Chapter 234 Finally Together

Carter’s fingers grazed my cheek, his eyes warm, his voice like a quiet stream. “Chloe, are you absolutely sure about this?”

I pressed a hand to my chest, feeling the steady rhythm beneath. “If a heart is like a cup, I don’t know how full mine is, but I do know one thing—it’s not empty. In my last life, I was blind, reckless. But in the time I spent as a spirit and through these recent days, I’ve finally learned who truly matters to me. And, Carter, I know now how much this means to you.”

At first, I couldn’t grasp the depth of his feelings. I hesitated, unsure, guarding myself. But as the weight of his love became clear and I faced my own growing affection, my resolve solidified. I wanted to take that leap—with him.

Life is a book, one page at a time. I’m only 20; there’s a lifetime ahead to write our story together. Why waste it on doubt? Why not choose happiness—for both of us? I leaned close, my lips brushing his. “I’m a little nervous, but if it’s with you… I want to try. Is that okay?”

His voice, rough and low, answered, “Okay. Put on something warm. I want to take you somewhere.”

Confused, I tilted my head. “Where?”

“To our home. This place holds too many memories of you and Luke. I don’t want our first time to be here,” he said, his tone resolute.

“Alright.”

Only then did I understand why he always stopped at the last moment. This man—so stubborn, so principled!

I shrugged on a thick coat, slipped into my heels, and nudged him to get moving. As we reached the door, I glanced back. There, at the top of the staircase, stood Luke, his expression a mix of longing and defeat. It struck a chord, pulling me back to when I was eight years old. I’d first seen him standing in that spot, his gaze curious and inviting, ready to welcome me into his world. But now? Now, all he could do was watch me walk away.

I’d already moved into the Bolton Residence, yet the gap between us had never felt wider. Outside, the snowstorm raged, icy wind whipping through the air, but I felt no sadness. Instead, a spark of something else stirred in me—excitement. It reminded me of the way a girl feels when she’s just fallen in love, looking forward to seeing the handsome boy from the class next door.

The stirrings of spring in my chest felt like the rush of first love—a kiss beneath cherry blossoms, hazy, electric, and tinged with nervous excitement. It was the kind of feeling that left you breathless and yearning for more. Something this special couldn’t begin carelessly after a drunken night or end in meaningless chaos. Only a man who truly cherished you would take the time to make it unforgettable.

As we drove, I realized where we were headed—the place that was supposed to become our marital home. Thinking about it now, I felt a bit sheepish. Back then, I only insisted on having a marital home as an excuse to bring up the statue issue.

“Is it the flat we looked at before?” I asked.

“It’s in the same complex. But I didn’t like the lack of privacy, especially with my condition. So, I bought a villa instead. Would that bother you?” Carter replied, his voice steady.

I shook my head. “Not at all. Anywhere’s perfect as long as I’m with you.”

The car pulled into a spacious courtyard, and my breath hitched. The garden was bursting with flowers and trees—every one of them my favorites. In one corner stood a small doghouse, cozy and inviting. Fairy lights twinkled softly across the yard, wrapping even the doghouse in their glow. This place wasn’t just a house—it was ours.

Carter stood from his wheelchair with quiet determination. “I know you love animals. You can have as many dogs and cats as you want. When spring comes, I’ll take you to pick out a puppy.”

A smile tugged at my lips. “Okay.”

My gaze landed on the massive cherry blossom tree in the yard, its branches draped with strings of colorful lights, like stars tangled in its boughs. I could already imagine it in full bloom come spring—stunning, magical. Beneath it, a swing set swayed gently in the breeze.

“You…” I began, my voice soft.

“That year, I saw you standing under a cherry blossom tree at school. The wind caught your hair, and for a moment… you took my breath away,” Carter said, his tone wistful. Carter, always so thoughtful.

When I stepped inside, I froze, utterly speechless. The house was fully decorated, every detail a mirror of the marital home I’d once designed.

“Is this a coincidence?” I asked, surprise threading through my voice.

