Page 22 of A Forever Love

“Nothing. It’s just a note from Carter.” My insides twist and coil as I fight to hold my smile, but a taut stillness has now gripped my surroundings.

“We know how you feel about him, Mere.” Birdie’s words come out with a slow and measured cadence, escalating my heartbeat to the highest level.

When I glance at Clem and meet her wide gaze, I know this is a surprise for her too.

“You’ve known him your entire life. We’ve all heard stories about how he’s always been your childhood best friend and a kind-of guardian. It’s impossible not to develop feelings for him,” Birdie concludes.

“Or for him to not fall for you,” Autumn adds.

“You’re all confused,” I manage to whisper, struggling to hold back a gasp, but I falter as Minnie’s hand covers mine. My tight grip on the soft fabric of my skirt becomes painfully apparent.

“It’s alright if you’re not ready to share,” Minnie states. “Just know we’re here whenever you need us.”

Her words tighten my throat. I can’t lie to these women who have been my friends and quasi-moms since they entered my life. “Do you think anyone else knows?” I ask slowly.

Minnie shakes her head slightly. “Gavin doesn’t. He’s overly protective of you. If he had a clue, he’d have thrown down the gauntlet with Carter, even if Carter is his nephew.”

“Lukas doesn’t suspect anything either. He once asked me if there was something going on between Brandon and you.”

I turn from Autumn to Birdie, who doesn’t meet my gaze but finally mutters, “Figuring out what Connor knows is almost like chasing shadows. Most of the time, he spots things about me before I even know them. But if he hasn’t mentioned anything until now, maybe his radar has failed him this time.”

Uncle Connor’s cryptic words from earlier slam into me, and before clarity can even form, Minnie says, “Or maybe, just like us, he’s waiting to see what you both choose to do with this beautiful thing you’ve got.”

My nails bite into my palms, digging crescent indentations. “There’s nothing to choose. Carter doesn’t see me as anything but a kid he used to hang out with.”

“If I had a nickel for every time Connor hammered home that I’m just a client, I’d be a billionaire.” Birdie shrugs.

“Hello, you’re already a billionaire, pop star.” Minnie playfully jabs Birdie’s shoulder. “But she’s got a point, Mere. To wake up our Kingsmen to their feelings, I had to dodge bullets, Clem went through a kidnapping ordeal, and Autumn practically staged a blaze.”

“Are you suggesting I hire someone to abduct me, shoot me, or set me on fire?”

They chuckle collectively at my sincere question.

“No, kiddo. What we mean is, if it feels right in your heart, then don’t be too quick to toss it aside.” Birdie wraps me in a warm hug, the other girls soon joining in.

If only they knew how freeing it would be to extinguish the emotional blaze that often feels like a wildfire that threatens to consume me.

* * *

“Why can’t we all come to drop you off in Cherrywood?” Dad asks for the millionth time as we clean the kitchen while Clem puts the twins to bed.

We’ve followed this routine for the past few weeks, and like everything else, I’m going to miss spending time with Dad, just discussing our day or reminiscing on some of those rare happy memories.

“Because we all have been there several times since I told you about the internship. I agreed to everything you said, Dad. Including staying in one of the Kings Security service apartments, which, to be honest, makes my commute to work horrible.”

“That’s the most secure apartment in Cherrywood. I’m not going to hear any arguments over it.” The lilt in Dad’s voice changes to the one that tells me he’s not going to budge.

“And I said I’ll stay there.” I drop the rag and cleaning spray onto the counter top. “But I’m not hearing any arguments about you, Clem, or any of your friends driving me to Cherrywood.”

“Fine.” Dad shakes his head a few more times than necessary to show he’s not amused. “But at least let me give your car a check in the morning.” He wipes his hands with a towel and passes it to me.

“Do whatever you need to. But I’m driving alone tomorrow.”

* * *

“Everything’s loaded,” Dad hollers as he strides into the dining room the next morning. “I even got Miss Sparkles into her crate. Why are you taking so much stuff? I noticed some coffee mugs in one of the boxes. The apartment is furnished. You know that, right?”

“It’s just two, Dad, and they’re limited-edition bookish mugs.” I don’t bother lifting my head as I load a coffee pod into the machine. “They’re as essential as oxygen for book lovers like me.”

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