With (NO) love, Tyler-Jane Roberts

"You love me?"

"Yeah." I bit the inside of my cheek. "Did I say it wrong?"

Carter shook his head with a smile. "No - you said it perfectly." Putting the flowers down on the table, he stood in front of me, placing one hand on my waist while the other cupped my cheek. "I love you too."

"You do?"

"Of course I do," he said as if it were obvious.

My arms wrapped around his neck. "Can you say it again?"

"I love you."

"Again."

"I love you."

The heat spread across my cheeks like wildfire. "One last time."

He leaned closer, giving me a quick kiss. "I," kiss, "Love," kiss, "You," kiss.

I loved him. And Carter loved me. 

"So, we're, like, in love with each other then?"

"I hear that's usually how it works, yes."

"That's fucking weird." Realizing I had spoken my thoughts out loud, my eyes widened. "I don't mean it like that! I just mean that it's weird because- Shit. No. It's not weird, like oh that's weird, ew, I mean weird in the sense of-" I cut myself off, knowing I had zero ideas of where my train of thought was going and wanting to stop before I ultimately made it worse.

"It is weird," he said softly, leaning closer. "But it's a good kind of weird, right?"

"Right," I whispered in agreement. "It feels so normal to say out loud. I. Love. You." I dragged out each word for dramatic effect. "It's like I've already been saying it for a while."

If I were standing in front of anyone else, I would have worried that they thought I was insane. Telling someone you loved them, just to immediately ramble about how weird it was, and then try and say how normal it felt.

But the person standing in front of me wasn't anyone.

It was Carter. 

And he responded in the exact way I had grown to expect - by grinning like the Cheshire cat and capturing my lips in a kiss.

"I love you," he whispered, "I really fucking love you." He kissed me again. "God - you have no idea how long I've been wanting to tell you."

It was hard to explain the way his words made my heart flutter. Maybe it was because I used to think someone could be incapable of loving me. For years I had built my walls high enough to ensure that would be impossible for someone to do.

All the people I should love, I hate. Carter Young was the first person to be able to break the saying I had lived by for the past twenty-one years of my life. And I was perfectly okay with that. There was no one else in the world that I wanted to break that saying aside from him. 

My entire life had been spent viewing love as this evil thing - something that made you weak and vulnerable. I watched it destroy the people around me, and saw the way they hurt others because of it. I used to wonder why the fuck anyone would want to feel that way. Now I knew those people had far too much hate in their hearts to ever know what true love was. They masked the pain they inflicted onto others by calling it love. But that wasn't love at all. Because it was nothing like this.

"I can't believe you did all of this for me," I whispered, taking in our surroundings once again. "Your secret agent was quite cute."

"Yeah? Did she do a good job?"

"Her giggling made her an easy target to spot, but other than that, she did an excellent job. The card was a nice touch."

"She drew that herself, you know."

I faked surprise. "Wow! I thought those were your artistic abilities."

"Do you remember on our first date when I asked you to dance with me?" he asked. "You tried to get out of it by saying there was no music for us to dance to."

"I was worried I would step on your feet or something! I'm a terrible dancer!"

His lips moved to my ear and he whispered, "Look at you now, baby."

It was then I realized we had been swaying to the music. I was no longer afraid of stepping on his feet and I didn't keep my head down to ensure I wouldn't embarrass myself. Now I stood with confidence and didn't overthink. Besides, if I did step on his feet this time around, I'd probably just laugh.

"It's like we've come full circle." My hand lightly touched his pink bow tie. "Started off our first date with no music and being scared to dance. Now, there's music and we've fallen in love."

"In the most romantic place of all... my parent's garage."

I rolled my eyes at his teasing comment. "Well, I wouldn't have it any other way."

Carter held me close as I rested my head against his chest. Countless songs played in the background but we never moved from our position. The smell of his cologne overwhelmed my sense of smell in the best way - a mix of vanilla and cedarwood that he always wore. I loved when it lingered behind on his clothes or in the bed. It was comforting. It made me feel safe and protected; I had no idea how a scent could do that, and yet it did.

The music stopped and I pulled my head back. "What time is it?"

Carter looked at his watch. "Oh, shit. Almost midnight. We should probably head back."

"Why? Will everything disappear when the clock strikes twelve?"

"I just know my niece will be waking up at the crack of dawn to get everyone up. Apparently, kids enjoy Christmas and getting gifts, or something."

