Page 97 of Forbidden Professor

Eve tries a shaky smile. "I know. It’s just... this place is so grand. I feel like I don’t belong."

I slow the car as the Morgan estate looms into view. Sunlight glints off the leaded windows and ivy stretches across one side of the main house.

As I pull the car to a stop, Eve sighs.

“I wish I had grown up in a house like this one.”

I chuckle at her and clasp her hand. "Ready?"

She takes a deep breath and nods.

"As ready as I’ll ever be."

We walk hand in hand to the entrance. I glance at Eve and think how she actually fits here. In the golden light she looks every bit the Morgan wife she will one day become.

"Are you okay?" I ask softly as we reach the door.

Eve nods and squeezes my hand. "I’m with you. I can do this."

Pride and love swell in my chest. Whatever happens, we’ll face it together.

Before I knock the door swings open. Aunt Margaret stands there and looks us over.

"Carter," she says. Her voice is warm. "Good to see you."

I step forward and hug her. "You too, Aunt Margaret. Thank you for having us."

I gesture to Eve. "Eve, you know my Aunt Margaret."

Eve steps forward and smiles politely. "It’s nice to see you again. Thank you for having us."

I feel Eve’s nervous energy but she holds herself with grace. Aunt Margaret’s gaze softens.

"Welcome, Eve. It’s a pleasure to see both of you. Come in."

We follow her into the living room. I place a hand on Eve’s back to offer silent support. The room is elegant. Mahogany panels gleam and Persian rugs muffle our steps.

Family portraits line the walls. Generations of Morgans watch us from the frames. I wonder what Eve thinks of them, these silent remnants of family history.

"Please have a seat," Aunt Margaret says as she gestures to two high-backed chairs.

We sit and I see Eve’s gaze wander over the room. She looks more than a little apprehensive. I see her gaze stick on yet more portraits that hang on the walls. The one she’s looking at is of Aunt Margaret’s family when she was a child. My great grandfather, great grandmother, and all of their children in Cold War-era outfits.

"Remember," I whisper. "You belong here just as much as anyone in those portraits."

A small smile appears on Eve’s face. “You would say that, wouldn’t you?”

“So. I can see that you two are together.” Aunt Margaret clears her throat and looks at us intently. "So what are your intentions with each other?"

Her question catches me off guard. I feel Eve tense beside me. Her hand trembles slightly but she steadies herself as I lean forward.

"We love each other," I say. I meet Aunt Margaret’s eyes. "Eve and I are committed to a future together. This isn’t just a fling. It’s a partnership based on respect, shared values, and love."

Eve’s grip tightens on my hand and fills me with warmth. I continue. "Eve isn’t just my girlfriend; she’s the woman I want to spend my life with."

Aunt Margaret’s face stays unreadable but her eyes soften slightly. She turns to Eve and raises an eyebrow.

Eve takes a deep breath.

---