But Sawyer was going to be crucial pretty soon because Braydon was about to do something that would ultimately change his and Brendon’s lives forever.
At the far end of the table, Braydon’s father was talking to his mother and Jared. He heard Curtis mention the name Walker Demo a few times, but even after straining to hear more, he couldn’t. So he’d left that conversation alone while he continued down the table. Zoey was next to Kaleb, Mason bouncing on Kaleb’s knee as he grabbed for anything and everything within reach, and they were both chatting it up with V and Zane. Zane was telling some crazy-ass story about his club at AI, and everyone was laughing, including Joe and Melissa, who were dividing their attention between all the conversations going on. As Braydon stared at Zane and V, he had to wonder whether the two of them would be making a big announcement sometime in the near future. But not tonight. Tonight he wanted the floor.
As he was turning to look at Jessie beside him, his gaze landed on Ethan and Beau. The two of them looked more at ease than he had probably ever seen them. Ethan was actually leaning in toward Beau, their heads just inches apart, and they were looking at one another as they spoke. Yeah, it was safe to say that Ethan had definitely found his happy. Braydon hoped like hell that lasted for the rest of their lives because if anyone deserved it, it was Ethan.
And finally, Braydon glanced to his left to the spot where Jessie was sitting. Her hand was resting on his thigh beneath the table and she was talking to Kylie, both of them laughing at Gage and Travis still hovering.
“Hey,” he whispered, getting her attention.
Jessie turned and looked at him, her smile lighting up her entire face.
“Did you get enough to eat?” he asked, nodding toward her half-empty plate.
“More than enough. It was great.” She leaned in closer to him. “I was thinking about saving room for dessert.”
Holy fuck. Braydon’s head started spinning. Just a few days ago, Jessie had busted out a jar of fudge sauce and proceeded to show him exactly how she preferred to eat it. Needless to say, by the time they were done, they had both needed a shower. The only thing he had to say . . . at least she hadn’t had a preference for hot fudge.
“I could go for some dessert,” he told her, keeping his voice low as he squeezed her hand. “I’ll be right back.”
He met Jessie’s confused look with a smile and a quick kiss on her mouth before he stood up and headed for the kitchen. He thought he might manage to get by undetected by everyone except Joe, who was expecting what was about to come. After all, Braydon had sought Joe’s permission to ask his daughter to marry him. That had been an awkward conversation, but without revealing to her father all the ins and outs of their rocky but now stable relationship, Braydon had filled him in. To his absolute surprise, Joe had given his blessing. That followed a threat of bodily harm if Braydon were to ever hurt her, but thankfully Joe had delivered the threat with a smile. Braydon had offered his own assurances and all had ended well.
But Joe wasn’t the only one keeping an eye on him tonight. He heard footsteps behind him as he snuck into the kitchen. Without looking over his shoulder, he knew exactly who it was. Nothing got past his mother. Ever. Lorrie had obviously noticed his attempt to sneak off and came up on him as he was opening one of the cabinets above the sink.
“Looking for something?” she asked sweetly.
Braydon spun around to meet her gaze, instantly recognizing the mischief in his mother’s bright blue eyes.
“Actually, yes,” he said slowly.
“Good. While you get that, I’ll see if anyone wants coffee.”
And with that, his mother was gone.
Braydon watched the spot she’d vacated for several seconds before remembering what he’d actually come into the kitchen for. Laughing, he reached into the cabinet, retrieved the item, and then headed back to the dining room. Without stopping to talk to anyone, Braydon made his way around the table, this time coming in on the opposite side of Jessie so that he could insert himself between her and her sister.
When he was standing directly in front of her, his hands began to shake. And so did his legs. Before he lost his nerve, or gave his brothers a minute to give him shit, Braydon slowly lowered himself to one knee in front of Jessie. Their eyes met and he saw the moment she realized what was going on. Her hand came up to cover her mouth, and he noticed the shimmer of tears in her eyes.
“Jessica Prescott,” he said, taking a deep breath before continuing, “will you marry me?”
A tear spilled over Jessie’s dark lashes, but she was nodding her head, so he took it as a good sign.