Page 44 of Madam Alana

“No, it wasn’t. And she will always be with us.” He let mego and eased up to standing. “Wait here. I have something for you,” he said,then reached for the throw blanket and tossed it over my lap to keep me warm inhis absence. He was constantly thoughtful in the sweetest ways.

I waited a few minutes as I heard Christophe go up thestairs, open the door to the studio, and then eventually return holding a largecanvas covered in brown paper and twine. This was how he often prepared his artpieces before his team would package them with protective wrap and bubbleinsertsin order totransport them.

He set the present on the table before me.

“For you, in congratulations for your achievement inacquiring a new business. Your first,” he preened and smiled.

I chuckled and unwrapped the twine gently, then removed thepaper.

The sight that greeted me had tears pouring down my cheeksand a sob shredding through my throat to get out. I covered my mouth as Itrembled and shook, my gaze glued to the canvas.

It was me and Celine on our last night together. In LasVegas with the sun setting over the desert behind us. He’d perfectly broughther image to life, standing right by my side, our cheeks pressing close to oneanother. We were smiling after having one of the best evenings ever withChristophe. At that moment, neither of us could have been happier.

I wanted to hug the painting, feel Celine’s cheeks with myhand, wrap my arms around her slight form, and never let go. That was not tobe.

What I could do was look at my beautiful friend hanging inmy home every day of my life, and remember what I’d had, what I’d loved, andwhat I’d lost. She would never be forgotten. Celine would live on through meand the good deeds I would do in her honor.

I turned to Christophe and shook my head. “There aren’twords…” I choked out.

“There doesn’t need to be any. Celine’s smile says it all.You were loved. And you loved her in return. She will always be a part of ourlives. May she rest in peace.”

“I think she will now that I’ve taken over the business. Hersoul can rest knowing what happened to her will never happen again.”

He nodded somberly as we both stared at her beloved face onthe canvas.

“There’s only one last question I have,” he saidcryptically. “Are you ready to be the Madam of The Marriage Auction?”

“Madam Alana?” I smiled and looked up at him. “I like thesound of that.”

He grinned, dipped his head, and kissed me.

The End…for now.

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