Page 19 of A Forever Love
“Welcome home, kiddo. Everyone missed you a lot,” he says, setting a sparkly pink envelope in my hand, a tradition he’s upheld throughout the years, be it birthdays or holidays.
Over time, my fascination shifted from the money within the colorful paper to the quote it held inside. “You actually purchased this yourself?” I playfully wave the envelope in the air.
“Absolutely. I wouldn’t entrust such an important task to just anyone. Some things demand you to roll up your sleeves.”
A soft laugh escapes me. “I can’t quite picture you scouring the market for stationery or visiting gift shops.”
“Your imagination is bang on, kiddo.” He grimaces before showing that secure smile again. “I bring the market to me.”
“Online shopping?” I raise an eyebrow.
He shakes his head. “Nah, I summon the finest stationery shop owners to come and meet me with their inventory.”
“I can totally see you pulling that off!” I giggle. “Summoning shop owners must come in handy for impressing Birdie.”
His ears turn a faint shade of pink, a first for me, before he mumbles, “You have no idea, kiddo.”
“I’m so glad to see you like this, Uncle Connor. You deserve to be happy. And thanks again for the book money.” With a quick motion, I open the envelope to read the quote.
Sometimes life is about risking everything for a dream only you can see.
“You deserve happiness more than anyone else here, Mere. I don’t want you trading it for another person’s sake anymore—not for your dad, Clementine, or your best friend.”
His words make my heart race. Does he know? No, that’s impossible.
Before I spiral into panic, he gently pats my hand. “I’m a bit more perceptive than the other—what do you girls call us, Kingsmen? It’s time to prioritize your own life, Merida.”
I’m still grappling with confusion over the intent behind his words when he shifts his chair toward the back door.
“Come on, let’s check out what your dad and the others are whipping up.” Uncle Connor winks, diverting my thoughts as I follow him into the beautiful backyard, a space my dad meticulously tends to with the same devotion he reserves for his family.
I wait as Uncle Connor rolls down the ramp, a feature his friends installed in all the houses on campus.
“There’s my favorite niece.” Lukas Spencer strides over, slinging his arm around my shoulder and pulling me into a side hug.
“You’re looking quite sharp today, Uncle Luke.” I grin, spotting his well-worn Eric Clapton T-shirt, a gift from me over five years ago for his birthday. The faded fabric carries the memory of times he and I used to drive in his car listening to blues. The autumn leaf tattoo—his declaration of love for his wife—peeks out from beneath the frayed sleeve.
My heart swells, recalling how I used to wish Uncle Lukas would find someone special. He had never shown even a slight interest in any girl, and then suddenly, we discovered he was not only in a relationship but freaking married to a woman more than a decade younger than him. That day was crazy! Also because it was the same day he took a bullet to protect me. The memory floods over me, gratitude surging as I press my face against his chest.
“Have I not always looked dashing, Merry Belle?”
“Uncle Luke! You know I don’t like that nickname. Not when I was a kid, and certainly not now as an adult.” I give him a playful shove, my chest tight with nostalgia for my cherished childhood memories.
“You’ll never be a grown-up to us, Merry Belle.” Uncle Gavin strolls over. Unlike his friends, who still follow their military grooming habits, his shoulder-length hair is tied into a man bun, and his arms exhibit a tapestry of tattoos. “You’re the same kid who used to dart around with dolls, insisting we play with you even in the midst of our most dangerous operations.”
“I was a kid back then. How can you mock me for that now? Is this even my welcome home party? You’re not supposed to bring up my most cringe-worthy memories. I might just ignore you forever.”
“That didn’t even make your top five embarrassing moments, Mere. More like the sixth or seventh, right, Lukas?” Gavin King grins.
“Absolutely. Her second most embarrassing moment might have been when we were all drinking beer and she threw a tantrum demanding a sip.”
“Oh my God! You guys are insane. I was such a well-behaved child, and now you’re sharing stories like I was some spoiled brat.”
“You were the best kid. Don’t pay attention to these jokers.” Dad abandons the grill to guide me to the chairs by the drink table.
Normally, I wouldn’t poke my uncles, but it’s been so long, and they all seem to be in a playful mood. I snatch a beer bottle and mentally pat myself on the back as I pop the cap off on the first try using the solid table edge.
Bless you, Brandon, for teaching me this trick.