Page 90 of The Lightkeeper

“Oh, good. So, I’m not too late.” Richard took the invoice she handed him.

“Not too late at all,” she promised, cheerily chatting on about the packaging process and shipping options available if he wouldprefer. “Let me grab the piece, and then I’ll take you to the back while it’s wrapped.”

He stepped back and let her remove the frame from the wall.

“Thank you,” I said and shook his hand again just before he went to follow Lou.

Richard paused and placed his other hand on top of mine. “It’s not too late for you, either,” he said and then disappeared into the crowd after Lou.

What the…

“Mr. Kinkade.” This time when I turned, it was Brian’s cousin who’d finally made his way over to me.

“Mr. Miller. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

“Steve, please.” He shook my hand eagerly.

“Call me Kit,” I returned.

“Really incredible work here. Phenomenal. I’ve managed to snag two of your drawings and the small seascape from the window for my clients. Do you do commissioned work? Because I have a few more people who would love to have something done like these.”

“I—I’d be happy to take a look at the request and see if it’s something I can do.” Commissions weren’t something I’d ever done, ever considered, but I could… consider them.

“Awesome.” He shook both of his fists in excitement before tucking them to his chest. “I won’t keep you. I know we’re pushing the end of the show, but Lou said I had to ask you…” he trailed off and angled his body. I followed the rise of his arm, knowing in an instant where it was going to point. “Is that painting for sale?”

The painting of the lighthouse. The one that always stopped Aurora in her tracks.

My jaw went slack. The answer should’ve been “yes” because everything in here was for sale. Or was supposed to be. Or had been until this very moment when the thought of selling it—when the thought of anyone else having that painting exceptherchanged my mind.

“While I’m very grateful for your support,” I began hoarsely, “unfortunately, that painting is already spoken for.”

“Damn.” He smiled and shook his head. “She told me she didn’t think it was available, but said it didn’t hurt to ask.”

He shook my hand, assured me that he’d be in touch, and then went to the back desk to collect his purchases. Meanwhile, my gaze searched for my sister, finding Lou watching me intently with a small smile on her face, hopeful that she was right.

Hopeful that I wouldn’t sell the painting Aurora loved.

Within minutes, everyone worked their way out of the store, leaving only me and my family inside. My brother was the first to approach, pride oozing from his gaze.

“You did it.” He rested his hand on my shoulder and squeezed.

“All of the drawings sold, Kit,” Lou said, coming over. “And only two paintings are left, including the lighthouse.”

“You’re going to have to close the gallery for a few weeks to give you time to restock,” Violet said.

“And to give Lou time to count all her money,” Frankie chimed in, smiling even wider when Lou nudged her with her elbow. “What? It’s a good thing. Now, you’ll be ready to place an offer as soon as the listing goes up.”

As predicted, the inn hadn’t been listed for sale as soon as Lou thought it would. The photographer had come out, along with the realtor, but as of yet, there was no new news.

“Christopher!” Gigi pushed through the rest of them and grasped my arm. “What are you waiting for?”

I stared at her for a long moment, something passing between us that was both silent and screaming.Chasing Dawn.

“One more thing,” I murmured and then looked at Jamie. “Can you grab me the step stool from the back?”

While he went to grab it, I cleared a space in front of the wall.

He brought it over, and I climbed up to unhook the painting of the lighthouse, where I’d just replaced it earlier this morning.

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