Wind Chime Point

23



The Art Colony Studios and Gallery opening was scheduled for the weekend before Memorial Day. Gabi was still astounded that everything had come together so quickly. The fact that she’d had the stamina for all the hours of work it had entailed was something of a miracle, too. She had Wade to thank for sticking close every minute to do any task she assigned to him. Even Emily and Samantha had come home this week to pitch in.

Beside her now, Emily gave her a hug. “This place is amazing,” she assured Gabi. “I still can’t believe that you were able to turn this house into a gallery for working artists in such a short amount of time.”

“I had help,” Gabi reminded her. “Wade did the renovations with help from Tommy Cahill, Jimmy and Jimmy’s dad. And I seem to recall that you contributed your share of ideas for some of the design details. Tommy said he was in awe that you could handle so much from clear across the country. I think he was terrified you’d sweep in here this week and tell him he’d gotten it all wrong.”

“Not a chance,” Emily said. “Believe me, I know when somebody understands the effect I’m trying to achieve, and Wade was completely on board when I went over the sketches with him.” She gave Gabi another hug. “Thank you for giving us the leeway to handle that side of things.”

“I trust your taste and I trust Wade,” Gabi said simply, then grinned. “Besides, Wade showed me everything and got my stamp of approval.”

“Smart man, who obviously knows your control-freak tendencies very well,” Emily said. “Are you happy, Gabi? Really happy? Is this what you want? Staying here with your baby?”

“It is,” she said without hesitation.

“And Wade? Where does he fit in? He’s pretty invested in the relationship. Are you?”

Gabi leaned in to her sister and confided, “I’m in love with him. I finally told him that the day of the baby shower. I have no idea how it happened or why. He’s so different from the men I always thought I wanted, but he’s perfect for me. It kind of annoyed me at first that he seemed able to read my mind, but the truth is, he really gets me.”

“I imagine it helps that he’s gorgeous and devoted to you and the baby.”

Gabi’s smile spread. “Oh, yeah. It definitely helps.”

“Any plans?”

“Too soon. Things need to settle down, and then we’ll see. Right now we’re both caught up in everything that’s happening. Once this place is open and the baby’s here, some of the glow could wear off.”

Emily frowned. “You don’t really believe that, do you?”

“It could happen,” Gabi insisted. “Wade’s had this idealized dream of the perfect family for a long time. A part of me still worries that I’m only filling in for what he lost when Kayla and the unborn baby died in that accident.”

“Honey, he doesn’t look nostalgic when he looks at you. Seems to me he’s very much in the moment. I know because it’s the way Boone looks at me. I so want that for you and for Samantha. I’m pretty sure all it’s going to take for you to have it is for you to say yes when the time comes.”

Gabi wanted to believe that, too, but caution had her holding back on a full-fledged commitment. Maybe if she’d never known the whole story, maybe if Louise hadn’t so openly expressed her skepticism—and who knew Wade better?—maybe if the situations hadn’t been so similar, perhaps then she could have trusted her heart...and Wade’s. As it was, well, she figured time would tell.

* * *



Wade stood off to the side as Gabi worked the crowd who turned out for the opening of the Art Colony Studios and Gallery. She was clearly in her element. Though she’d been complaining for days that she couldn’t find a decent maternity outfit suitable for the occasion, Emily had apparently shown up and saved the day with a simple dress she’d found on Rodeo Drive. When she’d mentioned the name of the designer, Gabi had squealed in excitement, though Wade didn’t have a clue who it was.

What he did know was that the midnight-blue material shimmered beneath the lights that had been carefully directed to showcase the art in each of the individual studios and in the main gallery. Those same lights seemed caught up in Gabi’s eyes, sparkling like the small diamonds at her ears. She’d swept her hair up in a way he’d never seen before, exposing her neck and causing him to fight the urge to sneak a kiss behind her ear where a stray curl brushed against delectable skin.

She was so incredibly beautiful, it blew his mind to think that one of these days she was going to agree to be his. One of these days, when he had the nerve to ask. One of these days, when life had settled down just a little.

Across the room, he caught her eye and winked. She gave him a quick little thumbs-up, a grin spreading across her face as she continued to chat with someone who’d shown up from the newspaper in Raleigh, an old contact she’d told him was coming as a favor to her. He figured there must be a lot of old contacts who owed her favors because there were TV cameras all over the place and reporters were interviewing the artists in a sort of controlled chaos that she’d orchestrated.

Wade had told her to concentrate on giving the other artists all the attention tonight, but he realized she was heading his way now with a photographer in tow.

