Page 47 of Billion Dollar Vow (The Lincoln Brothers #4)

Oliver

Declan sits across from me in my den, leaning back in the armchair, a beer bottle dangling loosely from his hand. My leg bounces as I try to steady myself, the low hum of the television the only sound between us.

Karley and Armani are out shopping, prepping for the gallery opening next month. With the house quiet, now feels like the right time to finally say it. I take a deep breath and just go for it.

“I wanted to let you know that Karley and I are dating.”

His jaw tightens, and for a second, I brace for the lecture. But instead of exploding, he nods slowly. “I figured.”

I blink. “You figured? How?”

He shrugs, leaning forward to set his beer on the coffee table. “The last couple of times I’ve been here, you’ve been acting differently around her.”

“Different how?”

“Borderline I want to smack your head in for looking at her kind of differently,” he says with a smirk, though there’s a hint of seriousness in his voice.

A laugh escapes me, easing some of the tension in my chest. “Yeah, I’m not going to apologize for that. I’ve never felt like this about anyone before.”

The humor fades from his face, replaced by something more serious. “Just don’t hurt her, Oliver. She’s been through enough already.”

“I won’t,” I say firmly, locking eyes with him. “I care about her, Declan. I’m telling all my family tonight, and the ones who haven’t met her will at the gallery opening.”

He nods as his expression softens a little. “That’s a good move. Ease her into it. Your family’s a lot to handle.”

Another laugh slips out as I imagine the chaotic storm Karley’s about to walk into. “Yeah, I know. But she can handle it. She’s stronger than most people realize.”

Declan picks up his beer again, studying me for a moment. “Alright,” he says finally. “If you’re serious about her, and it sounds like you are, you’ve got my support. Just don’t make me regret it.”

“You won’t,” I promise, the words coming easily.

A few hours later, I’m walking up the familiar steps to Grams’ house, my nerves buzzing. I called everyone here to tell them about Karley and me, and now I can hear their voices inside, but it’s louder than I expected.

Saylor, Grams’ housekeeper, greets me with a warm smile as I step through the door. “Oliver, they’re all inside.”

“Thanks, Saylor,” I say, my pulse quickening as I head down the hallway.

The living room buzzes with noise. Entering the room, I take in all the people. Besides my family, I spot a few extras: Nova, Jemima, Chad, and Chelsea. My brother's partners and son. Their presence surprises me, but works in my favor. I won’t have to repeat myself.

“Nice to see you all on time,” I announce, stepping farther into the room.

I make my way to Grams first, her face lighting up when she sees me. She looks better today, her cheeks flushed with color, and her emerald-green checkered dress with a white cardigan neat as ever. I lean down, pressing a light kiss to her cheek, careful not to be too rough.

After greeting her, I move to Mom and Dad. Mom smiles as I kiss her cheek. Dad shakes my hand firmly before I make my way around the room.

“Will you play basketball with us?” Chad pipes up. Chad is my brother Harvey’s stepson.

I glance at Harvey, raising an eyebrow. “Basketball?”

Harvey grins and shrugs casually. “I promised him we’d play a friendly game.”

I snort. “Friendly? I don’t think we’ve ever played a friendly game of basketball.”

Growing up, Harvey and I were always at each other’s throats when it came to competition—sports, jobs, even girls. If there was a way to win, we went all in.

“Even Pop is playing,” Chad says, his excitement contagious.

I look at Dad, my eyebrows shooting up. “You’re playing?”

He ruffles Chad’s blond hair with a soft smile. “Yeah, I don’t want to miss out.”

I glance at Harvey again, noting the ease in his expression. He doesn’t even flinch at Chad calling our dad, “Pop.”

It’s sweet, really, and the way Mom and Dad beam at Chad warms my chest. He’s fit into the family so effortlessly, and seeing how much they adore him just reinforces how special he is.

For a moment, the thought of Karley being part of this family makes me smile.

She’s going to be just fine. Karley is working today.

She tried to get out of it, but couldn’t.

The living room buzzes with low chatter and the occasional laugh, but Jeremy cuts through it all, leaning forward in his chair. “So, other than a family game of basketball, why are we here, Oliver?”

I stand, shifting my weight as I try to steady myself. “Well, now that I have you all here, I have a couple of announcements.”

The room quiets instantly, all eyes on me.

“I got married.” I let the words hang in the air.

A few gasps echo around the room. One of them is definitely Grams, her frail hands pressing to her chest as she stares at me, wide-eyed. The excitement in her eyes is impossible to miss, but so is the shock. Guilt twists my stomach. Maybe I should’ve told her first.

“You what?” Dad says, his brows shooting up like he’s not sure he heard me right.

“Oh my God,” Mom murmurs, her hands covering her mouth.

“When did this happen?” Dad asks.

“Recently,” I say. “We didn’t tell anyone at first because… well, we wanted to keep it just us for a while.”

Gram beams. “Are you happy?”

“I am,” I say softly.