"What an odd concept," I teased, slipping on my jacket.

The lights were unplugged and Carter took my hand as he led us towards the door. Outside, the ground was covered with a thin layer of white and I looked up at the sky.

"Oh my god," I whispered. "It's snowing!"

I held out my hand, watching as a snowflake fell from the sky and landed in my palm. It disappeared the moment it touched my skin, leaving me wide-eyed in amazement over something that was basic science.

"This is the first time I'm seeing it," I said, "It's more amazing than I imagined."

"Yeah, it's nice. A bitch to shovel though."

I swatted his chest with the back of my hand. "Hush. It's pretty." Turning to face him, I leaned closer and whispered, "Kiss."

Our corny greeting wasn't said as much these days, considering we never left each other's sides for more than a couple of hours at a time. I still liked the flutter it caused in my chest right before I said it, or whenever I heard it from him.

There was something romantic - although, cheesy - about him kissing me under my first snowfall. And, I loved every moment of it. The bitter cold, however, was not such a delight.

We hurried back inside into the warmer house and crept our way to the bedroom as quietly as we possibly could, not wanting to wake the rest of the family. Or, cause Rory to suddenly think Santa was inside.

Carter closed the door behind us. Kicking off my shoes and hanging up my jacket, I moved in front of the mirror.

I looked over my shoulder and as innocent as I could manage, asked, "Help me take this off?"

We both knew I could easily do it myself. But the excuse to have his hands on me was too tempting to ignore. And the playful grin that crossed his lips as he moved behind me told me he was well aware of what I was doing.

He placed his hands on my hips. "I love this dress on you," he whispered.

One hand was raised but didn't move towards the zipper as I had anticipated. Instead, it gathered my hair and moved it to fall over one shoulder, leaving my neck on the other side exposed.

Meeting his glance in the mirror, I watched as his hand toyed with the strap of my dress. "What else do you love?"

"I love these thin straps," he continued. "How they hold this dress up, yet," he pushed it off my shoulder. "Fall with such ease."

A shudder left my lips as I could feel his breath on my neck.

"I love how beautiful you look and how confident you are. And, I love how I can still make you blush after all this time."

I felt him grin against my skin, knowing the comment alone caused redness to appear across my cheeks. Feeling his lips press a soft kiss, I gasped.

"I love how you react."

Carter's hand travelled to my back and traced down my exposed skin with a light touch, leaving a trail of goosebumps behind.

I turned my head to the side, whispering a needy, "Kiss."

His eyes met mine and he leaned closer, brushing his lips against mine. "And I love when you say that."

One hand went to my chin, keeping my head at the angle he wanted and his lips pressed against mine, while the other hand pulled down the zipper of my dress. My lips parted, allowing the entrance of his tongue, and I couldn't help but release a moan that was muffled by his kiss.

The loose material dress was beginning to fall, exposing my chest. But I didn't care. All I was focused on was his kiss and the way we moved in sync with one another. I wanted more. I was craving more.

Carter pulled back and I let out a frustrated whimper. His forehead pressed against mine as we caught our breath. The moment I was about to go back in for another kiss, he pressed his lips to my forehead and removed his touch completely.

I could see it in his eyes that he had the same thoughts as I did. I could hear it in the groan he desperately attempted to contain, letting one or two slip out that sounded beautiful to my ears. But he didn't attempt to push anything further. He stepped back from me because he was being respectful like always - because he knew I didn't want to do anything that would risk us getting caught.

My mind was far too clouded by love and lust for him to keep my temptations at bay. I turned around, unable to help my eyes from watching as he unbuttoned his shirt. I licked my lips as I noticed the way the muscles in his back and shoulders flexed as he removed the material from his body.

I knew I should have pushed my thoughts aside and dressed for bed. However, no signal from my brain was sent to my feet to make me move. And so, thanks to science, I was stuck staring at him like an idiot while only covered up by my underwear. At least I wore a cute pair today.

He looked at me and cocked his head to the side as if to silently ask "what?" - but I didn't reply. No polite or romantic way of asking him to fuck me against the wall came to mind and so I remained silent.

I've never felt my skin burn with desire for someone like this before. It was confusing, to say the least, and made me slightly dizzy. The way my mind was spinning mixed with the butterflies that fly around madly in my stomach, one might think we've never been left alone before. I didn't understand it - but I decide to blame it on saying the L-word. Love was already messing with my head. But no part of me didn't enjoy this moment or make me regret saying it. Admitting I loved him only ignited a new desire for him.

