A Masterpiece Of Our Love (The Masterpiece Trilogy Book 1) (39 page)

The thunderous applause filled the room.

He really shouldn't be here tonight, but Becca had insisted. She wanted him to focus on the future and keep up with everything. She had a point, but he still worried. A lot.

“I have a very wonderful treat for you tonight. You all know the name of the fund. The Rebecca Lange Fund. What many of you don't know is how the name and story came about. I'm a pretty quiet kind of person. I don't share many details about myself. Even those that have known me for a long time still have a hard time cracking me open for a peek.” There were a few laughs. Hunter met Becca's eyes. She stood in the crowd in the most beautiful blue dress, her hair swept up in a bun. She raised her hand in a wave and nodded in encouragement.

As supportive as she tried to be, Hunter knew she wasn't comfortable here. That was his Becca. Strong, stubborn, trying to keep the facade, but he knew better.

Hunter cleared his throat. He'd had plenty of water, but it hadn't been enough. He was and wasn't ready for this speech. “When I was twelve, I was a survivor from a plane crash. I lost my entire family. I found another survivor, and spent five days on an island with her until we were found. I had to do a lot of things during those days that I never imagined having to do in a lifetime. I had an eight year old little girl with severe injuries to help take care of. We formed a bond that still lives on today.”

Hunter stared at the faces and watched a few wipe tears away. Many had their eyes glued on him, anticipating his next move.

“Many of you have asked why I named this the Rebecca Lange Fund. It's because Rebecca Lange is the survivor I saved. Becca suffered serious injuries from that plane crash. For years, she couldn't even talk. She spent the first five years after that accident in a wheelchair. She suffered pretty severe brain trauma.”

Hunter clasped his hands together and shifted the weight from his right foot to his left. “Let me tell you, that didn't stop this young woman from living. Despite guardians that held her back and doctors that claimed she didn't have a fighting chance, Becca flourished. She pushed herself to walk again. She leads a very normal life. She still has long-lasting problems that flare up here and there, but she's one of the most remarkable women I know. Just don't tell her she's a miracle, because she'll kick your butt. Becca worked hard to get to where she is. No miracles about it.”

He moved and pointed at the painting they'd chosen. “This is one of Becca's paintings. She uses art to express herself. She has this amazing ability to memorize a scene perfectly and capture her own version of it on the canvas. For those of you who always ask about her work and wanted one, tonight you have a chance. This is up for auction to help the fund.”

When the cheers began, Hunter nodded at Becca with an “I told you so” kind of smile. He laughed softly when her cheeks turned red.

“For years, Becca and I traveled to one of the nearby islands where everything happened. Even after a four year separation, we still have this bond that sometimes bends, but has never broken. I'm thankful for the chance to know her. The plane crash took a lot from me, but I've learned a lot since then, too. This year, I realized how much I love Rebecca. I've always admired her and thought the world of her. I invited Becca home with me this summer, and even though we've had a very rocky few weeks, she's stayed by my side, her love never wavering. I couldn't be more proud and excited to introduce to you the inspiration behind a fund that has helped so many with TBI. Please give a warm welcome to the woman I love so much, Rebecca Lange.”

Hunter had never heard applause as loud as he did just now. He watched as Becca walked toward him, wearing a smile and carrying his heart. Her eyes misted over with tears. He moved to the edge of the stage and held a hand out to her, helping her up. Cheers and whistling rang out as she took her place by his side. Hunter kissed her cheek and reached to hold her hand. Before turning back to the crowd, he mouthed an “I love you” to her.

“As you can see, Becca grew up to be a beautiful young woman.” He gestured to her with a smile. “It goes to show that no matter what obstacles life throws at you, if you have the determination to overcome it, it's possible. Becca is passionate about many things, art included. I bug her all the time for a new masterpiece to hang on my wall. I've told her for years she should be selling in a gallery. Don't you agree?”

The cheers began again. Hunter stole a glance at Becca. She couldn't stop smiling. The overhead lights shone on her, especially the tears sliding down her cheeks.

“She teaches art to kids with various disabilities. She pours her heart and soul into everything she does. This is what the fund is all about, helping those who have suffered with TBI to lead a normal life as best they can. It was only fitting that I named it after a woman who has done just that. Bec, thank you for being a wonderful inspiration.” As he hugged her, the crowd went wild again.

“One last thing before I shut up and we resume the music and fun. This summer changed things between Becca and I. We realized some deep feelings for each other that we've never explored until this year. I'm in love with her, and for some strange reason, she loves me back. I'm not complaining, so that doesn't mean you young single men can line up at her door. I'm keeping her for as long as she'll have me. You may have seen the news the last week. I don't want to get into many details because it's hard to talk about and we're still not even sure of many details, but Becca and I went through a nightmarish experience last week. We escaped unscathed other than some emotional scars. It just proves how strong she is. While I kept suggesting we change the date for the fundraiser, Becca pushed me to keep things as they are. So go ahead, blame her if you're wishing I'd shut up right about now.” As laughter lightened up the mood, Becca smirked. “Not only has Becca given me a painting to put up for auction, she's also donated some of her time to paint murals for anyone that's interested. Bid high guys, because she's going to be world famous one day. You'll want to have something that says you knew her back when. Just don't think about stealing her away from me. Thank you, Becca, for giving so much of yourself to the world and for being someone I can always count on. I'm going to end this speech now. If you all don't mind, I think I'm going to kiss my girlfriend to mark the occasion. Thank you all again!”

