Page 88 of A Forever Love

“Thank you so much, Sam.”

“Open it.” Sam nods toward the box in her hand, and Merida needs no further permission.

She unwraps the gift, tearing the paper right in the middle with zero finesse. Sam gasps, then looks at me in surprise.

Yeah, that’s my girl. A perfectionist in most things, but still a total mess in a few.

Merida lifts the key chain. The circular wood rotates, displaying Merida’s name and birthday on one side, and a carving that’s a pretty good resemblance to her and Miss Sparkles on the other.

“I didn’t have a picture, so I carved it from memory. I hope it turned out fine.”

“Sam, this is so beautiful. I didn’t know you were so talented.” Merida hugs him again. “Thank you so much.”

I give Sam a nod before guiding Merida to the elevator.

“One observation.” She raises a finger in the air as the elevator doors close behind us. “You talk so freely with me, why are you so uptight around others?” When I don’t reply, she thrusts the gift box from Sam right in front of my face. “You could have said ‘good job’ to Sam or something else—whatever men say to show appreciation.”

“I let you hug the man, mittens. That’s more than any words can say. Trust me, he knows I appreciate what he did.” We step out of the elevator, and I gently hold her arm, pointing toward my apartment. “Today, we’re here.”

Her eyes widen. “Um, are we…like, living together now? One day in my apartment and the next in yours?” Her hands flail as they move between our apartments.

I chuckle, watching her as she resembles a lost baby deer. “I like that idea, although I must admit I hadn’t thought that far ahead. I only planned a small surprise since it’s your birthday and all.”

“Another surprise?” Her reaction is a squeal. “Wow, you’re really spoiling me, King.”

“You’re my girl, mittens.” I crowd her against the door. “I can do whatever I like.”

Her gaze widens, her blue eyes deepening into sapphire.

“Spoil you,” I continue. “Or make you dirty.”

She audibly gulps, her hands shaking before they settle around my waist, clutching my jacket. For a moment, I think she might shy away, but Merida surprises me once again. “You’re so unpredictable. Down there with Sam, you were the epitome of professionalism, giving curt nods and all, and here you are—”

“What am I, mittens?”

“I don’t know. Like some roadside Romeo with a dirty-talking mouth.”

“But you like my dirty mouth.” I lean in, pressing my nose against the hollow of her neck. “If the previous night proved anything, you love my dirty mouth.”

“Carter!” she gasps.

I pull away just enough to see her eyes close and her head tilt up, giving me all the space I need. Her lips, painted in pink, are slightly open. I lightly touch her shoulders, resting over the soft fabric of her black pullover before grazing down her arms and reaching her fingers, which clutch her yellow skirt.

“Too much?” I cover her hands with mine.

She lets go of her skirt and entwines her fingers with mine, then slowly shakes her head. “Just perfect.”

“Good.” I kiss her lips once more before unlocking the door and scooping her into my arms.

“What are you doing?” she cries.

“Reintroducing you to my apartment. Dear apartment, meet Merida. Yeah, yeah, I know you’ve met her already. But now she’s my girl in every way, so it’s our utmost responsibility to ensure she’s loved and cared for here.”

When I carry Merida over the threshold and set her down, the playful glint in her eyes fades, replaced by a melancholic smile touching her lips.

“What is it?” I brush my thumb against her soft cheeks.

“Lily taught you this.” She doesn’t frame it as a question, and I nod.

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