Page 58 of Too Enchanting

Serena

I’d been fighting back nerves all week, but now that the grand opening of the gallery was finally here, I felt as cool as a cucumber.

The place looked fantastic, Laurel had outdone herself with the décor, food, and drinks, and we had a full house. People were everywhere … Snacking on canapes, drinking champagne, and perusing the art.

Laurel and her team were all dressed in black slacks and white button-up shirts, and I was wearing a black cocktail dress. Of course, we were all just the backdrop, with the real stars being the art.

Most of the town was in attendance, including my cousins and their significant others, and my aunts and uncles.

“How are you doing?” Jed asked, coming up behind me and placing his hand on the small of my back.

He’d been checking up on me every half hour or so. Offering to help out where needed, and just making sure I was okay.

It was very sweet.

“I’m good,” I replied with a smile. “Your table has been a big hit, I think Mr. Johnston and Mrs. Poole were about to go to blows over who got to buy it.”

“Really?” he asked, obviously surprised.

“Of course,” I said, because I’d known when I saw it that people would want it in their homes. “I was thinking you could make more. All unique and individual pieces of course, but along the same vein.”

“I could do that,” Jed replied, then looked out over the room. “I see your aunts and uncles … Did your parents come out?”

I shook my head and beat back the disappointment.

“No, they couldn’t get away.”

“I’m sorry.”

We’d spent the last few nights together, going back and forth from Jed’s house to mine. When we were laying in the dark, headed toward sleep, I’d told him my parents had mentioned trying to come to the opening, and what it would mean to me. Unfortunately, my mom had texted me today and said it wasn’t going to happen.

“It’s okay,” I fibbed. “Everyone else is here.” I turned, and put my arms around his waist. “You’re here.”

Jed grinned and dropped a kiss on my nose.

“Anytime you need me, I’ll be there,” he said softly, and warmth seemed to light me up from inside.

I let him go, then moved to do another turn through the room.

The two young women I’d hired that week were there, working the room discreetly and letting me know when someone wanted to make a purchase. All sales would be made on the spot, but the deliveries wouldn’t be made until next week.

“Great event, Rena,” Gabe said as he and Zoey crossed to me.

“Thanks, Gabe, and thanks so much to both of you for coming, it really means a lot,” I said, giving them both kisses on the cheek.

“Of course we’d come,” Zoey said easily. “I have my eye on that waterfall piece. I keep hinting at Gabe, but he doesn’t seem to be getting it.”

“Oh, I got it,” Gabe said wryly. “You aren’t exactly subtle.”

We all laughed, then Gabe placed his hand on my shoulder and said, “Proud of you, Rena.”

“Thanks,” I said, my heart full. Gabe’s opinion had always mattered to me.

“Hey, I need to talk to you later, okay? After,” he said, causing me to pause and look at him curiously.

“Sure,” I said, then kept mingling.

“I have to say, I’m impressed.”

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