, what is that? About a carat?” He smirked.
“Two, you jackass. And I’ve got a matching wedding ring.”
“And the little one?” He put the tiny ring on the tip of his pinky.
“For Layla.”
“I figured since it has a diamond tiara on it. That’s sweet, Prince Hugh.” He elbowed Hugh and handed him back the rings.
“Bro.” Dane embraced Hugh. His thick dark hair was longer than it had been the last time they’d seen each other. As a shark tagger and marine researcher, he spent about as much time on or in the water as he did on land, and his copper skin was proof that nothing had changed. “You’re biting the couple bullet. I never thought I’d see the day.”
“Yeah, well, the best men finish last,” Hugh teased. Dane was six years older than Hugh and two years younger than Treat. He’d gotten engaged to Lacy a few weeks after Treat and Max’s wedding.
“Sorry we missed your race. You guys will have to come out and see us sometime.” Dane ran his hand through his hair.
“No, he should visit us more often,” Rex’s deep voice interrupted. He wrapped Hugh in his arms. “Missed you, Hugh.”
Hugh could barely get his arms around his brawny brother. Though Rex was the same height as him, he carried an additional thirty pounds of muscle from working on the ranch. Combined with cowboy-long hair that brushed his collar and his ever-present Stetson, Rex was the epitome of a Colorado rancher.