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Ours.

“Ready to see the rest?” Caelon asks as he leans in closer to me, hooking his arm around my back.

Gail and Fern pull the doors open as we walk in. The gorgeous dark hardwood floors glisten against the warm rail lighting dangling high above. The tall ceilings with beams crossing from one side to other giving an open air feeling.

The soft notes of the guitar I heard earlier play over the speakers throughout the room. I barely notice the crowd around us as we walk inside.

My breath halts in my lungs as I see it. There in the center of the room is a beautifully framed picture that I didn’t even think would see the light of day. During one of our trips to our field, I pulled my camera out and snapped photos of us as we laid in the flowers together. The one he chose is of both of us mid-laugh, alightness to our faces, as we looked at each other. It’s so perfectly us.

“I couldn’t resist a moment to display something that represents us. It’s my favorite photo you’ve ever taken.”

He pulls me gently to the left side of the room. “We designed this to be like your display at the Summer Solstice. Telling a story of your life.”

We stop in front of the first photo. There is a sign beside the first photo calling the series…

Through Her Eyes.

The first photo I recognize as the very first one I captured with an actual camera instead of my phone. It seems a lifetime ago now, when Warrick caught me taking photos with my camera and encouraged me to take the leap.

We walk together, stopping in front of each one as we go down memory lane of the last few months of my life. Watching as each one becomes more developed, clearer, more emotional.

We round the corner to Bea’s bright and full of joy section. At the front of the room in one of the corners, are snapshots of her bakery, flour dusted hands, and steamy cinnamon rolls. In the center of her table is a framed photo of me. A beautiful headshot that I didn’t know had even been taken while I was in the midst of taking a photo myself.

She stands proudly behind her table with a wide smile across her tan face. Her long, black soft waves fall down her front.

“Bea, thank you for being here,” I say as we come to a stop in front of her. “What is this amazing looking frame?”

She beams with pride. “This frame is my own twist on this photography display. I thought wouldn’t it be amazing to have an edible frame with wildflowers and paw prints to really tie in the theme.” She winks.

“It’s beautiful,” I whisper in awe.

She truly outdid herself with this. It’s a piece of art all on its own. Along with all her desserts on the table. So many things I can’t wait to taste. She even included honey cakes, my favorite thing she makes. She sees me eying them and smiles before handing me a tiny plate with one on it.

I nod my head as Caelon moves me to the next stop. A wall with wooden shelves displays stunning ceramic plates designed like various flowers. These have to be from The Muddy Paw.

We make one final stop at Hazel’s table where these small jars sit with this midnight purple liquid swirls with a sparkle. She is stunning with her pastel pink summer dress and her long, dark curls hanging loosely.

“Now, what is this?” I say as I pick up a jar and twist it around.

“Moonlight and Memories. A nod towards your name and what you believe in.”

“I love that,” I say before taking a sip of the juice. “It’s wonderful Hazel. Thank you.”

“I’ll leave you to mingle with your supporters, my love,” Caelon says as he moves off to talk with Silas and Nova.

I spend so much time chatting with everyone that I don’t even realize how much time has passed until someone is tapping me on the shoulder.

I turn around to find an older woman with short, curled gray hair and aged skin. I’ve never seen her before.

“Hello,” I say as I hold out my hand towards the woman.

“Oh, I’m so very glad to finally meet you, Selene. I truly have heard so much about you, and I simply couldn’t wait to see your wonderful photos in person. My name is Lena Qamar.”

Gasping, my hand flies up to my mouth. The National Geographic rep I have been struggling to find the right words to say to is standing in front of me, in my very own gallery. How?

A warm hand presses against my back as Caelon comes to my side.

“Mrs. Qamar.” He shakes her hand gently. “I’m so glad that you were able to make it. Have you had a chance to take a tour yet?”