The Magnolia Sisters (Magnolia Sisters #1) - Michelle Major Page 0,114
they separated. “No brothers. Only sisters.”
Gray opened his mouth and then shut it again. He could handle just about anything at the moment, other than discussing potential future siblings with his precocious daughter.
He glanced at Avery to see her smile go wide once again and grinned right back at her. They straightened and he lifted Violet into his arms. Family and friends surrounded the three of them, with Spot barking happily at their feet.
In the midst of all the revelry, a sense of peace filled Gray. All the poignant and corny movie lines in the world couldn’t capture the breadth of his feelings for Avery. He simply loved her with everything he had and knew deep in his heart it would always be that way.
EPILOGUE
One month later
“STOP HIDING.”
“I’m not hiding.”
Avery shared a look with Meredith before placing her palms on the enormous oak desk in the gallery’s private office and leaning forward. Carrie sat on the floor, knees drawn up to her chest.
“The opening is a huge success. Everyone’s amazed at your talent.”
“They’re just being nice,” Carrie said, continuing to stare at the floor.
Meredith snorted. “Since when has Julie Martindale ever been nice if there isn’t something in it for her?”
Carrie let out a choked laugh. “She dropped off a handwritten invitation to one of her parties the other day and was extremely friendly.”
“She wants your money,” Meredith argued. “Although, someone with that much inventory should have a smile on her face.”
“Once again, we’re getting off topic,” Avery told her sisters. “People want to congratulate you.”
As if on cue, there was a knock on the door. Butterflies danced across Avery’s stomach as Gray entered the office. Would the thrill of him ever diminish? She didn’t think so. In the past few weeks, her life had taken on a glow of happiness she never could have expected. They still had a long way to go as far as untangling Niall’s estate, but she had no doubt she belonged in Magnolia, building a life with Gray and Violet.
She glanced down at the diamond sparkling on her finger as she took a step toward him. It felt like a cliché, but she loved gazing at her ring and what it represented. They were planning a wedding for just before Christmas and she relished the time they’d truly be a family.
“She’s coming out,” Avery told Gray, slipping her hand into his.
They watched as Carrie straightened from behind the desk, smoothing a hand over her printed maxidress. Her dark hair was down around her shoulders, and she kept tucking it behind one ear in a gesture of obvious nerves.
Meredith stepped around the desk and patted Carrie on both cheeks, maybe a little harder than necessary in Avery’s opinion.
“Ouch.” Carrie drew back. “What was that for?”
“You need some color in your face,” Meredith explained with an innocent smile. “You look like you’re going to pass out.”
“I’m not going to faint,” Carrie murmured. “I’m stronger than that.”
“We know you are,” Avery assured her. It had taken a lot of coaxing to get Carrie to agree to open the gallery for private group-painting sessions, but already she had a half dozen parties and events booked. Meredith had come up with the idea to kick off the reopening of the studio with a showing of Carrie’s old paintings. They both hoped a positive response to her work would encourage her to return to her art on a deeper level than teaching classes.
“You’re sure no one is making fun of me?” Carrie asked, her worried gaze darting between Gray, Meredith and Avery. “What if they think I’m trying to capitalize on Dad’s fame?”
“You’re talented,” Gray reminded her, his voice gentle. “You always have been. Now is the time to let the world know it. Tonight isn’t about Niall. It’s your moment, Carrie. You need to claim it.”
Avery’s heart swelled with gratitude as she watched her sweet, sometimes shy sister consider Gray’s words and then nod in agreement. “I’ve missed my paints,” she whispered.