“Really? Can’t you see we’re busy?” I didn’t want to let Kami go for a minute. I had my girl back.
“Sorry, but you have guests, so you better get your pretty little butts out here and greet them.” She gave me a pointed look and disappeared behind the door.
We walked out arm in arm to greet my guests, and my heart stopped as I caught a glimpse of my father through the crowd. He was studying my murals pretty hard and talking to Steven Pratt. The older man stepped out of the way, and I caught Dad’s expression. He was smiling.
“Well I’ll be damned.” I pulled her across the room to where my dad was now laughing with Steven.
“Ah, here he is, the man of the hour. I was just talking to your old man, here.”
“Hello, Dad. Thanks for coming.” I shook my father’s hand
“Tate, I have to admit, you’ve done a damn good job here. I can see why you feel like this is more than just a hobby.”
His words shocked me more than if he’d told me he was born on another planet. It wasn’t exactly a glowing endorsement, but it was the best that I could expect from him.
“I’m glad you came to check it out. And you remember my girlfriend, Kami.” Dad’s eyes lit up when he saw my girl.
“Yes, I do. She’s a real beauty, son. The old apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” He gave a snicker and pulled his own new girl closer. “This is Robin.” Robin didn’t look much older than me or my sister, but we smiled and welcomed her anyway. We may as well be nice; dad would replace her soon enough anyway.
My father and his flavor of the month left us to walk the exhibit, my sister opting to go find another drink.
“I think this might be the best night of my life,” I said as Kami settled against me.
“You did a beautiful job,” she said and I shook my head.
“I wasn’t even talking about this. I’m just so damn happy you’re giving me a second chance. By the way, did I tell you that you’re positively glowing tonight?”
She looked at me shyly and bit her lip. “Yeah, about that…”
***
“I can’t believe you’re having my baby,” I said as I spun Kami around. Once she’d whispered the news in my ear, I couldn’t wait to get her home.
Now we were snuggled in my bed and I was the happiest man in the entire world. I had the woman of my dreams in my arms, and she was carrying my child. Money, or no, nothing could have topped this night, and it was all thanks to Kami.
EPILOGUE
Kami
I sat at my computer, looking over photo submissions that I was considering for my first gallery showing. I looked over at our daughter, Eliza, sleeping peacefully in her bassinet next to me. The surge of love that shot through me every time I looked at her still took my breath away. It had been a crazy year, but I wouldn’t have changed any of it for the world. I had Tate, our daughter, and the studio and gallery I’d always dreamed about.
I heard the back door open and looked down at Eliza once more before going to greet Tate as he came in.
“Hey, babe, I’ve got great news,” he said by way of greeting.
“Me too! I almost have all the prints I want to use for the gallery showing. And I saved you a spot as promised.”
“That’s amazing, babe. I’m so proud of you,” he said with a kiss.
“So what’s your good news?” I asked.
He waved me out to the garage, and I followed. Once out in the garage, I spotted something large in the driveway through the little windows. “You’re going to love it!” He hit the button on the doors and hurried to go out while the thing lifted.
“I hope you’re right.” I ducked under the rising doors and saw his surprise.
“It’s a classic Airstream, baby! Isn’t it amazing?” His smile was so wide that I couldn’t help but smile too.
“I want a tour.”