Page 160 of Before I Loved You

Sarah clears her throat, sitting up. “I just want to thank you for welcoming me into your family and making me feel…loved. I had a pretty lonely childhood, and I spent a lot of time wondering if I would ever be a part of a family again.” She swallows, closing her eyes. “But twelve years later, you guys have made that possible for me.” She opens her eyes, a tear rolling down her cheek. “And it means a lot to me, so thank you.”

I gently clutch her hand, knowing it took a lot for her to be vulnerable in front of my family. To open up a hidden part of herself for them to see.

“One of the best things that’s happened to our family was adding you and this new baby to it, Sarah,” my mom says, fighting back tears. My mom glances at me quickly before looking at Sarah and saying, “This is your family.”

And I can’t wait for the day I can finally make it official by giving her my last name.

thirty-five

SARAH

TWO WEEKS LATER

Today’s the day.

For the first time in my life, I’ll show my artwork for others to see and judge. It’s exciting but also…terrifying.

Putting myself out there and being vulnerable is not something I would normally do. It was something my mom used to do all the time, though. And I remember attending a few of her shows as a kid, wandering around in awe at everything she created, hoping to be like her someday. And that’s why I’m doing this today.

Because I want Lily to know that she can be or do whatever she sets her mind to do. I want to be an example for her, but most importantly, I want to be a goddamn good mom to her.

Just like my mom was to me.

“Are you sure you’re okay to come tonight?” I ask Paul, who’s sitting beside me in the back seat of the SUV. “I don’t want you ripping your stitches or making things worse on yourself just to see my paintings.”

The poor man has been bedridden for the past two weeks, itching to get out of the house and do something. Anything.

His hand envelops mine, resting on my thigh. “I wouldn’t miss your first show for the world. Not even a gunshot wound to my chest will stop me.” He winks.

I roll my eyes, chuckling.

“Besides, the fold-up wheelchair is in the trunk, so I won’t have to do anything except sit and be pushed around by my chauffeur for the night, Ray.”

Ray does a salute in the rearview mirror, making me laugh.

“Nate and Natalie will be showing up at the opening, and Jason and Vanessa will be heading over right after she gets out of work,” Paul confirms, checking his phone. “Mom is devastated she couldn’t make it, but she had to get Kevin back to school today. His school was ready to kick him out if he didn’t return.” He shakes his head, but he and I both know that the only reason Kevin didn’t return to school on time was because he wanted to stay by Paul’s side, ensuring he was okay. “She’d like to take us both to dinner tomorrow night to celebrate, though.”

I smile in understanding. “Your mom sent me a gorgeous bouquet of some of the most beautiful flowers I’ve ever seen this morning. I don’t ever want to know how much she spent on them. And Kevin left me a gift bag filled with art supplies before he left for school.” I shrug. “I think your family kind of likes me.”

He chuckles. “They don’t like you. They love you. And don’t forget, they’re your family now, too.”

“My family,” I repeat softly.

The sight of the art gallery appears to my right, and my stomach plummets.

“We’re here,” Ray announces, pulling up before the entrance where several people stand, bundled up as snow falls around them, waiting to be let inside.

A shaky sigh escapes me as I reach for my door handle, but Paul’s grip on my other hand stops me. My hair sways over my shoulder as I quickly turn to face him.

“No matter what happens tonight, I’m so proud of you, baby girl. You did it.” He smiles, lifting my hand to his lips, and presses a kiss.

The tip of my nose tingles. Tears try to escape, but I won’t let them. Not tonight. Hormones be damned. “Thank you, Paul.”

We all leave the car and enter the ample but quaint space. It’s dimly lit, with individual spotlights on each piece throughout the room. Servers walk around offering refreshments and appetizers.

It’s a bit surreal.

“What do you think so far?” Paul asks.

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