Page 129 of A Forever Love
“I’m not surprised. You always had a way with kids.”
I swallow the lump in my throat, but before my mind can run a mile a minute deciphering the intent behind what he said, Keith adds, “I didn’t mean it in any other way. You have a knack for understanding people and their feelings. That’s why you make a good CEO, and this year’s award says the same.” He gestures toward the Best CEO Award, which I received last week and now sits on the side dresser.
Guilt grips my stomach, settling like poorly digested food every time I see the trophy. “I took Mere to the gala with me. I believe this award is more because of her than my own abilities.”
“I see.” He settles onto the couch, his impassive face giving nothing away. “She’s moving to Cherrywood and joining Elixir Inc.”
I hum a yes. Mere told me a few weeks back that she likes her job at Elixir and would love to continue. So next week when I return to St. Peppers, she’ll move back to Cherrywood.
“I was cleaning the cellar when I found something last week.” He swiftly changes the topic and takes a manila envelope from the inside of his leather jacket, placing it on the glass table. He then reveals its contents, and I immediately recognize the polaroid shots taken from the camera I gave to Mere on one of her birthdays. Keith arranges them on the table one by one, reading the dates on the white frames. “You celebrated all her birthdays, attended all her school plays, and most importantly, you were always there with her, sometimes even filing in for me without request.” He rakes a hand through his hair. “I’m not surprised she fell in love with you, Carter.”
My heart seizes in my chest. Keith is here, not screaming or slamming my head against wooden surfaces, but calmly discussing Merida and me.
“I swear, Keith, I’ve always treated her with love and respect. I never—”
“I know. I never doubted that, Carter. I apologize for saying all those awful things. I was not only disrespectful to you but also to Mere.” He leans back, his head resting against the couch headrest, staring up at the ceiling. “I made so many mistakes while she was growing up that I’m terrified of doing anything wrong with her.”
He’s a man filled with love and guilt for Merida, much like me. Yet, for a moment, I ignore my own anxieties.
“You’re selling yourself short. She’s your daughter. She grew up with you, in your house. Her being such an incredible person speaks volumes about the upbringing you provided.”
“I don’t know how much credit I can take for that either. There were many people Merida looked up to growing up, including you.” Regret clouds his eyes, settling like a heavy shroud between us.
“I’ve always been her friend. I know others, and maybe even you, saw me as a guardian or mentor at times, but in reality, that’s not true. I’ve only tried to be her friend, someone she can talk to. I saw a lot of myself in her, and I didn’t want her to be…lonely.”
He sits straight and looks me in the eye. “She has already seen too much heartbreak for this lifetime.”
“I’m with you on that.” My elbows rest on my thighs as I lean in and ask, “What can I do to convince you that I’ll be there not just for her but also for her happiness, Keith? Tell me. I’ll do anything.” I don’t mind the desperation in my voice.
“Just what any man can do. Promise me you’ll keep my daughter happy and safe, Carter.” His words carry a vulnerable tone, as if he too doesn’t mind exposing his emotions today.
“I promise you, Keith. I won’t let anything happen to her. I’ll stand between her and any threat with everything I’ve got. Her happiness will always be above mine, now and forever. She’ll have my heart, my soul, my breath. She’s more important than life.” I pause, catching my breath.
“Have you been rehearsing this speech?” Keith raises an eyebrow, and I interpret the small curl of his lips as a positive sign. “I just wanted a promise, Carter. You didn’t have to throw out all those vows like it’s a proposal.”
“What if it is?” I ask slowly, and his expression freezes.
“What do you mean?” His voice drops dangerously low.
“What if it is a proposal? A request for Mere’s hand in marriage.”
He’s stunned for a moment before he lets out a bark of laughter. “You demanding little jerk—”
“I love your daughter, Keith, and I want to marry her. Before I ask her officially, I would like to have your permission.” I rise from my chair as my legs start to shake. “I don’t plan on being this freaking nervous a second time in my life. So, now you know what I want—what Mere and I both want.”
“Have you already proposed to her? No, don’t tell me.” Keith wipes his hand over his face. “And as for the nervousness, wait until you have daughters of your own. Sitting on this side of the table is more nerve-racking.” He then shakes his head. “Fuck! That would make me a grandfather.”
I chuckle, my chest feeling lighter for the first time in months. “I haven’t thought that far ahead, I swear. I just don’t want her to think, now or ever, that there’s anyone else except her for me.”
Before Keith can reply, a thud sounds from outside, as if somebody just closed my main door. We both go into high alert. Keith’s hand goes to his ankle holster while I grab the baseball bat before checking through the peephole. The lobby is empty, but immediately, the door of the opposite apartment shuts.
“There’s someone in Mere’s apartment.” My voice is low and my grip tightens on the bat.
But unlike me, Keith relaxes, securing his gun back in place. “I know who that is.” He crosses the lobby and knocks on the door. “Clem, I know it’s you. You promised you’d wait in the car.” He lets out an exasperated sigh before meeting my gaze.
The door is finally pulled open, and Clementine walks out, dangling my extra key—the one I gave to Mere—between her fingers. “I just wanted to record what was such a special moment,” she says, waving her phone between us.
“You recorded our conversation?” I ask in stunned surprise. When she slowly nods, I follow up, “Have you already sent it to Mere?”