Chapter 7
Everything okay?” Renee’s voice cuts through the hum of conversation, her eyes flicking past me toward where my parents and Reggie had their standoff. I follow her gaze to see my parents absorbed in Mack’s portrait, their faces unreadable.
I let out a sigh that feels like it’s been building all evening. “I’m not sure,” I admit, smoothing my hands over my dress. “They were on at me about photography being a hobby, not a career. But Reggie...” My voice trails off as the memory of his firm stance flashes before me. “He defended me. It felt...good.”
Renee smiles and leans closer, lowering her voice. “Yeah, I know what you mean. Having someone have your back like that means everything, especially in a relationship.” She pauses, giving me a pointed look. “And before you try to tell me you’re not in a relationship, you are. You just started a little differently than most people.”
My cheeks heat, but I’m done denying my feelings for Reggie. “The last few days have been enlightening. We need to talk and sort everything out. It’s obvious we’re attracted to each other.”
“Marian, I wasn’t sure I would ever hear you admit that.” Renee laughs. “I’m glad you’re coming to your senses.”
“Very funny,” I joke, though I agree with her. What good is living if you let fear hold you back from pursuing what—or who—makes your heart sing?
“Before you go, I want you to think about something.” Renee’s voice pulls me back from my thoughts.
I turn to her, curious. “Sure. What’s up?”
She leans closer, and her excitement is palpable. “I have a tentative book deal,” she confesses. “It’ll involve interviewing several interesting people across the country.”
“Congratulations!”
“Thanks. What I’m saying is that I’ll need a photographer with me,” she continues, her gaze locked on mine. “Photos will be a big part of this book. Are you interested?”
My heart skips a beat. “Are you serious? Renee, of course, I’m interested! Thank you for thinking of me!”
Her smile widens, and she pulls me into a bear hug. “I hoped you’d say that,” she murmurs, patting my back. “I’ll fill you in on all the details once everything’s settled.”
“Thank you, thank you!” The words tumble out as I pull back, still grinning like a fool.
“Your talent with these portraits,” she says, gesturing around the exhibition, “speaks volumes. You have a way of capturing a subject. Seeing them, I knew you were the photographer I wanted to join me on this project. Let’s talk soon. I’ll put you in touch with my agent so you can talk about a contract. In the meantime, I need to get home to my husband. I’ll be in touch soon, promise.” She gives me a final hug before slipping into the crowd.
“Could tonight get any better?” I whisper under my breath. I look around my exhibition, pride filling me at how successful tonight has been. Reggie catches my eye and tilts his head, and I smile and walk toward him.
“Hey,” he says, pulling me close and draping his arm possessively over my shoulders. I could get used to this.
“Hey.” I turn to face him, and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Reggie is The One. He’s been my rock this week, showing up for me without hesitation or expectation in return. The man believes in me and shows me every time we’re together.
“Congratulations on the show,” he says, his eyes reflecting pride. “You’ve created a moving collection of portraits. You should be proud of yourself.”
My cheeks flush with the compliment. “I appreciate that.”
He tilts his head slightly, his gaze searching mine. “Do you want to get out of here? Find somewhere quiet?”
I place my hand in his, my pulse echoing in my fingertips. “Yes,” I breathe out. “Let me go talk to my parents real quick.”
“Of course. Do you want me to come with you?”
I pause for a moment. “No, but thanks. I shouldn’t be long.”
“Okay. I’ll be here. If you need me, signal, and I’ll come over.”
Love for this man fills my heart so much that I feel like I’m going to explode. I give him a quick kiss, smiling when he pulls me tightly against his body, and I feel his heart racing. “Be back soon.”
“Hi, you two,” I say, bracing myself for the criticism that’s surely coming my way. Only this time, I’m going to stand my ground. Reggie has reminded me that having people in my life who support and defend my choices is what’s important. I love my parents, but they need to understand I’m going to live my life according to my choices, not theirs.
“Hi, honey,” my mom says, smiling at me.
“I’m impressed,” Dad says, surprising me.
I blink and stare at him. Did my father just compliment my work?
“Really?” My voice trembles, my vulnerability reflected in my shaky hands.
“I do.” He nods, a smile teasing at the corners of his mouth. “And your mother,” he glances at her, “we both think you need room to grow in this.”
Mom lays a gentle hand on my shoulder, giving it a squeeze that’s both comforting and affirming. “But if things don’t pick up in a year...”
I resist rolling my eyes and focus on the joy of them offering me support. Finally, I pull them both into an embrace, my heart swelling with love for my parents. “Thank you,” I whisper, the words muffled against Dad’s shirt.
“Of course, darling,” Mom murmurs, her voice soft. They pull away first, readying to leave. “We should head out. Long drive tomorrow.”
“Drive safe, okay?” I say, hugging them each once more.
“Will do,” Dad assures me as they turn and walk away.
Standing alone, I watch their backs recede into the mingling crowd. A weight lifts off my chest, one I’ve carried for far too long. Excited by the news of my parents’ change of heart, I turn to find Reggie.
“Hey.” Reggie’s voice comes from behind, warm and familiar.
I spin, heat climbing up my cheeks at the sight of him. “Hey, yourself.” My pulse quickens, excitement coursing through my veins.
“Everything okay with your parents?” His gaze searches mine, concern etching his brow.
“Yeah, I think so.”
“Come on, let’s get out of here,” he suggests, his hand reaching for mine.
“Lead the way,” I reply without a second thought, my hand slipping into his, the warmth of his skin stoking the flame within me.
As we navigate through the crowd, his thumb brushes against the back of my hand. Each touch sends shivers down my spine. And in this moment, it’s clear—I want to explore whatever this is, wherever it leads, with Reggie by my side.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” His voice is a low rumble, soothing and deep.
I nod, melting into the circle of Reggie’s arms. “Yeah, thanks to you.” The warmth from his body seeps into mine, and it makes me feel stronger.
“Of course, I would stand up for you. I believe in you. I will always support you,” he says, his finger gently tipping my chin upward.
We weave through the dwindling crowd, his grip sure and strong. His thumb caresses my palm in slow, deliberate strokes, sending waves of longing through my body.
“Where are we going?” The words tumble out, barely above a whisper.
“Somewhere we can talk,” Reggie replies.
It makes me nervous that we’re finally going to be alone and talk, but in the best possible way. Nothing would make me happier than for us to become official. My heart knows what it wants, and it wants Reggie.