Chapter 44
Eve
Two and a Half Years Later
Alki Beach is peaceful and calm as Carter and I walk hand in hand along the pristine sand in the early evening in September. Carter and I have gotten into the habit of coming here as often as we can. We usually get up before dawn, pack a thermos of coffee and arrive right as the sun is rising, throwing its stunning pink and purple hues across the expansive sky over Puget Sound.
My heart races as Carter and I walk toward our families gathered on Alki Beach. His hand in mine is my lifeline. The salty breeze lifts my hair, filling me with excitement. I scan the familiar faces. Aiden’s intense stare. Olivia’s round belly. Little Maggie holding her mom’s hand. My dad’s stern expression. Despite it all, a spark of anticipation flickers between Carter and me.
“Ready?” Carter murmurs, squeezing my hand.
I nod, unable to speak. This is it. We’re finally sharing our secret.
As we reach the group, Carter clears his throat. “We have an announcement,” he says, his voice wavering. “Eve and I are getting married. Today. Right now.”
Gasps ripple through the crowd. Shock blooms on their faces. Eyes widen, and jaws drop. My dad frowns deeply. My stomach twists.
Then Aiden lets out a whoop. “It’s about time!” He pulls me into a tight hug. His embrace loosens the knot in my chest.
Olivia laughs and waddles over, arms open. “Oh, sweetie! This is wonderful!”
The tension breaks. Our families surround us, congratulating us and teasing us for keeping it a secret. Even Sandrene, Carter’s usually reserved mother, has tears in her eyes as she hugs her son.
“I can’t believe you kept this quiet,” Olivia teases, eyeing my simple white sundress. “You sneaky lovebirds!”
I catch My dad’s gaze through the crowd. His expression remains tight, but there’s a flicker of something softer before he turns away. Guilt rises in me, but I push it aside. I focus on Carter’s joy as he shakes hands with Greyson.The waves lap gently as we walk to the altar. Wildflowers decorate the driftwood arch, their colors vibrant in the evening light. I inhale deeply, filling my lungs with the scent of sea and flowers.
Carter squeezes my hand as we face each other. His warm brown eyes lock onto mine. Love fills them, deep and unwavering. The setting sun casts a soft glow on his face. I’ve never seen him look more handsome.
“Eve,” he says softly. “Since we met, you’ve challenged me. You inspire me every day.”
My heart feels like it might burst. I open my mouth to say my vows, but my voice trembles. “Carter, I…” I take a breath and try again.
“It’s okay,” he whispers, smiling.
I steady myself. “Carter, you’ve shown me what partnership truly means. With you, I found the strength to be myself.” My voice grows stronger. “I promise to support you, to stand by you, to believe in your dreams just as you believe in mine.”
As I speak, I see emotions flicker across Carter’s face. Love. Pride. The shimmer of unshed tears
The officiant’s voice rings out. “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Carter cups my face, his touch warm and gentle. His lips meet mine, and everything else fades. His kiss is soft, full of promise. I melt into him, savoring every second.
When we pull back, breathless and grinning, the beach erupts in cheers. Aiden’s voice booms above the rest. Even My dad claps, and for once, he looks genuinely happy. My heart soars.
“Ready to face the world, Mrs. Morgan?” Carter whispers, his forehead resting against mine.
I laugh, feeling light and free. “Lead the way, Mr. Morgan.”
Hand in hand, we walk down the sandy aisle. Flower petals fall around us as the sun sets, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange. It feels like a dream.
Soon, we’re piling into cars, excitement thick as we head to the restaurant. The scent of spices and sizzling meat greets us. Papel picado banners crisscross the ceiling, and fairy lights cast a warm glow over everything.
“This is perfect,” I murmur to Carter, taking it all in.
He squeezes my hand. “You’re perfect,” he says, eyes twinkling. “Though I have to admit, I’m starving. Think they have those fish tacos you love?”
I laugh, realizing I’m hungry too. “I hope so. Let’s find out.”
We sit at a long table, surrounded by the chatter of our loved ones. Carter’s hand finds mine under the table, and I feel a wave of calm wash over me.
“So, little sister,” Aiden calls from across the table, a glint in his eye. “How does it feel to finally make an honest man out of Carter?”
I roll my eyes. “I’d say he’s the one who made an honest woman out of me. You know how devious I can be.”
Laughter erupts around the table. Carter leans close, his breath warm against my ear. “Devious, huh? I’ll have to keep an eye on you.”
“You’d better,” I tease, my heart skipping at his closeness.
The waiter arrives with steaming plates of fajitas and bowls of guacamole. Conversation flows freely, laughter and clinking glasses filling the room.
I glance at my dad, expecting his usual stern look. But to my surprise, he’s watching us with a soft expression. Our eyes meet, and he raises his glass.
“Eve. Carter,” he begins, his voice gruff yet emotional. “I haven’t always been the most supportive father.” The table goes silent, and I hold my breath. “But seeing you two today… it’s clear I was wrong.”
My eyes widen. Is this really happening?
Dad continues, “I want you both to have the best start possible. That’s why I’m giving you a property on Lake Washington.”
I gasp, hand flying to my mouth. That’s a very exclusive, expensive area. We’re talking Bill Gates kind of money.
“Dad, we can’t accept that,” I stammer, overwhelmed.
Dad’s face softens. “You can, and you will. You both deserve this.”
Tears prick my eyes, and I nod, unable to speak. Carter squeezes my hand, his expression full of gratitude. “We’re truly grateful.”
The table erupts in excited chatter. I meet Dad’s gaze again. For the first time in years, I see a glimpse of the father I used to know. I offer him a smile, hoping he sees how happy I am.
Mom would have wanted this for me.
Carter’s Aunt Margaret slides into the seat next to me. Her eyes shine with warmth, and she takes my hand.
“Eve,” she says, her voice thick with emotion. “I’m thrilled to welcome you to our family. Officially, that is.”
I feel a lump in my throat. “Thank you, Aunt Margaret. That means a lot.”
She smiles. “You bring out the best in Carter. He lights up around you. It’s wonderful to see.”
I glance at Carter, catching his eye. He smiles, relief and happiness etched in every line.
“We’re so proud of you both,” Aunt Margaret continues. “Your dedication, your compassion… you’ll make an incredible doctor, Eve.”
I blink back tears, touched. “Thank you. I promise to always take care of him.”
Margaret’s eyes crinkle with amusement. “Oh, I have no doubt.”
Carter catches my eye and nods toward the door. I excuse myself, following him outside. The cool evening air is refreshing. Carter pulls me close, resting his forehead against mine.
“Can you believe today?” he murmurs.
I laugh softly. “I’m still processing. Your new job, my studies, and now… we’re married. And we have a mansion, apparently.”
Carter grins. “Speaking of my job, did I mention we’re working on an AI that can diagnose cancer earlier? It’s going to save lives.”
“That’s amazing,” I say, impressed. “Almost as amazing as you.”
Laughter and music drift from inside. Carter’s face softens.
“I love you, Eve Morgan,” he says. “I’ll always love you.”
Emotion wells up inside me. “I love you too, Carter.”
His lips find mine. As I grin and kiss him back, I feel like the future is clear for the first time. Two hearts, beating endlessly under the drizzly Seattle sky.
* * *
Thank you so much for being a part of Carter and Eve’s romance!