She sparkled tonight. She wore a radiant smile that seemed to captivate the room. But then she always drew people. She’d talk to anyone at all about anything at all.
As soon as he approached, she all but pounced on him, took his hand and dragged him into her circle. He smiled at each of the women in turn, but their names and faces kind of blended. After a moment he bent to murmur in Ashley’s ear. “It’s time, don’t you think?”
She all but quivered in excitement. Her eyes lit up and she smiled as she squeezed his hand.
“Excuse us, ladies,” he said smoothly as he drew Ashley away and back in Cam’s direction. There wasn’t anyone standing around Cam. Cam had that effect on people. It was the perfect place to call for attention and announce their engagement.
“Hi, Cam,” Ashley sang out as they walked up to his friend.
She let go of Devon’s hand and threw her arms around Cam’s neck. Cam grinned and shook his head as he attempted to extricate himself from her embrace.
“Hello, Ash,” he said before dropping an affectionate kiss on her cheek. “Come stand by me while Devon makes a fool of himself.”
Devon sent a glare Cam’s way before taking Ashley’s hand and pulling her to his side. Laughing, Cam handed him a fresh wineglass and a spoon.
“What, are you kidding me?” Devon asked. “You want me to bang on a wineglass to get attention?”
Cam shrugged then tossed the spoon aside. Then he put his fingers to his lips and emitted a shrill whistle. “Everyone, I’d like your attention please. Devon here has an announcement for us.”
“Thanks, Cam,” Devon said dryly. Then he turned to face the room filled with Ashley’s friends and relatives. And they were all staring at him expectantly. All wanting him to make this moment perfect for Ashley. Hell. No pressure or anything.
He cleared his throat and hoped like hell that he’d manage to get through it without sticking his foot in his mouth.
“Ashley and I invited you all here tonight to join us in celebrating a very special occasion.” He glanced fondly down at Ashley and squeezed her hand. “Ashley has made me the happiest of men by consenting to marry me.”
The room erupted in cheers and applause. To the right, Ashley’s mom and dad stood beaming at their youngest child. William nodded approvingly at Devon while Ashley’s mother wiped at her eyes as she smiled at her daughter.
“It’s our wish that you’ll all attend our wedding to take place four weeks from today and help us celebrate as we embark on our journey together as man and wife.”
He held up his wineglass and turned again to Ashley whose entire face was lit up with a breathtaking smile. “To Ashley, who’s made me the luckiest man alive.”
Everyone raised their glasses and noisy cheers rang out again as everyone toasted Devon and Ashley.
“Quite an eloquent speech there,” Cam murmured in Devon’s ear. “One would almost think you meant every word.”
Devon ignored Cam and slid an arm around Ashley as they braced for the onslaught of well-wishers pushing forward.
His head was spinning as he processed face after face. Bright smiles. Slaps on the back. Admonishments to take care of “their girl” as everyone in the family seemed to have a claim on Ashley.