I Do

He then took her around the room, introducing her to various investors of the company, the various invited guests and then finally, to Angie Harmon. He looked at her excitedly talking to her icon and then engaging with the various investors. As he stood there watching her engage with his guests, he grew surer of the fact that he had made the right call to be with her and to marry her. She was the big piece of the puzzle that had been missing in his life and yet he had not realized until she had walked into his life. Noah walked over to where she was with his wine in hand.

“You could try and hide the fact that you are staring,” Noah said and Ethan shook his head.

“Now why would I want to go and do that?” he asked.

“Well, the world has seen you two all over the papers and tabloids but you don’t seem to want to address the rumors or speculations,” Noah said as he looked at his brother. “Have any plans on doing that?”

Ethan shook his head.

“I have been through the press riffs with my exes. If I talk to the press about us, then our time ceases to be special. It stops being private.”

Noah took a sip of his wine.

“So, that’s the direction you are taking with this relationship?” he asked and Ethan nodded.

“The relationship. The marriage. Everything.”

Noah smiled.

“Marriage?” he asked. “Is there something I need to know?”

Ethan reached into his pocket and pulled out the ring box to show his brother.

“What?” Noah asked as Ethan shoved the ring back into his pocket.

“I already asked her on the cruise. This just makes it official for us and anyone else who had any questions.”

“I’d say,” Noah raised his glass to him. “Congratulations. You got a good one.”

Ethan smiled and got a fork from the table behind him. He was just about to hit the glass when he noticed a woman standing across the room. It was the red wavy hair that really caught his attention. He knew that red mane all too well.

“Ann’s here?” Ethan said in a soft voice.

“Where?” Noah asked.

“Across the room. Tight black dress.”

Noah spotted her and took a sip of his wine.

“You invited her?” he asked and Ethan shook his head.

“Why would I invite my ex to my company’s party?” he asked. “She made a lot of friends here while we were still together. She must have been invited by one of them.”

“Don’t let her derail you. Go ahead, make your announcement.” Noah patted his shoulder reassuringly. “This is your moment.”

Ethan smiled and looked around the place until he saw Josie. He smiled at her and took a step forward.

“If I could have everybody’s attention,” he said as he hit the glass.

The room grew quiet as everyone turned their attention to Ethan. He looked at Josie and held out his hand and instinctively, she walked to where he was.

“Most of you might know this beautiful woman here, Josie Johnson. We met five months ago and I must say that she is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Two days ago, I asked her to marry me,” he slipped an arm around her waist and pulled her close. “And she said yes.”

The room erupted in applause and gasps of surprise but Ethan did not care.

“I know that she doesn’t have the hardware to prove it but I would like to correct that mistake,” he said as he pulled the ring out of his pocket. He opened the case and Josie gasped silently when she saw the beautiful, three-stone, cushion-cut diamond ring. He pulled the ring out of the case and slid it onto her ring finger as the room applauded. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her cheek.

“Hope that clears up any questions!” Noah yelled and the crowd roared in laughter.

Ethan pulled away from Josie and looked at her.

“Do you like it?” he asked as Josie looked down at her hand.

“Yes… I do. It’s perfect… When did you even do all this?” she asked, confused.

“The morning after. I made a call to a friend in town and had it made.”

“That was less than two days ago.”

“I made sure that it was ready before today. I wanted you to have it as soon as possible.”

“Well, I love it,” she said as she looked into his eyes.

“I’m glad you do.”

“Well, congratulations you two,” a woman said behind Ethan, making him turn around to find Ann standing there, grinning widely.

“Thank you,” Josie said, smiling.

“Ann, I did not expect to see you here,” Ethan said, trying hard to force a smile.

“A few friends asked me to come,” Ann said as she looked at Josie. “Well, Beckett. Aren’t you going to introduce me?”

“Ann Montgomery, Josie Johnson.”

Ann shook Josie’s hand.

“Very nice to meet you,” Ann said. “You know, now that there is a wedding in the near future, I would love to dress the bride if you would let me?”

“Ann, no,” Ethan hissed.

“Oh, you are a little concerned that our little history together will be a problem for the two of you?” Ann asked making Josie raise an eyebrow at Ethan.

“History?” she asked.

“Ann and I used to date,” Ethan said, looking at her.

“Oh,” Josie muttered. “I see.”

“Look, sweetheart,” Ann said as she looked at Josie. “It was a long time ago. This is purely a business decision. I own a small bridal salon in West Hollywood and I would very much like to be part of your big day. You are after all the most sought after woman in fashion nowadays.”

Josie looked at Ethan before she turned her attention back to Ann.

“I am?”

Ann nodded.

“The fact that no one can find any information on you on social media created a buzz,” Ann said. “After that photo of you two in London showed up, the world was asking a lot of questions.”

“I don’t follow tabloids,” she said in a soft voice and Ann nodded.

“And you shouldn’t. Just…” Ann handed her a business card. “Drop by the shop and give me a try. That’s all I ask.”

Josie nodded.

“Okay, I will.”

“Good.” Ann looked at Ethan. “Nice to see you again, Beckett.”

“I’m sorry,” Ethan said when she walked away. “I did not know she would be here let alone approach you.”

Josie shook her head

“Don’t be. It’s fine.” She slipped her hand in his. “Really.”