“Sure.” I step beside the canvas. The flashes make me self-conscious, but I relax when Oliver joins me, pulling me close.
I lean into him, savoring the moment. This photo will be a reminder of how far I’ve come, from a scared, uncertain girl to a woman who has embraced her art, her worth, and love.
“I love you,” I say, turning to look at him.
His grin is slow and full of warmth. “Not as much as I love you,” he whispers as he brushes a kiss against my lips.
The camera clicks again, capturing the moment just as a familiar voice cuts through.
“Get a room!”
I laugh as I turn to see Harvey walking in, a familiar stunning pregnant woman on his arm. Her navy gown hugs her bump elegantly.
I watch them for a moment, before I’m introduced to Jeremy and his fiancée, Nova. Oliver places a warm hand on my back.
“Are you excited to get married next week?” I ask.
Nova glances at Jeremy, her sleek bun catching the soft light of the gallery. “Very excited, thank you. You’ll be joining us, right?”
“Yes,” Oliver replies confidently.
“Am I now?” I shoot him a side-eye, arching an eyebrow.
Nova giggles behind her hand. “Did he forget to tell you?”
“Yes,” I say, looking at Oliver.
“We’ve been busy,” he says smoothly, as if that excuses everything.
“Too many details,” Jeremy chimes in with a knowing chuckle, clearly used to Oliver’s behavior.
I smile at Nova, taking in her radiant red dress that contrasts beautifully with the gallery’s neutral tones. “Well, I’m looking forward to it.”
She beams back at me, but before we can chat further, the photographer interrupts, ushering us into position for group photos.
As we arrange ourselves, Oliver’s mom, dad, and grandmother walk in. Eliza, Oliver’s mom, doesn’t hesitate to make her way toward me, her face glowing with warmth.
“I can’t believe you’re part of my family. I’m so lucky,” she whispers as she wraps me in a big hug.Family. I’m the lucky one, and I open my mouth to tell her that, but the room suddenly feels small making it hard to breathe.
Oliver steps up beside us, pride evident in his expression. His presence immediately settles me down. “Mom knew you were the artist I was looking for.”
“No way! And you didn’t tell him?” I ask, looking at Eliza.
She smiles softly, a hint of mischief in her eyes. “It was your secret to share. I wanted to protect you.”
Despite my efforts to keep my emotions in check, I feel a lump forming in my throat. I sniff, trying to hold it together. “Thank you.”
She pulls me into another tight hug, her embrace comforting and maternal. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Oliver’s eyes glistening as he watches his mom.
Then his grandmother steps forward, her arm looped through Sebastian’s, Oliver’s father. She’s stunning, her white hair styled elegantly and her navy collared dress exuding sophistication. Her sharp, playful eyes meet mine as she speaks.
“I want to meet the beautiful, talented addition to the family,” she says, her voice warm and welcoming.
I feel heat rush to my cheeks as I smile. “Hi.”
“I’m Iris,” she introduces herself.
“It’s so nice to meet you,” I reply sincerely.
