Free The Art of Love (The Windswept Saga) by Tommie Conrad Page B

something life-affirming about seeing all of you with families of your own.”
    Christa smiled tentatively.  “When there aren’t so many people around, I’d like to talk, just the two of us.”
    Mark grinned.  “I’ll leave if you want me to.”  She looped her free arm through his and gave him a caring gaze.
    “Don’t you go anywhere, cowboy.  Unless you’d like to get your wife some tea—Mom said it’s decaf.”
    “Say no more, beautiful.  If you’ll excuse us, Taylor—it was good to see you again.”  He nodded and smiled.  “Come on, Max.”  She watched them leave and returned her attention to Christa.
    “You two always did make a striking couple.  Nice to see you’ve passed those genes onto your kids.”  Christa smiled pensively.
    “It hasn’t always been easy, but in some ways it was worth it.”  All at once she looked mortified.  “I’m sorry, again, Taylor.  I must sound silly talking about my problems when you’ve been through some hard times.”
    “Please.  Chandler told me about Max’s accident, so I know you’ve been through it, too.  Don’ t feel the need to be sensitive around me.  I’ve discovered over the past few years that I can handle pretty much anything, whether I want to or not.”
    Christa nodded.  “Been there myself.  Look, if you ever need another female voice, Alison is here, and so am I.”  She glanced at the people funneling in through the front door.  “I’d better check on my brother, and my husband, and make sure neither of them is into mischief.  We’ll talk more soon, I promise.”
    “I’d like that.”  Taylor nodded, smiled, and watche d her depart.  The day only got better from there, as she had to place several SOLD signs alongside many of the canvases.  Occasionally she would catch Chandler looking in her direction, and when their eyes met, they would always exchange a smile.  If his goal was to reassure her, to make her feel confident in the work she was doing, to make her feel protected and safe, then mission accomplished.  Her mother showed up at one point, looking at once old-fashioned and very stylish.  Alice had always had an elegance about her, and Lord knew Taylor had been something of a tomboy, with very little of her mother’s advice making sense until she became a mother in her own right.
    “This is quite a shindig the young Mr. Adams is throwing—with your help, of course.”  She smiled perceptively at her daughter.  “Where is that handsome young man?”
    Taylor refrained from rolling her eyes—after all, Alice was only trying to help.  “Check in back, Mom.  He’s discussing his art with the town council, and CJ and Mark are feigning d isinterest.  You should see them—throw in a few swords and pointy hats and they’d be the Three Musketeers.”
    “Mm-hmm.”  She lowered her voice to a whisper.  “Your secret is safe with me.”
    Taylor frowned.  “Have fun, Mom.  Enjoy.”  She watched her mother move further into the gallery and prayed, silently, for the best.
    ***       
    “That’s my favorite, you know.”  Chandler looked from his brother, to the painting, and back again.
    “You like the one of you and Mark.  Why am I not surprised?”  His words were pointed, but his tone was jocular.  “You always were a little full of yourself.”
    CJ laughed.  “And it’s not for sale?”
    “Not for sale.  Just a display item to let people see what I’m capable of.”
    He nodded.  “ Your landscapes, man, they’re perfect, but you’re great at portraits.  You should do ‘em more often.”
    Chandler smiled.  “I wasn’t aware you were such a connoisseur of art, bud.”
    “Oh yeah, I like to look at all beautiful things.”  He leaned his mouth close to Chandler’s ear.  “In fact, I think I’ll go stare at my wife for a while.”
    Chandler laughed.  “Be good.”
    “Always.”
    He knit his brows together and pursed his lips to one side, the way he always did