Page 59 of Make Her Mine
“I told him that.” Beth smiled. “You’ve got a girlfriend, huh? You better watch out, Brandon. Women, will be coming out of the woodwork for you now that you’ve got money.”
“She’s not like that.” Ella should have come to the party, but I knew better than to push it too much. She’d accepted the date for the next day, and that’s good enough. “I wish she was here so you could meet her. She’s apprehensive about meeting my parents.”
“Is she from Carthage?” Beth asked.
“She’s actually part of the staff at the estate. Funny how Mom and Dad fell in love at Whisper Ranch, just the way we have.” We hadn’t said the words yet, but I loved Ella.
Her little girl grabbed my hand, tugging it. “I’m Samantha. I’m six years old. Daddy said you are his friend from a long time ago.”
I leaned down to talk to the little girl. “It’s nice to meet you, Samantha. I’m Brandon. Marco and me were great buddies in high school.”
“I like to dance. Mommy said we can dance at this party.” She grinned at me. “Can you dance with me since Daddy didn’t come?”
No harm in that. “Sure, Samantha.”
She tugged me with her and didn’t let go of her mother’s hand either. Beth looked at me apologetically. “You don’t have to do this, you know.”
“No, it’s okay.” I just hoped Marco wouldn’t show up and think I was after his wife. We never fought over Beth. He started seeing her a few years after we broke up, no need to start now.
The little girl never let go of our hands as we all danced to an ABBA song. Everyone had smiles on their faces. Mom and Dad sat the song out and enjoyed watcing their guests dancing and having a good time.
The looks on their faces made my heart sing. I couldn’t remember when they were so content. Brilliant of Dyllan to do this for their anniversary.
As I danced and scanned the room, someone was hurrying away from the bar and heading to the exit. Someone with dark hair, a blue dress that hugged every curve, and high heels. Heels that had her swaying a bit as she hauled ass, a blonde right behind her, trying to catch up.
When the blonde grabbed the other woman’s arm, she spun around and then I saw her face. “Ella?” Stooping down to Samantha, “Honey, this was fun, but I have to go. Sorry.”
Letting go of her hand, I hurried to the woman who looked like Ella, only a much glamorized one. She and the blonde were arguing, and she jerked her arm out of the other woman’s grip.
That’s when the heels got a life of their own, and she began stumbling backward. I got to her just in time, catching her in my arms. “Got ya.”
Her eyes shone as she looked up at me. “Let me go.”
“You look amazing, Ella.” I said smiling as I righted her on her feet.
She glared at me, then took off again. “You have some nerve!”
Why is she so mad? But I wasn’t about to let her go! Grabbing her by the waist, I hauled her away to a remote corner where we could talk. “You are going nowhere, young woman.”
Ella seemed to be breathing fire as her eyes met mine. “Isawyou. You said you wouldn’t bring anyone else if I didn’t go.Youlied to me.”
“Oh, that?” I looked out to see Samantha and Beth still dancing. “I didn’t bring anyone. The little girl asked me to dance, and she dragged her mom along! Nothing to get mad about, Ella.”
“You expect me to believe that, Brandon?” She took a few steps back. “I’m not about to let you make a fool out of me.”
The blonde approached with a scowl on her face. “Ella, you need to quit. I’ve asked around. He came here alone. He’s not with her. So, chill.”
Ella looked at the other woman. “Are you one hundred percent sure, Sherry?”
“Oh, you’re Sherry,” I reached out to shake her hand. “Brandon Gentry. It’s a pleasure to meet you. You convinced Ella to come, thank you very much.”
“Sorry for how things have started.” Sherry looked at Ella. “Maybe giving the man a head’s up would’ve been a better idea.”
“It’s okay,” I let Sherry know. “I’m getting used to Ella seeing the most tragic scenario instead of the reality of a situation. You know what? I love her anyway.”
Ella’s jaw dropped. “You what?”
Laughing, I repeated, “I love you, Ella Jean Finley. Now come and dance with me before I introduce you to my parents. You’ll be the first lass I can tell them I love. Now, you don’t want to spoil that, right?”
