“I’m so sorry.” Amanda could see the pain in his eyes, knowing full well the importance he placed on the authenticity of his craft. Her heart ached for him.
“I was consumed by anger, but found out that I’d unwittingly signed my rights away to those pieces and any replica of them. Desiree thought it was no big deal. She even thought I should sell them more pieces. But that’s… that’s not what my art is.”
“Of course not.”
“Then a smaller gallery showed some of those mass-produced pieces, trying to cash in on my name. As those pieces began to flood the market, the value of my real artwork dropped significantly.” His eyes glinted with anger and frustration. “I got fewer requests for gallery showings. Disillusioned with the whole art scene in New York, I finally decided to leave. Desiree ridiculed me for leaving and not giving over more of my work. She called it easy money.”
“Desiree was wrong. Your artwork is one of a kind.” She took a step toward him and took his hands in hers. “I wish I had known all this.”
“That’s what Megan said. That none of this is your fault. And that I should explain why I was so angry. It was just Desiree messing with my life again. And taking down the other people who were showing their art at the festival, victims of my past with Desiree. They didn’t deserve that. She never even gave them a fair review.”
“I’m glad Megan encouraged you to come talk to me. I understand so much better now.”
“It wasn’t just Megan,” he smiled sheepishly. “Miss Eleanor came and talked to me too. She said I was a fool for letting one review sway my decision-making.”
Amanda laughed. “Miss Eleanor is wise and opinionated. And she’s never one to shy away from speaking her mind.”
He looked straight into her eyes. “Will you forgive me for the way I acted?”
“I do forgive you now that I understand.” The words came easily, and a surprising sense of relief washed over her.
“Do you think there’s still room for my artwork in the show?”
“Of course there is.”
“And what about us? Have I ruined everything? I don’t blame you if you don’t trust me anymore.”
Did she trust him? She looked at him for a long moment. “I was hurt when you cut me off like that. I admit it.” She swallowed hard, laying her heart on the line. “I thought we had… something… between us.”
“We did. We do. If you’ll give me another chance.”
She reached up and touched his face, feeling the hint of whiskers beneath her fingertips as she traced his cheek. “I’d like nothing more than to start over with you. Try this again.”
Connor broke into a wide grin and swept her off her feet, twirling her around in circles. After he set her down, he pulled her into his arms, holding her tight. “Thank you for forgiving me. And for giving us another chance.”
She leaned against him, drinking in his strength and his warmth. She tilted her head up to look at him, and he kissed her gently before stepping back. “Now, how about I help you get all this ready? And I’ll be here first thing in the morning to set up the actual artwork.”
CHAPTER 25
Just like he said, Connor was there bright and early to help her set up the art show, greeting her with a wide smile and a quick kiss. He moved around the pavilion, adjusting the art with a keen eye. He stood back, tilting his head slightly as he eyed the display, making a few more tweaks until he was satisfied. She admired his attention to detail and dedication to making sure everything looked perfect.
Beverly showed up with Dale and Maxine, and they set up the display of historical items, asking Connor for his input to help arrange things. Amanda finally stood back and surveyed their work. “I think everything looks wonderful.”
“You did such a good job with this,” Beverly said as she came over and draped an arm around Amanda’s waist and gave her a hug. “You should be proud of yourself.”
“I just hope it all goes off without a hitch. At least the weather is cooperating.” She looked up at the clear blue sky. “Couldn’t ask for better weather.”
“It wouldn’t dare mess with our festival,” Beverly said as more vendors began to arrive and set up along the boardwalk.
“I need to go check and see if anyone needs anything.” She glanced over and grinned when she saw the funnel cake vendorsetting up close by. She’d managed to snag a replacement funnel cake vendor with Beverly’s help.
“I better run back to the cottage and get Megan and Brooklyn. I’ll see you in a bit?” Connor squeezed her hand.
“Okay, see you soon.” Her heart fluttered at the lingering glance he gave her before he turned and left.
Beverly turned to her and grinned. “Looks like you two worked things out.”
Her cheeks warmed. “We did.”
