Page 141 of Forty, Flirty & Framed

She opens the box to reveal a pendant—a small pomegranate crafted in rose gold, identical to the tattoo on her wrist and hip.

A promise…

Not of possession, but of permanence.

"It's beautiful," she breathes.

"Like its inspiration.”I reach around, helping her fasten it around her neck."A reminder that the most authentic version of yourself is exactly what I fell in love with."

The moment is perfect—until Connor loudly clears his throat.

"Speaking of authentic versions," he announces, "Luke and I have a small presentation of our own."

They rise in unison, looking suspiciously coordinated as Luke produces a small covered object.

"Ladies, gentlemen, and distinguished families," Connor begins in his best CEO voice."As witnesses to the historic Kilted Casanova Phenomenon, we felt it imperative to commemorate this cultural milestone appropriately."

Luke removes the cloth with a flourish, revealing what appears to be a bronze plaque mounted on polished wood.

"Oh no," Karina murmurs beside me."This can't be good."

"'The Kilted Casanova Memorial Plaque,'" Connor reads grandly."'In recognition of the viral sensation that united two corporations, launched seventeen hashtags, and forever changed Scottish-American relations.'"

Luke picks up seamlessly: "Statistical highlights include: 2.7 million uses of #KiltedCasanova, 850,000 instances of #BeyondYourLabel, and 1.3 million of #TheRealKarina."

"Additionally," Connor continues, "merchandise sales have exceeded $340,000, with proceeds benefitting the Beyond Your Label Initiative's scholarship fund."

"And let us not forget," Luke adds solemnly, "the three formal marriage proposals received from strangers, fourteen offers of surrogate clan membership, and one ceremonial sword gifted by the Edinburgh Historical Society."

"Wait, what sword?"I interrupt."I never received a sword."

"Your grandmother has it," Fiona confirms from her end of the table."I'm having it mounted in my apartment.More appropriate there than in your minimalist penthouse."

"You intercepted my ceremonial sword?"I ask, genuinely outraged.

"Focus, dear.The point is the recognition, not the weaponry."

"We'd like to formally present this plaque," Connor announces, "to be displayed prominently in the Abernathy Corp lobby as a reminder that even the most controlled CEO can become an international thirst object under the right circumstances."

The table erupts in laughter and applause as Luke presents the plaque with exaggerated formality.

I accept it with all the dignity I can muster, which isn't much given the circumstances.

"You realize," I tell them quietly, "that revenge will be both swift and comprehensive."

"Worth it," Connor replies, unrepentant."Your face right now is absolutely worth it."

As we return to our seats amid continued laughter, Karina slips her hand into mine beneath the table.

"For what it's worth," she whispers, "I think it's kind of sweet.They documented our whole story."

"Our absurd, public, completely unplanned story," I correct.

"The best kind.”She squeezes my fingers."Authentic."

I look around the table at our improbable gathering.

Her family and mine.Colleagues turned friends.