“Language!” Mom shouts from the family room.
My brothers and I laugh, but Shay just holds her head.
“I’ll fix her up,” Brayden says, smacking Jake’s shoulder. “No worries.”
“How’s Ava this morning?” I ask Jake.
“I called, but Molly answered the phone and reminded me it’s bad luck for me to see Ava before the ceremony. Apparently, phone calls count as seeing.” He shrugs. “I’m ready to sign the papers and have my bride all to myself on the beach for a week.”
“Your bride.” Grinning, I shake my head. “I’m happy for you two. I’m sorry everything else is such a mess.”
“Me too, but she’s tough and handling it all with grace.” He puts his coffee cup down. “Come on. We’ve gotta get dressed before the photographer gets here.”
On our way to the stairs to retrieve my suit, my phone rings. The screen shows a New York area code. I wave it at my brother. “I’ve gotta take this.”
“Go for it. Meet us out back when you’re dressed.”
I nod and step onto the porch as I accept the call. “This is Levi Jackson,” I say, shutting the front door behind me. “Is this Isaac?”
“Isaac’s my assistant,” the man says. “He gave me your message, but I wanted to return your call myself.”
From my pocket, I pull the business card that I took from Ellie’s purse this morning. She was still sleeping, and I was up for my morning run and thinking about the name the woman at the gallery had given her. The card had the name Isaac and a phone number. I called Isaac this morning and left a message.
“My name’s Tate Andrews,” the man says. “I understand you’re interested in Bauer’s Discovery collection?”
I know that name. Tate. That’s the guy Ellie worked for after college. The one who knows Nelson. Ellie thought Tate may have been behind Nelson convincing her to forge the Bauer paintings.
“Are you still there?” Tate asks.
“Yes. Sorry. You’re right. I’m very interested. I heard you might be able to connect me with the paintings.”
He sighs heavily. “I wish I could help you, but unfortunately, no one has seen those paintings in years. I wanted to tell you about some other opportunities I have, since you’re clearly the kind of collector with a taste for truly special pieces.”
I have to bite back a grunt. I mentioned in my message that money wasn’t an object. Apparently, that equates to “good taste” in Tate’s world. “I really want the Discovery collection. I’m not interested in anything else.”
“Are you sure? I could get you other Bauer pieces or even—get this—artwork done by the model in the Discovery paintings. She’s real cutting edge, and does mosaic work that—”
“I’m not interested. Can you tell me who might be able to connect me with what I’m looking for?” I take a risk and add, “I’ve heard whispers about a dealer in Jackson Harbor having connections.”
“Ellie can’t help you,” he says. “She’s not in the business anymore. I regret ever getting her involved to begin with.”
“I understand, but—”
I hear the soft beep as he ends the call.
Where are those paintings?
Ellie
The wedding ceremony is tucked into a tree-lined corner of the city park, and all the autumn colors pop under the bright blue October sky. It’s the perfect day for a wedding, and everyone seems thrilled to be here, but I’m self-conscious the moment I arrive. The Jackson brothers are all congregated on the side of the parking lot opposite the ceremony site. They’re dressed in black tuxes and look like something out of every woman’s fantasy. Five brothers with broad shoulders and killer smiles, standing around and laughing while waiting for the ceremony to start.
I consider going up to Levi to let him know I’m here but decide against it. Today’s a family day, and he doesn’t need me interrupting. I make my way past a white tent toward a seat on the bride’s side, but an arm darts out and grabs me.
Shay sticks her head out between the flaps. “The bride wants to see you.” She tugs me inside, and I let the tent fall closed behind me as I enter.
When I spot Ava, I throw my hand over my mouth. “You look gorgeous.”
Ava beams. “Thank you.” She’s in a simple white satin gown with sheer cap sleeves and a mermaid-cut skirt that hugs her petite curves. Her dark hair is gathered in a low chignon—perfect simplicity for a beautiful bride.