“My disdain for that prick won’t keep me from visiting you. I promise you that.”
“Good.” He sighs. “I should let you get back to playing house with your love. Tell her I said hi.”
“Hey, Kill?”
“Yeah?”
“Can you speak to Aggie sooner than later? I don’t want to have to follow through on Pa’s threat of the wedding. The sooner we can make the transition to Aggie, the better. I don’t want to fuck anything up with Cora.”
“I’ll call her now.”
“Keep me in the loop.”
“I will.”
Why am I being forced to step away from something I truly believe in, just because my father cannot let go of his control?
When we hang up, I pocket my mobile and glance around the empty space. Yes, there might be a bed, but that’s it. I never truly moved into the place, so it doesn’t quite feel like home, but it will with Cora here.
I move to the living room, where I find Cora ironing curtains and listening to Olivia Rodrigo, her new favorite.
“Why are you ironing the curtains?”
She glances up at me. “We aren’t primitive hogs, Pike. We iron curtains around here before putting them up. There will be no fold lines in our drapes.”
I hold up my hands. “Sorry I asked.” I walk up to her and place a kiss on her cheek. “Want me to grab the rest of the bags?”
“Got them all, but if you want to order us dinner, I would love that.”
“What are you in the mood for?” I ask, slipping my hands around her and pulling her against my chest. I pass my lips over her neck—one of my favorite parts to kiss.
“You,” she says, shifting her head to the side.
“And after me, what do you want?”
“More of you.”
I chuckle against her skin. “Babe, I love you, but we both know if you don’t have dinner, you’re going to get hangry, and no one enjoys hangry Coraline. You don’t even enjoy her.”
“Fine.” She sighs. “How about some sandwiches? You said the deli around the corner is really good. I enjoy a Reuben from time to time.”
“Done. I’ll order. Want a fruit salad to go with it?”
“Yes, please. And a Diet Coke.”
“How could I forget?” I kiss her one more time and head toward the door. “Hey, Cora?”
“Yeah?” She looks over her shoulder.
“You look good in here.”
She smiles. “We look good in here.”
We really fucking do.
Killian: Aggie is in. I’m currently talking to our solicitors to see how we can make this a smooth, easy transition. Keeping it quiet so Pa doesn’t find out. Give me a day or two.
Pike: Fuck, that’s amazing. I knew she’d want to do it. I’ll call her tonight.
Killian: Don’t! There’s no doubt Pa is tracking your every move. He’ll get suspicious. Just lie low until I can settle everything.
Pike: Okay. Thanks, Kill. I appreciate everything you’re doing.
Killian: Just remember this when I’m begging you to visit me again.
Pike: Spring break, I’ll be there.
Killian: Does that mean I’m not going to see you for Christmas?
Pike: Sorry, mate. I’m actually thinking about proposing to Cora over Christmas.
Killian: Wow, that’s—wait, proposing? Aren’t you already married?
Pike: Technically, but I want to do this right. She doesn’t have a proper ring. I want to make her feel special. She deserves it.
Killian: Proposing to your wife, wow . . . I never thought this would be the outcome when you called me from that Ferris wheel. I thought you completely fucked up.
Pike: Maybe I did, but looks like I fucked up in the best way possible.
Killian: She’s it for you.
Pike: Absolutely. She’s it.
“Have you considered offering a down payment?”
Pulling my attention away from a platinum, halo engagement ring, I glance at Keiko and ask, “A down payment? On a ring? Keiko, I don’t need to make a down payment. I have plenty of money to afford these.”
“I’m quite aware of your sizeable dowry. I’m inquiring about a down payment on a house?”
“What?” I ask, confused.
“As a substitute of the emblematic engagement ring, maybe offer an alternative that declares your admiration for Cora but is of the practical nature.”
“Like a down payment?” I ask, deadpan.
“Precisely. Present her with a check, subject line . . . future dwellings.”