Carter stepped towards me and suddenly, it was like I had forgotten how to breathe.

Leaning in closer, his lips swept against mine. "Are you alright?"

I nodded, as that's all I could muster the strength for due to love causing me to be a flustered idiot in front of him.

His lips moved along my jaw, peppering kisses until he reached my ear. "Use your words, baby."

"Yes," I whispered and wondered if he even heard it.

"Tell me what you want, baby."

"Not want," I licked my lips in an attempt to provide my dry mouth with some relief. "Need."

He grinned, toying with the lace of my underwear. "Tell me what you need."

"You."

My back made contact with the wall. I couldn't tell if I pulled him or if he guided us to this spot but the little voice inside my head screamed "thank god" at the top of her lungs.

Carter pressed his forehead against mine. The dark bedroom was only provided with a small amount of light from the break in the curtain. The sound of our heavy breaths was the only noise to fill the otherwise silent room. His hand reached towards my face and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I assumed he was stalling - not sure of what to do next.

To help ease his mind, I pressed my lips back to his and hooked my fingers through his belt loops to draw his body back towards mine. The kiss was more urgent and needy than the one before and I couldn't contain the moan that escaped over the way he worked his tongue. My fingers found their way to the button of his trousers, and I fumbled around aimlessly trying to get it undone.

Carter pulled back the moment I succeeded at my task. "Are you sure you want to?"

"Of course." My brow furrowed at his question. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"I thought you didn't want to risk it this time with the bed being loud."

"Just do me against the wall."

He chuckled. "Did you just ask me to do you?"

"Well, fuck me doesn't sound as romantic." And the thought of asking him to "make love to me" made me want to gag - and not in a fun way.

It wasn't like we had many other options. We couldn't go off into the kitchen or living and do it. Besides the fact of risking getting caught so openly, who knew the possible boobytraps that Rory had set around the house to catch Santa.

Carter's lips found their way back to mine. Even knowing what I desperately want, he was slow with every movement; every kiss and touch. It only made my skin crave him even more. Regardless of the desperate pleas and needy moans, he continued to work at a leisurely pace. His fingertips danced up my side with a light touch and his lips focused on the spot on my neck he was well aware drove me insane, leaving my nipples aching without attention.

Suddenly, I felt him working towards the centre of my throat and then along each collar bone. I'm sure it only takes half a minute for him to reach my breasts, but it felt like a fucking hour.

The thing I enjoy about sex with Carter is that we do it in many different ways. Sometimes it's rougher, and other times it's slower and delicate. I don't always need him to choke me or bend me over to get off. In fact, I enjoyed it equally as much when it's more vanilla as one might say because it's anything but that word. He always takes his time with me - but somehow, when we have sex like this, it's like he has some magical power that adds extra attention to every touch and flick of his tongue.

Or, I think the bastard just takes some pleasure out of making it impossible for me to not scream out his name when I fucking can't. Like right now. And that smirk on his lips as he pays extra attention to my breasts tells me I'm exactly right.

His lips moved down the centre of my stomach and he kneeled in front of me. My underwear fell down - and, thankfully, it was not ripped as this pair is one of my favourites. One leg is lifted off the ground and placed over his shoulder.

"Are you going to be quiet for me, baby?"

I nod, sinking my teeth into my bottom lip to prepare myself. But I know I've already failed at my task the moment he gets to work. Running my fingers through his hair, I tugged the strands, feeling him flicker his tongue against the sensitive bud. Carter groaned in response to my action, causing the sound to vibrate against me and send a shiver straight up my spine.

"Don't make me cum," I whispered. Noting the confused expression across his face as he pulled back, I add, "I can't stay quiet. It's too much."

He wore a smug grin. Instead of standing back up like I thought he would, he dove back in, working faster than before; licking, kissing, sucking. It was too much for me to bear. I threw my head back against the wall, not caring for the pain that was caused by the collision as I squeezed my eyes shut.

"Oh fuck, oh fuck," I cried out in a whisper, doing my best to not scream out his name.

I tug harder on his hair as my leg began to shake. Two fingers replaced his mouth and I am in such a haze focusing on not waking up the house, that I didn't realize my leg has been removed from his shoulder and was placed back on the ground. My eyes opened to find him standing tall once again. He licked his bottom lip as my fingers tightly grip his shoulders, nails diving into his skin. It's about to happen and I fear I won't be able to muffle the sounds of my pleasure. His mouth covers mine the moment I feel myself clench around his two fingers, containing the sounds of my release.

