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Cole speaks at the end of the night as the featured artist to thank everyone for coming, and he names those who donated their time and services. A photographer directs Jayce, Madyson,and Lars to the stage for a press picture and then insists Alec join them. I assume it’s because Alec resembles a celebrity in his suit. It has to be custom-made and would be the showpiece of a runway show in Paris.
“And finally,” Cole continues, unbothered by the photographer’s interruption, “help me thank the man who brought me back to life and is the reason behind tonight. He continues talking with his eyes focusing on Shane, who’s grinning back with such devotion. It’s so loving, we’re intruding on a private moment. The painting of Shane created a bidding war won by Cole. I suspect his goal was to raise more money.
“Everyone please help me thank my…” Cole pauses and the way he looks at Shane is fierce, “my fiancé, Shane Reynolds.” Cole hands the microphone to Alec and marches over to a stunned Shane. Their engagement is a surprise to me, and I witness Cole drag Shane into Madyson’s office.
But Alec steals my attention—a work of art himself. The night is an immense success, and Madyson encourages everyone to enjoy the champagne and hors d’oeuvres.
As everyone starts to socialize, I watch through the glass where Cole has gotten down on one knee and Shane is shaking and nodding. Cole surges up and their kiss is so electric, it steals my breath.
I tear my eyes away when the woman who bought one of my sculptures starts a conversation and introduces me to a few of her friends. It’s painful but I form full sentences and engage insmall talk. After an excruciatingly long five minutes, I see Lars in the corner and politely leave the conversation.
A few glamorous women surround Lars, and I assume one is his girlfriend. As I approach, one woman squeals and starts speaking in rapid Swedish. Her excitement confuses me until I realizeI’mher excitement. She wants an autograph. Lars admonishes her, but it’s easier to sign a program and leave than make a scene.
I’m handing back her program as a hand claps my shoulder. “Look at you, fans already.” Alec grins. He has no idea, but I will not ruin the auction’s success for him. He was incredible, and I need to thank him for helping sell my sculptures. Madyson might have given me my start, but Alec promoted my art as if he had a personal stake in my success.
“Listen, I have a favor to ask.” Alec blushes. “I’ve convinced Cole and Shane to get married tonight. Here. Now. Everyone they love is here, and they don’t want to wait.”
“Okay,” I say eagerly, ready to repay him for his help tonight.
“Will you help us move your arch and arrange the back room for a reception?”
Alec explains he can perform the ceremony, even though they don’t have a marriage license.
Shane’s excited for the ceremony, and they can make it legal later. Cole’s ecstatic as if he can’t believe his luck.
Things are a blur after that. Alec calls a friend for a cake, Madyson finds symbolic rings for them, and I’m arranging art to create an aisle.
Soon, the guests from the auction are long gone, and I’ve finished my contribution for the night. The only strangers are me and the photographer, who agreed to stay.
I enter the back hallway, ready to find solitude in my apartment.
“Von,” Madyson calls, and I stop. “Thank you for taking care of Alec the other night.” She bites her lip, embarrassed. “I’ll be honest. I fucked up, and I’m glad you were there.”
There is no appropriate response. Her motives are not clear and she could be prying for information. “Goodnight.” I turn toward the exit.
“Wait, are you leaving?” Shane asks, emerging slightly disheveled from the bathroom with Cole. I make a mental note not to use the bathroom until it’s sanitized. “Stay and enjoy some cake and champagne after the ceremony. The ceremony wouldn’t be as special without your arch, and you helped us set up. Let us thank you.”
The best way to thank me would be to let me collapse into bed and not have to make small talk. But I can’t say that to the grooms, so I follow them back into the gallery.
The wedding is full of love and Alec presides over the ceremony as if he’s done it many times. It’s touching, and I feel honored to be present for their commitment to each other.
But that ache is back.
I understand why Cole didn’t appreciate my judgmental comment concerning Alec in Pink Titanium—he’s been a one-man wedding planner on top of everything else he did today.
His ability to put others before himself is astounding. After facing new information from his past, he hosted an incredible art show and a wedding. He’s the type of friend I could count on for anything.
If only his sexuality weren’t so toxically American.
Chapter ten
Alec
Mads is blowing up my phone. She wants to take me to dinner to apologize. I don’t have it in me to sit with her and Jayce and pretend it’s fine.
I decide to swing by The Artistic Edge for a quick conversation since I avoided her at the charity auction. She’s given me exactly a week and has decided it’s time to forgive her.
“Mads,” I call, entering the closed gallery.