“Glenn, I want you to meet Wade Johnson. Not only is he the founder of this gallery along with me, but these amazing carvings are his works. Glenn’s here from Asheville, Wade.”

“Stunning,” Glenn said, his attention immediately drawn to the carvings of coastal birds in Wade’s studio. “This one looks as if it’s about to take off in flight. I know of some shops back home that would love to carry your work.”

“Not just yet,” Gabi said, a possessive tone in her voice. “For now, he and his work are all mine.”

Glenn laughed and immediately backed off. “Okay, then.” He turned to Wade. “Trust her. She knows what she’s doing. She’ll make you a force in the art world.”

He took a few photographs of Wade at work, then wandered off. Wade tucked an arm around Gabi’s shoulders. “What if I don’t want to be a force in the art world?”

“I don’t think you’re going to have much choice. Your works are going to make you a star.”

“I could be some private recluse,” he said. “Just imagine the PR mystique.”

“It’s going to be hard to maintain that and have a studio right here in plain sight,” she reminded him. “Besides, you’re way too cute to be a recluse.”

“And you don’t mind sharing me?” he asked, a little disappointed by her willingness to do just that.

“It’s your talent I’ll be sharing,” she told him firmly. “Never you. I thought I’d made that clear.”

“That’s better, then.” He rubbed a thumb across her cheek. “Are you happy, Gabriella? You look happy.”

“I am,” she said. “Pulling this together, working with you—it’s been amazing.”

“But the hard work is behind you,” he said. “Are you going to be bored from here on out?”

“Are you kidding me? The hard work is just getting started. Sure, we’ve created early buzz and all this attention tonight is incredible, but the key is to keep finding new angles to promote, to keep this place out there with fresh new artists and innovative ideas. A great opening is just the beginning.”

He smiled at her enthusiasm. “And you already have some of these innovative ideas, I’ll bet.”

“Absolutely. Why do you think I didn’t mention the guest artist program in the early press releases? That’s another stage. And then we’ll have classes. That’s another campaign. And maybe an annual Christmas in July event. Or a red-white-and-blue event for the Fourth of July. I was in a store once that did that. It got people looking closely at everything.”

He regarded her blankly. “Why?”

“Okay, let’s talk about a painting. If the customer can find a hint of red in it—or of just white or blue—they’d get a ten percent discount. If they find two of those colors, it’s twenty percent off, and thirty percent if they find all three colors in that same painting. Believe me, people study the details. And when people look that closely and are assured of the best discount, they buy.”

“I’m not sure that’s going to do much for my wood carvings,” Wade said, though he was impressed by the clever concept.

“Which is why you put colorful tags on them,” she said. “Maybe you create an all-blue logo for some or a red-white-and-blue tag for something you really want to move that weekend. You can be as stingy or as generous as you want to be. You’ll see. It’s going to be fun.”

“I trust you,” he said. “Now, how are you feeling?”

“I feel incredible,” she said, though there was an unmistakable weariness in her eyes.

“How about ten minutes off your feet and a plate of the excellent hors d’oeuvres that Jerry made?”

“I should be circulating,” she protested. “I want to be sure all these media people get the interviews they need.”

“I’ve never seen a more contented roomful of media types,” Wade told her. “Look around. They can spare you for a few minutes.”

She glanced around, then nodded. “Sitting down would feel good.”

Wade settled her on a chair in her office, then went for the food and a glass of the nonalcoholic champagne he’d made sure they had on hand for her and anyone else who preferred it. He ran into Cora Jane, who was overseeing the buffet table.

“How’s our girl doing?” she asked. “She’s been moving so fast, she reminds me of those hummingbirds that hover for an instant, then move on to hover over something else.”

“Dead on her feet, but exhilarated,” he told her. “I’ve persuaded her to sit down in her office for a few minutes. Can you put together a plate for her, while I pour her some of the fake bubbly?”

“Of course I will,” Cora Jane said.

When Wade returned from the small kitchen they’d put in for a communal lunch area, Cora Jane had piled tiny sandwiches on a plate along with small key lime and cherry tarts.

“This is a hungry crowd,” she told him. “It’s a good thing we’re winding down. The food’s almost gone. If the show’s been half as big a hit as Jerry’s appetizers, I’d say this place is going to be a huge success.”

“Once your granddaughter seizes on an idea and runs with it, there’s nothing she can’t accomplish,” Wade said. “I’m in awe of her. I knew this was a good idea, but she took it to a whole other level.”

“Seems to me the two of you make a good team,” Cora Jane told him slyly.

Wade laughed. “You can stop nudging, Cora Jane. I’m on board.”

