Brock gave a loud chuckle. “You dog.”
Bree smiled at her husband. “Don’t underestimate Gavin,” she said.
“Or you,” Brock said. “Elle tells me you helped with redecorating the house. Thanks,” he said.
“My pleasure,” Bree said.
Brock took a deep breath and exhaled, squeezing Elle’s shoulders. She could feel his excitement emanate from his body, and she knew that when all was said and done, he would come home to her, seeking her love and affection. The knowledge made her feel more complete than she’d ever dreamed.
“It’s time for a toast,” Brock said as someone dinged a spoon against a crystal champagne flute. It took several moments, but silence finally descended over the crowd. “This has been a long time coming,” Brock said. “Golden Gate Promotions has been a jewel in the crown of San Francisco ad agencies, always raising the bar for their competitors. I’m pleased to announce the merger of Golden Gate Promotions and Maddox Communications. The combined force of the two companies will create an unbeatable alliance of power and talent. To Athos Koteas,” Brock said, lifting his glass to the man seated on the other side of the room. “I will always honor your spirit of creativity. To my father, I will always honor the gift of Maddox Communications that he built from the ground up. To my wife, Elle,” he said, taking her by surprise.
She blinked at him.
“Yes, you,” he said. “You have given my life meaning beyond work. You have given me a home whenever I’m with you. I love you.”
Elle’s eyes filled with tears. “I love you, too,” she whispered.
The room echoed with applause.
“Hear, hear,” Asher Williams, CFO of Maddox Communications said. “Melody and I have some news, too,” he said, pulling his lovely wife against him. “We’re having twins.”
The group crowed with approval and applauded again.
“Congratulations,” Brock said, extending his hand. “You’ve been busy.”
“No more than you,” Ash said with a broad smile.
Walter Prentice, Maddox’s star client, stepped forward and patted Brock on the back. “You’re doing a good job. More than ever, I can tell we signed with the right firm.”
“I’m glad you feel that way,” Brock said. “We’ll work to make sure you continue to feel that way. Mrs. Prentice,” Brock said, nodding toward Walter’s wife. “Thank you for coming tonight.”
Angela looked strained and unhappy, which was highly unusual for Walter’s beloved wife. “Congratulations on your success,” she said. “And on the baby. Never underestimate the importance of your wife and children.”
Brock sensed a sadness beneath the surface, but he knew now wasn’t the time to comment. Instead, he took her hand in his. “I won’t,” he said earnestly.
Brock felt his brother, Flynn, draw him aside. “Excuse me,” he said to Angela.
“We have something else to toast,” Flynn said, giving his brother a fresh beer.
“What?” Brock asked.
“Who isn’t here tonight?” Flynn asked. “Who is missing?”
Brock glanced around the busy room and shrugged. “I don’t know. Who?”
“Mother,” Flynn said with a dry smile.
“Oh, my God, you’re right,” Brock said.
“Renee tells me she has found a man willing to keep her in the style to which she has become accustomed,” Flynn said.
“How could we possibly get that lucky?” Brock asked.
“I don’t know, but I refuse to question good fortune.” He bumped his bottle against Brock’s again. “Dingdong, the witch—”
“Is gone,” Brock said and slapped his brother on the back. “I never would have pictured this last year. Would you?”
Flynn shook his head. “Some things turn out better than you expect,” he said.
Brock latched his gaze onto Elle as she walked toward him. She was his home. He’d never known true love until her. Thank God he’d found her. “Better than I could have dreamed,” Brock said and opened his arms to his wife.
“Are you having a good night?” she asked, smiling up at him.
“I’m having a good life,” he said. “Because of you.”