Page 21 of A Forever Love
“What an incredible day,” I murmur, my throat tightening as I take in the sea of radiant smiles.
“I figured you’d want something for your new place,” Minnie explains. “A way to keep us all close.”
“Thank you, Minnie. This is the perfect gift.”
“Uh-huh.” Birdie clears her throat, sparking a shared chuckle amid the emotions. “Just wait until you see what I’ve got for you, babe.” Her eyes shimmer as she sets a delicate pouch onto my lap.
Curiosity strums in my fingers as I loosen the knot. I caress the softest fabric imaginable, a tactile pleasure like no other. It’s the first thing I notice as I unveil my gift, closely followed by a startling realization that the scrap is over almost as soon as it started.
“Holy crap, Birdie! What on earth is this?” Autumn blurts out the question that’s on the tip of my tongue. Birdie plucks the delicate blue one-piece from my hand and lays it out on the bed.
“Girls, this right here is one of the sexiest pieces of lingerie known to humanity. Now that you’re twenty-one, I thought it was time for a gift like this.” She winks, and my eyes remain wide with surprise.
“But how is this going to hold anything? Or hide, for that matter,” I whisper, my fingers tracing the delicate straps and see-through material I assume is meant to cover my boobs.
“Where on earth did you find this, Birdie?” Autumn’s voice falters.
“Don’t tell me you’re thinking of buying one,” Clem murmurs.
“I most certainly am. Lukas won’t know what hit him.”
“And that’s exactly why I got one. Connor has a thing for lingerie, but I think my fiancé’s confidence took a hit when he saw me in this.”
I interject before Birdie can conjure any image that even magic erasers or brainwash therapy couldn’t erase. “Ladies! We’re discussing my uncles and dad here. Please.” I cover my ears with my hands, but my gaze won’t let go of the soft silk.
“It’s a good thing you didn’t gift it to Mere in front of the guys. They’d all have had a heart attack by now.” Minnie’s hand flutters to her cheeks.
“I’m not that crazy. If Connor found out I gave this to Mere, he’d probably have a fit.” Birdie chuckles.
“But where do you think I’m going to wear this?” I whisper, heat continuing to spread across my cheeks.
“Oh, come on, don’t tell me you haven’t met a guy who’s left you breathless.” Birdie raises an eyebrow, and my eyes shift to Clem, wondering if our conversation about Carter is still fresh in her mind.
“But if not, don’t rush it, Mere.” Minnie’s hand gently rests on mine. “Love often comes when we least expect it. Look at all of us. We’re living proof of waiting and finding love in unexpected situations.”
I can’t help but marvel at how someone as tender and mild as her could fall for someone as fiery and impulsive as Uncle Gavin. Opposites truly attract.
“True, but I don’t believe that applies to Autumn,” Birdie remarks, barely able to hide her grin. “She didn’t have to wait or stumble into an unforeseen circumstance to find love. We all know she and Lukas were practically engaged before she was born.”
“I had an arranged marriage, and I fell deeply in love with my husband!” Autumn shakes her head. “My love story is beautiful. When will you acknowledge that? Besides, not everyone can get naked in front of a roomful of people to catch a guy’s attention.”
“Mere,” Birdie quips. “What sounds more interesting to you—sitting naked the whole night before him on a dare or him fucking you into oblivion while rain soaks you both?”
I shut my eyes briefly, though curiosity wins in the end, and I ask, “Did you really sit naked the whole night before Uncle Connor, Birdie?” My mouth goes dry, and I immediately thrust my hands forward. “Hold on, don’t say it. I’ll never be able to handle seeing you two together again.”
“Let’s just move on to the next present. Thanks a bunch, Birdie.” I quickly roll the lingerie and toss it back into the pouch. “Even though I’m clueless about where I’d even put this on.”
“Alright, my turn.” Autumn slips a meticulously wrapped gift into my hands. As an inn owner and a hospitality pro, her presents always hit the mark.
I unwrap the box to find an array of neatly folded colorful papers. Puzzled, I glance up at her and she explains.
“This beautiful tradition comes from my great-grandmother. Whenever we host a wedding at the inn, we gather friends and family to pen well-wishes for the new couple’s journey ahead. I know it’s not your wedding, but you’re stepping into a new chapter. I’ve collected wishes from everyone for you. When you miss us, read these notes. They’ll bring home closer to you. It might not be the typical ‘welcome home’ gift, but consider it a bundle of best wishes for everything, sweetheart.”
“Thank you, Autumn. It’s absolutely perfect.” I hug her tightly and then grab one of the pastel wish notes.
I promise to be here for you forever, mittens.
“What is it?” Clem asks, yanking me back from the edge before darkness claws at me.