Page 50 of Finding Out

“Is this a contract to buy the Homer?”

I nodded. “I can’t afford to buy it for you, but I figured you’d be okay footing the bill for the painting at the top of your wish list. And I got him to agree to sell it for a hundred thousand less than you were willing to pay…”

He blinked at me, his mouth still hanging open.

My stomach flipped and my hands shook. Dammit. I was sure he’d love this. Had I been wrong? “I just thought?—”

Before I could finish the thought, he pressed his mouth to mine.

“You’re amazing,” he mumbled against my lips.

I was breathless when he finally pulled back.

“Pat and Larry have been trying to get this guy to bite for four years.” He shook his head. “How?”

I shrugged. “I know the seller. He’s like you. He wants works of art to be appreciated, not hidden away. If you approve the contract, you’ll be required to display it in a gallery for at least twelve out of every twenty-four months.”

“Not an issue.” He smiled.

Like every time he graced me with one of those rare smiles, my heart skipped. I should have been terrified of falling so hard for this man, but when he was near, all my fear evaporated.

“Your turn now?” He tipped his head toward the wrapped gift.

I nodded, thankful that he’d come. Normally, I preferred to be left alone in my misery, but all I wanted now was to snuggle and laugh with the man next to me.

He pulled the twelve-by-sixteen-inch package onto the bed. It was wrapped with a precision I’d never achieve but was Tom’s signature style.

One tug of the paper, and I caught sight of a canvas covered in what looked like snow.

My breath caught. “No way.” The words were barely a mumble as I gently removed the paper. “Oh my god.” With a hand clapped to my mouth, I blinked back tears. “Bridge of Snow.”

It was as beautiful as I remembered. Every stroke was thick with emotion.

I looked up at him. “You—but—we weren’t…” I forced myself to take a breath. “You got this for me?”

How was it possible that I’d become the lucky bitch?

“The moment you told me about it, I knew it should be on your wall. Art should be cherished.” He smiled. “This piece deserves to be loved as much as you deserve the opportunity to love it.”

“Thank you.” I leaned over to kiss him, but before I could make contact, my abdomen spasmed painfully, and I gasped.

With an arm around me, he eased me back into the pillows. “Rest, baby girl. I hate seeing you hurting, especially when I can’t do anything to help.”

My heart panged at the sincerity in his tone. “You being here helps.”

“Then I’ll always be here.”

I chuckled. “My periods aren’t as bad as they used to be, but I still end up in bed for a day most months. As much as I appreciate the sentiment, there’s no way you can keep that promise.”

“Like hell I can’t.”

I shook my head. “You do remember you travel with a baseball team, right?”

Jaw locked, he rubbed his thumbs lightly against my lower back.

I sighed in contentment. I could handle any kind of pain as long as he was by my side.

“Can I ask you something?”

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