Chapter 40
Chapter Forty
Carter
I grip the steering wheel tighter as we drive down the gravel driveway. Ancient oaks cast shadows across the windshield. Eve fidgets beside me and twists her fingers in her lap. She glances at me with wide and anxious eyes.
"Hey" I say. I reach over to squeeze her hand. "It’s going to be fine. Aunt Margaret may seem intimidating but she has a good heart."
Eve tries a shaky smile. "I know. It’s just... this place is so grand. I feel like I don’t belong."
I slow the car as the Morgan estate looms into view. Sunlight glints off the leaded windows and ivy stretches across one side of the main house.
As I pull the car to a stop, Eve sighs.
“I wish I had grown up in a house like this one.”
I chuckle at her and clasp her hand. "Ready?"
She takes a deep breath and nods.
"As ready as I’ll ever be."
We walk hand in hand to the entrance. I glance at Eve and think how she actually fits here. In the golden light she looks every bit the Morgan wife she will one day become.
"Are you okay?" I ask softly as we reach the door.
Eve nods and squeezes my hand. "I’m with you. I can do this."
Pride and love swell in my chest. Whatever happens, we’ll face it together.
Before I knock the door swings open. Aunt Margaret stands there and looks us over.
"Carter," she says. Her voice is warm. "Good to see you."
I step forward and hug her. "You too, Aunt Margaret. Thank you for having us."
I gesture to Eve. "Eve, you know my Aunt Margaret."
Eve steps forward and smiles politely. "It’s nice to see you again. Thank you for having us."
I feel Eve’s nervous energy but she holds herself with grace. Aunt Margaret’s gaze softens.
"Welcome, Eve. It’s a pleasure to see both of you. Come in."
We follow her into the living room. I place a hand on Eve’s back to offer silent support. The room is elegant. Mahogany panels gleam and Persian rugs muffle our steps.
Family portraits line the walls. Generations of Morgans watch us from the frames. I wonder what Eve thinks of them, these silent remnants of family history.
"Please have a seat," Aunt Margaret says as she gestures to two high-backed chairs.
We sit and I see Eve’s gaze wander over the room. She looks more than a little apprehensive. I see her gaze stick on yet more portraits that hang on the walls. The one she’s looking at is of Aunt Margaret’s family when she was a child. My great grandfather, great grandmother, and all of their children in Cold War-era outfits.
"Remember," I whisper. "You belong here just as much as anyone in those portraits."
A small smile appears on Eve’s face. “You would say that, wouldn’t you?”
“So. I can see that you two are together.” Aunt Margaret clears her throat and looks at us intently. "So what are your intentions with each other?"
Her question catches me off guard. I feel Eve tense beside me. Her hand trembles slightly but she steadies herself as I lean forward.
"We love each other," I say. I meet Aunt Margaret’s eyes. "Eve and I are committed to a future together. This isn’t just a fling. It’s a partnership based on respect, shared values, and love."
Eve’s grip tightens on my hand and fills me with warmth. I continue. "Eve isn’t just my girlfriend; she’s the woman I want to spend my life with."
Aunt Margaret’s face stays unreadable but her eyes soften slightly. She turns to Eve and raises an eyebrow.
Eve takes a deep breath.
"Mrs. Morgan," she begins and then corrects herself. "Aunt Margaret. I know I don’t come from the same world as Carter. But I assure you that my feelings for him are real and deep."
I watch as Eve’s nerves fade. Her sincerity lights up her face. "Carter inspires me. He supports my dreams. Our relationship is as real as it gets."
Her words fill me with pride and adoration. This is why I fell in love with her. Her honesty. Her strength. Her ability to express herself.
"I understand the weight of the Morgan legacy," she says and glances at the portraits. "I may not have been born into it, but I promise to honor it. Carter and I want to create our own legacy."
As she speaks I see Aunt Margaret’s expression soften. The skepticism fades and is replaced by warmth. She leans back and looks thoughtful.
I hold my breath and hope Eve’s words reached her.
Aunt Margaret’s gaze moves between us. Silence stretches and Eve’s hand tightens in mine. Finally Margaret sighs and her shoulders relax.
"Well!" she says with a hint of warmth. "You both seem to have thought this through."
I exhale and relief floods me. "We have, Aunt Margaret. Eve means everything to me."
Margaret nods and her eyes crinkle. "I can see that Carter. And Eve. Your words are commendable. You clearly understand family."
Eve’s grip loosens and some of her tension fades. "Thank you, Mrs. Morgan. That means a lot."
Margaret stands and moves gracefully. "I think it’s time for something that’s been in our family for generations."
My heart skips. What does that mean?
Margaret opens a drawer and retrieves a small velvet box. When she turns to us her eyes flicker with pride.
"This," she says and opens the box. "Was your great grandmother’s engagement ring."
The ring rests in the velvet. Its platinum band gleams. A round diamond sits between two blue sapphires and delicate filigree decorates the band.
"It’s beautiful," Eve whispers.
I nod, momentarily speechless. That Aunt Margaret not only approves of Eve, but she’s giving me an engagement ring… That means more than I can say.
"Your great grandfather, my father, had this made for my mother," Margaret says. Her voice is tinged with memory. "The sapphires were from his mother’s necklace. He wanted to honor the past and future."
I clear my throat and my voice thickens with emotion. "I didn’t know you still had this, Aunt Margaret."
She looks at me, both stern and affectionate. "Of course I do, Carter. Some things are meant to be passed down."
With trembling hands I take the ring, feeling its significance. I look at Eve and see her eyes shining with tears.
"Eve," I say softly. "This ring is in our future. I don’t want to use it now. But I want you to know that I have it."
"Yes," she whispers and then cuts me off with a laugh. "I’ll say yes when the time comes for you to ask."
I kiss her and slip the ring into its box. Aunt Margaret dabs at her eyes and looks moved by the moment.
"There’s one more thing," she says. Her voice is steady despite her tears. She reaches for a checkbook. "Every Morgan deserves a proper start."
I furrow my brow as she writes. "Aunt Margaret you don’t have to?—"
She holds up a hand and tears out the check. "Consider this a down payment on your future home. You need a place of your own."
Eve gasps and clutches my hand. "Mrs. Morgan we can’t?—"
"You can and you will," Margaret insists. She presses the check into Eve’s hand. "And please call me Aunt Margaret. We’re family now."
Eve’s eyes widen as she takes in the amount. "Thank you, Aunt Margaret. This is overwhelming."
As Eve expresses her gratitude I realize this is more than support. It’s Aunt Margaret’s way of welcoming Eve.
I squeeze Eve’s hand and my heart feels full. "Aunt Margaret, we’ll make you proud."
“I have no doubt about that.” She smiles at us.
Kissing Eve on the cheek, I can hardly contain my excitement.