Page 87 of A Forever Love

“Shh.” I press a finger against his lips. “Not today. Not tonight. Please.”

He shakes his head and then looks into my eyes. “I won’t ask again tonight. But someday, you’ll need to tell me everything, Mere.”

“I will.” The lie slips from my lips almost automatically.

He takes a moment, then rests his chin on my shoulder, pulling me closer. “Go ahead, talk to her. And when you reintroduce me, tell her I’ve transformed into a very handsome man who’s going to make her daughter very happy.”

A smile tugs at my lips as I hear his whispered words. “Handsome? You’re so full of yourself, King.” I playfully nudge his chest with my elbow. “Mom, remember Carter? He used to be my friend, but now he’s my boyfriend.” I turn to look at him. “Happy?”

Carter’s jaw drops. “Seriously? Is this how you’re going to introduce me to everyone?” His eyebrows shoot up comically. “Never mind. I can do much better. And mittens”—he pins me with a hot, smoldering gaze—“learn.”

“Melanie, I’m Carter King. You might remember me from all the times I used to bring Merida to see you. But today, I want to ask your permission to love your daughter. I’ve always cared for her, but this”—he squeezes me tightly in his arms—“is different. She’s the most important person in my life, and I promise to love her like no one else can. She completes me, like the missing piece of a jigsaw puzzle, in a way I never thought possible. If it helps my case, I’m the CEO of the largest security company and one of the wealthiest men in the city, so there’s that.”

“Carter!” I want to cry and laugh simultaneously. I spin around so fast that I almost get a head rush, my legs locking around Carter’s waist. “Let’s set aside your lack of humility for a second.” My chest and pulse pound, as if I’ve won the lottery. And maybe I have. “But tell me, when did your thick brain become so poetic?”

He grins, and I find my smile mirrored on his face. “I’ll learn whatever makes you happy, even poetry if that’s what you’d like.”

“I love you just the way you are.”

“And I love you, mittens.” Carter leans in, about to kiss me, when a red leaf falls from the maple tree above us. We both glance up simultaneously. “I think she just blessed us,” Carter whispers before leaning in and giving me the sweetest kiss on my lips.

Thank you, Mom.

“Now, onto the next important task.” Carter grabs the pink paper bag and pulls out the pastry box. Through the clear plastic, I spot our blackberry lavender chocolate cupcake. “Happy birthday.”

He places a candle on it and lights the flame. But before I can blow it out, Carter clears his throat.

“I know it’s your birthday, but can I make this wish?”

The hesitation in his voice catches me off guard, and I find myself nodding without thought.

“I’ll love you forever, mittens. Promise you’ll never leave me.”

“Carter.” My voice catches in a gasp as he echoes the first wish I made with him on my sixth birthday.

“Just promise.”

“I’ll never, ever leave you, Carter.” I don’t admit that without him, I might as well cease to exist, especially now after seeing the way he loves, and by some miracle, he’s chosen to give it to me. “I’ll love you forever, Carter, and I’ll never leave you.”

This year, we both blow out the tiny pink candle together, and Mom’s words from her hospital bed echo in my ears.

“There might be times in life when you question love and its meaning. There might be moments when you lose faith in love. But know this, my precious girl, there’s nothing as sacred and pure as love. Never be scared of it.”

I look up to the maple tree and send up a soft message for my mom.

I’m no longer cursed, Mom. I’m healed.

22

CARTER

By the time we arrive in Cherrywood, it’s already ten. Sam gives me a covert nod, confirming that all the arrangements have been made.

“Sam, what are you doing here at night? Where’s the night manager?” Merida stops, and instead of heading toward the elevator, she walks over to the old man.

“I didn’t want to miss the chance to see you on your special day.” Sam grins and picks up a small gift box from the counter. “Happy birthday, kid. May God bless you with happiness and good health, and may you keep smiling always.”

Merida leaves my side and circles the counter. This time, I don’t hold her back as she hugs the old man.

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