106. Rosalyn

ONE HUNDRED SIX

ROSALYN

I wait until Savannah disappears around the corner, then I sag against Nathan.

He tightens his grip around my shoulders. "Whoa, there."

I hold the miniature painting up in front of me. "I can't believe she did this," I breathe.

It's so perfect.

So Savannah.

Letting Nathan hold me up, I carefully hold the postcard by a corner and trace my fingertip over the swirl of petals.

All the paintings on display tonight are done in shades of gold, with only a few spots of color added for impact. And all the subjects are items from nature.

The fundraiser is raising money to protect Minnesota's natural resources. So not only is this rose meaningful to me by name, but it also fits with the collection.

"It's pretty." Nathan leans his cheek against the top of my head.

I roll my lips together, trying so hard to keep my emotions in check. "No one has ever made me anything before."

Nathan's body expands with a deep inhale, followed by a heavy exhale. "That makes me really fucking sad, Rosie Posie. "

I tip my head back to look at him so he can see my eyes are filled with happiness, not sorrow. "It just makes this even more special."

Nathan searches my gaze before dipping his head and pressing a kiss to my forehead. "Want me to go put it in the van so it doesn't get crinkled?"

This time, I have to dig my teeth into my lower lip to stop my eyes from filling with tears.

I nod.

"Then pick out a painting you want me to buy."

I sniff. "You don't?—"

"I do." He kisses my forehead again. "The scary husband said so."

My mind wanders back to Savannah's very handsome husband. "Was he scary, or was he?—"

Nathan spins so he's in front of me, his hands under my armpits in an instant.

"Keep your eyes on the artwork, Woman." He lifts me. "Or I'll carry you right out of this building and over my lap."

Nathan takes the few steps over to my chair, then gently sets me down.

I want to chastise him, but I'm smiling too hard over his ridiculous jealousy.

"Sit," he commands.

Gripping his forearms, I lower myself into the chair.

He starts to step away.

"Nathan?"

He pauses.

I lift my hand and point. "I think Charles would like that one."