Page 99 of A Forever Love

“I see the party is ending early today.” Uncle Gavin steps into the room and goes straight to Minnie. “I’m happy you’ve lost interest in that guy—what’s his name? Fondue Sleeves?”

“I’m very well aware that you know his name, and it’s impolite to mock others,” Minnie scolds him, giving his chest a playful tap.

“Guilty,” he confesses. He winks at me, which earns him a chuckle, before he goes to gently shake Birdie, who’s now dozing off. “Come on, your guy is waiting outside. Same goes for you.” He nods toward Autumn before turning to Clem. “Keith is with the girls at my place. They’re already fast asleep.”

We all head outside, and Birdie immediately settles into Uncle Connor’s lap. Despite her hushed tone, her words are clearly audible. “You need to fuck this old age out of me tonight.”

While we girls burst into giggles, Uncle Lukas grimaces. “I could’ve lived peacefully without hearing that.”

“You and me both, Spencer,” Uncle Gavin agrees.

Once everyone leaves, Clem and I sink onto the porch swing. She grabs a blanket from the box table and drapes it over us. Silence hangs in the air for several moments before I break it. “When are you finally going to ask?”

“God, Mere! I’m dying here. I thought you’d tell me on your own.”

“And what should I say? Yeah, so the boy I’ve loved my whole life finally loves me back?”

“Uh-huh. Carter continues to get new labels.”

“It was a joke.”

“Every joke has some hidden truth, babe.” Her brows tug together.

“He called me that this morning.” My voice hitches without me trying.

“What? Babe?”

I nod. “He’s finally calling me something other than that stupid name, mittens.”

“Because you love it when he calls you mittens. Another one of those exclusive things you both share.” Clem’s voice lacks its usual playfulness. I sense her worry, and before I can say anything, she asks, “So, what happens next?”

“He wants to tell everyone, including Dad.” When her lips remain pursed, I can’t hold back. “I thought you’d be happy.” My fingers twist a corner of the fuzzy blanket.

“Mere.” Clem places her hand over mine. “I am happy, but I’m also nervous. Carter doesn’t know what you went through these last four years. For you, this relationship is bigger than life, and I hope it’s the same for him. But until you tell him everything, he won’t understand the depth of your love, and you won’t know if he’s worth the risk.”

“I’m afraid Dad will feel the same way.”

“Everyone will come around once they see how truly happy you are.”

Before she can say anything more, heavy footsteps echo, and Dad and Uncle Gavin walk in through the gate, holding Sage and Poppy, both fast asleep in their arms.

“Everyone is in their beds. What are you two doing out here?” Dad asks as I open the door for them.

“We were waiting for you,” Clem replies as we make our way to the upstairs bedrooms. “You know I don’t like sleeping alone.”

“Please, Clem, hold onto whatever dirty thought crossed your mind until after I leave. Hearing Birdie was enough for one night.” Uncle Gavin’s mouth tightens into a grimace.

“She wasn’t going to say anything, you prick.”

Dad and Uncle Gavin continue to bicker as I wish everyone goodnight and return to my room. My hands immediately reach for my phone on the nightstand, and Carter’s text is waiting for me.

Carter: I’m home. I hope you don’t mind, but I used your keys. My bed felt too empty without you.

My heart races as I click on the picture below it. Carter is sprawled across my pink pastel bedspread, his head resting on the white pillow adorned with pink lilies. One arm is thrown over his head while he holds the phone with the other. Every muscle of his toned torso and chest makes my pulse pound. But my throat catches at the sight of Miss Sparkles snuggled at his side.

Carter: I’m allowing this girl to cuddle me only for tonight. Tomorrow, I want my girl.

My heart is buzzing like a bee, and I type a quick reply.

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