10 Years (Time for Love 5)

“You all came?” I asked, my voice filled with awe.

“Of course,” Gaby said. Her eyes surveyed the room, and when they landed back on me, I could see the tears lining them. “We’re so proud of you.”

I cleared my throat, trying to stop the burning before I ruined my makeup.

Soon I was being passed down, getting hugs and congratulations from some of the most important people in my life. Finally, I was in Craig’s arms and I allowed myself to wilt a bit against him as the joy threatened to overwhelm me.

“You good?” Craig whispered, then brushed his lips against my forehead.

“Never better,” I replied as I leaned back to look up at him.

“Knock ‘em dead, baby,” he responded, then released me so I could break away from the group.

As much as I’d love to spend the rest of the night with my family and friends, I had to make my rounds and be social with all of the attendees.

By the end of the evening I’d talked so much, I was annoyed with the sound of my own voice, but I’d never felt so energized. The feedback to my work had been more than I’d ever hoped, and was so elated I felt like I could float.

“We’d like to take you out for a drink to celebrate,” Brock’s voice broke into my thoughts as the studio began to empty out.

“I’d love that,” I said, then I flew against him to hug him tightly. “I can’t believe you came. Thank you so much.”

“I wouldn’t have missed it,” Brock replied as I looked up into his beautifully bearded face. “Victoria wanted to come, but she’s been having Braxton hicks, and it’s getting closer to her due date, so I bribed her into staying home. Brady’s staying with her at the house, just in case.”

“Tell her she was missed.”

Brock ran his hand through his beard, then squinted down a bit as he added, “I saw you in Craig’s arms earlier … He being good to you?”

My heart thudded, knowing Brock was asking because he wanted the best for me, which meant everything.

“Better than I ever imagined,” I replied honestly.

“He’s no dummy.” Brock tapped his finger to the tip of my nose, then backed away to join the others.

“You ready?” Craig asked from behind me.

I leaned back and allowed myself the comfort of his warmth and nodded.

We weren’t far from a local pub, so we decided to take the short walk. As we made our way down the street, my mother took my hand in hers and squeezed it.

“I’m so proud of you, Gwennie. Your work was just breathtaking!”

“Thanks, Mom,” I responded to the woman who had given me nothing but love and support since the day I was born.

“Your dad wanted to come, but he couldn’t get out of work,” she told me, her eyes sad, like they always were when my dad didn’t come through for me.

They’d been divorced since I was young, but remained friendly, and she often talked to him more than I did. So although he’d told me that he’d be coming to my exhibit, I didn’t really believe him. Still, it hurt that he wasn’t there.

“That’s okay,” I assured my mom. “I’m grateful that you all showed up.”

“There are tons of people who love you, Gwennie-girl. Never doubt that.”

The pub was too crowded to find a table inside, but luckily, it was nice enough to sit outside; plus, we had a little more privacy, and could actually hear ourselves talk.

“How’s Emma?” I asked Gaby. We were off to the side a little, away from the rest of our crew.

I took out my phone and saw I had a text from Aliyah. She’d been at the showcase for a little while, but had left to go meet Liam, who was getting off work, then they’d planned to meet up with us.

I shot her a text back to let her know where we were, as Gaby answered, “She’s so sweet. She’s started saying mama and dada, and no … Her favorite word is no.”