Minutes later and my breathing is still running at a rapid pace. I'm thankful he's there to hold me because otherwise, I know my body would have collapsed on the floor. It takes longer than usual to recover and I can feel my legs still wanting to give out on me.

"I've never seen you cum like that," he lifts his fingers to his mouth to clean them off. "You alright, baby?"

"I can't keep standing."

"Do you want to stop?"

I shake my head. "Floor. Now."

Carter grabbed the spare blanket and tossed it on the ground, while still keeping his grip on me to keep my body upright. "Do you want top or bottom?"

I notice the playful nature behind his words, as well as the fact that his trousers and briefs have now disappeared. "Top."

Sitting down on the floor with his back against the wall, I straddled his waist and slowly lowered myself. He placed his hands on my hips to help guide me as my knees pressed into the blanket. I wish I had the energy to tease him back, but he gets off lucky this time around. My bottom lip is trapped between my teeth, but the moment he sinks into me, it's released with a loud gasp.

"You okay, baby?"

I nod as my hips begin to rock back and forth, finding a steady pace. I try to contain myself - but holy fuck, did he ever feel good. It started off slow as I continue to adjust, my nails returning to claw at his shoulders and back before we pick up the pace. My back arched as he takes control and I can hear his own muffled groans begging to be released. At least I'm not the only one struggling to keep quiet. His hands on my hips keep me in place as he pulls out before driving his length back in and I bury my face in his neck. It's the home stretch now - what a horrible time to get caught.

Another release of my own is found before he gets his. After he had cleaned the mess we made off both our bodies, we dressed for bed and got under the covers. Carter laid his arm across my waist as I snuggled against him.

"Goodnight," I whispered.

"Goodnight," he repeated, "I love you."

I felt my cheeks rush with heat. "I love you, too."

"Tired of hearing me say it yet?"

"Never. I'll never get tired of it."

"That's good to know," he said, pressing a kiss against my neck, "Because I plan on saying it forever."

"Uncle Carter?" a little voice whispered, knocking against the door. "Are you awake? Daddy says we can't open presents until you get up!"

"Aurora Young!" Aidan scolded from down the hall. "Get away from that door!"

I giggled to myself as I heard the exchange.

Carter shifted beside me, tightening his grip around my waist. "Sorry if that woke you up."

"It's alright," I said, trying to cover up my yawn. "What time is it?"

Reaching for his phone on the side table, he grumbled, "Just after seven."

"So kind of her to let us sleep in."

"We could probably get away with sleeping for another hour."

I rubbed my tired eyes. "Well, now that I'm up, I think I'm going to shower."

"Maybe I'll join you."

"Down, boy. We're not at home, remember?"

He groaned as I removed myself from his grasp. "Don't be too long."

After we both showered separately - much to his, and secretly my own, disappointment - I dried my hair as Carter made the bed. We changed into the matching plaid pyjamas his mom had purchased for everyone and headed out to the rest of the family.

Rory stuffed her mouth with a forkful of pancakes as we entered. "Merry Christmas!" she cheered through her mouthful.

"Rory, don't talk with food in your mouth," Aidan said from across the table.

Her eyes narrowed. "I hope Santa put coal in your stocking," she muttered.

"What was that?"

"Nothing, Daddy!" She turned her attention to us. "Did you see? It's snowing out! Uncle Carter, can we go play outside after we open presents?"

"Sure kiddo," he said, kissing the top of her head.

With our rounds of good mornings to the rest of the family, I was able to get in a few bites of breakfast before Rory was hurrying everyone to the Christmas tree. I bought my coffee over, taking a seat beside Carter on the ground.

"Well, go on little Elf," Aidan said to his daughter as he plopped down on the couch, "Start giving out the gifts."

Rory, excited over her task, quickly grabbed gifts and checked the name tags before handing them out to each recipient. She slid a box across the carpet in my direction.

"For me?" I asked, slightly surprised.

Carter and I had agreed to not exchange gifts. This wasn't about us getting stuff for each other, but about spending time with his family; showering them with the presents was our main priority with holiday shopping. I was glad we decided this early on because I barely had time to think about him - or myself for that matter - when it came to presents.

Rory was the first to open one of her gifts - most of the things under the tree were for her. She gasped, holding up the pink tutu. "For dance class?"

