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“I’m not sure what was worse, Tom’s tirade or my parents’ crazy backhanded compliments.”

Piper shook her head. “I think it’s a tie.”

We went back to cleaning up the house. Piper chatted happily, but Carter and I barely said a word. It seemed both of us were deep in thought.

When Piper walked away to take a call from a client, I finally opened up.

“Thanks for sticking up for me.”

Carter shrugged it off. “Tom has always been an idiot.”

“I don’t know what I ever saw him.”

“Well, it doesn’t matter now. He’s old news.”

“And you’re my present,” I said, reaching out for his hand. He took it and brought it to his lips.

“And maybe your future?” he asked, pulling me into his arms.

“I think I could get used to that,” I said as he lowered his lips to mine. It was a soft, gentle kiss and as I pulled away, I heard a distinctive giggle.

I turned in the direction of the door and guiltily pulled myself out of Carter’s arms.

“Hey, you, when did you wake up?” I said, trying to appear nonchalant as Meredith looked from me to Carter.

“I saw you two kissing.” Her tone was mocking.

“Well, we—”

“Uhhh—”

Meredith sighed. “You can kiss Principal K all you want Mommy. It’s a free country.”

And then she just turned around and walked away. I looked at Carter and he looked at me and shrugged.

“Should we continue from where we left off?”

I gave him a look and he instantly looked contrite. “Well, it is a free country.”

I couldn’t help myself. I leaned forward and kissed him, catching him off-guard.

It felt amazing to be so in love.