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Others took up the cheer, and Brandy grabbed Steph’s arm. “Come on, or we’ll miss it.”
The two women took off through the crowd to join the gathering of young women ready to catch the bouquet.
“Funny tradition,” Cal said to Ian, but then he realized Ian wasn’t standing next to him anymore. Interesting.
The crowd had parted to create a thoroughfare for the bouquet toss. Cal watched Brandy and Steph teasing and elbowing each other. Up ahead of them, Everly held the bouquet, wearing a huge grin.
The DJ played a countdown tune, and the crowd joined in. When the number got to three, Everly turned her back to everyone and tossed the bouquet backward over her head. The bouquet made a neat arc, and several women scrambled to catch it.
Steph stepped out of the way just as Brandy leapt to snag it. She squealed and held it up triumphantly. Everyone started clapping, and Everly walked over to hug her sister.
Then, as the sisters released each other, Brandy turned back to the crowd. She grinned at Ian, who was apparently standing on the side, not too far away.
He stepped out of the crowd and knelt in front of her.
The music quieted, as if Ian had tipped off the DJ. When her eyes widened, almost comically, everyone shushed each other.
Cal’s heart thumped. Ian was going to propose. Right here, right now.
“Brandy Kane,” he said, his voice quiet, but clear enough for everyone to hear. “I know this might be a surprise, but I can’t wait another day. Or night.” He shrugged.
Brandy brought her hand to her mouth, and her eyes swam with tears. “Ian …” she whispered.
“I thought you might want to tell your sister the good news, if there will be good news, before she disappears on her honeymoon for a week.”
A few laughs scattered through the crowd.
“I love you with all that I have,” Ian said. “You are my everything, and I don’t want to wait any longer to tell you that you’re the most important thing in my life. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Any day you choose is fine with me.”
Brandy lowered her hand and wiped at the tears on her cheeks. “Ian, we haven’t even talked about this.”
“We can start tonight,” he said in a hopeful tone. “I don’t have a ring yet because I knew you’d want to pick out your own.”
Brandy nodded as if she was happy about his choice.
Cal held back a laugh because it was pretty clear that she would be saying yes. She was just getting over her surprise on the timing.
“Okay,” Brandy said in a rush. “I’ll marry you.” She closed the distance between them, and Ian rose and scooped her into his arms.
Everyone cheered and people started patting Ian on his back, although he wasn’t paying much attention because he was busy kissing his new fiancé.
Cal clapped along with everyone else, his heart more than full. Brandy and Ian made a great pair, and he wished them all the best. He headed toward the couple and congratulated them both. Then Jorge grabbed him. “You made it. Good to see you.”
“Got stuck in the traffic from an accident,” Cal said. “Glad I could make it, too.”
They chatted for a minute, then Austin joined them. “Thanks for coming, Cal. Means a lot.”
“No problem,” Cal said. “Sorry I missed the ceremony. Looks like everything went well?”
“It all went great, but I guess I’m now waiting on my bride to celebrate with her sister.” He laughed. “I should have known Ian was up to something. He’s been quiet all day.”
Cal didn’t exactly see Ian as the talkative type anyway, but Austin knew the guy a lot better than he did. “Your wedding day will have even more memories now.”
“Yeah.” Austin chuckled. “Well, when we get back, we’ll have to get together for dinner or something.”
“Sure thing.”
When Austin moved on, Cal scanned the crowd for Steph, because suddenly he wanted to see her. Needed to see her. Needed to be with her. All this sappy happiness and celebrating made him want to be with the one woman he knew he was in love with.
