Bound

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Two

Eleanor's POV 

Parker's birthday was in two days, and I had no clue what to get him. I had been preoccupied lately, what with all the preparations I put in my gallery and my sons? Also with the fact that Parker and I had been going to various play schools for Luke checking the place out. We found one we really liked that was close to Parker's company building just in case anything happens during the day. Parker would be able to get him in time. Luke was enrolled to start after the new year. At least that was one thing checked off the list.

I was also finished with my art gallery. I had enough paintings to finally open it up for the grand opening. I'd spent all my time on the paintings of all sorts of things. My manager-like person, the one who was in charge of the gallery, advised me to put up a few of my pieces for sale. I thought about it long and hard, but Parker finally convinced me to do it. 

The grand opening/showing was set for tonight. I was a nervous wreck all day, going back and forth to the gallery and check if everything was set. Parker took the day off from work to be able to go tonight ...and also to watch over Luke and Peyton for me. 

I was now standing in front of the full-length mirror in my closet. I tried on a few clothes, not entirely sure what was appropriate to wear at my own art show opening. I finally settled on a conservative black dress with a white shawl over. If Summer was to see me right now, she'd have a fit and tease me about dressing like an old lady. 

Oh well, I thought. She'll just have to admonish me later. Right now, I was too overwhelmed with nerves to care. 

I took one final look at the mirror, and a reminiscing smile passed over my face. It was crazy to think I would ever be doing this. By this I meant, doing something productive with my art. My parents had always brushed off my talent as useless. They were disappointed that I wouldn't follow their footsteps in the medical field.

"Eleanor? Are you ready?" I was startled from my thoughts when I heard Parker's knock and voice through the door. "We should be going in a bit so we won't be late."

"Yeah!" I yelled out shakily. "I'll- I'll be there in a sec." 

With one final fixing of dress and strapping my heels, I opened the door to find Parker's retreating back. He turned when he heard my door open, his smile widening each second. I gave a him shy look and twirled playfully. "What do you think?"

"Beautiful," he commented while nodded appreciatively. "Absolutely breathtaking."

"Why thank you," I curtsied slightly and grinned at him. I wasn't the only one dressed for the occasion. Parker was dressed in dark pressed jeans, a white button down shirt, and a suit jacket over it. The shirt was unbuttoned at the top two buttons, just the way I liked it. It wasn't one of his usual work attire, which was too formal for my liking. I wanted to have the most relaxing night as I could. "Let's go?"

He held out his arm for me to hook mine in and pulled me close to him when I did. "Luke and Peyton are already on their way with my parents."

"What?" I asked baffled. "Since when?"

"A few minutes ago while you were getting ready," he explained leading me up to the front door. "Agatha insisted on taking them with her and my father. She states that the lady of the night, you," he looked at me, "and along with her husband, which would be me," he then pointed at himself, "should have a grand arrival."

"But they're my kids," I frowned. "They're a part of me. I don't see why they can't tag along."

"I know, but trust me. It's better this way. Just you and me. Alone..."