When she saw us, she gasped. “Look at my boys!” she exclaimed.
“Surprise,” I said.
“You two match!”
“You look spectacular, Ana.”
“Oh, we have to get a picture of this. Get together! Family photo!”
People started taking pictures as flashes went off everywhere. I held Brody close to me and slipped my arm around Ana’s waist, holding her closer to me than I ever had in my life. I looked down into her eyes, watching her smile bloom across her cheeks.
Then she looked up at me, and I knew tonight would be the perfect night.
The night drew on and people started dancing. Food was eaten and drinks were shot back, but Ana seemed pretty tame considering the occasion. She talked and picked at food, but she didn’t really seem to unleash. It gave me pause before I headed over to the DJ booth.
“Excuse me, everyone? Could I have your attention please?”
Everyone quieted down as Ana’s eyes widened.
“What are you doing?” she whispered.
“I’d like to take this moment to thank everyone for coming out and celebrating this joyous occasion with our family. This is a big moment for Ana Price, and I know she’s got a speech churning inside her to give.”
Are you nuts? she mouthed.
“Yeah! Mom has a speech she wants to give,” Brody said as he took the microphone from me. “But first, I want to tell you guys how awesome she is.”
The crowd let out a collective awww that cascaded around the room.
“My mom is the best. She works hard, and she always gives up what she wants so that my dad and me can have what we want. So, tonight is hers to be happy about what she wants. I’m proud of you, Mom.”
Tears rose in Ana’s eyes as I took the microphone from Brody.
“I couldn’t have said it better myself. So, without further delay—Ana?”
The crowd chanted her name as I wiggled the microphone at her. She shook her head and tossed the rest of her water back, then walked up onto the stage. The crowd cheered as she took the microphone, and I stuck my hand into my pocket. I took a step back from her and wrapped my hand around the small box against my thigh. Then I waited for the perfect opening in a speech I knew she had been planning for weeks, though I had known she’d act coy about it.
“I don’t really have a speech fully prepared, but I do have something I want to say. First off, thank you to Bloomingdale’s for taking this step with me. There is a blossoming market for making women of my stature and bigger feel wonderful and beautiful in their skin, and for Bloomingdale’s to be brave enough to take on my daring designs is an honor I can’t describe.”
I pulled the box from my pocket as the audience stood captivated by Ana’s words.
“I also want to thank my son and Tyler for being there for me during this crazy time in my life. A lot has gone on, but without their support, I’m not sure I would have gotten to this point.”
I stepped back up to her side and gazed down at the profile of her face, taking in the beauty of her pride.
“So, this night is for all of us, for all of those who supported this endeavor and the families who put up with the craziness during this time. This launch is for every big girl who got picked on in school and told they weren’t beautiful. This line is for every curvy belle on the planet who can’t find the right jeans to fit them or the right dress for that perfect date. But most of all—”
I got down on one knee and popped the box open as the crowd gasped. They began to cheer as Ana looked down at me. Then her hands flew to her mouth. The crowd went wild. They clapped and whistled and yelled yes. I smiled at Ana with tears in my eyes as Brody walked up beside his mother, slipping his hand into hers.
“But most of all, this launch is for you, Ana, for all your hard work and your dreams, the obstacles you overcame and worked through despite the life that was handed to you. Yes, this launch is for everyone in this room. But most of all, it’s for you, my love.”
Tears fell from her eyes as my hand began to shake.
“I love you, and I love our son. I want us to be a family, and I want to stand at your side while you succeed. I want to help you through every launch and be there for every moment so I can share them all with you. I want us to be the family I dreamed of in college. I want to be the man you know I can be. Ana Elizabeth Price, will you marry me?”