The Art of Love [Hedon Falls 2] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) (21 page)

“I would like to begin by thanking each one of you for taking the time to ring in the New Year with us here at the Hynes Gallery. Your support is greatly appreciated, and I hope everyone is having a good time.” The crowd clapped enthusiastically. Melanie waited, and when they were quiet again, she continued.

“Art is my life,” she said. “Since I was young, it was all I wanted to do. The chance to open my gallery has been like a dream come true. It wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be but I’ve had lots of help along the way. Of course, none of that would matter if there was no art to display. David Hannah, Justin Gauthier, and Garrett Anderson are three very talented local artists, and I am pleased that I was able to give them a place to showcase their talents. Could the three of you join me up here?”

More clapping and cheering followed as the artists made their way to Melanie’s side. “I began looking for art, never dreaming that I might find so much more.” She turned so she was speaking directly to the men. “I found love, and friendship, and encouragement. I love you all more than I can possibly say. Earlier this evening, you asked me to marry you, and it made me so happy to say yes.”

As the tears began to seep from Melanie’s eyes again, the crowd cheered. She wiped her cheeks and continued. “I wanted to have the chance to give something back to you tonight. Your support and love has helped me to rediscover the joy in expressing myself through art. The painting I’m unveiling is called
Love,
and I created it to show you all how very much I love you.” Melanie barely made it through her speech. She gestured to Liam, who was standing beside the painting. He and Lance carefully pulled the drop cloth from the frame.

There was a moment of silence, followed quickly by gasps, and applause. Melanie watched the men as they looked at her painting. It was a large watercolour, and it showed David, Justin, and Garrett standing with their arms around her in the middle. It had a dreamy, ethereal look, with muted colors, and a border that trailed away to nothing. The greatest detail was in the faces, where Melanie had painstakingly worked to capture their unique personalities. She waited nervously while they looked it over.

Garrett was the first to turn back. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her solidly, bringing another round of cheering from the crowd. “You are amazing,” he said to her when their lips had parted. “Thank you.”

Then Justin was pulling her close for a kiss. “
Ma chérie, ce don est la chose la plus parfaite que tu aurais pu me donner. Merci.”

At last it was David’s turn. “I love you,” he said simply before pressing his lips gently to hers.”

Behind them, a voice in the microphone said, “Ladies and gentlemen, it is now ten seconds ’til the New Year!”

Melanie looked to see Liam at the podium loudly counting down with the crowd. She pulled her fiancés close to her and joined in.

“Three…two…one…Happy New Year!”

As she kissed her men once again, Melanie definitely felt that her New Year would be very happy indeed.

THE END

MICHELLEGRAHAMEROTICROMANCE.BLOGSPOT.COM

Michelle Graham has dreamed of being a writer since she was very young. Her stories almost always had a happy ending, and once she reached a certain age, they almost always had romance. Michelle loves to recreate that wonderful feeling of falling head over heels in love. The relationships she writes about are definitely not conventional, but the love is always the same.

Michelle has been in love with her wonderful husband for seventeen years, and they have two children, and a variety of animals. She lives in southern Ontario, Canada.

For all titles by Michelle Graham, please visit

www.bookstrand.com/michelle-graham

Siren Publishing, Inc.

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