Page 15 of A Forever Love
I loop my arm around his neck. “Cherrywood.” I smile, and as expected some of the frown lines disappear from his forehead. “It’s only a few hours away, Daddy,” I add, possibly what he’s already thinking.
“Where in Cherrywood?”
“At Elixir Inc. Kristy was at my college career fair, and she told me about this fantastic internship program they’re organizing for the next six months. They’ll be bringing in top professionals from the tech industry to train us.”
“That sounds interesting, kiddo.” A small smile finally touches his lips, but then he asks carefully, “What happens after six months?”
“I don’t know. Maybe I’ll be back and work with you at Kings Security.” A knot forms in my stomach, twisting and churning with every passing moment at the thought of being in the same room as Carter. Not the man I’ve spent four years forgetting, but this new man he’s become, who has a presence bigger than anyone and a vulnerability that makes me weak in my knees.
Before my dad can get suspicious, I add, “Or maybe I’ll continue at Elixir, or even find some wonderful opportunity elsewhere. I don’t know right now.”
Dad lifts his head to glance at Clem, who’s beaming as always, and when she nods, he takes both of my hands in his. “I’m incredibly proud of you, Mere. I don’t know how you turned out so perfectly despite—” He stops himself, and Clem’s eyes glimmer like mine, as if we’re all thinking about how far we’ve come. “Elixir Inc. will be lucky to have an intern like you. And I’ll sleep better knowing you’re among familiar faces.”
After he kisses my forehead and leans back, Clem envelops me in a tight hug, squeezing the life out of me. “I’m so happy for you, Mere. I’ll call home to make sure everything is set for you at the Hawthorne estate. I’ll ask—”
“Not you too!” I pull away from her. “I’m not going to stay at your mom’s estate, no matter how palatial it might be. Thank you so much, but I’m going to find my own place.” Dad and Clem are about to protest when I hold up my hand. “You can help me with the apartment hunt. But that’s it. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to eat this amazing breakfast. I need all the energy to break this news to Uncle Gavin.”
Dad bursts into laughter at last. “Good luck with that, kiddo. All his future dreams were pinned on you taking over his position. You’ll get to witness the grumpiest version of Gavin King.”
“Uncle Gavin cares about me too much to be upset. I’m sure he’ll support whatever choice I make.” Despite my confident words, my hands tremble as I pick up my fork.
* * *
The confidence I’ve been carrying since morning falters as I lift the heavy brass lion’s head door knocker. The box of cookies in my hand feels heavy as I stand outside Gavin and Minnie King’s house. It takes a moment before the door swings open, revealing Uncle Gavin with his shoulder-length hair tied back in a man bun, a few natural silver streaks replacing his once blond highlights.
“Mere? What brings you here, kiddo?” His gaze shifts from my face to the surroundings, conducting a quick scan, a habit I’ve observed my dad perform countless times. Perhaps, a necessary trait for an elite bodyguard.
“I just wanted to see my favorite uncle. Is it a good time?”
“There’s no bad time for you. Come on in.”
Walking through his house, I notice the stark contrast from his old bachelor pad. The thick black curtains that used to shroud his rooms because of his insomnia have been replaced by tall windows inviting natural light and fresh air. Uncle Gavin guides me to the back, where his daughter, Adrianna, sits at a piano, perched on a high chair. Watching her, I’m reminded once more of how much everything has changed over the years.
I’m grateful Dad and Clem made the effort to visit me every six months with the twins. They ensured I never missed a Christmas, even after I made it clear I wouldn’t be returning to St. Peppers. For the next four years, we gathered at my dad’s childhood home and visited the grandparents for the holidays. After my first panic attack at the mention of St. Peppers, my parents never pressed me for the reason behind my reluctance to come home.
But was it all worth it?
If meeting with Carter is any proof, nothing has changed.
He has changed, but you’re still hung up on his words from years back.
“Hey, Mere. What’s this?” Uncle Gavin gently touches my shoulder, and I realize a lone tear has escaped my eye. I quickly brush it away with the back of my hand.
“I’m sorry. I just missed you all so much.”
His lips quirk up, an affectionate smile taking over his handsome face as he tugs me closer. “And we missed you too. It’s so good to finally have you back, kiddo.”
Pressed against his side, I feel like the same six-year-old who would ask him for piggyback rides. “It feels good to be back. God, Adrianna has grown up so much. I remember the day she was born. You were such a basket case.” I chuckle, wiping away the last traces of moisture from my cheek.
“I still am when it comes to her and her mom.” He lifts Adrianna from her chair, and we three settle on the couch in the corner. “That’s why I’m looking forward to you taking over my position.”
“Um…” Guilt slithers like wind through a tunnel in my chest. “I was hoping you’d give me some more time, Uncle Vin.”
“Time? I don’t understand.”
I explain the internship offer, and his next words take me by surprise.
“I’m so fucking proud of you, Mere. And so freaking happy for you!”