Page 101 of Auctioned To Be Mine

She studied me for a moment, then smiled. “Well, everything looks incredible. You’ve done amazing work. Whatever happens, be proud of yourself.”

Behind her, four men who could only be Callum’s brothers were making their entrance. They moved through the space with the same confidence and presence I’d come to associate with this family. They were the definition of beautiful people.

Tiana gestured them over. “Victoria, I’d like you to meet some of my other sons. This is Hollis.” She touched the arm of the tallest one, who stepped forward with a polite smile.

“Nice to finally meet you,” he said, shaking my hand. His skin was tanned and his dark hair looked a little sun bleached. He wore a suit like his brothers but without a tie. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

I wasn’t sure what that meant exactly, but I smiled back. “Likewise.”

“And this is Micah,” Tiana continued, indicating the brother with the artistic flair apparent in his clothing. He was studying the setup with a critical eye.

“The staging looks good,” he said, nodding to me. “Nice work.”

“Thank you,” I said, surprised by his compliment. I hadn’t exactly designed this setup. I had just made sure it would work with the auction.

“Beau,” Tiana said, and the next brother stepped forward. He seemed young, still with some of that youthful roundness to his face.

“And this is Jeremy,” Tiana said, placing her hand on the arm of the youngest brother, who looked like he’d stepped off a magazine cover. The Blackwell good looks were definitely strong in all of them.

“Mom tells me you’re the one responsible for the charity component,” Jeremy said. “That’s awesome.”

“Thank you,” I said again, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the Blackwell presence. There were a lot of them and they commanded attention.

Just as I was starting to regain my composure, Adrian and Elizabeth walked in, with Elizabeth pushing a stroller. Buck was wide-eyed at the lights and activity, dressed in an adorable little suit.

“Hey, Vic!” Elizabeth called, waving.

I walked over, grateful for the distraction. “Hi there, big guy,” I said to the toddler, who gave me a serious look before hiding his face against his mother’s shoulder.

Sebastian and Bernadette came in next. Bernadette was waddling. I would never say that to her, but she had a definite waddle going on.

“You look amazing,” I told her, gesturing to her outfit.

“Thanks,” she said with a warm smile. “I feel fat. But this place is gorgeous.”

Briggs and Mandy arrived next with Dash and Krista. The family gathered in the center of the store. I watched them from a distance. They looked like they belonged in a magazine spread. Hell, most of them had been in magazines. Some still were. And despite their stunning looks, they’d all welcomed me like I was one of them, even though things were so complicated with Callum.

Mimi made her way toward me. “Come join us. You helped make all this happen, and you’re part of this family, whether you’re with my nephew or not.”

Her words made my eyes sting. I blinked rapidly, determined not to cry and ruin my makeup.

“That’s very kind of you to say,” I said, joining the circle.

Adrian raised a glass. “To family,” he said simply.

“To family,” everyone echoed, lifting their glasses.

This wasn’t my family, but they were treating me like I was. Even with everything that had happened, they were including me, supporting me.

“Victoria?” a voice called from the entrance.

I turned to see Betty walking in, looking nervous but determined.

“Everything looks perfect,” she said, taking in the space. “I’m so proud of you.”

“Thanks to you,” I replied, meaning it. “You gave me this chance.”

She smiled. “And you’ve made the most of it. I just wanted to see what you’d put together.”