The words hit me like a tidal wave. My heart clenches, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. But this time, they aren’t from pain, they’re from relief, from pure joy.
“I love you too,” I manage as I throw my arms around him, holding on tight.
He hugs me back, his grip firm. “Not as much as I love you,” he murmurs, pulling back just enough to meet my eyes. “I can’t believe all this time I was searching for you, and you were right there in front of me.”
A grin breaks across my face. “I nearly died when I saw it in your office.”
Laughing softly, he rests his forehead against mine. “That room’s getting an upgrade. I want your paintings everywhere, Karley.” And for the first time, knowing he knows… knowing everyone knows… I feel okay.
An idea sparks in me, making my stomach flutter. “I want to paint us something new. Something special. In that arch shape you have in your room.”
His smile widens, his eyes full of adoration. “I’ll get you anything you need. I’ll turn a whole room into a studio if you want. You should be painting. And when the gallery opens, it’ll be ours, every painting, every student, everything. We’ll do it together.”
New hope fills my chest. I lean up, kissing him, pouring every ounce of love and gratitude I feel into it. This moment, this man, is my future. And for the first time in forever, I am ready to embrace it.
Chapter 29
Oliver
Declansitsacrossfromme in my den, leaning back in the armchair, a beer bottle dangling loosely from his hand. My leg bounces as I try to steady myself, the low hum of the television the only sound between us.
Karley and Armani are out shopping, prepping for the gallery opening next month. With the house quiet, now feels like the right time to finally say it. I take a deep breath and just go for it.
“I wanted to let you know that Karley and I are dating.”
His jaw tightens, and for a second, I brace for the lecture. But instead of exploding, he nods slowly. “I figured.”
I blink. “You figured? How?”
He shrugs, leaning forward to set his beer on the coffee table. “The last couple of times I’ve been here, you’ve been acting differently around her.”
“Different how?”
“Borderline I want to smack your head in for looking at her kind of differently,” he says with a smirk, though there’s a hint of seriousness in his voice.
A laugh escapes me, easing some of the tension in my chest. “Yeah, I’m not going to apologize for that. I’ve never felt like this about anyone before.”
The humor fades from his face, replaced by something more serious. “Just don’t hurt her, Oliver. She’s been through enough already.”
“I won’t,” I say firmly, locking eyes with him. “I care about her, Declan. I’m telling all my family tonight, and the ones who haven’t met her will at the gallery opening.”
He nods as his expression softens a little. “That’s a good move. Ease her into it. Your family’s a lot to handle.”
Another laugh slips out as I imagine the chaotic storm Karley’s about to walk into. “Yeah, I know. But she can handle it. She’s stronger than most people realize.”
Declan picks up his beer again, studying me for a moment. “Alright,” he says finally. “If you’re serious about her, and it sounds like you are, you’ve got my support. Just don’t make me regret it.”
“You won’t,” I promise, the words coming easily.
A few hours later, I’m walking up the familiar steps to Grams’ house, my nerves buzzing. I called everyone here to tell them about Karley and me, and now I can hear their voices inside, but it’s louder than I expected.
Saylor, Grams’ housekeeper, greets me with a warm smile as I step through the door. “Oliver, they’re all inside.”
“Thanks, Saylor,” I say, my pulse quickening as I head down the hallway.
The living room buzzes with noise. Entering the room, I take in all the people. Besides my family, I spot a few extras: Nova, Jemima, Chad, and Chelsea. My brother's partners and son. Their presence surprises me, but works in my favor. I won’t have to repeat myself.
“Nice to see you all on time,” I announce, stepping farther into the room.
