When Liliana started to follow, Hawk blocked her. “Unless you want security to remove you, sit this one out.”
As Brit turned to go, Rebel whispered in her ear, “Enjoy this moment.”
His sexy voice rumbled through, and she caressed his back before following Addison to the front of the gallery.
She and Addison flanked their dad while a hush fell over the crowded room. Her dad picked up the mic resting on the table.
“Welcome to Two Sisters. I’m Philip Skye, proud dad of our resident artists, Addison Skye Hawk and Britain Skye. The gallery is my gift to them for the years of effort and dedication they put into honing their talents.”
Her dad talked about taking them to art museums as children, touched on their many art lessons over the years, then how Brit had studied art in college.
Like Rebel suggested, she took in the moment.
The building was filled with well over a hundred guests. She was grateful for the support her family was receiving.
When her dad finished, emotion tightened her throat. Swallowing down the lump, she took the mic from him.
“Most of you know Philip Skye,” she said. “There are many words to describe him, but I’m going to focus on just one.” She paused. “Loving. He was the best dad Addison and I could have asked for. He taught us so much about life. He’s smart, hardworking, and determined. He makes a mean chicken teriyaki, and he’s got a wicked Ping-Pong serve.” While the crowd laughed, she regarded him. “Daddy, Addison and I adore you. Thank you for showcasing our work, but more than that, thank you for being an amazing dad.” She glanced over at Addison, who had tears streaming down her cheeks. “Would you like to say something?”
Addison waved her off, then threw her arms around Z and hugged him.
“Thank you for joining us tonight.” Brit turned off the mic as her dad folded her into his arms.
After the applause died down, people went back to viewing the paintings and talking amongst themselves.
Hawk appeared, handed Addison a napkin.
“Thanks, babe,” Addison wiped away her tears before addressing her sister and dad. “I love what you guys said.”
“Thank you, Daddy,” Brit said. “This is a very special night.”
As much as she loved being there, she needed to get to work.
I’ll let Rebel know I’m leaving.
She found him in the salon dedicated to her work. He was staring at a large painting of her imaginary family at home. The children were building a puzzle by a roaring fire, a beautiful, lit Christmas tree stood tall in the corner of the room. The mom and dad sat on the floor. The mom was examining a puzzle piece given to her by the smallest child, while the dad’s hand rested on her thigh, his attention also focused on their son.
A woman sidled next to Rebel and said something. Rebel glanced over before returning his gaze to the art. Brit was too far away to hear them, so she inched closer.
“I can feel the love between them,” the woman said.
“Same,” Rebel replied.
“You missed your chance,” said the stranger.
“Not following,” Rebel said.
The woman pointed to the SOLD sign next to the piece.
“It’s mine,” Rebel said. “I bought it.”
Oh, wow.
The price tag? Ten grand.
The woman’s toothy grin made Brit want to laugh out loud.
She held out her hand. “I’m Tina.”