“Well well, Ms. Famous painter lady. You ready to go to the Hatton Estate?” I don’t think Forest would ever get tired of mocking me. At least he didn’t call me “bug eyes” anymore. That damn nickname nearly drove me crazy every time he said it.

“I’m ready, but I’m nervous. I don’t think I calmed down since the flight from Seattle here. I’ve never been to New York City before. It’s huge!!” We’d been staying at a nice hotel in Manhattan while we waited for Fate and Valor Hatton to give us the okay to head to their Estate. When I first caught glimpse of the Hatton twins, I knew they were wealthy. But I was totally wrong on just how wealthy.

They were loaded.                 

Collecting art was a big thing of theirs and I’d been steadily climbing up in the art world, thanks in part to Mauve of course. The days of my coffee making were long behind me and life was consistently looking up.

We pulled up at their estate and my jaw nearly hit the floor. Why did two brothers need this much space?! Share some with the rest of the world!

I caught a glimpse of one of the twins walking towards our car. The one with the glasses, Valor I think?

    “Forest, Jamie, you made it! Good to see you two. Jamie, I hope you brought that beautiful artwork of yours with you.” He reached for my hand and gave it a small peck. Old school charm huh? Nice.

“Long time no see brother. How are you and Fate.”

“Doing well, business has never been better.”

“By the look of your mansion, I’d say so.” I pointed to the gaudy building behind  Valor.

“Oh that thing had been passed down in our family for generations. Don’t sweat it.”

Whatever you say, rich boy.

“Come inside you two. Let me take you where you’ll be staying.” Forest held on to my hand and we walked inside the estate.

It wasn’t an estate. It was a castle! Forest noticed my awe and shrugged, smiling lightly.

“How exactly did you say you met them again?” I whispered discreetly into his ear.

“Long story, I’ll tell you later.”

Valor opened the door to the suite I’d be staying in with Forest.

“Here is a nice private suite just for you two lovebirds. I’ll let you get settled. You need anything, you let me know. There’s an intercom button on the wall next to the door over here.”

We nodded our heads and Valor left the room.

Forest must’ve been thinking the same thing I was because as soon as Valor left we jumped on the California king bed like kids.

“This place is amazing Forest!” He smiled at me and we rolled over next to each other

“Their offering you big money to design pieces for their estate Jamie. You earned it.” He pressed his soft lips against mine.

“I could never dream of something like this. Forest, I’m so happy.”

There was nothing that could erase the feeling I had.

    I knew I was going to spend the rest of my life with Forest and he wanted that more than anything.

    “I was going to wait to show you this. But what the hell. Now’s a perfect time if any.” He jogged over to his suitcase and pulled out a box.

 Did get me new paint brushes?! How did he know I needed some! He hardly pays attention to me when I paint!

“Here babe. These are for you. I figured you might want something really good to work on your paintings for the Hatton twins. Picked them up for you before we left Seattle.”

“Forest! You’re so sweet! Thank you baby…” I opened the black box. They were arranged neatly in a line. Rosewood handles and natural bristles, they were high quality.

How gave him the know-how on what to pick?

I sifted through the box, turning a few of the brushes around and my heart caught my chest.

A large diamond ring poked out from underneath a small bundle of brushes. My eyes welled up. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

“Forest, what’s this??”

Without even answering the question, he grabbed the ring and slowly placed it on my finger.

“Marry me Jamie.” He got off the bed and kneeled down to the floor on one knee.

He wanted me to…marry him.

He actually asked.

Of course, I wanted to!!

“Yes yes yes!!! I love you Forest! Yes, I’ll marry you!!” I leaped on him and smothered him with kisses all over.

Valor, Fate and their estate staff walked into the suite with champagne, balloons, and confetti.

“Congratulations to the beautiful couple!!”

Forest looked me in the eyes and smiled ear to ear.

 

 

It was a road with so many turns and so much uncertainty. But I knew we would ride it together.