Page 157 of Forbidden Fruit
“When I look into your eyes, I see our future. I see a lifetime of dreams, laughter, andso many babies.”
That gets a laugh through my tears.
“So will you do me the incredible honor,” he says, his voice catching just slightly, “of being mine forever?”
I don’t wait another second. I throw myself into his arms, tackling him to the floor, sealing my lips to his with everything I have.
“Yes,” I whisper between kisses. “Yes, a thousand times yes. I’ll be yours forever. Always.”
“Be careful,” he laughs, holding me tightly, “you’re going to hurt yourself.”
I ignore him.
Nothing could hurt right now. Everything is perfect.
After taking a moment to gather myself, I head down the hall to Abigail’s room. She promised to help me with my hair and makeup.
I knock gently. The door swings open, and the moment she sees me, her expression falls. “Blair? What’s wrong? Were you crying?” she asks, pulling me into the room without hesitation.
I nod, but I can’t stop smiling. The mix of emotions on her face—concern, confusion, and curiosity—is almost funny. I hold out my hand, letting the ring speak for itself.
Her eyes widen. “Stop! Are you? Oh my god. Oh my god!” she gasps, throwing her arms around me.
“I know!” I squeal, half-laughing, half-shaking. “It happened this morning. He proposed. I still can’t believe it!”
“I don’t know why you’re shocked,” she says, pulling back to admire the ring. “That man isobsessedwith you.”
“That’s not all,” I add, biting my lip. Her expression instantly shifts again, cautious now. I take her hand and guide it to my stomach. “You’re going to be a grandma,” I whisper.
She goes still. Her eyes grow impossibly wider. “Stop. Are you serious?” I nod. She searches my face. “Are we happy about it?”
Another nod. Then she wraps me in the fiercest hug yet. “Oh my god. You’re going to be amom!”
She pulls back just enough for me to see that tears are already slipping down her cheeks. “I’msoproud of you.”
“Thanks, Mom,” I say, the word slipping out naturally. Her breath catches. She covers her mouth, overwhelmed, as she sniffles. “Oh my god, don’t start crying,” I tease gently.
“Too late.” She holds me close, whispering, “I just never thought you’d ever call me ‘Mom.’ Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I love you so much, Blair. I’m so sorry I lied to you all your life. I really thought I was protecting you. Doing what was best.”
I hold her tighter. “You’ve always loved me like a daughter. Yeah, sometimes it annoyed me, but I get it now.”
She sobs quietly into my shoulder, and I feel the years of secrets begin to soften between us.
“I forgive you, Mom. I think it’s time you forgive yourself, too. It’ll take some getting used to… and I don’t know if I’llalwayscall you Mom. But I do accept you as my mother.”
She exhales a shaky breath. “I’m so proud to be your mom.”
I give her a gentle smile. “I know.”
An hour later, I’m seated at her vanity chair, my makeup already done, soft glam with just enough drama to make a statement. Abigail stands behind me, carefully working on my hair, her eyes meeting mine in the mirror now and then.
“Have you heard from Ryan?” I ask.
“Yeah, his flight was delayed. But, and I quote, he’d ‘die before missing his little treasure’s graduation,’” she says with an affectionate eyeroll.
