Page 123 of For Your Love

Colleen took in the scenery out the car window as they made their way up a winding hill. The view of Santorini was stunning with endless blue water and sunshine. At last they arrived at Villa Kyaneos, Justin and Lucy’s secluded estate. As soon as the driver parked, Colleen climbed out of the car. “Hurry up. We’re already late.”

Finn tipped the driver and grabbed their bags.

The door flew open and Justin stood there in swim trunks, holding a baby tucked in his arms. “Hey, you’re here,” he said, giving Colleen a kiss on the cheek.

“Which one is this?” Colleen said, brushing her hand over the baby’s dark, wispy hair.

“This is Sarah.” He shook hands with Finn. “It’s great to see you again.”

“Thanks for flying us over. We really appreciate it.”

“Are they here?” Lucy ran to the door holding another baby, who had a handful of her mom’s white tank dress in a tight little fist.

Colleen hugged her best friend. It felt so good to be together again. “I’ve missed you so much.”

“I can’t believe you’re finally here,” Lucy said.

The baby let out a shrill scream.

Colleen jumped away with a yelp. “I just met Grace and I’ve already made her cry.”

“Shh,” Lucy said, rocking the baby girl. “Oh my God. I almost forgot. Congratulations, you two!”

“Thanks,” Colleen said.

“I’m surprised you got married at City Hall. I thought you always wanted a wedding at Sacred Heart Church?”

“I used to want a lot of things before.” Colleen took Finn’s hand. “And now I have everything I need.”

“Yes, you do,” Lucy gushed.

After a late lunch on the terrace, Justin and Finn went swimming in the biggest infinity pool Colleen had ever seen. The villa was as beautiful as she’d imagined it. An expansive white stucco home with colorful bougainvillea climbing the walls. The weather was spectacular, and the blue sea stretched for miles. No wonder Justin and Lucy came here often.

Colleen and Lucy sat at the table under a blue umbrella, enjoying the view.

“You look incredibly happy,” Lucy said, holding a sleeping Sarah in her arms.

Colleen bounced Grace on her knee, enjoying the baby’s goofy smile. She looked over at her friend. Lucy was a natural at motherhood and she was thrilled for her, but Colleen wanted to enjoy life with Finn all to herself for a while. “I am.”

“I’m so proud you gave an impact statement. Not everyone can do that.”

“It was hard, and I’m glad it’s behind me. I have a new life, a new husband, and a new city to live in.”

“How do you like living in Stony Brook?”

“It’s a great community. I’m grateful Molly let us stay in her cottage. Now that she’s moved to Montana, she’s ready to begin a new life with a man who adores her. We’ve also inherited Alfie, the cutest dog in the world—and her Thomas Kinkade collection.”

Lucy grimaced. “Seriously?”

“I know,” Colleen said, rolling her eyes. “I never wanted a dog and you know better than anyone how I feel about Kinkade, but people change for many reasons.”

“So, you’re teaching and doing tours now?”

Grace let out a happy gurgle. “I’m still teaching the art appreciation course through the adult education program and this fall I’m teaching a medieval art history class at the local community college. But the tours are my favorite. I’ve only been doing it a year and I already had to hire an assistant. I also have permission from two other museums to do tours. I wouldn’t be as successful if you and Justin hadn’t been my angel investors. I’m grateful you did that for me.”

“It’s our pleasure. And I love the name of your company: The Art Queen. It’s perfect for you. You have to promise to give us a special tour when we’re in New York next year.”

“I’ll make sure of it,” she said, thrilled that she would be able to share her tour with them.

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