“No. I knew you designed that home yourself, so I figured this cozy, warm style was what you liked. I found a place that already had a similar look. Some of the furniture we picked out is still being custom-made and hasn’t arrived yet. I planned to wait until everything was perfect… but someone couldn’t seem to wait,” Carter admitted, his tone gentle.

“I’m not that impatient,” I protested, my cheeks burning with embarrassment.

“Meow…”

Out of nowhere, Snowflake leapt into my arms, rounder and fluffier than the last time I’d seen her at the Sanders’ house. A grin spread across my face. Snowflake! When did you bring her back?”

“Yesterday. Her cold cleared up, and the pet shop’s been taking great care of her,” Carter replied.

I played with Snowflake for a while, her soft purring filling the room as I held her close. The house was warm and inviting, so I slipped off my coat and wandered around. In one corner, a massive cat tree stood, perfectly suited for Snowflake’s climbing adventures. This felt like a dream come true.

Carter had disappeared into the bedroom. Ever thoughtful, he’d chosen a ground-floor master bedroom to suit his condition. But when I pushed the door open, I froze. The room was filled with roses, and the bed was dressed in a bold, festive quilt, giving the space a celebratory, almost wedding-night feel.

From the bathroom, I heard the sound of running water. Moments later, Carter emerged, a sharp suit clinging to his frame, his damp hair falling slightly across his forehead.

“I wanted to wait a few more days until everything was perfect before bringing you here,” he said, his ears tinged red. “I know I didn’t give you a wedding, but I wanted to give you a wedding night you’d never forget.”

He stood tall, composed, and perfect, every inch the man I’d fallen for. “It’s been a long time since you’ve seen me like this, hasn’t it?” he added softly.

Before he could say more, I closed the distance between us, throwing my arms around him. “Carter, you’re the most thoughtful man in the entire world!”

He chuckled, a soft, warm sound. “I think you’re the only person who believes that.”

He gently wiped the tears I hadn’t even realized were falling. “We lost a lifetime, Chloe. I don’t want to waste this one. You’ve been through so much, endured so much pain. All I want is to cherish you, to love you, and to give you everything you deserve.”

Standing on my tiptoes, I pressed my lips to his. “To me, the best thing in the world is already here—you, Carter.”

Carter’s arms wrapped around my waist as he deepened the kiss, unhurried and filled with warmth. I didn’t know who started it, but before I realized it, we were on the bed, everything unfolding as if it were meant to be.

Fumbling awkwardly, I tugged at his suit, my fingers clumsy in their rush to loosen his tie. He leaned in, his lips brushing my ear. “Darling, I know you’re eager, but slow down. There’s no need to rush.”

Flustered, I shot back, “I’m not the one rushing… someone else definitely is.”

I finally yanked his tie free, and just as I started on his buttons, he flipped us over, pinning me beneath him. His breath was warm against my skin as he murmured, “Darling, this is a man’s job. Just relax and leave it to me.”

His fingers slipped beneath the hem of my gown, each touch igniting sparks across my skin. It felt as though I were adrift on a gentle tide, rising and falling with each wave, my heart racing in time with his touch.

“Carter…” I whispered, my voice trembling with urgency.

His eyes softened as he said, “Don’t rush. It’s your first time. I don’t want to hurt you.”

But as I looked up at him, I could see his forehead, even the bridge of his straight nose, was already covered in a thin layer of sweat. Even now, he was thinking of me first. My heart swelled, warm and full as if cradled in his care.

Clasping his hand tightly, I reassured him, “Carter… it’s okay now.”

He gazed into my eyes, tenderness etched in every line of his face. “Chloe… if it hurts, just tell me,” he said, his voice deep and soothing.

“Okay…” I nodded, my reply barely a whisper. How could I feel pain when he was being so careful? There was a flicker of discomfort, yes, and a trace of nervousness, but the moment I reminded myself it was him, every fear dissolved.

He bit down softly on my lips, silencing every sound I made, as though he wanted to keep them all for himself. I clung to him, my arms circling his waist tightly, unwilling to let go. Tears spilled from the corners of my eyes—pain mingling with emotion—though I hardly noticed.

“Carter… we’re finally together,” I murmured, my words breaking into the space between us.