Page 140 of Forty, Flirty & Framed

I recognize this as the blessing it is."Thank you, Doctor.That means a great deal."

He nods once."Good man.Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to explain to your grandmother why Armenian brandy deserves equal status with Scottish whisky.A diplomatic negotiation of the highest order."

As dinner progresses, I watch the improbable blending of our families with a sense of wonder.

Fiona and Nadine hold court at one end of the table, heads together as they plan what sounds alarmingly like a joint travel show concept.

Viktoria is deep in conversation with Luke about security protocols for the new Beyond Your Label initiative, while Susanna entertains Connor and Ariana with dramatic readings from the most popular Kilted Casanova fan fiction.

"'His eyes were like the Scottish highlands—wild, untamed, and prone to sudden storms,'" she recites in a breathy voice."'Karina trembled as his gaze locked with hers across the boardroom.Would today be the day he finally acknowledged the tension between them, or would corporate propriety once again deny their burning passion?'"

"Please stop.”Karina groans, burying her face in her napkin."I'm begging you."

"This is actually quite good," Connor comments, looking impressed."The characterization is surprisingly nuanced."

"The dialogue needs work," Ariana critiques professionally."'Burning passion' is a bit excessive."

"What do you think, Callum?"Grayson asks innocently."Accurate portrayal of your highland eyes?"

I take a much-needed sip of the whisky.“I think I preferred it when my friends were too intimidated to mock me…”

"That ship has sailed, capsized, and sunk to the bottom of the ocean," Luke informs me."Along with your privacy and dignified reputation."

As laughter ripples around the table, I find myself remarkably unbothered.

The teasing that would have mortified me two months ago now feels like a gift.

Evidence of how much I've changed.

How much more of life I'm allowing myself to experience, outside of my bubble of work and very few friends.

When dessert is served—an elegant fusion of Scottish cranachan and Armenian nazook that the chef created specially for the occasion—I signal to the waiter to bring out the box I'd entrusted to him earlier.

"Before we continue celebrating," I say, rising from my seat, "I have something for Karina."

She looks up as I place the long, flat box before her."What's this?"

"Open it and see."

With curious fingers, she lifts the lid to reveal an official-looking document emblazoned with the Abernathy Corp logo and formal seals.

"'Certificate of Authentic Expertise,'" she reads aloud."'This document officially recognizes Karina Peters for exemplary expertise in authenticity, resilience, and perspective-altering influence on corporate culture.'Callum, what is this?"

"Your official credentials," I explain."Certified, notarized, and approved by the Board of Directors.No embellishment needed or required."

Her eyes widen as she realizes what I've done—created an official corporate recognition of exactly the qualities she'd hidden behind fabricated credentials.

"This is..."

"Long overdue.”I smile down at her."And there's something else."

Beneath the certificate lies a small velvet box.

The table falls silent as she lifts it with trembling fingers.

"Callum," she whispers, "is this?—"

"Not quite," I say softly."Not yet.But soon."