Page 89 of A Forever Love

When Mom and I were leaving our apartment to go live with my grandparents, she asked me to say thanks to the four walls that had given us protection, happy days, and lots of memories. It was fun at first, as I greeted every room I had stayed in over the years, then it became a habit, and now it’s my way of remembering her.

“It’s a beautiful practice. I’d love to teach it to my kids someday.” Merida’s eyes widen the moment the words slip out of her mouth.

“Ooookay. I hadn’t exactly planned on discussing babies on your twenty-second birthday, but if you’re game, why not. So I want at least two—two girls—and preferably after we get married because I don’t think your dad will appreciate it if we show up at his door with you knocked up.”

“What?” Her mouth falls open, and because I love seeing her stunned, I place a finger under her jaw. “Close your mouth, mittens. You’re giving me dirty ideas.”

“You…you…” Merida sways a little and closes her eyes, as if trying to regain her balance, but I enjoy every part of her shock.

This was what I’ve been missing the entire day, the effortless way I breathe around her, as if the air suddenly holds more oxygen. It’s as though there’s a newfound energy in every cell of my body. She has become my life elixir, or maybe she always was.

“I didn’t mean it like that. I’m not some crazy chick who starts thinking about marriage or kids on her first date.”

“Just so you know, I’m a crazy guy who can’t stop thinking about all those things with you. However, since you seem completely taken aback by this, I’ll wait until you’re ready for it.”

She still gazes at me as if I’m a figment of her imagination. But as much as I’m enjoying this conversation, there are more pressing matters at hand.

“Right now, I have something to show you.” Before she can protest or argue, I take Merida’s hand in mine and guide her to the balcony. The space is aglow with candles, and fresh lilies adorn every corner. With a press of a button on the remote control tucked in my pocket, the fire table comes to life, casting a warm and inviting glow over the balcony.

“Holy crap! Did you just do that?” Merida spins around to watch me with admiration and awe.

“I did.” I can’t help but smile.

“And all this?” She does a complete turn, taking in the whole balcony before facing me again.

“That too.”

“Wow, it’s only been two days, and I already feel like you’re worth all the heartache, King.” Her hands move up and down over the lapels of my suit as she closes her eyes.

“Heartache? Care to elaborate, mittens? Because as far as I remember, you were the one giving me minor heart attacks growing up.” There’s a fleeting moment, lasting less than a second, when I see an emotion cross Merida’s face, but it’s enough to hit me like a tsunami. There’s pain written on every inch of her skin. “Merida?”

Before I can say anything else, she flops onto the couch. “Is this my birthday gift?” She glances at the table, where there’s food from the best restaurant in town and a bottle of champagne.

I’m stuck in my spot, on the fence about asking her again what happened moments back or letting it slip for now since whatever it was is definitely linked to her sudden departure.

When her eyebrows rise, they make a decision for me. No, tonight is about her, not me. I’ll find out in time what made her leave, and I’ll fix it.

“Are you done talking to yourself?” Merida raises an eyebrow. “You’re doing that thing where you nod your head repeatedly.”

“You can read me so well, mittens. It’s a good thing I don’t play poker against you.” I walk over to where she’s sitting and, before perching next to her, take the Cartier box out of my pocket. “This is your birthday gift.” I place it in her palm.

“I’m getting jewelry.”

She grins, and I silently vow to myself that I’ll never let fear or hurt cross her face ever again. What kind of man or bodyguard would I be if I can’t keep my girl happy?

She looks at the small, colorful, diamond and gold pendant. “And it’s…a cake?”

“It’s our cake.” I retrieve the envelope from my inner jacket pocket and open it, displaying the official paper. “I bought the rights to our cupcake at Franny’s. It’s now called Mittens’ Blackberry Lavender Chocolate Cupcake.”

She gasps, glancing between the paper and the golden pendant, still nestled against the velvet, then back at my face. “How does one even buy a cake name?”

“With money, of course,” I grin.

“Of course, but—” Suddenly, she throws her arms around me. “This is such a thoughtful and weird gift, Carter. People name stars after their loved ones, and you named a cupcake after me.” When she pulls back, there’s a grin on her face, which quickly morphs into a hiss when I try to unclasp the heart locket around her chain. “What are you doing? Why are you taking my necklace off?”

“Easy, mittens. I’ll put this on your chain.” I nod toward the cupcake charm. “And then every year, I’ll add one memory. These will stay close to your heart, reminding you every second that you are mine and only mine.” I place a chaste kiss on her lips, but before I can lean back, she loops her hands around my neck, keeping me in place.

“Could it be that I’m in a dream, Carter, and you are just my imagination?” Her voice is so low, as if she’s scared to wake herself up if this is a dream.

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