With the crowd cheering him on, Hunter wrapped Becca in his arms and kissed her passionately. He held his arm out to guide her off stage. “Thank you for everything."

She waited until they were on the dance floor to let go of his arm and sign. Another week, and she still hadn't found her voice. This was the longest period of non-talking she'd had in a while. They still hadn't found the woman who claimed to be a third survivor. How the hell did she not only survive jumping, but get away too?

It left him unsettled.

“I'm glad I could help. I love the mural painting idea. I can't wait to see who bids and what they'll want.”
She put her hands back around him when she was finished.

The live singer launched into a cover tune.

Hunter swayed slowly with her across the dance floor as other couples watched them with curiosity. “Know what I want?” he said with a grin.

She cocked her head to the side, shooting him a curious look.

“I want a continuation of the masterpiece of our love. Your painting is beautiful, but the real masterpiece is remarkable. Let's make it new and improved. I make a promise right here, right now, to be a better man.”

Becca smiled and leaned up to kiss him.
“That's a deal I can gladly seal with a kiss.”

She was doing better, but still held back.

“I'm going to go to the restroom real quick.”

He wondered if she was going to sneak away and read more of that journal she'd been obsessed with. So far, it hadn't mentioned much about her family, but it was a sick and twisted thought path. Hunter guessed Becca had already read through it once, but kept looking for any clues. Not that he blamed her.

“Okay. Hurry back.” He blew a kiss at her, hoping she didn't catch how much he still worried about her. As Becca weaved through the crowd, he noticed how she kept turning her head, looking every which way. She was still looking for Brittney, thinking she'd show up and come back to finish what she'd started.

*****

Becca locked herself in the stall and heaved a sigh. This wasn't working. Being strong was one thing, but holding in the fear was another. Everywhere she looked, she saw the woman's face and when she'd blink, she realized how wrong she'd been. She was tired, nervous and a wreck.

She shouldn't have come tonight, but if she hoped Hunter would resume normal activities, Becca had to at least make the attempt herself.

Not easy.

Becca leaned against the stall and closed her eyes, attempting to catch her breath. She'd have to make this quick and get back to Hunter, but she needed a breather.

I can't keep this up. I'm going to break.

The bathroom door opened, signaling someone coming in. Becca heard a voice and froze.

That sounded so much like her. Like Brittney/Carrie.

“I know. It's perfect, isn't it?” Fear ran over Becca's skin like hot coals. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead, and she wiped them away.

It's not her, it's not her!

She had to know for sure. Becca wasn't about to hide out.

Get a hold of yourself, Rebecca! No way would she be here!

Her voice of reason lost. She pulled open the door and it slammed against the wall with a loud bang, startling the woman. She had her head bent low, cradling a phone to her ear. Becca grabbed her arm and tried to turn her around.

“What the- Hey, I gotta go. Some psycho is trying to ... I don't even know what.” The woman used her free arm to put her phone down and faced Becca. “What the hell is wrong with you? What are you doing?”

Mouth ajar, Becca realized her mistake. The woman looked nothing like her. She only had the voice. And she'd just accosted her in the bathroom. Oh good grief. She couldn't even apologize. Not verbally, anyway.

“Aren't you going to say something? Hello? What's your problem?”

Flooded with tears, Becca blinked, backed away and sank to the floor. Her heart thudded against her chest.

She'd make a mistake. A big one. The woman wasn't Brittney/Carrie, and Becca looked like the crazy one.

What did I just do? I'm losing it.

“Ugh!” the woman snapped, pivoting and shooting out of the bathroom.

A few minutes later, someone knocked on the door.

“Becca? It's me. Come out, or I'm coming in!” Hunter said from the other side.

Clutching her purse to her chest, she tried to get to her feet. Apparently she wasn't fast enough, because Hunter burst through the door. One look at her face and he flew to her side, his arms wrapping around her. “Angel, that wasn't her. Shh. Come here.” Hunter grabbed a paper towel and dabbed her eyes. “You're safe with me, Becca. I won't let her hurt you again. You and I- I think we should both talk to someone, okay? You can't go around doing that, baby. I know you're scared, but we've got to take care of this.”

Becca nodded, knowing he was right about one thing and wrong about another.

She wasn't safe with him. She wasn't safe anywhere. Not until she stopped seeing Brittney everywhere and she was caught would she begin to know she was safe.

Hunter led her out of the bathroom and they made their way outside, both needing fresh air. She didn't bother to look, but she felt the stares of everyone in that room. They had to have known something happened.

The walls were closing in on her.

The End of this book, but not the end of their story.

Becca and Hunter continue their story in book 2 of The Masterpiece Trilogy.

It will be available summer 2014.

Thank you for reading A Masterpiece of Our Love! I truly hope you enjoyed the story. If you want to help spread the word, one of the best ways is to consider leaving a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. It's appreciated and it helps with visibility.

Nikki Lynn Barrett lives in Arizona with her husband and son. She's an avid reader, a dreamer, and loves everything about books. She runs a book blog, an online used bookstore, and writes various genres of romance. Nikki can also be found outside with her camera when a storm is near, snapping photo after photo. Her dreams of becoming a writer started when she was young, when she started writing books in one subject notebooks by the fifth grade. You can visit Nikki's site at: www.nikkilynnbarrett.blogspot.com for more information. She is currently working on her next book. Nikki would love to hear from readers. Email her at [email protected]. You can also visit me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/NikkiLynnBarrettauthor.