AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“What gives you the impression that I’m bothered?”
“You’re scratching at the back of your neck like a crackhead, and I think you gave a new meaning to the word ‘redneck.’”
He snorted and threw his dinner napkin onto the table. “I got something for you. Well, not just you. I got something for all the girls in my life because I didn’t want to leave anyone out.”
“What did you get the boys?”
“They received their first watches that will be given to them on Christmas.”
“I can’t imagine a five-year-old with a Rolex,” I teased.
“I won’t even entertain that comment.”
“What did you get the girls?” I asked curiously.
“Daisy and Kiyah received a pair of stud earrings. My mother—who you’ll meet shortly—no doubt, always said that a young woman should always have a pair of diamond studs. I figured they could wear them on special occasions.”
“That…that’s really sweet of you. I…thank you. I’m sure Kiyah will love them.”
“They’re pink—her favorite color.”
My throat tightened with emotion as I thought of my daughter and how excited she’d be to have “grown-up jewelry.”
“When did you get these gifts?” I questioned as he reached into the inside of his coat jacket.
“After our first date,” he answered, sliding a long, black velvet box towards me.
“What is the occasion?” I asked, running a finger over the smooth surface.
“Just because. Open it when you’re ready.”
I stared at the box for several seconds, trying to imagine what treasures it held, but nothing came to mind. After what felt like an eternity, I eventually cracked open the box, revealing a gold necklace with a diamond pendant.
“It…it’s a ‘R.’” I whispered.
“It’s for Rory, so you can always hold him near your heart.”
Jonathan
I think I fucked up.
A minute passed, and Kierra was still staring at the necklace with a dumbfounded expression.
Maybe buying her something that is a constant reminder of her deceased husband is the wrong move.
She fell back against her chair, eyes not leaving the box.
“I’m stuck, Jon,” she said finally. “I can’t tell if your gift is incredibly sweet, thoughtful, or confusing.”
My heart sank in my stomach as I processed Kierra’s response as rejection.
“It certainly wasn’t my intention to confuse you. We can return it, exchange it for something else, or pass it to Kiyah. I’m sorry if I—”
“Jon…just give me a second…please,” she requested, obviously still processing my gift.
“Take your time,” I mumbled.
In the meantime, I finished my Old Fashioned and ordered another before she finally addressed me.
