Page 44 of My Bodyguard Neighbor
"I know."And she did.A year of watching him try, of seeing him honor her boundaries even when it clearly killed him to stay away, had shown her his apology was genuine."We're working on it."
"Yes.We are."Her father's gaze moved to Jonah."Bauer.Good to see you."
"Judge Reese."
Another awkward pause.Then her father extended his hand to Jonah.
"Thank you," her father said."For keeping her safe.And for making her happy."
Jonah shook his hand, surprise flickering across his face."You're welcome."
"I should let you both enjoy the evening.I'll just..."Her father gestured vaguely at the paintings."Look around."
He walked away, leaving Holly staring after him.
"Did that just happen?"she asked.
"I think your father just gave us his blessing."Jonah's tone was bemused.
"Weird."
"Very weird."
The rest of the evening passed in a blur.Critics who said thoughtful things about her use of color and light.Friends who hugged her and said they were proud.Strangers who stood in front of her paintings and seemed to understand what she'd been trying to say.
And through it all, Jonah was there.Not hovering, not controlling.Just present.Proud.Hers.
When the gallery finally closed, Patricia was beaming."We sold six pieces.Six.Holly, this is incredible for a first show."
Holly could barely process the words.People had bought her art.Strangers had seen something in her work worth paying for.
"We need to discuss a second show," Patricia continued."I'm thinking in about eight months.Give you time to build up new work."
"I can do that."
After Patricia left to handle paperwork, Holly and Jonah stood alone in the empty gallery.Holly's feet hurt from the heels she'd worn.Her face hurt from smiling.But she felt lighter than she had in years.
"You did it," Jonah said.
"We did it."Holly leaned into him."I wouldn't be here without you."
"That's not true.You would have gotten here eventually.I just got to come along for the ride."
Holly turned to face him."Thank you.For giving me space when I needed it.For being here when I wanted you.For letting me figure things out at my own pace."
"That's what you do when you love someone."
"I do love you."Holly kissed him."And I know we said we'd keep our own apartments, but I've been thinking."
"Dangerous."
"I'm serious.What if we got a place together?Something that's ours, not mine or yours.A fresh start."
"You sure?"
"I'm sure.We've proven we can be apart.Now I want to see what it's like to be together.Really together."
"I'd like that."