Mary nodded. "You needed a new one for ballet. Do you like it?"

She squealed with joy. "Thank you Grandma and Papa!" she said, running over to hug them.

Mary opened the mixer we got her and other baking items. "Oh, no, I can't accept this!" she said, "This is way more expensive than the one I mentioned!"

"Don't worry about it, Ma." Carter waved off her concern.

Rory tore through more of her gifts. Books and a doll from us. Glow Up shoes and a dress from Aidan - picked out by Mary, of course. A dollhouse from Santa.

Aidan and Simon opened their gifts together - as instructed. They were overjoyed by the jerseys and game tickets.

"Holy shit! It's signed?" Aidan asked.

Rory was thankfully too engrossed by her new toys to comment on Aidan swearing. Apparently, a new doll was all it took to make the kid too distracted to rat on her own father for his choice of words.

Carter received a new dress shirt and a pair of socks from his parents and a car freshener from Aidan - an inside joke that had him crying with laughter the moment he opened it.

Rory made her way over with a gift bag once the boys had settled down. "It's for both of you!"

I did the honours of pulling the item out. It was a picture frame, decorated with glitter and macaroni noodles. Positioned inside the frame was a photo of Rory, Carter, and me from our last visit.

"You made this?"

The little kid nodded proudly. "I used the hot glue all by myself!"

"Wow. It's beautiful Rory!" I pulled her in for a hug. "I think that's the nicest gift we've ever gotten!"

Rory settled down in Carter's lap as she clutched onto Pebbles.

"Open yours, dear," Mary said to me.

I looked down at the box in front of me. Ripping a piece of the wrapping paper, I glanced over at Carter. "This from you?"

He grinned and shook his head. "I followed our rule. Promise."

It should have taken me much less time to piece together who the gift was from. But I was shocked to know that his family would get me something. They just... thought of me. Just like that. Welcomed me into their home and bought me a gift.

Discarding the rest of the paper revealed a box with an image on the front. I opened the box to reveal the contents of what was marked on the outside and pulled out the item.

"It's a polaroid camera!" Rory giggled. "For your photos!"

"Do you like it?"

I looked up at his mom. "I love it. Thank you so much. This is such a nice surprise."

"Take a picture of me and Pebbles!"

"Hey!" Carter pouted. "What about me?"

Rory sighed. "Fine. Uncle Carter too!"

Powering it on, I jumped in my seat as the top of the device popped up. "Ready?" I asked them, as I raised the camera and looked into the viewfinder. "Say cheese!"

"Cheese!"

I snapped the picture, watching as the film printed the photo from the front. "We have to wait till it develops first," I told Rory.

She waited patiently until it was ready and gasped when she saw the picture. "I have to make another frame!"

I got up to thank Aidan, Simon, and Mary. "Thank you, again," I told her. "You really didn't have to get me anything."

"Of course we did, honey!" she said with a warm smile. "You're a part of the family now!"

Family.

Before returning to my seat, I grabbed the gift bag I had hidden behind the tree. "Okay, you followed our agreement, but I didn't," I told Carter. Reaching into the bag, I pulled out the small gifts and handed them out.

For Simon, I got a book on the history of baseball, while I got Mary a new apron and set of spatulas, and a wrench - one that I had never heard of but Carter mentioned he wanted - for Aidan.

Rory was next, opening her apron that matched with her Grandmother's and a set of hair clips that had coloured extensions. Aidan had mentioned Rory was still commenting on wanting to dye her hair pink, so I thought this would be a happy medium for the two of them.

"I thought we said no gifts," Carter commented, pointing at his wrapped item.

"It's nothing big. I promise," I said, sitting back down beside him. "I saw it and- oh, just open it, okay?"

Carter unwrapped his gift, revealing two snowglobes; one for Seattle and one for New York City. He looked at me with a raised brow.

"Okay, well, the Seattle one is just because I saw it," I explained. "But remember in New York back when we first met and we snuck out? And we saw them at that store?"

"Of course, I remember," he said, looking at the snowglobe. "You remembered?"

I nodded. "I saw it at the shop the other day and couldn't help but think-"

He leaned over, silencing me with a kiss.

"Ew! Yucky!" Rory squealed from his lap.

"I love it," he whispered. "And, I love you."

"I love you too."

The family continued their breakfast after the gifts had all been opened. I settled down next to Rory and Pebbles with a fresh cup of coffee in hand as she talked about her presents.

