“Too many people out there tonight too,” he said.
The elevator stopped, and they walked down the carpeted hallway. “I want some time alone with you.” He passed the room key near the lock and pushed the door open.
Jen preceded him inside. Her eyes immediately settled on the suite’s table. A bottle of wine sat chilling near two long-stemmed glasses. A dessert plate containing what appeared to be limoncello panna cotta with wild blueberry glaze sat in front of one seat. A large chocolate torte had been placed in front of the other. They were the same two desserts they’d ordered at Turin during what she considered their second official date.
She gestured toward the table. “This took some planning.”
“Even if I didn’t win tonight, I hoped to have a reason to celebrate.” Brett pulled her chair out.
She didn’t know how she should interrupt his cryptic comment. Jen sat and waited for him to explain as he poured them each a glass of white wine.
“Well, you did win, Senator, so we can celebrate,” Jen said. “Congratulations. I couldn’t be happier for you.” She raised her glass and tapped it against his. “You deserve it.”
He set his glass aside without tasting it. “I didn’t ask you up here to celebrate my win.” Brett cleared his throat and removed something from his seat. He stood there, his fists clenched by his sides, indecision on his face. “This might be clichéd, but it seems appropriate.” He dropped to one knee and took her left hand. “Jenner, will you marry me?”
She’d hoped he’d ask her to move to Washington with him. She hadn’t expected or imagined he’d propose before he relocated.
He didn’t give her a chance to speak. “You can take as much time as you want planning the wedding.” He moved the ring toward her knuckle even though she hadn’t answered him. “But when I go to Washington next month, I want you to come with me.”
Sara had told her Brett wouldn’t settle for a long-distance relationship. She’d been correct.
“Getting a little ahead of yourself, aren’t you?” she asked, unable to resist giving him a hard time. Jen pointed to the most gorgeous diamond engagement ring she’d ever seen. “Maybe you should give me a chance to answer you before you put it on me.” Jen leaned forward and kissed him. “Yes, Senator Buster, I’ll marry you and leave for Washington with you.”
Brett kissed her, nearly turning her blood to steam. When he pulled away, he stood but kept a hand on her cheek. “You need to come up with something better than Buster soon, Jenner.”
She raised her left hand and wiggled her fingers. “Soon I can call you hubby.”
He smiled and kissed her again. “Can’t wait.” His voice echoed the same emotions she felt.
“Neither can I.”
The End