#Chapter 138: An Upcoming Engagement

Iris “Mommy? Mommy, wake up!” I jolt awake to find Miles shaking my shoulder. The studio floor is hard beneath me, and my neck aches from the awkward angle I must have slept in. Scattered around me are paint tubes, brushes soaking in water, and a half-empty coffee mug with a film on top that makes me almost gag. “What time is it?” I groan, pushing myself up. “It’s morning time,” Miles informs me. “I’m hungry.” Of course he is. I rub my eyes, trying to orient myself. The last thing I remember is adding the final touches to the sky in my painting, determined to get the exact shade of blue I wanted. My gaze drifts to the massive canvas propped against the far wall, and despite my exhaustion, I feel a rush of excitement course through me. It’s done. Finally, after weeks of work, my final piece is complete. The painting shows us on horseback, exactly as we were that day at the ranch. Arthur sits tall on Thunder, one arm around Miles, who points exci