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Fraser starts talking, welcoming everyone in Maori, then in English. He practiced this introductory speech on me, but I’m more than happy to hear it again, as he talks about his love for the museum, and his hopes for it in the years to come. We have so many ideas we want to incorporate, and it’s super exciting to think some of them are now possible with Isabel’s donation. I glance over at her; she’s sitting next to Adam, who also traveled down for the opening. She’s looking up at the paintings, lost in thought, but there’s a small smile on her face. Hopefully she’s pleased that Richard and Pania’s story is being told.
Fraser finishes his speech and welcomes Elora to the stand to talk about the Bell Ring. I murmur good luck, and she takes a deep breath and walks forward to a round of applause.
Fraser comes over to stand next to me. We’ve been very careful to keep our relationship strictly professional in the workplace, but I’m not surprised now when he rests a hand in the middle of my back, leans forward, and murmurs in my ear, “Hello, gorgeous.”
I look up at him and smile. We’ll be here until late, but afterward he’s asked me to go back to his place and spend the night with him. Elora is staying with Linc at his hotel, and Joel’s at Zoe’s place, so we’ll have the apartment to ourselves. I’ve already stayed with him three times this week, and it’s been tough leaving him on the other nights, so I think he’s going to ask me to move in with him soon. I can’t wait.
Originally, I thought maybe I should live on my own for a while, but the truth is that Fraser is the reason I already feel as if all my old wounds are closing over and healing. I’ve destroyed my father’s letters and emailed the prison, telling them I don’t want to receive any mail from him. And I’ve seen my mother, and told her that although I wish she wasn’t seeing my father, aslong as she doesn’t give him any details about me, if she keeps in contact with him, it’s nothing to do with me, and I don’t want there to be any animosity between us.
I want to move on. I have a new life now, with Fraser. I’m excited to put our plans for the museum into action. And I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for the two of us personally. I never thought I would find love like this, with the potential for being so deep and meaningful.
He bends his head and gives me a light kiss on the shoulder, and we exchange a smile before turning our attention to his sister as she gives her speech, with Linc watching her from the sidelines. Fraser’s expression is tender. I know it’s going to be difficult for him when she leaves and travels across the other side of the world. He’s had to look after her for so long, and he’s very protective of her. But she has Linc now. And hopefully I can keep Fraser occupied.
I lean back against him, and I inhale the scent of the roses and think about Pania and Richard, while Elora talks about the beauty of a loving relationship. I exhale slowly and smile, feeling Fraser’s warm hand on my hip. Love endures, after all. Just like Richard and Pania. Just like us. And for the first time in my life, I truly believe I deserve it.