Page 103 of Heartstrings & Horizons
? In Your Love - Tyler Childers
As promised, Cade approached the owner of Chapters & Brews, a millennial named Morgan with a full sleeve of tattoos and split dyed hair. They actually suggested I work with Ivy to plan the event, since they hosted a similar showcase with her artwork in the past. After talking at length with both Ivy and Morgan, I threw myself into my photography, building more of a portfolio with the help of our friends and other local families here in Oak Ridge. I already had a substantial amount of work to choose from, but they didn’t all spark the same amount of emotion that I wanted to bring to my showcase.
The Hayes family, in particular, was a huge help. Evelyn — or Dr. Hayes — offered their ranch for some of my sessions and the scenery there stole my breath. I've never had any inclination to become a cowgirl, but the moment I spotted the gorgeous brown and white paint horse, I was a goner. I was taking riding lessons on Maybelle the very next day. Dr. Hayes actually suggested that riding could be another form of therapy for me, and she was right. A sense of peace washes over me when I’m riding; we even got Cade out there on a chestnut stallion and when I tell you it was like a fantasy come to life, I amnotexaggerating.
We’re 2 weeks away from the showcase, so here I am on a random Thursday evening at Ivy’s house. Her cat, Hazel, is fast asleep, contentedly purring on my lap as we click through my portfolio, selecting the best pieces to display. My whole body is vibrating with nervous energy.
“This one, for sure.” Ivy says, pointing to a self portrait of Cade and me at the end of the dock. He has his arm around my waist. I’m looking out at the sunrise on the horizon with my head resting on his shoulder, and his gaze is fixed on me. I smile wistfully at the photo that so perfectly captured the stillness and effortlessness of our relationship.
“Ok, we still need one more.” I note the file name next to the rest as Ivy flips through more of my work, passing over the first session we did at the park. “Wait, go back,” I say, stopping her on a photograph of Rylin falling asleep on her shoulder. “That one. It’s my favorite.”
“Are you sure?” she grimaces. “You really want me and Ry in your showcase?”
“Of course I do! You’re one of my best friends. But don't tell Mags. She hates competition.”
She snorts out a laugh and, with the final choices made for the showcase, we spend the rest of the evening ordering the prints, frames, and labels for each one, giving them all titles.
After months of preparation, the day is finally here. I’m standing near the entrance to Chapters & Brews, fall leaves cascading over the now familiar landscape, taking off on the breeze as the scent of pumpkin spice lattes drifts out from the cafe. My heart is fluttering wildly with a mix of excitement and nerves. The exhibit will be taking place in the loft above the bookstore, where its wide open space with bare walls provides the perfect backdrop to display my work. I enter the bookstore, the familiar jingle of the bells signaling my entrance. Ascending the stairs, I find Ivy straightening the self-portrait titled “New Beginnings.”
“Are you ready?” Ivy asks, giving my shoulder a squeeze.
“As I’ll ever be.”
Cade hadn’t arrived yet. He wanted to enter with all of our friends and see the exhibit through their eyes. He’s truly been my rock these past few months. Since that day in the field and my first appointment with Dr. Hayes, things have changed for the better. The bar is thriving under his new ownership, and he was able to hire an additional bartender so he can be home early most nights. My immigration paperwork was approved, and barring any further complications, I would officially become a permanent resident of Oak Ridge, Kentucky next month.
At 3pm on the dot, the doors open and guests start streaming into the exhibit. Looking around at all of my friends mingling and admiring my work, my chest swells with pride. I spot Cade towards the back talking to a group of people, and a very familiar face I was certainly not expecting to see catches my eye.
“Mags? What the hell?!” I run towards my best friend, knowing exactly how this happened. My husband — always full of surprises.
“Are you ever going to tell me before you plan a visit?!”
“Nope. You didn’t think I’d miss this, did you?” She laughs and pulls me into a bone crushing hug. “This is incredible, Paige. I’m so proud of you!”
“I can't believe you’re here!”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
I turn to my husband, who has a big grin on his face, noting my favorite little laugh lines around his eyes, when suddenly a small figure emerges from behind him. My vision blurs as I take in the woman standing before me.Nana.
“Come here, my girl,” she says, arms spread wide in invitation.
A rush of emotion consumes me as I wrap my arms around her. My favorite people are all here in the same room. The love that fills my heart for them is overwhelming.They came here for me.
“I’m so proud of you, Poodle. Always knew you had a special gift.”
“Thank you, Nana. Thank you for coming. I…” the words trail off, not sure what to say to express my gratitude and affection, so I squeeze tighter and let the tears fall.
“You can thank your husband here,” she says, pulling back to look at Cade. “He made all the arrangements. Might I suggest thanking him thoroughly when you get home this evening?” She winks and I feel my cheeks heat.
“Nana!” I grumble, pinning her with a scolding expression. Cade’s hearty chuckle reverberates behind me as he wraps his arms around my shoulders, then gives me a soft kiss on my temple.
As the evening progresses, more people arrive, filling the air with a buzz of conversation. I was never very good at accepting compliments, but this evening has been overwhelming in the best way. I take a moment to soak in the feeling of utter contentment before raising a pen to my glass, all eyes in the room landing on me.
Deep breath in. Deep breath out.
“If I could get everyone’s attention for a minute.” I give everyone a second to turn their attention to the small platform I’ve perched myself on. “I wanted to thank you all for comingtonight. Your support means everything to me. I, um…” I take a breath, willing myself to hold the tears at bay. “I never thought I could take this silly little hobby of mine, my passion really, and make it my career. It means everything to me that you’re all here supporting me. I also want to give a special thank you to my husband. I wouldn’t be here without your love and encouragement, and one crazy misunderstanding,” I joke. “I love you.”
A round of applause fills the space, a couple of voices yelling out above the crowd, “we love you” and “you’re a badass”; I could identify those voices as Mags and Miles anywhere. This night, surrounded by these people, in my happy place, is more than I ever dreamed possible for myself.
