Forever Mine

“Steve’s bringing his dog, Buddy, to live with us, isn’t he, Mum?” Bethy says.

Priya sighs. “That was another thing I feel terrible about. He loves that dog of his, and it’s costing him three grand to bring him over.”

I suck in a breath and almost choke on the cauliflower. Coughing, I hit my chest with my fist as my eyes water. “Three grand?” I wheeze.

Priya gets up and disappears for a minute, returning with a glass of water.

“Thanks,” I say with a hoarse voice.

“It made my eyes water too, when he told me. But it’s just been him and Buddy for years, so I understand why he wants to bring him over. Even if it is costing an arm and a leg.”

“I’ve had enough. Can I play in my room?” Bethy asks.

“Sure, scrape the rest of your curry onto my plate.” I’m not having that go to waste.

“Why didn't you and that Steph girl work out? I know you liked her as you took the girls to meet her.”

“I liked her, Dad. She was nice.”

“Me too, Lollipop.” Heat rises from my knotted stomach at the mention of my Steph. I run a hand over my face. Fuck, I miss her. I haven’t even got her number anymore since I threw my phone at the wall one night, sick of staring at her name, waiting for her to call me or itching to call her. It was driving me insane.

Liv gets up and carries her empty plate into the kitchen, then pops her head back in the living room. “Have you seen my phone?”

I look up. “You mean it’s been surgically removed from your hand?”

“Haha. Dad, you’re hilarious.” She gives me a sarcastic smile and goes to her room.

“She’s more and more like you every day,” I smile at Priya.

She knocks my shoulder. “Me? It’syoushe takes after.”

I snort as I laugh through my nose. Maybe she’s right.

“So tell me more about this Steph. Did you ruin things with her?”

“She wouldn't have me.” I place my empty plate on the coffee table and lean back, rubbing my full stomach that’s hardening every time I think of Steph.

Priya’s eyebrows pinch. “Really, why not?”

“She's married.”

Priya’s pretty face wrinkles as she cringes. “Cal, you didn't go with a married woman?”

“Yep.” I let out a long breath. “It's not like that, though. She belongs to me. She's mine. Since we were kids, she's been mine. I love her. Like really love her. You know, the kind of love where you don’t feel complete without the other.”

“Yes, Cal. I know what you mean. That's how I felt about you once.”

“Ah shit. Priya, I'm sorry. I love you. You know that.”

“You just couldn't marry me.” She rolls her eyes and places her plate on the coffee table on top of mine.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine. I think I had a lucky escape.” She giggles again. “So, if she’s the love of your life, why aren't you together?”

“She's married. I asked her to leave. I even proposed.”

She raises her brow, and her brown eyes bore into me. “Did you propose, though? Your proposals leave a lot to be desired.”