“It isn’t for sale,” she murmured.
I hadn’t dropped her hand, and she didn’t pull away, so I gave it a squeeze. “I haven’t seen it all yet, but what I have is beautiful.”
Tara’s cheeks pinkened, and she looked back at the painting. “If it weren’t for you, this dream never would’ve come true. Thank you.”
“I think it would have, but for whatever small part I played, you’re welcome. Seeing your work is such a pleasure, obviously not just for me.” I motioned to the packed gallery.
“I don’t care what anyone else thinks,” she whispered. Her eyes were wide as though she hadn’t meant to say the words out loud.
I leaned forward and brushed her cheek with my lips. “I miss you so much.” I put my arm around her shoulders and turned us both toward the painting.
“I wish we could go back.”
“So do I.” I leaned my cheek against her hair, breathing in its scent.
“Catarina, there’s someone—”
I dropped my arm, and we both turned. My eyes met Penelope’s shocked ones.
“You’re here.”
“I am.”
“I’m so sorry to intrude, but Mr. Farago would like a word.” Tara nodded, and Pen looked back at me. “New York Times art critic,” she whispered.
“Go ahead, I have lots to look at.”
I was still studying the same painting when I felt another hand on my shoulder. “You made it,” said Doc.
“Glad I did. Thanks to you.”
“I have to admit, this one is my least favorite.”
“To each his own.”
“Why do I have a feeling it’s the opposite for you?”
I shrugged. “Like I said…”
“Merrigan is waving me over. No doubt to buy another painting.”
“How many have you so far?”
“As many as she wants.”
Doc walked away, and I slowly made my way around the gallery. The next painting I came to was of the front of the farmhouse. This one, I had to have. I saw Ava, Razor’s wife, and motioned to her.
“Hey, Knox. Glad you could make it. Tabon is around here somewhere.”
“Thanks. I appreciated the invitation. Um, what do I do if I want to buy a painting?”
She reached into her pocket, put a red sticker on the nameplate, wrote a number on a small piece of paper, and handed it to me. “If there are any others, just flag me or Aine down. When you’re finished, you can arrange payment with Quinn. You can’t see her from here, well maybe you can since you’re so much taller. Anyway, she’s in the back. Oh, and none of the paintings can be picked up until next week.”
“Are a lot selling?”
“Oh, yes. Excuse me.” She dashed off in the direction of another raised hand.
“I had a feeling you’d like that one,” said Tara, coming up behind me.