Chapter 42
Chapter Forty-Two
Carter
As Eve’s fingers brush mine, I feel a surge of energy. We stand before the Morgan family estate, the massive oak doors looming ahead. My heart races, a mix of anticipation and dread. I let out a long-suffering sigh.
I just spotted Aiden’s SUV parked outside and now I’m gearing up for a nasty fight.
Eve kisses my hand. “Come on. It won’t be that bad. You and my brother need to make up eventually.”
“Yeah, yeah,” I mutter, letting her lead me inside.
I take a deep breath, bracing myself. Aiden’s disapproval is heavy, but I have to try for Eve and for us.
Once we get inside, laughter echoes from the living room. The sound feels warm, momentarily easing my tension. We follow the laughter to find Olivia on the carpet, holding a stuffed elephant over Maggie. Maggie squeals with joy.
"Look who’s here, Maggie!" Olivia says, smiling at us. "It’s Uncle Carter and Auntie Eve!"
The word "uncle" catches me off guard, reminding me of the family bonds I want to rebuild. Eve squeezes my hand, sensing my unease.
"May I?" Eve asks, nodding toward Maggie.
Olivia beams. "Of course! She loves her aunt.”
Eve kneels beside the baby, tickling her belly. Watching them, the world feels lighter, kinder. But just beyond this room, Aiden waits.
As Eve laughs with Maggie, I picture the future I want to fight for. Then, footsteps sound from the hallway, snapping me back. This is it. Time to face Aiden.
I catch Aunt Margaret’s eye. Her look is steady, encouraging. Eve squeezes my hand, giving me confidence.
"Carter," she whispers. "You’ve got this. Just be yourself."
She nudges me toward the parlor, her touch calming.
"Aiden," Aunt Margaret calls, her voice smooth. "Could you and Carter meet in the parlor?"
Like lamb to the slaughter, I enter the room, the scent of leather and old books filling the air. Aiden follows, his jaw set. The door clicks shut and I hear the lock turn.
Aiden’s eyes narrow, but I don’t wait. I dive in.
"Aiden, I know things have been tense," I say, voice steady. "But I want to find common ground."
"Common ground?" Aiden’s voice is cold.
I put a hand up. "We both care about Eve. That’s a good start."
Aiden crosses his arms. His stare is razor sharp.
"Care about Eve? What exactly are your intentions, Carter? If this is a fling?—"
"It’s not," I say, struggling to keep my voice calm. "Aiden, I understand your concerns. But this is real."
Aiden’s jaw tightens. "How can I trust that? How do I know you won’t hurt her?"
I gather myself to give my half-brother the truth he needs to hear.
"I love her. She inspires me. She makes me want to be better."
Aiden’s eyes narrow. I press on, each word genuine.
"I know you’re protective. I respect that. But I don’t want to take her away. I want to support her. I want to be part of her life."
He’s processing my words, struggling with his instincts. I hold his gaze, hoping he sees my sincerity.
"I can’t promise we’ll never have hard times. But I promise to treat her with respect and love. That’s who I am."
The room is tense as I step closer.
"Remember your past with Olivia? You told me that you struggled with your friend Grayson, because he’s Olivia’s older brother. Right?"
Aiden’s eyes narrow, and I sense he’s remembering. I press forward.
"You fought for her, didn’t you? Against everyone who didn’t understand. How is this any different?" My voice is pleading. "Eve and I didn’t choose this, but we can’t ignore it."
Aiden closes his eyes briefly. When he opens them, there’s a hint of something softer.
I wait, holding my breath as he runs a hand through his hair. His face shows the struggle between his need to protect and the truth in my words.
"Do you really love her?" Aiden’s voice is barely a whisper. "Not just a fling, but real love?"
I steady myself, meeting his gaze.
"I love her completely," I say. "She makes me better. I’d do anything for her, Aiden. I’d face this conversation a thousand times if it means being with her."
Aiden’s expression softens more and he sighs.
"I’m not thrilled," he admits, his tone wary. "But I guess I can’t stop you from being together. I’ll let it happen for Eve. But if you hurt her?—"
"I won’t," I say firmly. "I promise."
A tentative truce settles between us. We’re not friends, but we’ve made progress. I exhale, some of the tension lifting. We exchange a brief nod.
"I think we’re done here," I say, my voice thick.
Aiden nods, and we turn to the door. I knock, and the lock clicks open, fresh air sweeping in.
The door opens, and there she is. Eve’s eyes meet mine, filled with hope and worry. My heart swells at the sight of her.
"Carter," she says softly, her voice a balm.
I step forward. She wraps her arms around me. I hold her close, breathing her in, my heart slowing.
"It’s okay," I whisper, hands tracing gentle circles on her back. "We’re okay."
Eve pulls back, her eyes searching mine. Her relief is clear, her expression warm and grateful.
A quiet cough pulls us back, and I turn to see Margaret guiding my mother into the room. Her normally composed expression is soft, filled with concern.
"Carter," she says quietly. "I’ve been talking to Margaret. It seems that I... owe you an apology."
Eve’s hand slips into mine, steadying me. Mom steps closer, her face conflicted.
"I was wrong," she says, her voice gaining strength. "I thought I was protecting you, but I see now I was pushing you away."
"Mom. I understand. But you have to trust that I know my heart."
Mom nods, her eyes glistening. "The way you look at Eve... it reminds me of how your father looked at me."
The mention of Dad brings a pang to my heart. I squeeze Eve’s hand, drawing strength from her.
"I love you, Mom," I say, stepping forward to embrace her. "But Eve is part of my life now."
Mom relaxes in my arms. "I love you too," she murmurs. "And I’ll try. For you, I’ll try."
Pulling back, I meet her gaze with a small smile. "That’s all I ask. We’re family, and that means working through the hard stuff together."
Mom nods, a tentative smile in return. That’s good enough for me today.
“Well?” Aunt Margaret looks beyond pleased with herself. “Don’t just stand there. Come into the dining room and find your seats. I’m ready to eat!”
I take Eve’s hand as we filter down the hall, unable to keep a smile from my face.