Page 143 of At His Command

Charlie seamlessly transfers his arm to Annabelle with a theatrical bow that makes her laugh and leads her through the room ahead of us.

Once they’re gone, Lucas steps up beside me, taking my arm, and we walk through the other guests as I inhale deeply, trying to calm my hammering heartbeat.

“You’re not really mad about the painting, are you?” he asks. “I know I can be high-handed about things sometimes. I’m just so proud of you.”

I smile up at him, shaking my head. “Not mad, exactly. Just shocked. I didn’t expect it, and I don’t think it belongs in a place as fancy as this.”

“It’s the best one. I’m not just saying that.”

“Like I said, you're biased.”

“I am. I love it, although it doesn’t really look like you. I hope that isn’t a rude thing to say.”

“Not at all,” I concede. “I was thinking the same thing. I was very unhappy when I painted it.”

He stops, pulling me round to face him. “But… you’re not unhappy anymore?” he asks, and for a moment, he looks like a little boy seeking validation.

I laugh. “Of course not. Back then, I was working three jobs, my sister was dying, and I was alone. Now I get to paint all day, Annabelle is thriving, and I’m in love with the kindest man I’ve ever met.”

His eyes darken with pleasure at that, and he bends down to kiss me.

“I love you, Amelia. So much, I wonder how I deserve you sometimes.”

He kisses me just as there’s a loud shout from behind us, and Lucas pulls away.

“There she is!”

I turn to see a very straight-laced man approaching us across the room, his face friendly but resigned. Behind him, a flowing, glittering fairy of a woman rushes toward me, her arms outstretched.

“Is this her?” She shrieks. “The woman responsible for making my Lucas so happy!” The entire room falls silent as Lucas stiffens beside me.

“Remember how much you love me,” he says urgently. “No takebacks, even if she embarrasses the hell out of both of us.”

“Not a chance,” I say, taking his hand and tugging him forward to meet my future family. “We’re in this together.”