While the two of them got to know one another, I made my rounds
and thanked everyone for coming out. For the first time in months, I was stressed without a headache. I was running around on my feet without pain in my side. I had one of the many scarves Bryan ended up purchasing for me tied around my head, and with his engagement ring on my finger, I felt more beautiful than I ever had. People were purchasing pieces of artwork here and there, asking me questions and wondering if I was ever going to strike up any sort of class people could come and attend.
For the first time since John’s art showcase, I actually considered it.
My new part-time employee was ringing everyone up and getting their information, so I decided to slip into the back room for a little bit. I was feeling overwhelmed with all the people and the rejoicing, and I simply needed a space to breathe. I wanted to take time and soak up being back in my gallery because, after two and a half months, I’d missed it. I’d missed hanging up the artwork and painting in the window. I’d missed the group discussions with customers who came in wanting to know answers to all sorts of things. I’d missed the camaraderie and the support and the network of people I’d built up during my time in San Diego.
But mostly, I missed the sense of purpose.
Damn, it was good to be back.
“Knock, knock.”
I smiled at Bryan’s voice as he slipped in and shut the door. I was leaning against the wall as he walked up to me, his hands automatically descending to my hips before I turned around in his grasp.
“I see Ramon and Jennifer are getting to know one another,” he said.
“Let’s just say she had her eye on him,” I said, grinning.
“Good. Now maybe his eye won’t be on you.”
“Bryan McBride, are you jealous?” I asked.
“Nope. I just know when a man wants to lay claim to something that isn’t his.”
“Lay claim, huh? That what you’re trying to do now?”
“I don’t know. Why don’t you ask that ring on your finger?”
I giggled as he lips descended on mine, and in an instant, I was silenced by the gentle power of his lips.
“You all right?” he asked.
“I’m fine, I promise. Maybe feeling a bit overwhelmed.”
“Are you getting tired? We can slip out and go home if you want,” he said.
“Bryan, it’s okay. You’ve done enough worrying over me. I needed a moment of quiet is all.”
He pulled me into his arms, and I pressed my cheek against his chest, listening to his heartbeating against my skin as I sighed. This had become home to me. The place where I could truly rest my head and feel loved against the swell and strength of his chest with his strong, tattooed arms around my back was where I felt my strongest and where I felt my most beautiful and invincible.
“I was thinking,” he said.
“Mhm?”
“About when we should get married.”
“It’s ab
out time we talked about that,” I said. “People are starting to bug me about dates.”
“I was actually thinking about getting married sooner rather than later.”
I looked up at him and locked our eyes, studying the sweet expression on his face as a smile crossed my cheeks.
“Really?” I asked.
“Really. If there’s anything being with you has taught me, it’s that every moment is precious. I don’t want to waste our time together planning something over-the-top that will eventually stress us out so much, we can’t even enjoy our day.”