Until You Loved Me (Seven Brides, Seven Brothers Book 3)

by Calhoune, Belle

  She gaped at her father as he began whistling an upbeat tune. As her father continued to walk down the street, she stood still for a moment, allowing his words to sink in. Her father had been talking about her mother. She knew it! Wait till she told Tony! It was true. Love really did endure.

  The night of Remy's art exhibit and reception heralded the end of their wonderful trip to New Orleans. Tonight was the culmination of all of Remy's hard work and artistic brilliance. More than anything, Gabrielle wanted to show him that she could stand by his side and support him just as he'd always lifted her up.

  Gabrielle knew that the art show was a formal event. Since all her clothing has been destroyed in the fire, she was very thankful for the contributions made by Tess, Sarah and Lilah. They'd come to her rescue by giving her several upscale dresses along with the assortment of clothes they'd given her after the fire. The one she'd selected to wear this evening was a showstopper. It was a strapless silver dress with little sparkles all over the bodice. With her hair swept up in a chignon and a metallic purse and black heels, she felt polished enough to attend a formal art reception.

  She, along with her family, was meeting Remy at the museum. A trickle of excitement danced down her spine as she walked up the steps to the museum, hand in hand with her father. The tall, white columns in front of the museum were adorned with a red banner in honor of Remy's exhibit. “New Orleans Museum of Art Welcomes Remy Chastain Donahue.” Goosebumps popped up on her arms as soon as she laid eyes on it. Her father took out his camera and snapped a photo.

  It was wonderful that her family could be here to celebrate Remy's big night with him. They loved him already. And how could they not adore and appreciate him after he'd shown them so much generosity and kindness? As she walked into the gallery, she felt the heat of Remy's gaze as he laid eyes on her. He didn't even wait for her to walk over to him. Before she knew it he was at her side, whisking her away so he could introduce her and her family to the museum's director.

  He took her by the elbow, leaning down to whisper in her ear, “I know my paintings are supposed to be the highlight of the evening, but when you show up looking like this, you're totally stealing my thunder.”

  She smiled up at him, loving him for being so generous with his compliments. “This is your night, Remy. I may be shimmering a little bit, but no one's allowed to shine but you.”

  *

  For most of the evening Gabrielle was by his side when she wasn't showing her family around the gallery. Although he loved having her support and attentiveness, he'd been desperately trying to get some alone time with her father for the last hour or so. Once Gabrielle went to the other side of the room to look at a few of his paintings, he seized the moment, knowing it might be difficult to get another opportunity like this.

  He approached Jean and lightly grabbed him by the arm. “Jean, I'd like to have a few minutes of your time, if that's possible.” He was trying so hard to be discreet, even though Tony shot them a curious glance as they walked off together.

  “Whatever you need, Remy,” Jean answered, patting him on the back.

  “Why don't we go outside on the balcony. Nobody else is out there,” Remy suggested. His heart was beating a mile a minute at what he was about to do.

  Relax, he reminded himself.

  Once they made their way outside, Remy stood face to face with Gabrielle's father, trying his best to calm down his nerves. It was strange. He was usually as calm as a summer breeze. He cleared his throat, shifting from one foot to the other.

  “Your daughter and I haven't known each other for very long. For me, I knew from the moment I met her she was the one who would always own my heart. I love her more than I could ever express in words. Jean, I'd like to have your blessing to ask Gabrielle to marry me.”

  Jean's mouth swung open. “I-I...I didn't see this coming.”

  He swallowed past his nervousness. “I promise to love her and protect her and always have her best interests at heart. I'll spend the rest of my life making her happy.”

  Jean nodded his head. “You're a fine young man, Remy. I can't imagine Gabrielle ending up with a better man than yourself. From the moment I saw the two of you together, I could feel the love. It made me a little jealous, to tell you the truth. That's what I used to have with Florence. Deep, abiding love.”

  Remy smiled. “Call me crazy, but true love never dies. It might fade a little and get bruised and battered, but it's still there.”