"This was the best Christmas ever!" Rory squealed.

"Because of all your gifts?" Aidan asked.

"My gifts," she nodded, "But Grandma made my favourite pancakes and Uncle Carter and TJ got to be here too! And it's snowing!"

Aidan looked down at his phone and caught Carter's attention.

"Hey," he whispered to me. "Can you keep her distracted for a few minutes?"

I nodded and received a quick kiss before Carter got up and joined his brother out the front door. Raising a brow, there was little time for me to wonder what the two were up to as I had to focus on my task.

"Can you help me put one of these in?" Rory asked, holding up the clips I had given her.

"Of course. Which one do you want?"

"The pink one!"

Selfishly, hearing that brought me a bit of joy knowing she hadn't moved on to blue, green, or any of the other colours already. I placed the clip in her hair, smiling at how cute she looked with her fake streak of pink.

"Rory?" Aidan called out. "Close your eyes, kiddo."

She instantly listened to her father and covered her eyes as Aidan stepped into the room, holding the leash of a familiar dog.

"Okay, open."

Rory burst into tears the moment she saw Sandy and threw her arms around the animal. Sandy wagged her tail, standing patiently as Rory continued to sob - happy tears, we all hoped.

"Kiddo, come on," Aidan kneeled beside his daughter, trying to comfort her.

Rory lifted her head and sniffled as her dad wiped away her tears. "How long do I get to play with her?"

Aidan laughed.

"Why are you laughing at me?"

He kissed the top of her head. "I'm not. But, Rory, she's yours."

"What?"

"She's your puppy now."

Her bottom lip trembled. "Forever?"

"Yes, kiddo, for-" Aidan was unable to finish his sentence before Rory burst into another puddle of tears.

Sandy sniffled Rory's face before giving her a big kiss. Rory giggled as she wiped her cheek and was finally able to stop crying.

"TJ! Grandma! Papa!" Rory reached over and grabbed hold of my hand. "Come say hi to Sandy!"

The dog laid down on the floor and began to whack her tail against the ground as Rory continued to shower her with love. I sat down beside them, unable to hide my smile at the way the kid was acting around Sandy.

"Can we get her toys, Daddy?"

"I got her favourite ones from Helen, along with her bed. But how about we go tomorrow and you can pick something out for her. Okay?"

Rory nodded as she petted her new best friend. "We're going to get you so many toys, Sandy!" she whispered. "You can have all the toys in the world! Except for Pebbles! Pebbles is not a toy!"

"I think Sandy is about to get spoiled rotten," I whispered to Aidan. Turning my head, I noticed Carter still lingered in the doorway.

"Oh, I'm aware," he said, "But, that's alright. Sandy's a fully trained dog and, well, look at Rory. That kid is going to give her all the attention in the world."

Rory giggled at another one of Sandy's kisses. "Did all her babies get adopted?"

"When we went back, it was just Sandy and one other left."

"So it got left behind?"

Aidan looked towards his brother. "Not exactly."

Carter moved from his position in the doorway and carried a cardboard box, which he carefully set down on the ground.

"Carter, please tell me you didn't-"

"Okay, before you get mad," he cut me off as he kneeled next to the box. "Just remember. You also broke the rules and got me a gift."

"I got you a snowglobe not a-"

This time, I was the one to silence myself. The first sight of his little round head and fluffy ears was enough to shut me up. Carter placed him on the ground and everyone watched as the little guy took in his new surroundings. But once he caught sight of me, the little ball of fur and white socks sprinted his way over. I could understand now why Rory had burst into tears. This guy was making me want to do the exact same.

Carter made his way to my side. "Uh, you still love me... right?"

"Unfortunately," I teased, "But I think I love Milo more now. Isn't that right?" I cooed to the animal. "I'm going to buy you all the treats and toys in the whole world on Daddy's credit card."

"If that's all it takes to keep him, I'm happy to hand over my card."

I looked over at Carter, who was letting Milo gnaw on his finger. "I can't believe you got him."

"Helen said he spent most of the day hiding from everyone, so by the end of the day, he was the last one left. You were the only one he took an interest in. How was I not supposed to get him after hearing that?"

"Maybe Helen is just an excellent saleswoman."

"Or, maybe Milo has impeccable taste."

"Or, maybe you're just a gullible idiot."

He grinned. "Yeah, probably. But look at his sweet face!"

I glanced down at the little guy in my lap who was struggling to stay awake after his little burst of excitement. "He does have a sweet face."

