“Ready for your present?”
Her smile stretches. “You mean there’s more? You already did so much.”
I grab her hand, guiding her over to the picnic blanket where we both sit.
She kicks off her sandals, tucking her legs under her as the blanket crinkles beneath us. The late afternoon light filters through the leaves, casting golden flecks across her shoulders, her cheeks, her hair. She looks unreal, like adream, and every goddamn thing I’ve ever wished for.
“I couldn’t let our first legal birthday pass without getting you a present,” I say, reaching into the picnic basket for the little velvet box I’ve kept hidden.
Her eyes go wide with panic, lips parting just slightly. “Oh my god. Are you?—?”
I bark out a laugh, shaking my head. “Just open it,” I say quickly, grinning. “It’s not what you think. Not yet.”
Color blooms in her cheeks again, but she relaxes, biting her bottom lip she opens the box.
Inside, nestled in soft velvet, is a delicate gold chain. Two slender initials—an E and a D—are looped through the center.
“I know it’s not that exciting,” I say, suddenly self-conscious. “I just thought since we’re going to be apart this next school year, it’s like we’re still?—”
“It’s perfect,” she cuts me off, lifting the necklace out of the box. Her fingers tremble slightly as she tries to loop it around her neck, the thin chain slipping through her grasp.
She turns around without a word, sweeping her hair to the side. I step in, brushing my fingers lightly against the back of her neck as I fasten the clasp. The chain settles against her skin, the initials resting just below her collarbone.
She spins to face me, eyes shining as she lifts her chin. “I love it,” she whispers, and then, softer, “and I love you.”
“I love you too,” I whisper back, capturing her lips in a kiss—slow, delicate, torturous—until she’s breathless.
She laughs against my mouth, pulling back. “We must’ve been on the same train of thought.”
“Oh, yeah? Why’s that?”
Reaching into the pocket of her dress she produces a nearly identical velvet box.
I take it, opening it to reveal a gold chain.
“I know you’re not really a jewelry guy, but I think it would look good on you.” She blushes, chewing on her bottom lip. “You don’t have to wear it all the time?—”
I kiss her cutting her off.
“You like it when guys wear chain necklaces?”
“No.” She giggles. “I like the idea ofyouwearing one. Only you.”
If my girl wants me to wear a chain around my neck, looks like I’m wearing it for the rest of my damn life.
“Happy birthday, querida mía.”
“Happy birthday, Dominic baby.”
CHAPTER 27
Elyse
WRITE IT DOWN
PRESENT
My car is fucked.
