Page 50 of Billion Dollar Vow (The Lincoln Brothers #4)

Karley

“Do you really have to blindfold me?” I ask, eyeing the navy fabric in Oliver’s hands.

“Don’t you trust me, Petal?” He smirks, and it’s doing nothing to calm my nerves.

I let out an exaggerated sigh and turn around. “Of course I trust you. But I wanted to see the gallery steps with your name on them.”

“Our name,” he corrects, slipping the fabric over my eyes. His fingers brush against my hair as he secures the blindfold, and then he takes my hand, lacing our fingers together. “I promise you’ll see it tonight, but first, there’s something I need to show you.”

I can only see faint outlines through the fabric, but the ground beneath my feet feels steady as we take the steps.

Soft instrumental music greets us when we step inside, and the familiar scent of fresh paint fills the air.

The combination of sounds and smell is comforting, yet it makes me more impatient.

I tug lightly at his hand. “Can I take this off yet?”

“Patience,” he whispers.

The anticipation builds tight in my chest with each step, my heart thudding faster as we stop.

“Are you ready?” he asks, his breath brushing against my skin, leaving a trail of goosebumps.

“Yes! Just hurry up!” I say as I shift on my heels.

His chuckle is deep and rich. As he carefully lifts the blindfold, he ensures my hair and makeup remain intact. There, front and center in the gallery, is my painting, highlighted in warm spotlights.

“Oliver…” My hand flies to my mouth, muffling the sob threatening to escape. “Oh my God.”

“You deserve to be seen, Petal.”

The nickname, ridiculous as it is, feels perfect. As much as I’ve tried to be tough and guarded, I’ve always longed for a love as delicate and beautiful as a flower petal.

“Thank you,” I whisper.

“I love your new signature,” he says, gesturing to the bottom right corner of the canvas where my name, Karley Lincoln , is written in blue. “There’s something incredible about seeing Lincoln in your work. I’m so proud of you.”

The painting is a vibrant bouquet of blue lotuses in varying stages of bloom, which feels like my life on display. Closed buds represent my fear as a child, while the open flowers show the freedom I’ve fought so hard to claim.

“I thought it was time to stop hiding,” I admit, my eyes never leaving the painting. “But I didn’t expect to be the one in the spotlight.”

“You shouldn’t have to hide your talent,” he says.

I reach for his hand, squeezing it as I smile. “Show me around before everyone else gets here.”

Leading me through the gallery, he explains that every piece of art on display is by a student. I beam with pride, knowing how much this night means to him… and to them.

We pause in front of a familiar painting, and my chest swells. “This one’s Evelyn’s,” I say, pointing to a detailed design of a hospital. “We joke that she manifests working there because all her paintings are of hospitals.”

Oliver chuckles. “It’s impressive. She’s talented.”

“Hi, guys! Sorry to interrupt, but The New York Press is here,” Cora says, her emerald-green dress shimmering under the gallery lights.

“Thanks, Cora,” Oliver replies before she turns to me with a smile.

“I love your dress, Karley,” she says, eyeing the delicate floral embroidery that decorates my olive-green long-sleeved dress.

“Thank you. You look amazing too,” I reply, and she blushes before excusing herself.

“I’ll keep walking around if you want to meet the photographers,” I offer.

“No, you’re coming with me,” Oliver insists. “They’re here for the full story, and I made sure to get personal images too.” I blink at him in disbelief.

At the entrance, we meet Evan and his fiancée, Chelsea. Oliver’s hand settles firmly on my waist as he introduces me.

“Evan, Chelsea, meet my wife, Karley.”

“Hi,” I say warmly, shaking Chelsea’s hand.

“Evan tells me you paint?” Chelsea asks, her brown eyes sparkling under her bangs.

“Yes—”

“She’s the one in the front,” Oliver cuts in, pride radiating from him.

Chelsea gapes at him. “Wow. You’re incredible.”

Callum, the photographer, steps forward with his camera. “Can we get a picture of you next to your painting?”

“Sure.” I step beside the canvas. The flashes make me self-conscious, but I relax when Oliver joins me, pulling me close.

I lean into him, savoring the moment. This photo will be a reminder of how far I’ve come, from a scared, uncertain girl to a woman who has embraced her art, her worth, and love.

“I love you,” I say, turning to look at him.

His grin is slow and full of warmth. “Not as much as I love you,” he whispers as he brushes a kiss against my lips.

The camera clicks again, capturing the moment just as a familiar voice cuts through.

“Get a room!”

I laugh as I turn to see Harvey walking in, a familiar stunning pregnant woman on his arm. Her navy gown hugs her bump elegantly.

I watch them for a moment, before I’m introduced to Jeremy and his fiancée, Nova. Oliver places a warm hand on my back.

“Are you excited to get married next week?” I ask.

