Epilogue
AVA
Seven Years Later
Iwalk with my hand resting on my belly, smiling when the photographer snaps a photo. Rafe, Theo, and Izzy are on the other side of the room, their backs to me, looking at one of my pieces… the one that depicts all of us in surrealist strokes, our happy little unit.
As I walk past paintings of our life – Theo’s first steps in vivid colors, Izzy grinning like a ghoul on Halloween, every stroke wild and beautiful in its own way – there’s a smile on my face. This is my gallery. And my work.
And it sold!
Adrian Kovacs walks into my path, grinning, offering a little bow. “Well done, well done. I’m just relieved I managed to get one or two.”
I smile. “I’m grateful, Adrian.”
“You’ve been on a run for a couple of years, but now you’re heating up, Ava. That was one hell of an auction.”
“It was probably…” I smile, looking over as Rafe turns and catches my eye, the silver in his hair gleaming. “The second most eventful auction I’ve been to.”
Adrian chuckles. “All ancient history now. Still good for dinner Sunday?”
“Yeah.”
“See you both then.”
Mom and Dad are taking the kids while Rafe, Adrian, Adrian’s wife, Sara, and I have a meal together.
Adrian leaves as I weave through the crowd.
I stop as a few people compliment my work, always subtly watching Rafe and the kids.
My parents find them a minute or so later, Rafe hugging my mom, laughing at something with my dad.
Of course, Mom and Dad go cuckoo over the kids. Always do.
I’m finally able to disentangle myself and join them. “Mommy!” Theo rushes over, hugging onto my hip. Though he’s getting taller now. I have to bend my arm to rustle his hair.
“Did you have fun?”
“Izzy was really good. She was quiet the whole time.”
“I was, I was,” Izzy beams, rushing over.
I laugh and pull my daughter into a hug. Mom joins us, leaning over for a quick kiss. “That was just wonderful, Ava. So insightful. So you.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
She nudges me playfully. “Look at those two. Could you have imagined it?”
Maybe it’s the pregnancy hormones, but tears suddenly prick my eyes. Rafe and Dad are talking about one of my paintings, moving their arms passionately, laughing easily together. I never thought things could be this… uncomplicated.
But Rafe grew. He changed parts of his business, kept others in the dark. We built our trust and our relationship and our marriage brick by brick, and now it’s solid. Now, we can lean on it.
Rafe turns, maybe sensing me looking, a warm smile touching his face, his golden eyes full of love.
I love you, I mouth.
His smile widens. I love you too, he mouths back.
THE END