He returned to the office to find Meg and Sally sitting with Gabi.

“Here’s the man of the hour,” Sally said. “Wade, what you and Gabi have accomplished here is nothing short of miraculous. I was interviewed by two different TV news crews. I doubt I said anything scintillating enough to get on the air, but it was fun. I felt like a celebrity.”

“You can thank Gabi for that. She must have called every contact she ever had in the North Carolina media and beyond.”

Gabi grinned, beckoning for the plate of food. “Most of them,” she agreed. “But I held out a few for the next time I need some big favors.”

She popped a small chicken salad biscuit in her mouth and closed her eyes. “This is heavenly. I think I could eat a dozen of them.”

“Well, according to Cora Jane, you’re out of luck. She says the food’s almost gone, so I imagine the crowd will start dispersing soon.”

“Just in time,” Meg said, regarding Gabi worriedly. “You look beat. I hope you’re taking tomorrow off to get some rest.”

“How can I? It’s our official opening day. I’ll be needed here in case there are any glitches.”

“Well, you can at least sleep late,” Sally said. “Wade, see to it. Make sure she doesn’t set foot in here before eleven. I can make sure the place opens on time and hold down the fort till she arrives.”

“And I’ll come over and pitch in, too,” Meg offered. “I have Lily on at the shop tomorrow, and I even persuaded my daughter to help her out, so that’s covered.”

“That’s so sweet,” Gabi said. “But really, I should be here by nine at least to make sure we’re set for the opening at ten.”

“Eleven and not a minute earlier,” Sally repeated.

Wade grinned at Gabi. “See, you’re not the boss of everything,” he told her. “There are people here who have your back. Stay home and rest and I’ll bring fresh doughnuts when I come to get you.”

Gabi’s eyes lit up. “Chocolate-iced with sprinkles?”

“An entire dozen of them,” he promised.

“Then I suppose if I’m here by eleven, that’ll be soon enough,” she said docilely.

“Who knew she could be bought with doughnuts?” Meg said, clearly amused.

Wade chuckled. “How do you think I got her to notice me in the first place? It wasn’t my good looks or sexy banter. Nope. It was those doughnuts that worked like a charm.”

Gabi patted his hand. “Don’t be smug. I’m capable of buying those doughnuts for myself, you know.”

She started to get up, struggled a bit, then held out her hand. Wade pulled her to her feet. “Ready to go home?”

“Not just yet. I need to make the rounds and say good-night, make sure there are no last-minute requests for interviews.”

“Fifteen minutes,” he told her firmly. “Then we’re out the door.”

“Ooh,” Sally mocked. “I do so love a man who takes charge.”

“More like a man who thinks he’s in charge,” Gabi retorted, but she did leave the room with Wade. That gave him at least a faint hope that she’d wrap things up in the allotted fifteen minutes.

And then they could be alone so he could tell her how absolutely incredible and amazing he thought she was to have pulled off tonight’s coup.

* * *



Gabi rubbed her back. It had been aching all day. She attributed that to going up and down the steps at the gallery all day long.

The opening night success had continued for the past two weeks of full operation. So far, the freshness of the idea and the excitement it had been generating around the community and the state hadn’t worn off. She’d discovered that showcasing a variety of works that might bring joy, beauty or serenity into someone’s life was astonishingly fulfilling. Wade had been right that there were many ways to find satisfaction.

Wade had been right about many things. She hadn’t quite decided if that trait was annoying or endearing. At the moment, with him hovering over her with a worried frown, she was finding it annoying.

“You’re in labor,” he repeated for the tenth time in an hour.

“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m not due for another two weeks.”

“Perhaps the baby hasn’t seen the schedule you posted on the fridge,” Wade retorted. He pulled his cell phone from his pocket, muttered a few words, then handed the phone to her.

“Hi, Lou,” Gabi said to his sister, giving him a wry look.

“If Wade says you’re in labor, you need to go to the hospital,” Louise told her firmly. “Ignore him at your own peril. I did with my first and almost had Bryce in the backseat of the car. My brother has some sort of uncanny ability to predict these things. With Chelsea, I didn’t even have a twinge. Wade took one look at my face and drove me to the hospital.”

“Please,” Gabi protested, unconvinced.

“I’m telling you, he’s in touch with some kind of feminine higher power or something. Trust his instincts.”

“Okay, thanks,” Gabi said, still scowling as she hung up the phone. “You want to go to the hospital, we’ll go, but do not call my grandmother or Emily yet. This baby might not be here for days.”

He grinned. “Yes, dear.”

