“A very good way.”
“And he’s the reason you’re still unsure about going to Vancouver?”
Hannah rested her elbows on the table. “What happens if I leave Bozeman and he dates someone else?”
“Then you weren’t meant to be in a relationship with him.”
Hannah sighed. “Why do you make it sound so easy?”
“Because I’m not the person who wants to be a full-time artist.” She pushed the Jenkins’ wedding folder closer to Hannah. “For now, forget about Brett and Vancouver. We’ve got a wedding to organize.”
Hannah saluted her sister. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Just read the spreadsheet,” Claire growled.
“I wish I had a dollar for every time you’ve told me that.”
“You’ve taught me that lists are an important part of my life. Read.”
Hannah ran her finger along each line. Everything looked great until she saw the last entry. “Rent two dozen white doves? That wasn’t there last time I checked.”
“Mrs. Jenkins had a rush of inspiration last weekend. She wants white doves released into the air after her daughter and son-in-law-to-be sign the marriage license.” Claire grinned. “I know. She’s crazy. It’s the middle of winter and I don’t even know if doves fly in the cold.”
“It could be a lot worse. She might decide the venue is too traditional and want something different.”
Claire threw her hands over her ears. “I didn’t hear you say that and neither did Mrs. Jenkins, thank goodness. Don’t even mention the venue at our meeting.”
“I promise to be on my best behavior. But if the white doves don’t like the cold, I’m not telling her.”
Claire wiped toast crumbs from her mouth. “Fine. I’ll be the potential bearer of bad news, but I need a favor from you. Promise me you’ll seriously think about the art residency.”
Hannah knew that time was running out to make her decision. If she went to Vancouver, they’d need to hire someone to help Claire. If she stayed, she needed to take a serious look at her life. “Okay. As soon as I’ve made up my mind, I’ll let you know what I’m doing.”
“Good.” Claire handed her another folder.
“What’s this?”
“A list of all the reasons you should go to Vancouver. You’re not the only one who’s been thinking about it.”
Hannah saw beyond the bravado in her sister’s gaze. If she went to Vancouver, Claire would miss her. But unlike Hannah, her sister wasn’t letting her emotions stand in the way of achieving something she’d always dreamed about.
What Claire didn’t know, was that Hannah’s dreams had changed. And as far as being a full-time, professional artist was concerned, not for the better.
***
Brett wanted to wait until he was alone with Dave before asking about the painting. He’d searched the entire house and he still couldn’t find it.
Between Dave’s family and the extra excitement that Christmas brought to a house, finding any time alone with Dave had been nearly impossible. But here they were, side-by-side in the barn, stripping the trim from Brett’s Corvette.
“When do you think your car will be ready to drive?” Dave asked.
“Depends on how much time and money I’ve got. Some of the grilles are so damaged that they’ll need to be replaced. The others will need a clean, but that’s about it.” Brett ran his hand along the body of the car. “I’ll strip the old paint off the Corvette before I send it into town to be spray painted. I’m not expecting to be finished before September.”
“That’s not too far away.” Dave held a marker light in the air. “Where would you like this?”
Brett pointed to his workbench. “Over there.” He waited for Dave to return before mentioning Pat’s missing painting. “I need to ask you something.”
“What is it?”
