Page 100 of Finding Forever
Mom smiled at Lorenzo. “Is Alina here tonight?”
Lorenzo studied Eric for a moment longer before smiling at Mom. “My wife is indeed here. Come. We will find her together. Then later, I will speak with Eric.”
I breathed a sigh of relief. After Mom left with Lorenzo, I cleared my throat. “Are you ready to see my painting?”
Eric nodded, waiting for me to lead the way. “A lot of people are admiring the landscape you painted of Sunrise Bay.”
I deliberately walked around the edge of the room. “It was one of the first to sell.” I’d given Mom strict instructions to keep Eric away from the wall behind the fountain. If they’d gone anywhere near the portrait, my surprise would be ruined.
As we walked around the gallery, my heart pounded. The people who’d already seen Eric’s portrait were openly staring at him. Everyone else simply smiled.
I stopped before Eric caught a glimpse of the canvas. “I wanted to make something for you, to thank you for being such a special part of my life. The painting you’re about to see is my gift to you and Sherlock.”
Eric’s eyes widened. “I can’t accept one of your paintings. They’re too valuable.”
“Nothing will ever be as precious as the things you’ve taught me. I’ve realized I’m more than a decision I made, stronger and braver than I thought I could be, and I love you more than I ever thought was possible.”
Eric wrapped me in a hug. “I love you, too. But you don’t need to give me a painting.”
“Look at it first, then tell me what you think.”
“It’ll be amazing, but okay. I’d love to see it.”
I took a deep breath and placed Eric’s arm under my elbow. “Close your eyes. We’re going to take a few steps forward. Are you ready?”
Eric nodded and moved with me. “This reminds me of Pin the Tail on the Donkey.”
Despite my nerves, I smiled. “I wouldn’t recommend using any pins around my paintings. Lorenzo will have you arrested.” I stopped in front of the portrait and sighed. “Okay. You can open your eyes now.”
I watched Eric’s reaction, trying to work out whether he liked the painting.
His eyes widened and his shocked gaze traveled the height and width of the canvas. It was big—one of the biggest portraits I’d ever considered painting. But somehow, the size added to the essence of what I wanted to achieve.
“It’s incredible.” Eric’s softly spoken words made me blush. He moved closer, studying each intricate detail. “I can’t believe you finished this so quickly.”
“I started it a couple of days after I arrived in Sunrise Bay. When I saw you by the lake with Sherlock, I knew this was what I wanted to paint.”
In the portrait, Eric stood by the shore with his arm behind him, ready to skim a stone across the water. Sherlock was in front of him, his eyes locked on Eric’s, waiting for the moment the stone flew through the air.
“You included the whistle.”
I nodded and studied the painting. The small wooden whistle that helped save my life was around Eric’s neck. “I wanted you to remember that the smallest things can have a profound effect on someone’s life.”
When Eric looked at me, there were tears in his eyes. “I love it.”
“Enough to take it home with you?” I held my breath, waiting for his reply.
“Enough to take it home with us.” He wiped his eyes and smiled. “This isn’t how I’d planned tonight, but it’s the right time.” With trembling hands, Eric reached into his jacket and pulled out a black velvet box.
My mouth dropped open and tears filled my eyes.
Eric held my hand, his touch warm and reassuring, and knelt in front of me. “I love you, Riley. I can’t imagine my life without you. I want us to be a family and grow old together. I want to be beside you in good times and bad, and for you to know that you’ll always be the most important person in my life. Will you marry me?”
He opened the box and I started shaking.
“It’s your granddad’s wedding band,” Eric said softly. “When I asked your mom if I had her blessing, she offered me his ring. If you’d like a new one, we can?—”
I leaned forward, silencing Eric with a kiss. “No. It’s perfect.”