Whispered Promises

She silently picked up the camera without anyone noticing and took a few shots to capture the moment.

Brie was surprised when Sir told the family about Master Anderson leaving the ring behind at their house. When they asked what Sir planned to do about it, the entire family broke out in laughter loving his idea.

Brie shook her head, thinking, They’re all crazy.

When the owner returned to the table to tell them the valet was parking Master Anderson’s truck, everyone quickly took their seats.

Brie’s smile was so wide her lips almost hurt when she saw Master Anderson walking up to the table escorting Shey. He was dressed in a striking three-piece business suit and was wearing polished cowboy boots and his black Stetson.

Totally melt-worthy…

Shey wore a white gown decorated with silver filigree that beautifully highlighted her long curly red hair. Brie knew Master Anderson had picked out the dress first, and then planned his suit accordingly, wanting to complement Shey’s dress. He’d explained to Brie earlier, “She is the star and I want her to shine tonight, like the diamond she is.”

Brie had never seen Shey’s parents before. They were an older couple and seemed especially shy and quiet as they sat down. It was an interesting contrast to Master Anderson’s family, who were anything but shy.

Sir had the camera aimed at the group and was furiously taking pictures as the two families greeted each other.

Brie was lucky. They were seated close enough that she could hear their conversation and was soon treated to stories about both Master Anderson and Shey when they were young.

Christina, Master Anderson’s youngest sister, piped up. “How did you two meet? I bet it was romantic…”

Master Anderson pushed his hat back, grinning at Shey. “If I recall right, I had a meeting with Carl, but you showed up instead.”

Shey giggled. “I did.”

Master Anderson leaned in close to Christina. “I bet you didn’t know this, but Shey is a real card shark. She beat the pants off me.”

Shey’s laughter went up an octave.

Brie had to stifle her own laughter, having heard all about their little game of strip poker the night they first met.

When the waiter came and passed out the menu, Brie heard Shey’s father tsk when he saw the prices. “I know you said you were paying for the meal, but I insist on chipping in.”

Master Anderson’s father agreed. “Pay for yourself and your lovely date. I’ll pick up my brood’s share.”

Master Anderson laughed at them both. “Absolutely not. I’m buying, and I won’t take no for an answer.” The two fathers opened up the menus again without complaint.

When the waiter came back over, everyone at the table, including Shey, ordered the cheapest meal on the menu.

Master Anderson told the waiter, “Let me have that ticket order.”

When the man handed it to him, Master Anderson tore it into little pieces in front of everyone and asked the waiter, “Can you please give us a few minutes?”

Brie found it both sweet and hilarious. None of them knew that Master Anderson not only could afford the lavish dinner but could buy the entire restaurant if he wanted.

Looking at both families, Master Anderson told them, “I know you mean well, but please order whatever you want on the menu. Heck, you can even order two main courses if you like. I picked this restaurant because of the food, and I want you all to enjoy it.” Putting his hand on his heart, he told them, “I will be severely insulted if you don’t.”

When the waiter returned, everyone seemed to take his words to heart. After writing it all down, the waiter nodded to Master Anderson. “I will send the first course out shortly.”

It seemed the big moment was about to happen. Brie’s heart started to race when Master Anderson started patting his pockets, looking for the ring.

“Time to see him sweat a little…” Sir chuckled to himself. He took several pictures of Master Anderson’s growing anxiety as he checked every one of his pockets.

Shey couldn’t help noticing he was agitated and asked, “What’s wrong, Brad?”

“Nothing, honey,” he replied, taking off his hat to swipe his brow.

Attempting to be nonchalant, he purposely dropped his napkin to take a quick peek under the table. When he came up empty, he glanced in Sir’s direction, looking bereft.