Several hours later, a squalling, rosy-cheeked baby girl was placed in Gabi’s arms. Tears filled her eyes as she stared into that sweet face, but it was the awed expression in Wade’s eyes that stole her breath.

“Whatever made me think I could do it?” she murmured.

Wade studied her as if not quite sure he dared to believe her. “Do what?”

“Let her go,” she whispered. “I know I’d already made the decision to keep her, but looking into her sweet little face, I can’t even conceive how I ever considered anything else.”

“Not a single doubt?”

“Not a one,” she told him. “And it’s not even the way she makes me feel, though right this second I’m awash in all these incredible maternal instincts.”

“If it’s not that, then why are you so sure you’ve made the right decision?”

She smiled at him. “I saw the way you looked when you saw her for the first time. This little girl belongs with you, with us. I’ve never been more certain of anything than I am of that.”

“I fell in love with her months ago,” he admitted. “And with her mother long before that.”

“Even though I’m still a work in progress?”

“I’m an artist. Works in progress are filled with possibilities and surprises.” He sat on the edge of the bed and touched her cheek. “I can’t imagine there will ever be a day when you don’t surprise me.”

“I like things all planned out,” she reminded him. “How will that work?”

“We’ll balance each other.”

“Or drive each other crazy,” she argued.

A smile spread across his face. “I can live with that, too. Can you?”

Gabi glanced from the precious bundle in her arms—this child she’d never expected to hold, much less keep—then into the eyes of the equally unexpected man who made all things seem exciting and possible. “I can, yes.”

“Then I guess we should talk about a few things.”

She held her breath. “Such as?”

“A name for our daughter for starters.” He held her gaze. “Because she will be ours in every way that matters.”

“Daniella Jane,” she said at once.

He smiled. “That was awfully quick.”

Gabi sighed. “As soon as I realized I wasn’t going to be able to let her go, I started a list. I pretended I was just doodling some ideas, but it was more than that. Daniella seemed to stick and I wanted the Jane for Grandmother.”

He touched a gentle finger to the baby’s cheek. “What do you think of that, Daniella Jane?”

The baby actually seemed to coo her approval, her blue eyes wide, if not yet focusing. Gabi honestly thought she was responding to the sound of this man’s familiar voice.

“She already knows you,” she said.

“Well, of course she does. She and I have had several conversations lately about how stubborn her mom is.”

Gabi stared at him indignantly. “Is that so?”

“Well, you can’t deny that you have yet to say exactly how I’m going to fit into this future you’re starting to envision.”

“Don’t you know by now?” she whispered. “I can’t let you go, either.”

A smile broke across Wade’s face. “Then I suppose we should talk about making it official,” he said, his gaze locked on hers. “I love you, Gabi. And I love Daniella. I want us to be a family. In fact, I think I’ve been waiting for a very long time for this exact family to come along. Will you marry me? Soon? And before you ask, I already have your father’s blessing. He gave me that weeks ago.”

“You asked my father?”

He nodded. “You might not see yourself as a traditional kind of woman, but I am a very traditional guy. I wanted to cover all my bases. And we know Cora Jane is on board.”

Gabi laughed, relieved by his eagerness. How many times had she tried to shoo him away? More than she could count, but he’d stuck like glue. “I will, but it may not be soon. I want to fit into a decent wedding gown. And Emily’s wedding is coming up. I can’t steal her thunder.”

“You’ll be beautiful no matter what you wear.”

She laughed at that. “Keep on saying things like that and people will wonder about your eyesight. That’s not a good thing for an artist.”

“Sweetheart, one look at the two of you, and they’ll know I have an eye for beauty. Now we’d better get your grandmother and sister over here or we’ll never hear the end of it. I think Cora Jane wanted to be in the delivery room to be sure the doctor knew what she was doing.”

“Not to worry. I’ll tell her you took very good care of me. Thanks for subbing as my birthing coach, by the way. You were like an old pro. It must be all those times you pinch hit when Lou’s husband couldn’t get to the hospital in time.”

He shook his head. “It was nothing like those times,” he argued. “This was you. And Daniella. I’ve never been more terrified in my life.”

She laughed. “Now you tell me.” She squeezed his hand. “It’s okay. I never would have guessed.”

He winked at her. “Another three or four times and I’ll probably have it down pat.”

“Once more, and we’ll talk,” she said sternly.

But even as she said the words, she knew that after all he’d given her in terms of confidence and a new direction for her life, she’d give this man whatever it took to make him happy. And she’d do it without ever looking back at the life she’d left behind, because the future promised to be everything she’d ever dreamed of.

* * * * *