  Jean let out a ragged sigh. “I wish I hadn't let Florence slip through my fingers. I wish I'd been a better father in the last few years.”

  “Sometimes all we can do is our very best at the time. You're here aren't you? Right when she needs you the most.”

  “I guess I am, Remy.” Jean grinned wide. “You have my blessing, son.” He reached out and shook Remy's hand. “May your future be as unlimited as your obvious devotion to my Gabi.”

  Remy reached out and embraced the man who he hoped would be his future father-in-law. Jean Turner was a gracious, loving man who'd been through the fire, but had come out the other side ready to make amends and rebuild his family ties. He'd been racking his brain trying to come up with a plan to propose to Gabrielle. Now that her family reunion had been a rousing success and his art exhibit was coming to a close, he needed to step up his plans. A life with Gabrielle was the thing he most wanted in the world. Tomorrows were never promised. He yearned for a lifetime of tomorrows with the woman he loved. If only she would say yes!

  *

  Remy's art reception was a triumphant moment. It sent chills down her arms to hear everyone raving about Remy's talent and artistic genius. He was so confident, yet humble at the same time. He interacted with the guests with such finesse and generosity. It seemed as if people were drawn to him like a moth to a flame. It made her heart expand when he introduced her as his girlfriend.

  When she took a moment to go to the ladies room, an attractive young woman approached her in the hallway.

  “Excuse me. Are you the woman in the painting?”

  “Yes, I am,” she said politely. With her coffee colored skin, jet black hair and crimson stained lips, the woman had a dramatic air about her.

  The woman smiled at her, although her eyes were devoid of any emotion. She leaned in toward her, inhabiting her personal space as she did so. “You're very lucky to be the object of Remy's interest. Just don't get too used to it.”

  Gabrielle bristled. “What's your point?”

  The woman shrugged. “He's painted a lot of women in this room. In the long run it doesn't mean anything.”

  Gabrielle arched her eyebrow. “Really? It seems to mean an awful lot to you.”

  The woman's nostrils flared. “You seem like a nice woman. I'd hate to see you get hurt by getting into a situation over your head.” Her voice rang out with bitterness. She was no longer trying to place nice.

  Gabrielle moved a step back. This stranger was going to a lot of trouble to convince her that Remy wasn't a genuine person.

  “I'm a big girl. Thanks for the advice, but I can take care of myself.” She stepped around the woman and proceeded back down the hall towards the reception.

  A few months ago she might have left the art showing out of anxiety or insecurity. She might even have doubted Remy and his intentions. The truth was, she knew Remy inside and out. This woman's words and her intentions didn't phase her. Even though she didn't have a college education or any stamps on her passport, she had plain, old fashioned common sense. She still knew her value. Remy had made it clear he thought she was priceless. And no one or nothing was going to stop her from believing in him. Not even a jealous, fire breathing dragon.

  With her head held high she walked back into the reception and took her place by Remy's side. She couldn't help but shake her head at the woman's audacity.

  Remy gazed down at her. “Is something wrong? You look a little perplexed about something.”

  She chuckled. “Nothing to worry about. I met one
of your patrons on my way out of the ladies room. She was..interesting to say the least. Dark hair, dramatic eyes.”

  He knit his brows together. “Please don't tell me you met Helene Dupres.”

  “I don't know her name, but she was desperately trying to convince me that you'd...painted....all the ladies here tonight.” Gabrielle wrinkled her nose. Although she was slightly curious as to Remy's relationship with this Helene woman, she didn't feel jealous in the slightest. Remy had taken great pains to show her that he was very serious about their relationship. He loved her. Of that she was certain.

  He ran a hand over his face. “I should have warned you she might be here tonight, but she wasn't even supposed to attend this event,” he said through gritted teeth. “I hope you don't believe a word she said to you. I went out on a few dates with her a few years ago and she's been a nuisance ever since.”

  Gabrielle shook her head and laughed. “She was fairly transparent in her attempt to scare me away from you.”

