Chapter 70

RILEY

Three months later…

I smiled at a woman wearing a bright orange dress and the sparkliest pair of high heels I'd ever seen. It was the opening night of my exhibition in Venice, and everyone was dressed in jaw-dropping gowns and suits.

All day, I'd been at the gallery, talking to reporters and meeting some of Lorenzo's high-profile clients. After a quick dinner and an even faster change of clothes, I raced back for the official opening night celebrations.

Somewhere in the gallery, a champagne cork popped. A string quartet played in the atrium, and every now and then, I heard the voice of a gondolier singing to his passengers.

"There you are," Lorenzo said, smiling proudly at me. "It is a night to remember, is it not?"

"It's a wonderful night. Thank you for everything you've done."

Lorenzo lifted his broad shoulders in a very Italian shrug. "It is nothing. For you, I would give the world."

A waiter stopped beside us, holding a tray of Prosecco. Lorenzo took two of the wine glasses and handed one to me. "Signora Romano is very excited about your portrait. Are you sure you do not want to sell it?"

I'd met Sofia Romano earlier today. Her family was one of the wealthiest in Southern Italy. "I'm positive. I'm giving the painting to Eric."

"I hope this Eric knows how lucky he is."

"The value of the canvas won't impress him."

Lorenzo looked at me with solemn brown eyes. "That is not what I mean. My Riley is in love. It shines through in your painting as bright as the sun. You bring this man to me. I will make sure he is worthy of your love."

With a smile, I kissed Lorenzo's cheek. "You're a good man, and so is Eric. As soon as he arrives with Mom, I'll introduce you."

"I look forward to it. I am sorry there is not better news about the burglary in Venice."

Lorenzo's eyes were full of sympathy. With no new leads, and no sign of my paintings, the Italian police had stopped looking for the culprits. At least Eric had more faith in Lorenzo now. After dissecting his every move, it was obvious Lorenzo had nothing to do with the burglary.

"It's okay," I told him. "The auction houses and galleries are still keeping an eye out for the paintings, but they're probably in someone's private collection by now."

"It is not an honorable way to act," Lorenzo said fiercely. His gaze swept across the gallery, settling on a man in a black tuxedo. "Paolo looks a little lost. Mix and mingle, Riley. I will be back soon."

He moved through the guests with the ease of someone born to entertain. Most people in the gallery wouldn't realize he came from humble beginnings. He built his business with hard work, determination, and an innate gift for spotting up-and-coming artists.

Leaving my glass on a table, I walked toward the huge wooden doors that opened onto the Canale delle Galeazze. Eric and Mom should be arriving any minute. From what Mom said, they'd spent most of the day hopping on and off gondolas, exploring markets and churches, and eating gelato. It wouldn't surprise me if they took another gondola to the gallery.

I looked over my shoulder, then walked toward the canal. It felt good to be here alone, with no one asking questions or telling me how impressed they were with my paintings.

"You can't run away," Eric whispered from behind me.

I jumped, then stared at him. His black dinner jacket clung to his shoulders, making him look even more handsome than usual. "Wow. You look amazing."

"Thank you, kind sir. I thought I'd better dress to impress. And talking about impressive, may I introduce the beautiful Kathleen Murphy."

Mom swatted Eric's arm. "That's enough of that sweet talking. You've made me blush."

I smiled at Mom. "You look gorgeous. Is that a new dress?"

Kathleen spun in a slow circle. "I bought it today."

"It's lovely." The pale rose fabric was perfect against Mom's complexion. With a pleated chiffon skirt and a sheer jacket over a satin bodice, it was stunning. "You should wear that color more often. It suits you."

"Eric helped me choose it. If he ever wants to change careers, he could be a fashion consultant."

Eric shook his head. "I enjoyed shopping with you, but I'll stick to writing. There are only so many fashion boutiques I can visit before I hyperventilate."

"The trick is to pace yourself. A little shopping, a little coffee. We did well today." Mom smiled as Lorenzo joined us. "It's good to see you again, Lorenzo."

"The pleasure is all mine, Kathleen. You are as beautiful as ever." He turned to Eric. "And this must be the man who has stolen my Riley's heart. Welcome to the Ricci Gallery."

I sighed. I should have known Lorenzo would make the most of Eric's appearance.

"It's good to be here." Eric shook Lorenzo's hand. "I've heard a lot of good things about your gallery."

"We try to be the best we can be. Perhaps I could show you some of Riley's paintings?"

