The Magnolia Sisters (Magnolia Sisters #1) - Michelle Major Page 0,115
this time,” Meredith said, giving Carrie’s arm a playful nudge. “But first, you must greet your adoring public.”
Carrie rolled her eyes even as she laughed. “Let’s go, then. I know Mer-Bear will eviscerate anyone who dares to criticize me.”
“Damn straight, Princess,” Meredith agreed and then led the way out of the office and down the hall toward the gathering.
“Thank you.” Avery leaned in to press a kiss to Gray’s mouth. “Your support means a lot to Carrie.”
“She deserves all the support she gets.” Gray cupped her cheeks between his palms. “But if I’m honest, I can’t wait for this night to be over so I can take you home and have you all to myself.”
Violet was spending the night with her mother. To Avery’s surprise, Stacy had come around to the idea of Avery being part of Violet’s life without too much convincing. They were still going forward with a modification of the custody arrangement, and although the new plan made Violet’s scheduled nights with her mom more infrequent, Stacy seemed motivated to honor her duties.
Avery and Gray only spent the night together when Violet wasn’t with him, although they did their best to find creative ways to steal intimate moments at other times.
“I can’t wait,” she whispered.
“Are you sure you don’t want a Halloween wedding?” he asked with a laugh.
“We can wait a few weeks longer.”
“I’d wait forever,” he promised, kissing her again. “That’s how much I love you. I’ll admit I’m anticipating Christmas like Ralphie dreaming of that Red Ryder BB gun.”
She grinned at him. “Now I know you’re desperate for me.”
He pulled her closer to him. “Would you like a demonstration?”
She broke away with a laugh. “Later, my love. Right now is about supporting Carrie.”
“I hope she truly embraces her gift,” he said as he took her hand and followed her to the front of the gallery. “Your father did a number on her self-confidence.”
“We’ll make sure she gets there.” Avery wasn’t yet sure how’d they’d accomplish it, but she knew that she and Meredith would find a way to make Carrie’s long-buried artistic dreams a reality once again.
They entered the gallery space, which was crowded with locals and visitors alike. An art opening featuring the works of Niall Reed’s daughter had proved to be a huge draw.
Avery also knew without a doubt that Carrie had more talent than she even realized. People gathered around the paintings, as if mesmerized by the composition and style, making it clear she wasn’t the only one to feel that way.
She kept an eye on Carrie, who seemed to grow more relaxed with every passing minute. She spoke to everyone who approached her with the same kind smile and charming focus. Avery couldn’t imagine that Niall had ever been so authentic in how he’d dealt with people.
The gallery remained packed for a while longer, but eventually the crowd disappeared.
“We’ve sold everything,” Meredith announced when it was just the three sisters remaining in the empty space. Gray had offered to drive Julie home when it became clear she’d had a few too many glasses of champagne. Carrie would drop Avery at his house after they locked up.
“I can’t believe it.” Carrie pressed a hand to her chest. “Who bought it all?”
Meredith checked the receipt book. “A variety of people, really. But the same man purchased several of the larger pieces. A Scott Dylan.”
Carrie frowned. “Are you sure that’s his name?”
“He’s the Boston real estate bigwig I told you about,” Avery said. “His company is going to develop the empty space at the end of the block. They’re the ones who wanted to buy all the property, but when I explained we weren’t selling, they offered a lease agreement. It’s our big influx of rental income and by the amount this guy spent on your paintings, they’re flush in cash.”
“Okay, I guess,” Carrie said but her brows drew together as if she were working out a puzzle.
“I can’t wait to meet this Scott Dylan.” Meredith did a funny little hip sway. “Maybe he’s cute, too.”