Jeremy whistles low. “Damn. Married before me. Didn’t see that coming.”

“I’m gonna need some wedding photos,” Mom adds with a laugh. “Or at least a date for the reception I assume you didn’t throw.”

“Don’t worry,” I say. “I’m planning something. You’ll all be there.”

Grams’ eyes are filled with tears now. “I can’t wait to meet her. And you better bring her to Sunday dinner next week. No excuses.”

I nod, heart swelling. “I will.”

“And that’s not all…” I continue before someone speaks, turning to face Mom. I step toward her, taking her hands gently and coaxing her to stand. She rises slowly, looking around the room, clearly trying to process my words.

“Oliver?” she asks, her voice soft but cautious.

I reach into my pocket to pull out a small key. Holding it up, it dangles between us.

“I bought Warne Gallery,” I say, watching her expression, closely waiting for her reaction.

Her eyes widen, her hands trembling slightly in mine. “What? How?”

“Mr. Warne sold it to me,” I explain. “But I didn’t buy it for myself. I bought it for you.”

“For me?” she repeats, her voice barely above a whisper.

I nod, squeezing her hands. “It’s now called The Lincoln Gallery. I want it to be a space for your students to showcase their work. A place where their talent can shine.”

Grams stands and shuffles closer with her walker, her face glowing with pride. “Oh, Oliver, that’s so sweet,”

“The first opening is in a month,” I tell them, glancing around at everyone. “I’d love it if you could all be there.”

Tears spill down Mom’s cheeks as she pulls me into a tight hug. “I’m so proud of you,” she whispers. “Thank you for doing this, for them.”

Dad raises an eyebrow, curiosity flickering in his eyes. “Hold on. You haven’t told us who your wife is yet.”

I smile as the rest of them lean in, waiting. “It’s Karley.”

Mom’s eyes widen, and she tilts her head. “Karley Maddox?”

Grams frowns as her gaze bounces between us. “Who’s Karley Maddox?”

“She’s Declan’s sister,” Mom explains, her tone laced with surprise. “And one of my students.”

There’s a ripple of murmurs, but I’m not finished. “And one more thing,” I say, letting a smirk tug at the corner of my mouth. Karley won’t mind me revealing this to my family. “I’ve found the anonymous painter I’ve been raving about.”

Mom’s lips twitch with a knowing smile. “And?”

“It’s Karley,”

“No fucking way!” Jeremy blurts out, leaning forward in disbelief.

“Jeremy,” Grams scolds, glaring at him. “Watch your language.”

“Sorry, Grams,” he mutters, face flushed.

Grams waves him off and focuses back on me. “How did you figure it out?”

“I didn’t. I was told, but I’m going to guess Mom already knew.”

Mom shrugs, making it clear she’s been keeping this secret for a while. “I have access to the gallery’s security cameras and the students’ work.”

I groan, running a hand over my face. “Why didn’t I think of that? Or why didn’t my guys figure it out?”

Mom grins. “Because I paid them not to. Karley is special, Oliver. Exposing her before she was ready would’ve been wrong.”

I nod as I hug her again. “Thank you.”

Mom pulls back, patting my hand, her tears drying as she smiles. “You’re welcome. Now, let’s make this gallery opening something to remember.”

The local court buzzes with the energy of a family basketball game, the sound of sneakers squeaking against the concrete, and the occasional shout echoing in the cool air.

On one side, it’s Dad, Harvey, and Chad.

On the other, Evan, Jeremy, and me. The competition is intense, as it always is when we’re all together.

During a water break, I lean against the edge of the court, catching my breath. Evan walks over, his bottle in hand, and settles beside me.

“Congratulations,” he says casually, wiping his forehead. “I’m not surprised, though.”

I glance at him, raising an eyebrow. “No?”

He shakes his head as a faint smirk plays on his lips. “Not at all. You’ve known each other for a few years.”

“I didn’t see her coming,” I admit, running a hand through my damp hair. “I wish I’d noticed her sooner.” Really noticed her .

Evan shrugs, taking a swig of water. “Maybe, but you wouldn’t be here if you had. Timing’s everything, Oliver.”

He’s right, though the thought stings a little. If I’d seen Karley for who she truly was back then, maybe things would’ve been different. Feels like I’ve already missed so much time with her.

“So, she’s living with you now?” Evan asks with a tilt of his head.

“Yeah,” I say, nodding. “We did things a little backward.”

Before he can reply, Harvey’s voice cuts through the air, loud and impatient.

“Are you guys done over there? We’ve got a game to finish,” he shouts, tossing the ball in my direction.

The ball hurtles toward me, but I effortlessly snatch it out of the air with one hand, smirking.

“Relax, Harvey,” I call back, spinning the ball in my fingers. “I’m ready to school you.”

Chad cheers from across the court, his enthusiasm contagious as he claps his hands and calls out for Harvey to bring it. Evan chuckles beside me, clapping a hand on my shoulder before jogging back into position.

The game is on.