Being Victor Kane’s wife gave me a platform. Now I planned to use it to help people.
“I’m so damn proud of you, Ariana,” Henry said, cupping my face in his hands. “My warrior.”
My heart warmed at his words, filling me with the same love and appreciation I felt the first time he called me a warrior. Back then, I struggled to believe it. I still saw myself as weak. But Henry showed me how strong I really was.
And he continued to show me every day.
“Thank you,” I whispered as he leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to my lips that made the noise of the gala fade away.
“Come on.” He pulled back, flashing a grin. “Let’s look at some art together.”
He held out his elbow for me, and I looped my arm through it, allowing him to lead me through the gallery.
Earlier in the evening, people were spread out, checking out the pieces they hoped to bid on in the silent auction. But now that it was nearing the end, most people were in the main room, dancing and taking advantage of the open bar.
As much as I’d been enjoying myself tonight, it was nice to have a minute alone with Henry. I’d forgotten how exhausting events like this could be. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
After perusing the pieces in the main room, Henry steered me into a smaller alcove lined with a few landscape paintings. I paused in front of one depicting a coastal marsh at sunset. The water reflected streaks of amber and pale pink beneath a fading sky while tall grass bent gently in the wind.
“Looks peaceful,” Henry remarked.
I smirked in his direction. “If I recall correctly, you said the exact same thing to me at another charity event about a year ago in Miami.”
His mouth curved up in the corners. “And I remember you proving me wrong.”
“I didn’t prove you wrong.”
I crossed my arms in front of my stomach, and Henry’s gaze briefly dropped to my chest, the royal blue cocktail dress I wore making my cleavage seem even more ample tonight. And Henry had definitely noticed.
“I simply stated that most people see what they want to see.”
“And you were right. I missed all the things you pointed out that made it more…troubled. So go ahead. Prove me wrong again.”
I turned back toward the painting, studying it with the same scrutiny I once did to all art. Not because I had an appreciation or a strong opinion. But after attending so many events, art had become a distraction. Even for just a few minutes, I could escape into a different world. Go to a different place.
A year ago, I would have noticed the dying reeds in this painting first. The storm clouds lingering in the distance. The loneliness of the empty shoreline.
Now I noticed the soft glow of sunlight breaking through the clouds.
The way the tide still moved despite the darkness overhead.
The stubborn green grass pushing through the muddy water.
Life continuing.
Hope surviving.
“I guess you’re right,” I admitted softly, almost in awe. “I guess it is peaceful.”
Henry stared at me for several long seconds, as if just as surprised as I was.
“It’s official,” he announced finally. “I’m going to remember this moment for the rest of my life.”
“Because I said you were right?” I gave him a teasing grin.
“Yes,” he deadpanned. “But that’s not the only reason.”
Before I could ask for clarification, he dropped to one knee in front of me.
