Page 91 of A Forever Love

“I’m an adult. I don’t have to explain myself to you or any fucking—”

He moves swiftly, retrieving a telescopic cane from under his chair and closing the balcony door. “What about Keith? Don’t you think he’ll be interested in knowing why his daughter is in your bedroom or why the fuck her watch is lying on your balcony table?”

My jaw clenches with anger. “Like I said, I’m not going to explain—”

“Have you gone crazy? This is Merida, for Christ’s sake,” he seethes, and I’m sure it’s not for my benefit that he’s still speaking in a controlled voice. “You took her to the gala! Did you really think I wouldn’t find out? Jason Gibson and his crew sent me pictures of you two lovebirds, asking me when the next King wedding is.”

“I love her,” I state calmly, and when he remains silent, I add, “And she loves me too.”

There’s a moment of pause before Uncle Connor finally asks, “Why did she leave St. Peppers four years ago without saying goodbye to any of us?”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“You’ve taken her to your bed, but you haven’t bothered to ask why a girl who has always wanted our company left us without a goodbye? Are you planning to pop that question somewhere in between taking her to the courthouse and the moment Keith rips your head off your body?”

His anger doesn’t come as a surprise, but contrary to my expectations, he’s not exploding over Mere being in my bedroom.

“Is there something you know that I don’t?” I cross my arms over my chest, focusing on Uncle Connor’s face, but as usual, his expression reveals nothing. “I understand this all seems strange given that I’ve been with her all her life, but I’ve never taken advantage of her, ever.” My teeth grit, and my fists clench. I despise having to explain myself, but I know this is only the beginning.

“I fucking well know that. But I thought you were smarter than this, Carter,” he says, giving me a pointed stare. “You haven’t been with her all her life. There’s a significant four-year gap, and I’m disappointed that you didn’t bother to uncover it before you took our Mere into your bed.”

“Do you think I haven’t tried asking? Every time I bring it up, she gets upset.” My stomach churns at the memory of Merida’s distressed expression.

“And you don’t have any other means of getting answers? You’ve been trained your whole life to gather information, for God’s sake.” Uncle Connor rolls toward the door, clearly preparing to leave.

His unexpected arrival, his lack of surprise at finding Merida here—as if he knew my apartment would be exactly like this—and his cryptic remarks all unsettle me. It’s as if he just tainted my perfect morning with a heavy dose of guilt.

Before he can exit, I position myself between him and the door, prompting him to raise an eyebrow. “Why did you come here?” I ask.

But instead of answering my question, he says, “I hope you don’t do anything you’ll regret, Carter. Now move out of my way. I don’t want Merida to have a panic attack trapped in your shower.”

Once he leaves, I find Mere exactly as he described—curled up in the shower. “Hey, it’s alright.” I extend my hand and help her out.

“He left?” Her eyes show her fear and panic. When I nod, she slumps into my arms. “Oh, thank God. I didn’t want to get caught. I don’t want Uncle Connor or anyone to lie to Dad for me. They’re best friends, and Dad doesn’t trust people easily.”

Her care, concern, and love for everyone envelops me in a mix of warmth and guilt. Uncle Connor is right. Merida’s entire life was here, so why did she feel the need to run away from all the happiness that was finally in her home?

“Mere, I’ve got to ask—”

“Holy crap! Is it eight already?” Her eyes dart to the wall clock behind me. “I’m late for work, Carter. Aren’t you?”

This conversation will have to freaking wait once again.

“Yeah. Why don’t you go get ready, and I’ll meet you at the front door with coffee.”

“Thanks.” Merida pauses and, before leaving, plants a kiss on my cheek. “And that was the best birthday ever, Carter. Thank you so much.”

“You never have to thank me, mittens. I’ve promised to ensure that every day, I make you happier than the day before, and your boyfriend always rises to the challenge.”

“I could die happy right now.”

I press a finger against her lips. “Shh. It’s too early for morbid talk.”

* * *

I pull into Elixir Inc.’s parking lot and, before Merida can step out, I grasp her hand. “I’ll be thinking about you, babe.”

Her eyes widen, and she leans back in her seat. “Babe?” Her lips quiver before she playfully hits my chest. “I’m running late for work, and you choose this moment to call me babe and not silly mittens?” Her doe-shaped eyes almost tear up, and I can’t hide my smile.

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