Temptation on Ocean Drive - Jennifer Probst Page 0,27
had always wanted to travel and study art abroad, but she’d been pulled into the family business after Matt died, and then their parents had retired. She’d committed to working another two years in order to make the business strong before moving on. Bella knew what a sacrifice her sister had made to stay. Taylor had never wanted to settle in the small beach town and craved a bigger, more glamorous lifestyle. Her painting had always been a passion that she termed more of a hobby, but in the past year, Bella had seen her spend more time in her studio. Carter had bought her first painting last summer and introduced her to a few contacts.
“Are you kidding me?” Avery asked, clapping her hands. “T, that’s amazing! Tell us all the details.”
“Well, Carter hooked me up with a big art dealer who takes on brand-new artists. He saw some of my work, and wants me to join in for an introductory exhibit in Paris.” Her eyes sparkled with excitement. “He’s interested in fresh perspectives and thinks my work has the edge he’s been looking for.”
“Paris?” Avery gasped. “This is amazing news.”
“Wow, Aunt TT, you’re gonna be famous!” Zoe announced.
“Doubtful, babe. But it doesn’t matter as long as I try my best, right?”
Zoe nodded. “Right.”
Bella swallowed back the lump in her throat. Pride resonated through her. It was finally going to be Taylor’s turn to shine. “This is the best news. When’s the show? How many pieces does he need?”
“The show is in September, and he wants five more canvases. No matter what happens, I have the opportunity to expand my audience. He’s well known internationally, and mentioned if there’s demand for my work, I can stay in Paris and work from there. I never thought it was a possibility since I’m not classically trained.”
“You always had a raw talent,” she said. “And you’ve been painting for years, learning on your own, self-taught. I’m so damn proud of you.”
“Thanks.” Her happiness seemed to fade a notch. “This means my time is officially up.”
Avery sighed. “You’re leaving Sunshine Bridal.”
Taylor nodded. “I’d stay till the end of the year, but it depends on the show. I may need to leave earlier, so we may need to plan a September exit.”
Bella’s heart shredded at the idea of losing her baby sister, but she also knew Taylor needed to go. “We understand, babe. It’s not a surprise—and God knows it’s overdue.”
“Wait. Aunt TT, where are you going?” Zoe asked with an edge of panic.
Taylor leaned over the table, stretching her arms out to grasp her niece’s small hands. “I’m going to travel for a while, sweetheart. I want to see some of the world out there, and when you grow up, you may want to, also. But I won’t be gone forever. You’re my family—I will always come back to you.”
Zoe blinked. “Is Uncle Pierce going with you, too?”
Taylor jerked back. “Um, no. He’s going to stay here with you, just like Uncle Carter and Gabe.”
“What if I don’t know the right way to mix my colors? I forget a lot, and you’re the only one who knows.”
Taylor smiled, her brown eyes filled with emotion. “You text or FaceTime me. I will always make sure you get the perfect color. Deal?”
“Deal.” She turned hopefully to Bella. “Mama, can we get a dog once Aunt TT leaves? I think we’ll be too lonely, so we need something to make us happy.”
Bella shared a glance with her sisters and burst into laughter.
Taylor grumbled. “Dude, I’m not even gone yet and you’re replacing me with a canine.”
Bella winked. “Hmm, not a bad idea. I was thinking of turning your place into a yoga studio.”
“Oh, can I keep some of my storage here?” Avery cut in. “There’s never enough space.”
“Okay, Abbott and Costello. Real funny.”
Amid the bittersweet sentiment, Bella was once again reminded of the beauty within the power of family. For her, it was enough. As long as she and Zoe had this, they didn’t need anything else.
Her mind flashed to a picture of Gabe’s face, his dark eyes gleaming with a banked emotion she didn’t understand, his words echoing in her mind like a mantra.
“I’ve always been listening. And I’ve always been here, waiting until you needed me.”
He meant as a friend, of course. There was nothing else between them except for a growing respect for his professional skill.
Funny, his words caused a deep longing to uncurl from within, but it had been so long since she’d