Page 54 of Devotion

“That’s what I think too. And my parents. It’s really like a miracle for them. And it never would have happened if you hadn’t gotten my dad that job. We’ll never be able to thank you enough for that.”

He shrugs off my earnest gratitude. “It’s my job to take care of you, so I did. But tell me this. If you’d had the choice betweengoing to school like your sister or becoming a partner the way you did, which would you have wanted?”

The question startles me so much I freeze. But I know the answer immediately. It’s lodged hard in my heart. My lips part slightly, but I can’t get any words out.

Gabriel’s blue eyes are searching. Knowing. “Tell me the truth, Jess. No matter what it is.”

I make a weird little sound in my throat and drop my eyes. Fiddle with the cameo locket I wear every single day. “If I’d ended up as anyone else’s partner, I think I would rather have gone to school—if that had been any sort of possibility for me. But… but…” My cheeks burn. I can’t lift my eyes.

“Tell me.”

“I’d rather be your partner than anything else in the world.”

It’s such a nakedly honest statement that I’m trembling all over. I still can’t look up at him. I have absolutely no idea how he’ll respond to what I just said.

“Jess.”

“Yes.”

“Look at me.”

I wrench my eyes open and meet his. He’s gazing at me with a quiet intensity I don’t understand.

“Thank you,” he finally says.

I work my bottom lip with my teeth, fighting the urge to squirm. “It’s true.”

“I believe you.”

We stare at each other for another minute until my shakiness finally subsides and I can smile at him again.

He smiles back. “So when is your family moving?”

“In two days. It’s happening fast, but it’s better that way. He’s not important enough for anyone with authority to really care about, but you never know how things might go. If they delaytoo long, it’s possible someone could hear about it and try to interfere. We don’t want that to happen.”

“No. It makes sense to move quickly. But I don’t like you having so little time with your family. I’m going to talk to some people. I think we could justify you saving up your weekly time off since you won’t have your family to visit every week and using it to add an extra day when you visit them. That way you could spend two days with them a month instead of one and actually have a real visit.”

I’m so shocked my mouth falls open. “Wh-what?”

“You heard me. Why do you look so surprised?”

“But I don’t… I don’t deserve that kind of… that kind of… gift.”

“Of course you deserve it. And it’s not a gift. They’re not going to allow it unless you give up your four hours off on the other Saturdays, but that will be all right, won’t it?”

“Yes, it will be all right.” I’m almost in tears—too many good things are happening all at once. “Are you sure you can do without me for two days?”

He gives a short huff of laughter. “I’m not going to love it, but I’ll make do.”

“No. You’re more important. I’m not going to leave you?—”

“Stop, Jess.” His expression and his tone have both changed. Gotten stern again. “I promise I will be fine. You need to see your family. This is happening, so stop arguing and accept it.”

I gulp. Drop my eyes as I control my ragged breathing. “Thank you,” I’m finally able to say. I quickly swipe a stray tear away.

“You’re welcome. And I wish you wouldn’t always act so surprised when I do something for you. You told me from the beginning that it was my job to take care of you. You’ve always done your job. Why are you constantly so surprised I do mine?”

I’ve gotten my emotions under control enough now to speak more naturally. “This is above and beyond what’s expected from you.”

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