Chapter 52: Chapter 52

Killian took his wife’s small hand in his, giving it an intimate squeeze as they walked to where the microphone had been set up. Anatole Rudman, one of the partners in the Rudman-Speight Gallery and a major sponsor of the competition, was already there, smiling at everyone.

“I want to thank everyone for coming,” he began. “This is an important night for everyone. You all know why we are here, so I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. We have some outstanding entries this year and the choices were very tough. Let’s begin with third place.”

Lexie squeezed his hand harder than he thought she could for someone so small.

He leaned down to her. “I don’t care if you don’t win one of their stupid prizes. I think you’re the best artist in the world, and I’ll take out an ad telling everyone.”

“Okay.” She tried to smile, but it wasn’t working well.

They announced third place and then second, and, with each announcement, Lexie’s grip grew tighter.