Nova glances at Jeremy, her sleek bun catching the soft light of the gallery. “Very excited, thank you. You’ll be joining us, right?”

“Yes,” Oliver replies confidently.

“Am I now?” I shoot him a side-eye, arching an eyebrow.

Nova giggles behind her hand. “Did he forget to tell you?”

“Yes,” I say, looking at Oliver.

“We’ve been busy,” he says smoothly, as if that excuses everything.

“Too many details,” Jeremy chimes in with a knowing chuckle, clearly used to Oliver’s behavior.

I smile at Nova, taking in her radiant red dress that contrasts beautifully with the gallery’s neutral tones. “Well, I’m looking forward to it.”

She beams back at me, but before we can chat further, the photographer interrupts, ushering us into position for group photos.

As we arrange ourselves, Oliver’s mom, dad, and grandmother walk in. Eliza, Oliver’s mom, doesn’t hesitate to make her way toward me, her face glowing with warmth.

“I can’t believe you’re part of my family. I’m so lucky,” she whispers as she wraps me in a big hug. Family . I’m the lucky one, and I open my mouth to tell her that, but the room suddenly feels small making it hard to breathe.

Oliver steps up beside us, pride evident in his expression. His presence immediately settles me down. “Mom knew you were the artist I was looking for.”

“No way! And you didn’t tell him?” I ask, looking at Eliza.

She smiles softly, a hint of mischief in her eyes. “It was your secret to share. I wanted to protect you.”

Despite my efforts to keep my emotions in check, I feel a lump forming in my throat. I sniff, trying to hold it together. “Thank you.”

She pulls me into another tight hug, her embrace comforting and maternal. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Oliver’s eyes glistening as he watches his mom.

Then his grandmother steps forward, her arm looped through Sebastian’s, Oliver’s father. She’s stunning, her white hair styled elegantly and her navy collared dress exuding sophistication. Her sharp, playful eyes meet mine as she speaks.

“I want to meet the beautiful, talented addition to the family,” she says, her voice warm and welcoming.

I feel heat rush to my cheeks as I smile. “Hi.”

“I’m Iris,” she introduces herself.

“It’s so nice to meet you,” I reply sincerely.

“I’m surprised my teddy bear-loving grandson has found love. I’m so glad to see all my boys growing up,” she says with a small grin.

“Teddy bear?” I ask,

Iris’s grin widens as she nods. “Oh, yes. He carried that brown teddy bear everywhere and swore he’d never outgrow it.”

Oliver clears his throat. “She hasn’t met Teddy yet. It’s in a box at my house.”

I laugh. “Now I have to meet Teddy.”

Oliver groans softly, but Iris waves it off and turns her full attention back to me. Her tone shifts, becoming more serious. “Karley, I was wondering if you’d paint something for me?”

My heart expands at the request, excitement bubbling inside me. “I’d love to. What did you have in mind?”

“My garden is full of flowers,” she says. “I’d love for you to capture it.”

I hesitate for a moment at the fact she's asking me to paint something personal to her. Actually seeking out my art. I’m so touched that she really likes my work that much. “I’ve never painted an entire garden before.”

“You don’t have to,” she reassures me. “Just choose a part of it. Whatever inspires you.”

“I’d be happy to. Maybe I could come by early, before Sunday dinner one week?”

“That sounds wonderful,” Iris says, her smile turning playful again. “Thanks for having me tonight, and I hope my grandson is taking good care of you.”

I laugh softly, sneaking a glance at Oliver. “Oh, he is.”

Oliver’s hand tightens slightly on my waist, and when I meet his gaze, there’s a knowing glint in his eyes that sends a shiver down my spine.

He more than looks after me… in ways I never imagined.

When Amber and Wren arrive, they pause to take in the space, their expressions a mix of awe and admiration. A rush of warmth fills me as I watch them, my heart swelling with gratitude.

“Sorry, if you’ll excuse me,” I say to Iris with a smile. “I need to say hello to my family.”

“Of course, dear,” Iris replies, her smile as warm as ever. “I’ll see you later.”

“Thanks for coming,” I add, giving her arm a gentle squeeze before making my way toward them.

“Hi,” I say, hugging them.

Amber and Wren are already scanning the gallery, their eyes landing on my painting. Amber nudges Wren, and I can see the pride written across both their faces.

“Can you believe this is my painting?” I ask, gesturing toward the canvas displayed prominently under the lights. I’m surprised how comfortable I am about this now.

Amber turns to me, her eyes shining. “Of course we can. We’re just so glad Oliver has helped you see what we’ve seen all along.”

Wren nods, his smile full of warmth. “You’ve worked so hard for this, Karley. It’s about time the world sees how talented you are.”

Their words make my throat tighten, but I manage a smile. “Thank you.”