My stomach flips.
A jeweler, with pieces priced exorbitantly high.
There was a small, gold pinky ring that cost twelve thousand dollars, so I can only imagine whatever is in this box costs a fortune.
“Why are you buying me jewelry?” I wince, realizing how that sounded. “Not that I’m ungrateful, but you already give me too much. You know I don’t need expensive things.”
“Appease me, please.” He smiles, tapping the box.
I open it slowly, like something’s going to pop out and bite me.
When I see what’s inside, my breath catches, and my hand flies to my throat.
“Nate,” I whisper, blinking hard.
“Turn around,” he says quietly. “Let me put it on you.”
I hold the box for one more moment, taking it in. Not just how beautiful it is, but what it means.
He lifts the necklace out, brushes my hair gently off my shoulder, and clasps the chain at the back of my neck. My eyes follow the movement until the pendant settles against my chest.
A diamond butterfly.
I dig through my bag and hand him my compact, catching my reflection.
The chain is delicate, and the butterfly is small and elegant, encrusted with diamonds, yet somehow still understated.
It’s nothing loud or excessive.
It’s perfect, and so beyond meaningful.
I look up at him, holding his gaze. “I love you. And I love this.” My voice wobbles. “Thank you.”
I squeeze his arm, wishing my gratitude could be felt.
“Love you too, Goddess,” he says softly. “I know you admire my tattoo and its meaning, so I wanted to give you your own butterfly and thought this would be the perfect place to do it.”
I scoot closer on the bench and run my fingers through his hair, studying him. He’s smiling the kind of smile that tells me his heart is just as full as mine.
We sit there quietly for a few more minutes, until the path begins to fill and the moment is lost.
When we stand, I glance back at the stone one last time, smiling softly.
I’ll be back soon, next time with Claud.
I promise.
31
Maddie
“Oh shit.”Nate types furiously on his phone.
“What’s wrong?”
“My flight’s been postponed until tomorrow.” He shakes his head, irritation flashing across his face. “This is why I usually fly private.”
I glare at the side of his head. “You’re kidding me right now? The lie-flat, first-class ticket wasn’t good enough for you?”
