The Artist's Paradise (25 page)

Epilogue

Two years later

Signs of spring in Gatlinburg, Tennessee appeared on every corner. The shops buzzed with activity. Owners finalized the fresh touch-up paint, added the sweet fragrance of spring hyacinths in ceramic pots by their entrances, and placed the open signs on their doors. Vacationers would begin their trek by the weekend to gleefully search for unique crafts, delicious candies and fudge, original artworks, and relaxation.

Angie and
Mister Tubbs spent the morning tramping through the woods. Camera in hand, she captured digital images of future watercolor projects. She cautiously lowered herself on a large boulder to relax by an old overgrown evergreen tree. Two squirrels swung from limb to limb. The squirrels chattered with excitement as Mister Tubbs attempted to leap up the tree.

“You know tree climbing is out of your job description.”

He wagged his stubby tail and returned to lounge by her side. Mister Tubbs loved their daily walks. He carried his leash to her when time came for their travels into nature.

During their morning stroll back to
Angie’s Loft,
she’d been touched by singing birds, spider webs, and rustling leaves. She’d never known this kind of happiness. Her emotional peace provided affirmation for their life-changing decisions.

Angie marveled as a beautiful
multicolored butterfly settled onto a dead log lying in the mossy grass. She had a lot in common with that creature. A little over a year ago, they’d both been caterpillars. Now they’d grown into glorious butterflies. Surely, this place was like the Garden of Eden.

The
time she and Jonathan spent with Doctor King helped her find her path to independence. She and Jonathan cultivated their commitment to each other.

She
gasped as Jonathan Jr. kicked in her womb. He, like his father, generated lots of activity. How wonderful to be holding him in her arms in a few more short months. What a fun surprise for Mister Tubbs. She checked the time and struggled to pull herself up from the rock.

“I hope you arrive soon, baby Jon. I can hardly move these days.”

Her heart raced, as she caught sight of Jonathan lumbering toward the stairs to her loft. His ribs had healed, but now ached as the weather changed. He’d put on about ten
sympath
y pounds since he’d begun to eat for two.

Their life, slowed to the pace of a small town, allowed them to grow closer and rekindle the happiness they’d desired. With the brownstone sold, they had a nest egg for
their son’s future and the ability to help others in need.

The family of three, soon to be four, spent every evening on their front porch in the oversized rocker talking about their day. Soon
Mister Tubbs would no longer fit on her lap. Good thing he accepted Jonathon as a substitute caregiver.

Little Jon moved inside her
, as she approached the shop. There stood Jonathan, plaid shirt and jeans. He turned to greet her. The sparkle in his eyes filled her with warmth as if sipping hot green tea.

“Come see my shingle. Not every day a man gets to open his own law office
and not have to drive to work. My first client will be here in an hour. Her son seems to have sticky fingers, and he picked up the wrong item this week. She can’t afford to pay much, but she needs a good lawyer.”

“I can’t think of anyone more qualified to help her. You are the best defense lawyer in town.”

“Maybe the only one, the rest are in Pigeon Forge or Sevierville. I’ve hung all your paintings in your loft. You know, you’re pretty darn good. It’s great to be a kept man. Your fans will flock here once they see your brochure. Who can resist
Angie’s Loft
?”

His grin stretched across his face, ear to ear. “Hungry?”

She rubbed her tummy. “You know me. I’m constantly hungry.”

He wrapped his strong arms around her waist and pulled her close. “I’ve made blueberry muffins, laced in honey. You’ll love them. And the tea is seeping.”

She gave him a long kiss and strolled into the loft. He followed, humming. Never one to miss a meal, Mister Tubbs reached the kitchen before the others and began to beg for treats.

Jonathan pulled out the kitchen chair for Angie. “By the way, I have earned a new title while you were out walking.”

“Oh?”

“You may not know it, but you are now running a bed and breakfast.”

Angie shifted in her chair and sipped the hot tea. “Tell me more, Mister Lawyer”

H
e smiled, and rubbed his chin, covered with a two-day beard. “First your mom called. She and her new boyfriend, Chuck, want to spend the weekend on the 12
th
with us. I penciled them in and no sooner had I hung up, and your dad called. He also wanted the 12th. Being a man of great intelligence, I suggested he try a visit on the 18
th
. After a short explanation, he thanked me and agreed. He’s so excited about the baby and wants to see you every chance he can get.”

Her dad always was the nurturer. He seemed happy in his new life, but she had been happily surprised to have him stay in such close contact. “Well, I guess we best meet this Chuck. He may be the next to join the family. However, mom has been trying out lots of Match.com fellows. I won’t get too close to him unless he turns out to be a finalist.”

“I understand. That last guy she brought here was a real loser. I have enjoyed getting to know your dad, though. He’s becoming a friend.”

She bit into the muffin, “Hum mm. This is yummy. I think I’ll give up cooking. As my kept man, you can be our chef.”

“Thanks. I thought I
was
the chef. When was the last time you slaved over a hot stove?”

“Okay. It’s been awhile, but your son makes me sleepy. Besides, you really are a good cook.”

“Did I tell you what I learned at the barber shop yesterday?”

Angie reached into the cookie jar and gave the treat to her short companion.
“No. What did you learn?”

“The mayor has decided not to run for reelection. I’m thinking about getting into the race. What do you think?
”

Angie
frowned and gave him a brisk look. “Hum. Mayor Rhodes. It has a very nice ring to it. You’d be perfect.”

“Good. I have a few posters for you to design while I fill out the paperwork.”

Angie doubled over in laughter. “Am I surprised? Nope. Once a politician, always a politician. How fortunate that the Bakers live here now. I’m sure we can get Jack as your campaign manager, and Hanna will handle your publicity. She knows everyone in town. This will be fun.”

“Great idea, Jack and I are going fishing Saturday. I’ll dazzle him with my charm and intelligence. He’ll never know
what hit him.” He leaned over and gently touched his warm lips to hers. “I love you.”

“Yep. Once a politician, always a politician.” She laughed and ran up the
stairs.

The End