"So... Can we keep him?"

"Of course, we can keep him." I leaned over, giving Carter a quick peck. "Thank you." Dropping my voice to a whisper, I kept a sweet innocent tone as I added, "But if you ever think about getting another animal without talking to me, I will make sure your dick never functions properly again. Got it?"

Carter gulped and nodded his head. "Got it."

Proud of the way my empty threat had its effect, I gave him another quick kiss. "Good."

The rest of the afternoon was quiet with no more sudden surprises - thankfully.

Rory had spent her time with none other than Sandy. Their bond was cute, and to be frank, quite interesting. Sandy followed her every move. Whenever Rory got up, so did Sandy. Wherever Rory went, Sandy trotted behind. It was almost like the dog viewed her as one of her own puppies; watching over and being there to protect her.

Milo, on the other hand, was being waited on hand and foot by his new Dad. Carter had spent half his time doting after Milo's needs, and the other reading a parenting book for new dog owners he had picked up. It was amusing watching him stand outside in the snow, trying to command the little guy to do his outdoors business and angrily flip through the book when he had no success.

"See, it says it right here!" Carter pointed his finger at the page and turned towards the dog. "Am I speaking gibberish to you? Of course, I am. You're a dog."

I smiled as I wiped the snow off of Milo's paws. "I'm sorry your Daddy is crazy," I whispered to the animal.

"I heard that."

"Good!" Hanging the towel up to dry, I made my way towards Carter's side. "It's day one, baby. Have some patience with him."

"I bet if you told him to go number one or two, he would listen."

I brushed the snow off his jacket. "Of course, he would. He's already a Momma's boy."

A few hours had passed after the bathroom debacle. Carter appeared to have distracted himself by coming up with a new scheme and telling me he wanted to take me somewhere.

"Can I at least know where we're going?"

"That would ruin the surprise. And, I promise. It's not another dog - or any animal for that matter." He covered his crotch in a reflex. "So, no need to make my dick stop functioning."

I smirked as I opened the drawer of the dresser. "What is it with this family and surprises?"

"Just dress for the weather and you'll be fine."

Pulling out a pair of jeans and a sweater, I noticed his nervous demeanour. "Alright," I said, deciding it was best to not push things with more questions. Well, except one. "Can Milo come?"

Carter held up his little harness. "Already planned on it."

The car stopped outside a two-story red brick house. Large windows were present on either side of the front door with an area of flower beds in front of each. There was nothing that bloomed there now, but I could easily imagine it being full of colourful flowers and lush plants.

Carter cut the engine and unfastened his seat belt. "Come on," he said. "I want to show you inside."

"What are we supposed to do with Milo?"

"Bring him in."

"Are we allowed?"

"It will be fine. I promise." Carter opened his car door and grabbed Milo from the back seat before I had the chance to question him further.

I sighed in defeat and hoped he was correct that we were allowed to bring Milo inside. Carter had already opened the front door of the house by the time I caught up with him. He stepped to the side, allowing me to enter first.

I looked around in amazement at the entryway. A large L-shaped staircase was the first thing to see when entering the home. The wall beside it was one I could imagine hanging numerous picture frames on. Old wood covered the floors and matched the panelling on the high ceilings, and what I assumed was the original wallpaper clung to the walls for dear life. To the right was a small room enclosed with two french doors with glass panels, while the left side opened up to a larger sitting area.

Carter led me towards the back of the house, showing off the kitchen and eating area. Milo followed behind, sniffing every inch of the house. There was a full guest bedroom on the first floor and two more on the second, in addition to the main bedroom - which had a view of the backyard that made me fall in love with the house even more.

"What do you think?" Carter asked as we stood on the back deck, taking in the view.

"It's beautiful. It seems so much bigger than it is - which I like. It's cozy," I said. "I love it. I think it's perfect."

"I thought you might. What would you think if we got a house in Seattle together?"

"I would love it," I told him without hesitation. "Do you want to live here instead?"

Carter took my hand as we walked back inside. "I've always wanted to buy something here. The timing never felt right. But now it does. I think we should still have a place in LA for the time being but hopefully one day we could move here permanently - if you wanted, of course."

Kicking the excess snow off my boots, I looked over at him. "Are you thinking of putting an offer in?"

"Actually, I already did," he said, taking off his boots.

Waiting for Milo to enter, I closed the back door. "I hope you get it."

"We."

