Page 147 of Play On

Hopefully, she’s more supportive of Harvey in private, but I kind of doubt it. Which is a shame because he is a lovely guy.

And he’s interesting, unlike Kieran.

I shift my thoughts back to Noah. “We should probably go to the front so I can greet people as they come in.”

He takes my hand in his. “I’ll discreetly disappear into the woodwork until Nicholas and Camden arrive,” he promises me. “This is your moment to shine. I’m so proud of what you have put together, Violet. You’re brilliant.”

I’m brilliant.

I still revel in that compliment as much as I did the first time he told me that at Wintersmith Hall all those months ago.

“Thank you,” I say, smiling up at him.

We reach the front of the gallery, and to my surprise, people are already queuing outside the door to get in—like down the pavement!

“Oh my God!” I gasp. “Noah, look!”

He slides an arm around my waist, and I feel his lips brush against my temple. “I told you. You’re going to be a success tonight.”

Happy tears fill my eyes. I look at the VIPs who are about to be let into the gallery for a night of enjoying a collection I sourced, acquired, and arranged in this space. I have my family—and found family—coming to support me.

And most of all, I have this man who loves me and believes in me with all his heart.

Just as I love and believe in him.

I glance up at Noah, thinking how lucky I am to have found him.

That we found each other.

I gave Noah the freedom to let go of his past and accept love into his life. Noah gave me the belief that I can’t be afraid of mistakes, to shed perfection, and to go after a career I wanted.

“I’ll be right back,” he says. “Excuse me.”

I nod, and Noah leaves my side. Winter is talking with other gallery employees, directing them where to be during the exhibition, and I take a moment to make sure the waitstaff are ready to go with the starters as soon as we open the doors. I’m assured by the caterer they are indeed ready, and the grilled prawns will be the first starter served to the crowd.

“Thank you, Carolyn,” I tell the woman.

“You’re welcome, Violet. And I’ll be in the back if you need anything,” she assures me.

As soon as she leaves, I see Noah approaching me with two champagne flutes. My heart melts inside my chest as he comes up to me.

“I think we have to drink to your first exhibition,” he says, smiling lovingly at me.

I take a flute from him, and Noah raises his glass to me.

“To my butterfly,” he says softly, so only I can hear him. “I’m so proud of everything you have done. You’re brilliant. Amazing. And one day, I’m going to give you beehives.”

I laugh at that, and he does, too.

“I love you, Noah,” I say softly.

“I hope you plan on doing that forever.”

“Oh, I do. Cheers,” I say.

“Cheers.”

We tap our glasses together and take a sip. The crisp, bubbly drink slides down my throat, and then Noah takes my glass back from me.

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