I reach into my pocket to pull out a small key. Holding it up, it dangles between us.
“I bought Warne Gallery,” I say, watching her expression, closely waiting for her reaction.
Her eyes widen, her hands trembling slightly in mine. “What? How?”
“Mr. Warne sold it to me,” I explain. “But I didn’t buy it for myself. I bought it for you.”
“For me?” she repeats, her voice barely above a whisper.
I nod, squeezing her hands. “It’s now calledThe Lincoln Gallery.I want it to be a space for your students to showcase their work. A place where their talent can shine.”
Grams stands and shuffles closer with her walker, her face glowing with pride. “Oh, Oliver, that’s so sweet,”
“The first opening is in a month,” I tell them, glancing around at everyone. “I’d love it if you could all be there.”
Tears spill down Mom’s cheeks as she pulls me into a tight hug. “I’m so proud of you,” she whispers. “Thank you for doing this, for them.”
Dad raises an eyebrow, curiosity flickering in his eyes. “Hold on. You haven’t told us who your wife is yet.”
I smile as the rest of them lean in, waiting. “It’s Karley.”
Mom’s eyes widen, and she tilts her head. “Karley Maddox?”
Grams frowns as her gaze bounces between us. “Who’s Karley Maddox?”
“She’s Declan’s sister,” Mom explains, her tone laced with surprise. “And one of my students.”
There’s a ripple of murmurs, but I’m not finished. “And one more thing,” I say, letting a smirk tug at the corner of my mouth. Karley won’t mind me revealing this to my family. “I’ve found the anonymous painter I’ve been raving about.”
Mom’s lips twitch with a knowing smile. “And?”
“It’s Karley,”
“No fucking way!” Jeremy blurts out, leaning forward in disbelief.
“Jeremy,” Grams scolds, glaring at him. “Watch your language.”
“Sorry, Grams,” he mutters, face flushed.
Grams waves him off and focuses back on me. “How did you figure it out?”
“I didn’t. I was told, but I’m going to guess Mom already knew.”
Mom shrugs, making it clear she’s been keeping this secret for a while. “I have access to the gallery’s security cameras and the students’ work.”
I groan, running a hand over my face. “Why didn’t I think of that? Or why didn’t my guys figure it out?”
Mom grins. “Because I paid them not to. Karley is special, Oliver. Exposing her before she was ready would’ve been wrong.”
I nod as I hug her again. “Thank you.”
Mom pulls back, patting my hand, her tears drying as she smiles. “You’re welcome. Now, let’s make this gallery opening something to remember.”
The local court buzzes with the energy of a family basketball game, the sound of sneakers squeaking against the concrete, and the occasional shout echoing in the cool air. On one side, it’s Dad, Harvey, and Chad. On the other, Evan, Jeremy, and me. The competition is intense, as it always is when we’re all together.
During a water break, I lean against the edge of the court, catching my breath. Evan walks over, his bottle in hand, and settles beside me.
“Congratulations,” he says casually, wiping his forehead. “I’m not surprised, though.”
