45. Lara

Chapter 45

Lara

Y ou are a strong, independent woman, and you can do hard things.?

You are a strong, independent woman, and you can do hard things.?

You are a strong, independent woman, and you can do hard things.?

“Did you say something?” Carter’s hand finds the spot between my shoulder blades that I’m certain was custom-made to fit his comforting touch. I look up at him as he leans his face closer to mine, smiling sweetly.?

“Sorry, talking to myself.”

We’re standing outside his childhood home, except home is a loose term. I think small mansion would be a more fitting description. The exterior is bright white, with floor-to-ceiling arch windows dispersed along the length of the front. A stunning portico stands above us, with cherry blossoms housed in built-in planter boxes on either side. The front door is a deep navy, adorned with a floral wreath beneath the half-moon window.

Despite the beautiful home, I’m on the verge of a nervous breakdown while struggling to comprehend why I’m so nervous—Mia is my best friend, and I’ve come to know Freddie quite well. Together, they make up half of the family beyond the double oak doors looming before me. But it’s the other three who are making me nervous—Carter’s older brother, Teddy, his mother, Diana, and the infamous Winnie.

“I know you’re nervous, but you’re going to do great. My family already loves you.” Carter places his other hand over mine, halting the subconscious ring twisting.?

“Half of them don’t even know me; they can’t love me.”

“You don’t think I’ve told them almost everything there is to know about you? Everything there is to love about you?”

“Almost everything?” I question with a quirked brow.

“Well, I figured there’s some details my family don’t need to know. For example, the little breathless noise you make when I do this.” Without hesitation, Carter runs his palm down the curve of my back and over my arse. When I think he’s finished, and I’m confused about the point he’s trying to make, he delivers a sharp slap to my backside.

I draw in a quick breath, the cool air burning a pathway from the back of my throat right into my lungs. Before I have the chance to respond, the front door swings open, revealing an older but no less beautiful version of Mia.

“You’re here!” she exclaims, a warm smile lighting up her delicate face. Carter’s mother whirls away from us. “See Freddie, I told you I heard a noise at the front door.” Attention returning to us, she continues. “Goodness me, you’re even more beautiful than my son let on! I’m Di, it’s wonderful to finally meet you, dear.”

Di steps forward, wrapping me in a warm embrace, and there’s no denying who Carter inherited his hugs from. My senses are encircled by a mixture of citrus and floral as she pulls back to look at me, still holding onto my shoulders.?

“It’s wonderful to meet you too, Di.” Hopefully the nerves I feel aren’t portrayed in my shy smile.

The genetics in this family will never cease to amaze me. If we were ever to have children, I hope to god they’d inherit their father’s genes. Her blonde lob is perfectly styled, the ends curling up slightly where they graze her shoulders. Her makeup is light, emphasising her high cheekbones, and a pink hue is expertly swiped across her lips.

Impeccable style is clearly another hereditary trait in this family. The black and white A-line dress swishes around Di’s calves as she ushers us inside, her heels clicking against the hardwood floors.?

The house is a statement piece from the outside, but the interior is something else entirely. We enter the open-plan foyer, and I have to make a conscious effort not to gape. To the left is a formal dining room, the grand table in the centre set for seven. The navy decor rivals that of a showroom, and I think I’ve found my dream home. To the right is the most spectacular kitchen I’ll possibly ever see. The navy theme continues in the cabinetry lining the far wall, contrasted with brushed brass fixtures. I’m in complete awe of this place and beyond jealous Carter grew up here.

“You look lovely as always, Mother.” Carter bends to give his mum a kiss on the cheek, and she stands on tiptoes to meet him halfway.?

“Thank you, my sweet boy. Come, the others are in the drawing room.”

I don’t think I’ve ever been in a home with a drawing room. I’m fairly certain it’s another name for a fancy living room, or at least that’s what my Bridgerton knowledge tells me. Judging by what I’ve seen of the house so far, I imagine it’ll be meticulously designed and decorated.

Di wanders down the corridor ahead of us, but I find myself frozen in place. Carter, ever the observer, notices my hesitation. “We’ll be two seconds, Mum.” He raises his arm toward her, two fingers up. “See, she wasn’t so scary, was she?” He gives me a cheesy grin, his dimple popping. “One down, one to go.”

“I don’t recall saying they’d be scary,” I retort, giving Carter a pointed look. “I won’t lie, though; your brother sounds a little intimidating.”

“He is.”?

“Ooh, it’s a good thing you’re pretty because you’re a pain in my arse.”

Carter ducks his head, his lips featherlight against mine as he gives me a chaste kiss. “Let’s go introduce you to Big Ted.”