  “I hope it didn't work,” Remy said in a low, intense voice.

  “Do I look scared?” she asked. “She was trying way too hard to rattle me. I was born at night, but I wasn't born last night.” She winked at Remy.

  Remy threw his head back and roared with laughter. His entire face transformed in an instant from serious artist to the fun loving man she knew and loved. A few patrons looked in their direction, their faces filled with curiosity. A photographer began snapping their image, seemingly intrigued by Remy's lighthearted mood.

  The man she knew and loved? That was it in a nutshell. She loved this man with all her heart and soul. And she knew if she searched the world over, there would never be another who would measure up to him. Somehow, she'd been blessed enough to find true love and devotion, all wrapped up in a gorgeous, generous, man of faith. There was no way in the world she was letting a love like this slip through her fingers. The time had come to tell Remy she loved him.

  “I've never liked surprises. For me, knowing what's going to happen gives me a feeling of security.”

  Nick Donahue

  Chapter Ten

  Coming back to Cape Cod after their week in New Orleans felt bittersweet. With the art exhibit a smashing success and Gabrielle's family reunion full of healing and reconciliation, the trip had been a blessed one for both of them. It had also served to bring him and Gabrielle even closer together, so much so that he didn't know how he was going to deal with not being with her all the time. The trip had spoiled him. In a perfect world, he wouldn't have to be away from her. Not ever.

  Blue picked them up at the airport. He was waiting for them right outside the terminal in his truck, quickly jumping out when he spotted them. After brief hugs, Remy and Blue placed the luggage in the back of the truck, with Remy sitting in the front next to Blue while Gabrielle hopped in the back.

  Remy couldn't help but notice Blue's somber mood once they were on their way to Breeze Point. When they stopped at a red light, Blue turned toward Remy. “Hey, I need to talk to you before we get to the house.”

  “Okay, shoot,” Remy said with an easy shrug.

  “This is awkward, but I don't know if we should stop somewhere and have this conversation in private.” Blue's meaning was clear. Something was up, and he wasn't sure if Gabrielle should be part of the conversation.

  “You can talk in front of Gabrielle. After everything she's shared with me about her own family, we don't have any secrets,” Remy said.

  Blue turned towards Gabrielle in the back seat. “I apologize, Gabrielle, if that came out rudely. It's a touchy subject at the moment.”

  Gabrielle placed her hand on his shoulder. “Don't apologize, Blue. It's fine. I understand family dynamics more than most.”

  Blue turned back to face Remy. “Mom's doctor visit led to a consult with a specialist.”

  “What kind of specialist?”

  “A neurologist.”

  “What is it? What's wrong? Just tell me.” His mouth felt as if it were filled with cotton. Everything seemed to slow down to warp speed. The haunted look in Blue's eyes was giving off warning signals.

  “After running a series of cognitive tests, they diagnosed her with vascular dementia.”

  “What's that? I've never heard of it.”

  Blue sighed. “It's a condition where the brain is affected, along with memory. They think it may have been caused by her high blood pressure.”

  “So, they gave her some medicine to correct it, right?”

  Blue shook his head, his eyes still on the road. “There's no medicine or procedure to correct it. It's irreversible.” He clenched his hands tighter on the steering wheel. “And it can be an indicator of Alzheimer’s down the road.”

  “That can't be right!” Remy argued. “They should run these tests again.”

  “They ran them twice. Both results were the same,” Blue explained. “The doctors who ran them are the bests in their field, recommended by Sarah.”

  “When was this?” Remy asked through clenched teeth.

  “A few days ago.”

  “Why didn't you call me in New Orleans? Why am I the last to know?” he snapped, anger flaring in his voice.

  “Remy,” Gabrielle said in a gentle voice, her hand lightly caressing the back of his neck. “Don't take your anger out on Blue. He's just the messenger. You guys need each other more than ever now.”

  He nodded, knowing Gabrielle was correct. “You're right. Ignore me, Blue. I'm just blowing off some steam.”

