Page 206 of Secrets Hidden In The Glass

Elizabeth nodded. “My parents are up at the house for the next couple of weeks. Everything’s so much the same.” She smiled at Nate. “You look good, Nate. I’ll let the two of you get back to your evening.”

Callie waited until they were alone. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” He rubbed at the back of his neck. “Fine.”

She held his unreadable gaze and nudged him toward the coat closet, away from the noise. “You don’t seem fine.”

“It’s just…weird.”

“Seeing her again?”

He shrugged. “She’s pregnant.”

“I noticed.”

“She’s remarried and that’s fine. That’s never bothered me. But she’s pregnant.”

Callie didn’t know what to say as Nate stared at his ex-wife across the room.

“She said she didn’t want a family,” he continued, “but what she meant was she didn’t want a family with me.” He gave his attention back to Callie. “She and I had no business getting married in the first place, so why the hell is this bothering me?”

“She seems lovely—beautiful and intelligent, but she was rather dumb the day she let you get away.”

His brow rose in surprise before a small smile curved his lips. “Thanks.”

She brought his palm to her cheek, wanting to banish the unhappiness from his eyes. “I’m so sorry you had to go through what you did—something as hurtful and painful as a divorce—but I’m thankful every day that you’re here with me. That you’re mine.”

He exhaled a quiet breath as he rested his forehead against hers. “That sounds pretty good.”

She nodded. “Yes, it does.” She smiled, knowing she was ready to let herself be absolutely vulnerable for the first time in her life. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

He stroked his thumb along her skin. “Right back at you.”

“I love you, Nate.”

He eased away, staring at her for several seconds, making her heart pound even harder than it already was.

She said, “I—I’ve wanted to tell you for a while, but maybe I shouldn’t have—”

He shook his head, cradling her cheeks, holding her gaze as if she was precious—the only thing that mattered. “I love you too—pretty much since the first moment I saw you.” He kissed her. “I love you so much,” he repeated, bringing his mouth back to hers—sweetly, tenderly.

She held on to his wrists, savoring the moment. This right here was what it felt like to be truly happy and safe.

“Attention, everyone.” Marion interrupted the group with a ding on her champagne glass. “On behalf of the Marion West Gallery, I would like to thank all of you for joining us this evening to celebrate Callie Davis’s latest accomplishments.”

Everyone clapped.

“Callie, come up here and join me.”

She regretfully let go of Nate.

“Go get ’em, tiger,” he said quietly.

She smiled and walked to the front of the room. “Thank you,” she said as a waiter handed her a flute of champagne.

“Callie and guests,” Marion said as she raised her glass. “To another successful evening.”

Callie held up her glass and took a small sip. “Thank you, everyone. I’m so glad you could be here with me tonight—my last show.” She paused as gasps and murmurs filled the space and the select reporters Marion had invited to the event moved closer. “It’s with mixed emotions that I’m announcing my retirement. Art has been such a huge part of my life. My gift has allowed me to travel the world and meet so many wonderful people. Now I’m ready to move on to new adventures.” She grinned when Nate winked at her.