“Mmmhmm. You smashed a lot of heads, and that’s all that matters.” She leaned her head against my shoulder. “You really made this day special. I mean it. No one’s ever done anything like this for me.”
“Guess you better stick with me. I’ve got a lot more up my sleeve.”
She sighed like she was giving in. “I guess I better.”
It wasn’t often I got nervous, but this was important. Mazzy hadn’t had the opportunity to be treated. She’d been so damn young when Katty was born, then went through surgeries, her dad’s illness, moving, losing him. Not to mention school, working, and taking care of our daughter like a champ. I wanted this day to be spectacular for her. So far, it seemed like I was doing okay, but there was always a chance I could ruin it.
“I have something for you, baby.”
She turned to me, eyes wide, her lips around her straw, looking so cute, I had to work to catch my breath.
“You do?” she squeaked.
“I do.” I reached into my pocket and pulled out a velvet box. “Happy birthday, beautiful.”
She bit her lip as she took it, her cheeks glowing red in the bar’s low lighting. “You’ve already given me so much, Benny.”
“Not enough.” I nudged her hand. “Open it. You might not even like it, so don’t get your hopes—”
Her gasp when she flipped open the box made me lose all train of thought. “Ben…” she whispered, “this is…”
“They’re red ginger flowers. From American Samoa.”
She ran her finger over the rectangular hammered gold pendant. The shape of the teuila flower had been carved in the gold, and small gems gleamed from the center of the flowers. I’d thought it was pretty, but I couldn’t quite tell what she thought.
“And this is Katty’s birthstone.” Her eyes lifted to mine. “You must have had this made.”
I nodded. “I did. Do you like it?”
Mazzy didn’t wear much jewelry, so I hadn’t been sure if she’d want a necklace. But I had this one made for her on a wing and a prayer, hoping she’d like it enough to wear it on occasion.
Her lips rolled over her teeth as she blinked fast and looked away. Panic struck my gut. Had I gotten it so wrong, she couldn’t bear to see me? Christ, I’d take it back. I’d have it melted and tossed into the sea for the mermaids to find. I’d launch it into the—
Her hand closed over mine. “Will you put it on me?”
It was my turn to blink and try to focus on her. “You don’t have to wear it.”
“Ben.” She squeezed tighter. “Please put it on me.”
Spinning, she lifted her hair off her neck. I took the necklace from the box and carefully placed it, latching it at her nape. Then I leaned down and kissed the back of her neck.
She shivered and turned back around, touching the pendant resting on the center of her chest.
“How does it look?”
I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Gorgeous.”
Then I took out my phone to snap a picture of her. She might’ve thought I was doing it so she could see herself, but thiswas for me. I wanted to remember the pretty, pleased flush in her cheeks and how her eyes shone with delight. And the fact I’d put that look on her face.
She smiled at me, and I smiled back, but my nerves were fizzling and popping so close to the surface, I couldn’t ignore them.
“You never said if you liked it,” I pointed out.
“I didn’t? Yeah, I guess I didn’t.” She lifted the pendant, sliding it back and forth on the gold chain. “I more than like it. I love it. I’ve never owned anything so beautiful or thoughtful. You’ve stunned me so much, I forgot my manners.”
“Nah. You don’t need manners with me.” My spine straightened, and I grew to be about ten feet tall. “All I need is you to be happy.”
“Well, you’ve accomplished that.” She scooted forward on her stool, her knees slotting between mine. “I’ve had a lot of great days, but all the best ones have happened since I met you. This one is right up there. Thank you, Benny.”
