Page 98 of Forbidden Professor

"Mrs. Morgan," she begins and then corrects herself. "Aunt Margaret. I know I don’t come from the same world as Carter. But I assure you that my feelings for him are real and deep."

I watch as Eve’s nerves fade. Her sincerity lights up her face. "Carter inspires me. He supports my dreams. Our relationship is as real as it gets."

Her words fill me with pride and adoration. This is why I fell in love with her. Her honesty. Her strength. Her ability to express herself.

"I understand the weight of the Morgan legacy," she says and glances at the portraits. "I may not have been born into it, but I promise to honor it. Carter and I want to create our own legacy."

As she speaks I see Aunt Margaret’s expression soften. The skepticism fades and is replaced by warmth. She leans back and looks thoughtful.

I hold my breath and hope Eve’s words reached her.

Aunt Margaret’s gaze moves between us. Silence stretches and Eve’s hand tightens in mine. Finally Margaret sighs and her shoulders relax.

"Well!" she says with a hint of warmth. "You both seem to have thought this through."

I exhale and relief floods me. "We have, Aunt Margaret. Eve means everything to me."

Margaret nods and her eyes crinkle. "I can see that Carter. And Eve. Your words are commendable. You clearly understand family."

Eve’s grip loosens and some of her tension fades. "Thank you, Mrs. Morgan. That means a lot."

Margaret stands and moves gracefully. "I think it’s time for something that’s been in our family for generations."

My heart skips. What does that mean?

Margaret opens a drawer and retrieves a small velvet box. When she turns to us her eyes flicker with pride.

"This," she says and opens the box. "Was your great grandmother’s engagement ring."

The ring rests in the velvet. Its platinum band gleams. A round diamond sits between two blue sapphires and delicate filigree decorates the band.

"It’s beautiful," Eve whispers.

I nod, momentarily speechless. That Aunt Margaret not only approves of Eve, but she’s giving me an engagement ring… That means more than I can say.

"Your great grandfather, my father, had this made for my mother," Margaret says. Her voice is tinged with memory. "The sapphires were from his mother’s necklace. He wanted to honor the past and future."

I clear my throat and my voice thickens with emotion. "I didn’t know you still had this, Aunt Margaret."

She looks at me, both stern and affectionate. "Of course I do, Carter. Some things are meant to be passed down."

With trembling hands I take the ring, feeling its significance. I look at Eve and see her eyes shining with tears.

"Eve," I say softly. "This ring is in our future. I don’t want to use it now. But I want you to know that I have it."

"Yes," she whispers and then cuts me off with a laugh. "I’ll say yes when the time comes for you to ask."

I kiss her and slip the ring into its box. Aunt Margaret dabs at her eyes and looks moved by the moment.

"There’s one more thing," she says. Her voice is steady despite her tears. She reaches for a checkbook. "Every Morgan deserves a proper start."

I furrow my brow as she writes. "Aunt Margaret you don’t have to?—"

She holds up a hand and tears out the check. "Consider this a down payment on your future home. You need a place of your own."

Eve gasps and clutches my hand. "Mrs. Morgan we can’t?—"

"You can and you will," Margaret insists. She presses the check into Eve’s hand. "And please call me Aunt Margaret. We’re family now."

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