Page 69 of A Bossy Roommate

“And the cherry on top? You’ve got me in the mix now. We are your family now. Now and forever. Right, Carter?”

“Right. Cheesecake, anyone?” I ask, gesturing to the plate I’ve placed in the center of the table.

“Cheesecake is my favorite,” Eden points out as Auntie is clapping. “I can’t wait to try New York-style cheesecake.”

“Oh, it’s the only way to have cheesecake,” my aunt insists. “So many people change the flavor or put fruits and things on top. Utter nonsense if you ask me, and a waste of ingredients. Plain is the best.”

I serve Eden her slice first, as per my aunt’s gestured request. “You’re in for a real treat.” I turn to my aunt. “Auntie, how big a slice?”

“Lay it on me! There’s always room for cheesecake.”

The conversation becomes much lighter. I can tell that Aunt Eleanor adores Eden. The way she starts fussing over her and trying to make her laugh makes me smile. Deep down, I feel bad because of the deception. She has already accepted Eden into the family. The two are getting along like two peas in a pod—even more of a reason to make sure Eleanor doesn’t find out the wedding was a sham.

It’slate by the time we finish eating and talking. Aunt Eleanor looks exhausted, and her eyes start to droop as Eden clears away the dessert.

“Come on, Auntie,” I say, getting to my feet. “You’ve had a long day, and you need to get some sleep. Tomorrow is going to be equally as long.”

She doesn’t argue. Instead, she nods and extends her hand toward me. “Sleep sounds lovely. Help me up.”

I help her out of her seat, and she shuffles over to give Eden a tight hug. “I enjoyed getting to know you today. Cannot wait to spend more time with you tomorrow.”

“Likewise, Auntie.”

She gives Eden a kiss on each cheek, and in her fatigue, she skips her customary three-kiss routine and obligatory French linguistic flair, before reaching for me. I slide my arm around her waist and hold her hand as I lead her down the hall to the guest suite. She has unpacked a couple of her bags already, and the bed is neatly made, even though she had laid down in it earlier.

“You know, I don’t notice my age until the end of the day,” she says. “There’s a certain point where these old bones and joints hurt.”

“I’m sure you’ll feel better in the morning. We’ll take it easy tomorrow.”

She smiles at me. “I am so happy for you.” She reaches up to squeeze my cheeks. “Eden is a wonderful woman. You make sure you take good care of her, you hear me? You love her back with all your might and never make her sad.”

“I promise, I will try my best.”

“Good, you do that.”

I place a kiss on her forehead. “Eden is a tough woman. She can handle herself. Just like someone else I know.”

“A tough woman still needs a shoulder from time to time. Good night, Cartie.”

I wish her goodnight, and she quietly closes her door.

20

CARTER

Eden is sitting at the kitchen table with a steaming mug when I find her, not noticing me at first. It’s like she’s focused on something far away. The usual bright smile she always wears is nowhere to be found.

When I step closer, she looks up at me and the smile returns. “She certainly is something.”

“She’s a pistol. Always has been.” I take the seat next to Eden. Softly, I brush a strand of brown hair from her face. “You didn’t have to get so personal, you know. I never expected you to share private stuff about your past.” I can tell that it pains her to be reminded and I want to kick myself.

“I know, but I wanted to. Your aunt seems to value the truth, and I wanted to give her a legit reason why we didn’t invite anyone to the wedding.”

“If you really got married, would you not invite anybody? Not even your sister?”

She fiddles with the coffee mug for a minute before taking a sip. “Right now? I don’t know. Maybe I would. Maybe I wouldn’t. My sister didn’t like him—and that’s an understatement. She even warned me. I should’ve listened.”

“I’m sorry about what happened. Care to discuss it further?” I offer, bringing her into a hug, and for a moment, she rests her head against my chest. Her hands cling to my shoulders before quickly pulling back.