I rolled my eyes. "Sorry. I hope we get it."

"We did."

"What?"

"I'm really glad you like it because I already bought it."

"You bought us a house?" I whispered, my eyes finding their way to every wall of our surroundings. "You bought us this house."

I took off my boots and placed my jacket down on the kitchen island. My feet were covered by the thick wool socks I wore as I walked around what was now our living room.

"I can't believe you believe you bought us a fucking house."

His smile fell. "Did I do something wrong?"

Walking towards him, I shook my head. There were no words that came to mind. The only thing I could do was wrap my arms around his neck and pull him in for a kiss. The feeling of his cold hands slipping under my sweater and pressing against my skin sent a shock through my body. My hand gripped the material of his shirt, wanting to rip it off right there and then. We were finally alone in a house that was now ours. There was no worrying about anyone interrupting us, or-

Milo began to bark and ran under our feet.

The high-pitched yapping and the fear of accidentally stepping on him was the only reason I pulled away. "I guess breaking in the new house is out of our plans."

"Cock block," Carter whispered to Milo. "So, I didn't fuck up by buying this house?"

"Carter, you have made me feel more loved than anyone has ever made me feel in my entire life." I ran a hand down his chest. "The dance, Milo, and now..." my eyes looked around. "This house - our house. Those are things that normally happen in years of being with someone. And, I mean, you did this all in - what? Twenty-four hours?" I bit the inside of my cheek, wanting to keep back the tears that begged to fall so I didn't turn into a blubbering mess. "I have no idea what I did to deserve all of these surprises, but I do know that I love you, Carter."

He pressed a kiss to my forehead, only letting a minute of peace pass before he whispered, "Don't kill me. But I have one more surprise."

"Carter!" I groaned.

He took my hand and led me towards the built-in bench by the bay window. "I promise you this is the last one! Just sit tight, okay?"

"I'm not trying to sound ungrateful, baby. But you've already given me too much!"

Carter walked over to his jacket. "Close your eyes."

I did as he asked and squeezed my eyes shut.

"Okay," his voice came closer. "Here it is."

"Can I open my eyes now?"

"Yes."

In his hand was a small, dark blue velvet object. He slowly opened the box, revealing an object that shimmered so brightly, my eyes felt blinded upon first glance. It was a band encrusted with the largest diamonds I had ever fucking seen.

"Now, don't freak out," Carter said softly. "I still know your stance on, you know, that type of commitment." He didn't have to say the word marriage for me to know it's what he meant. "After everything that has happened over the past couple of months, I thought your promise ring could use an upgrade. I mean, after all, you said you hoped the real one wouldn't be made from plastic."

Hopefully, the real one you get me won't be made from plastic.

I was still at a loss for words as my eyes were fixated on the shiny item in the box. The sunlight from outside reflected off each diamond on the band, causing it to shimmer its glowing light off every surface nearby.

Carter reached into his back pocket. "I got you a chain if you think it's too much to wear."

"I love it, Carter."

"You do?"

I nodded, brushing away the stupid tear that managed to fall. "Of course I do! I mean, look at it! That must have cost you a fortune!"

"It was nothing." He said the words so casually but I knew he was lying. There was no way that band didn't cost him a pretty penny.

"You are banned from getting me anything else for at least ten years," I teased, wiping my eyes again. "Can you put it on me?"

"Do you want to keep the plastic one on?"

I looked down at the colourful band and nodded. "It has its own memories. This one will have new ones."

Removing it from the box, he held my hand with a delicate touch and slowly slid the ring onto my finger. "It's a perfect fit," he commented. "You never take your ring off so I had to guess."

A perfect fit. Of course, it fucking was. I had to stop myself from laughing.

"It's beautiful," I whispered. "I can't believe you got this for me. No. Scratch that. I can't believe you've done any of this for me."

"You probably think I'm crazy, huh?"

"A bit," I teased.

Carter wasn't crazy. He wasn't close to crazy at all.

The craziest thing to come from the past twenty-four hours wasn't admitting that I loved him.

Or the dance he set up.

Or Milo.

Or even him buying a fucking house for us.

Or getting a new diamond ring.

It was knowing that if he had asked me to marry him, I would have said yes. 

thought this chapter was gonna be shorter than the last and it was almost 1K longer. hehe.

so uh... tarter engaged? i mean, I mean-

dis the ring tho:

AND THIS IS MILO (CLAPS FOR DOG DADDY CARTER <3)