Page 119 of Billion Dollar Vow

Oliver catches my eye from across the room, flashing me a reassuring smile. He’s leaning casually against the doorway, watching me with that look. The one that says he believes in me, even when I don’t completely believe in myself.

You’ve got this, Petal, he mouths, as if he’s reading my mind.

I take a deep breath, nodding once, and step forward as the first family arrives. Today isn’t just about an open house; it’s about opening hearts.

Amber stands to my left. On my right, Wren holds Rufus, stroking his fur. Ever since Wren started insisting on carrying Rufus, he’s been on his best behavior. No more leg-humping Oliver, though I can’t blame him. Oliver’s hard to resist.

We’re ready. I’m ready. This is just the beginning.

As we’re cleaning up for the day, the familiar chime of the front door signals another visitor.

Evan strides in first, his grin sharp and mischievous. Behind him follows a man I’ve only seen in old photos Oliver has shown me from the boys growing up. The guy’s taller than Evan, withsharp cheekbones and an easy smile that seems to belong on a billboard. His sleeves are rolled up, revealing forearms smudged with dirt.

“Look who it is,” Evan announces to Oliver, slinging an arm around the man’s shoulders. “Doctor Derek Pierce.”

He holds out his hand. “Derek.”

“Karley.”

“Nice place,” he says, nodding toward a framed drawing of sunflowers done by one of the local kids. “You’ve got an eye for art too.”

“Don’t be fooled,” Oliver cuts in, walking up to join us, giving Derek a man hug. “She’s got an eye for everything.” He pulls away from Derek to stand beside me. A hand lands lightly on my back, his fingers trailing for just a second too long to be casual.

“Still a charmer, huh?” Derek says as his gaze flick between us with a knowing smirk. “Guess some things never change.”

“Like how you two used to pretend to hate each other?” Evan’s voice is pure tease as he leans against the counter, eyes dancing with amusement.

We glance at each other, the corner of Oliver’s mouth tugging upward at the same time Evan’s does. Their eyes meet for a brief moment of our shared memory, unspoken but fully understood.

“Yeah, good times,” Oliver says with a grin.

“So…” Derek says, rubbing the back of his neck. “Evan told me that you may be interested in some of my pieces before I move to Pulse Point.” His eyes shift to Oliver, eyebrows raised, like he’s giving him the first pick.

“Interested?” Oliver tilts his head, letting a slow smile spread across my face. “I’d be crazy not to be.”

The End.