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“But you have your grandmother. I know she loves you.”

A hint of a smile caught his lips. “Gran was the one stabilizing force in my life.”

“Why did your parents come tonight if they don’t like your art?”

“They hate my art. That’s how I found out I was adopted.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve always loved drawing, even as a kid. But they wanted me to find a more practical job. Luckily, because of electives in high school, I was able to keep them happy and myself. But when I turned eighteen, I wanted to go to art college.”

“That makes sense.”

“I had a big fight with them and then Albert blurted out that I wasn’t his biological child, so was it any wonder I turned out the way I did.” He set his mug down. “When I questioned his words, he told me in no uncertain terms that they adopted me, and I owed them.”

Kaley stood and knelt in front of him, her hands on top of his. Her support meant the world to him.

“When I refused to change my mind, they kicked me out.”

“What?” Her eyes grew wide.

He nodded. “That first night I slept in my car, the one I’d bought myself by working odd jobs. I had no idea what I was going to do.” He sighed. “I was woken the next morning by Gran banging on my window. She told me to drive to her place; she’d be there shortly.”

“I can see Clara doing that.”

“She’s a force to be reckoned with, that’s for sure. Anyway, she waltzed into her house thirty minutes later and informed me my clothes and other belongings would be delivered later in the day and to go pick out a bedroom.”

Kaley squeezed his fingers. He locked his gaze with hers and saw the sheen of tears in her eyes.

“I wasn’t alone. Gran made sure I got my belongings and helped me. We rarely talk about Albert and Olivia, then or now.”

“I’m glad she was there for you.”

“Me too. I probably wouldn’t be the man I am today without her.”

“You’re a good man. I don’t care what anyone says.”

He slipped his hand out from underneath hers and touched her cheek. “I think you might be biased.”

“Damn right, I am.” She leaned into his touch. “But that still doesn’t explain tonight.”

“I avoid my adoptive parents like the plague. Apparently, they came into the gallery tonight to have some photographer take a picture. Albert is running for the city council.”

“Oh.”

“It doesn’t matter. I’m done with them. I have a new life, and I want it to be with you.” He urged her up and onto his lap.

Kaley laid her head on his shoulder. “You are special, Anthony.”

“I’m glad you think so.” Maybe, just maybe, he was finally starting to believe it.

“I do.” She placed a soft kiss on his lips.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Kaley slid behind the bar with a familiar feeling. It had been two weeks since Anthony’s adoptive parents ambushed him at the gallery. Yes, that’s how she thought of it. While Anthony said he was over it, Kaley was worried. He’d been spending a lot more time in his studio lately.

He made time to bring her dinner or have her come to his place, though. They spent most nights together, and oh, how glorious those were. Time stood still when she was in Anthony’s arms. She never wanted it to start up again.

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