Page 18 of The Art of Loving You

“It does,” I admitted. “I’ve really missed you—your advice, your support... even your presence at the museum.”

Her face lit up. “The museum always felt like home to me. I miss Miami, though Lucas does his best to bring a little of it to me when he visits.”

“He mentioned you visit him sometimes in the winter.”

She nodded. “His penthouse is a cozy retreat when it’s too cold here. But it’s not the same as being involved in your world, Ella. The Ocean View Museum was special to me.”

I hesitated, unsure whether to bring up her divorce. Instead, I smiled. “Your donations to the foundation have made a real difference. Thank you.”

Elizabeth waved off my gratitude. “You deserve the credit, Ella. You’ve carried so much these past few years, and you’ve done it beautifully.”

Her gaze shifted to Bess, who was still marveling at the artwork. “And this little one... she’s a delight. I see so much of you in her already.”

Emotion welled in my chest, but I pushed it down. “She’s the light of my life.”

Elizabeth touched my arm, her eyes shining. “And you’re hers.”

Lucas returned, his footsteps soft on the staircase. “Coats are upstairs. Looks like Mom’s got everything set up for you, Ella.”

Elizabeth’s smile widened. “I think it’s time to show Bess something truly special.”

Bess tilted her head, intrigued. “What is it?”

Elizabeth leaned down, whispering, “Have you ever seen a piano that plays all by itself?”

Bess’s eyes widened. “No way! Pianos can’t do that!”

Elizabeth laughed. “Oh, but they can. Come with me, and I’ll show you.”

Bess eagerly took her hand as we followed them to the small elevator.

The doors opened to a room that felt frozen in time. Bookshelves stretched to the ceiling, and an Aeolian player piano, its mahogany surface polished to perfection, stood in the center.

Bess gasped. “Is that the piano that plays by itself?”

Elizabeth nodded. “Lucas’s great-great-grandmother brought it from France. Would you like to try it?”

Bess looked at me for confirmation, and I nodded. “Go ahead, sweetheart.”

Lucas hesitated. “It’s fragile.”

Elizabeth waved him off. “It’s meant to be played.”

With help, Bess climbed onto the bench and stretched her legs to pump the pedals. The piano sprang to life, filling the room with a rich melody. Her giggle rang out, pure joy radiating from her.

“It’s working!” she exclaimed. “It’s really playing!”

I watched her, my heart full. Lucas stood beside me, wrapping an arm around my shoulder. “She’s a natural,” he murmured.

“She’s in heaven,” I replied, catching the warmth in his gaze. For a moment, everything felt perfect.

As the music slowed, Bess let out a contented sigh. “That was the best thing ever.”

Elizabeth clapped. “Well done, dear. You brought it to life.”

Lucas patted her back. “Good job, munchkin.”

Bess beamed, her happiness lighting up the room. For a fleeting second, it felt like family—but I pushed the thought aside. Life wasn’t that simple.

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