Reluctantly, he started the car and drove home. He stripped off his clothes and jumped into the shower. It felt good after sitting in the hot car so long. He browsed through his closet, looking for something appropriate to wear to the gallery. It surprised him that he was nervous to meet Rob. Wynn wanted to make a good impression on Del’s boyfriend. Who knew? They might be welcoming Rob Delgado into their family at some point.
Wynn texted Cady when he was two minutes away and she was waiting for him at the gate outside her apartment. His jaw dropped as she climbed into the car.
“You look spectacular!” he exclaimed. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen his sister in a dress. It had to be before the car accident that took her leg.
The deep purple cocktail dress struck her just above the knees and rested slightly off her shoulders. Cady’s shapely right calf reminded him of the gymnast she’d once been. Her prosthetic left leg, the silver metal shining in the sun coming through the windshield, was something he’d never seen since she always wore pants or jeans.
“I decided I’m tired of hiding who I am from the world,” Cady told him. “I wore a skirt to class the other day. Then a pair of capris. Sure, some people stared but I had several ask me about it. Not in a creepy, driving by an accident way but because they were really interested in my story.”
Wynn saw the blush creep across her cheeks.
“One was an army vet who’d lost his own leg.” She paused. “We have a date tomorrow night.”
Wynn squeezed her hand. “Good for you.”
“I’ve never been comfortable dating because of letting a guy know what happened. Doug is different. He’s been there himself. I know he won’t judge me.”
“I hope the date goes well.”
“Me, too.”
They arrived at the gallery and Wynn gave his keys to the valet. He accompanied Cady inside. A large crowd mingled, wine glasses in hand.
Wynn spotted Del and waved. His brother came over, his eyes shining with excitement. Normally, Del was incredibly low-key. The look on his face tonight told Wynn how much Rob had brought Del out of his shell.
“Hey, guys,” Del greeted them. “Come look at Rob’s work. He’s busy schmoozing. I’ll snag him in a few minutes and introduce you.”
His brother led them around the gallery, pointing out small intricacies in several of the works hanging on the walls.
“You sound really knowledgeable,” Cady said. “When did you learn so much about art?”
Del laughed. “When I got interested in Rob. I’m actually parroting him. I don’t always see what he tells me about but I enjoy listening to him talk about his work.”
They came to a painting with vivid, bold colors. It was in an abstract style but Wynn could tell it was a woman. A strong, brave woman who met the world head on with determination. One who would never back down from any challenge. It reminded him of Scarlett.
Wynn had to have it.
“I see some paintings are marked as sold,” he said. “How do you purchase one?”
Del frowned. “You don’t have to buy anything, Wynn. Rob will like you no matter what.”
“You don’t understand. I have to have this one. Everything about it screams that it’s Scarlett.”
Del relaxed. “Let’s go see the gallery manager.”
Wynn bought the painting and arranged to have it delivered to his Malibu house. If Scarlett refused to take him back, he would still have a reminder of the woman he loved.
They spoke to Rob briefly since he was being pulled in a dozen directions. After the exhibition closed at nine and the last guest was eased out the door, the manager brought out champagne for them to toast Rob’s success. All but two paintings had been purchased, which was remarkable, according to Rob.
“I couldn’t have dreamed of a better opening.” The painter gazed at Del with love as he slipped an arm around Del’s shoulders. “Your brother has been a true inspiration to me. Not just a muse but as a cheerleader, urging me on, pushing me to try new things and bring ideas to life. He’s my rock.”
Rob kissed Del and Wynn winked at Cady.
They made plans to come to Wynn’s house Sunday afternoon for a cookout. He hoped by then that Scarlett would be in attendance. He and Cady left the gallery and he told her if things went well with Doug tomorrow night, the army vet was also invited.
“Not so fast, Wynn,” Cady cautioned him. “It’s just a first date.”
“I’m not forcing you to ask him. Just if you enjoy the date and feel comfortable with him. You know whoever you eventually wind up with is going to have to pass the brothers’ test.”
“I know,” she said softly. “Same for you. I hope Scarlett will be there.”
“I do, too.”
“Back to your place?” he asked.
“Yes. If I’m going to be out tomorrow night and at your place Sunday afternoon, I need to put in some study time tonight.”
Wynn drove back to her apartment, insisting on pulling through the gates so he could see that she made it safely inside. Cady waved and he backed out, exiting the parking lot and turning right in order to head to Scarlett’s house again. Determination filled him. Enough time had already passed. Hopefully, she would give him a chance to make his case.
He began slowing for the red light ahead and then it changed, so he accelerated. As he reached the middle of the intersection, a blinding light enveloped him. Before he could glance to his left, a vehicle slammed into him. Wynn’s head snapped back and then fell forward, colliding with the steering wheel. He sensed his car spinning.
Then all went dark.
CHAPTER 24
Scarlett awoke, the vivid dream that startled her awake quickly fading. She heard voices and remembered she’d stayed
