Caris asked very cautiously.
She was afraid Randall was only trying to cheer her up.
Seeing how tentative she was, Randall's heart melted completely.
He gently took Caris's hand. It was soft and cool, and felt wonderful.
Caris trembled slightly, but made no attempt to pull away.
"Caris, it isn't a question of whether I'll accept you. It's whether you're still willing to accept me.
After all, I've been the one letting you down all these years."
Randall looked at Caris earnestly.
At his words, Caris felt a sting in her nose.
She'd heard it. She'd finally heard it.
After more than ten years, she had finally heard the words she'd dreamed of.
Her emotions burst out in full.
"Yes, of course I am!
You don't even need to ask!"
Caris threw herself into Randall's arms, her voice muffled against him.
"Caris..."
Randall murmured her name, silently wrapping his arms around her slender waist.
Caris's arms tightened around him.
She pressed her soft cheek firmly against Randall's chest.
It was as though she wanted to melt into his body.
At that moment, neither of them wanted to speak.
They quietly savored each other's warmth.
They could have held each other like this for ten thousand years!
But just five minutes later, someone came to spoil the moment.
"Big brother, Caris, what exactly are you two hiding from me?"
Her voice arrived before she did.
The next second, Christa slipped into the little kitchen.
Then she froze.
What was she seeing?
What the hell was she seeing?!
Had her utterly clueless brother finally figured it out?
He'd even learned to hug a girl?!
Christa's eyes sparkled. She covered her mouth with both hands, excitement written all over her face.
Caris first nuzzled hard against Randall's chest, then reluctantly lifted her head.