  Blue continued. “To answer your question, we knew you'd be back in a few days and there was no sense in ruining your trip or having you worry about the situation. Trust me. Even though we were right here as the situation unfolded, we all felt pretty helpless again.”

  Remy made eye contact with his brother. “Just like when Dad was in the hospital?”

  “Kind of, but different,” Blue acknowledged. “There wasn't quite that frantic feeling. More like a shocked realization that this diagnosis could really impact her quality of life in a few years.”

  Blue pulled up in the driveway of the Donahue home and parked. He reached out and gripped Remy's shoulder. “I'm sorry if we made a bad call by not calling you in New Orleans.”

  “I know your heart was in the right place,” Remy said in a quiet voice.

  “If it makes you feel any better, they said the signs are very mild for a long time until things start happening like falls or kitchen fires. It all kind of fits, like pieces of a puzzle. And it may never progress to Alzheimer's, although it is a distinct possibility.”

  His mother had fallen twice last winter. Both times the family had chocked it up to icy conditions on the street. Why hadn't they taken her to the doctor and asked about those falls? Regret was rumbling through him now, making him feel as if he hadn't done right by his mother.

  Remy bowed his head as strong emotions rolled through him. He furiously blinked the tears away. Pain twisted in his gut. The thought of his mother slowly losing all her memories was devastating. He needed to be strong, but he felt like he might crumble. Sometimes life threw you completely off balance. One moment you were basking in the glory of life, not realizing that something monumental was on the horizon, ready to bring you to your knees.

  “I'm just going to drop you two off. I was here earlier this morning. Sarah is a little under the weather today. I've got to stop by the pharmacy and pick something up for her.”

  “Let her know we hope she feels better,” Gabrielle chimed in.

  Remy sighed. “When it rains it pours.”

  “Thanks for the ride, Blue,” Gabrielle said, a small smile gracing her lips.

  “Sorry to be the bearer of bad news bro,” Blue said.

  “Sorry if I snapped at you,” Remy said. “I appreciate you giving it to me straight.”

  Blue nodded, his expression one of strength and confidence. “We'll get through this. Together. Donahue strong.”

  “Donahue strong,” Remy repeated, even though he didn't
feel very strong at the moment. He didn't know how he was going to go inside his family home and face his mother. How was he going to put on a happy face and reassure her about the future when he was quaking in his own shoes at the prospect of this terrible diagnosis?

  Gabrielle wrapped her arm in the crook of his own. “Are you alright? Blue's news must have come as a shock.”

  “I still can't wrap my head around it,” he murmured. “I just need to see her.” He threw his luggage in the back seat of his car. He'd parked it in his parents' driveway while they were away. He grabbed Gabrielle's suitcase and walked to the front door. As always, it was wide open, ready to welcome any and all guests.

  His father was sitting in the kitchen, both elbows propped on the table as he pondered a crossword puzzle. At the sound of their footsteps he looked up at them, his glasses perched on the lower portion of his nose. “Hey! Welcome back!”

  “Hey, Dad. It's good to see you,” he said as he leaned down and gave him a hug. Gabrielle walked over and embraced him as well.

  “Where is she?” he asked, not beating around the bush.

  “S-She's out back. In her garden.”

  “How you holding up, Dad?”

  He let out a ragged sigh. “I can't wrap my head around it. It's going to take some time to sink in.”

  Gabrielle walked over and sat down next to him at the table. “Alec, let me make you some green tea while Remy chats with Maggie. I brought you back some cookies from New Orleans. They're fat free, so they can't be that bad for you, right? Let's see how they stack up against Sweet Treat's cookies.”

  “That s-sounds good.” He turned towards Remy and nodded his head towards Gabrielle.

  “You picked a good one, son. One of the best.”

  “You got that right, Dad.” Remy swung his gaze toward Gabrielle. She was standing at the stove, heating up the kettle to make tea for his father. She seemed right at home in their kitchen. He admired the way she'd stepped right in with her kind, gentle way to be a source of support. A feeling of pride burst inside him.