I glanced at Mom before holding onto Eric's arm. "I can show Eric around. He hasn't seen the second painting I finished in Sunrise Bay."

Lorenzo's eyebrows rose.

"I wanted it to be a surprise."

Mom smiled at Lorenzo. "Is Alina here tonight?"

Lorenzo studied Eric for a moment longer before smiling at Mom. "My wife is indeed here. Come. We will find her together. Then later, I will speak with Eric."

I breathed a sigh of relief. After Mom left with Lorenzo, I cleared my throat. "Are you ready to see my painting?"

Eric nodded, waiting for me to lead the way. "A lot of people are admiring the landscape you painted of Sunrise Bay."

I deliberately walked around the edge of the room. "It was one of the first to sell." I'd given Mom strict instructions to keep Eric away from the wall behind the fountain. If they'd gone anywhere near the portrait, my surprise would be ruined.

As we walked around the gallery, my heart pounded. The people who'd already seen Eric's portrait were openly staring at him. Everyone else simply smiled.

I stopped before Eric caught a glimpse of the canvas. "I wanted to make something for you, to thank you for being such a special part of my life. The painting you're about to see is my gift to you and Sherlock."

Eric's eyes widened. "I can't accept one of your paintings. They're too valuable."

"Nothing will ever be as precious as the things you've taught me. I've realized I'm more than a decision I made, stronger and braver than I thought I could be, and I love you more than I ever thought was possible."

Eric wrapped me in a hug. "I love you, too. But you don't need to give me a painting."

"Look at it first, then tell me what you think."

"It'll be amazing, but okay. I'd love to see it."

I took a deep breath and placed Eric's arm under my elbow. "Close your eyes. We're going to take a few steps forward. Are you ready?"

Eric nodded and moved with me. "This reminds me of Pin the Tail on the Donkey."

Despite my nerves, I smiled. "I wouldn't recommend using any pins around my paintings. Lorenzo will have you arrested." I stopped in front of the portrait and sighed. "Okay. You can open your eyes now."

I watched Eric's reaction, trying to work out whether he liked the painting.

His eyes widened and his shocked gaze traveled the height and width of the canvas. It was big—one of the biggest portraits I'd ever considered painting. But somehow, the size added to the essence of what I wanted to achieve.

"It's incredible." Eric's softly spoken words made me blush. He moved closer, studying each intricate detail. "I can't believe you finished this so quickly."

"I started it a couple of days after I arrived in Sunrise Bay. When I saw you by the lake with Sherlock, I knew this was what I wanted to paint."

In the portrait, Eric stood by the shore with his arm behind him, ready to skim a stone across the water. Sherlock was in front of him, his eyes locked on Eric's, waiting for the moment the stone flew through the air.

"You included the whistle."

I nodded and studied the painting. The small wooden whistle that helped save my life was around Eric's neck. "I wanted you to remember that the smallest things can have a profound effect on someone's life."

When Eric looked at me, there were tears in his eyes. "I love it."

"Enough to take it home with you?" I held my breath, waiting for his reply.

"Enough to take it home with us." He wiped his eyes and smiled. "This isn't how I'd planned tonight, but it's the right time." With trembling hands, Eric reached into his jacket and pulled out a black velvet box.

My mouth dropped open and tears filled my eyes.

Eric held my hand, his touch warm and reassuring, and knelt in front of me. "I love you, Riley. I can't imagine my life without you. I want us to be a family and grow old together. I want to be beside you in good times and bad, and for you to know that you'll always be the most important person in my life. Will you marry me?"

He opened the box and I started shaking.

"It's your granddad's wedding band," Eric said softly. "When I asked your mom if I had her blessing, she offered me his ring. If you'd like a new one, we can?—"

I leaned forward, silencing Eric with a kiss. "No. It's perfect."

He stood and held my hands. "Does this mean you'll marry me?"

I looked into his eyes, feeling the depth of our connection. This was the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, my anchor and my refuge. "There's nothing in the world that would make me happier. Yes, I'll marry you, Eric."

A loud cheer erupted in the gallery.

I looked over my shoulder and smiled at the people watching us. I grinned at Mom and Lorenzo, then hugged Eric tightly. "I love you so much."

With a smile that melted my heart, Eric lifted me off my feet and swung me in a circle. "I love you, too."

Today, I'd found my forever in the arms of the man who made me complete. And I couldn't wait to share the rest of my life with him.

THE END