Page 25 of Steadfast

“How the hell did I end up here?” I asked in confusion, pushing myself up.

“You were falling over, so I pulled over and got you situated.”

“Sorry.” I grimaced. “It’s been a crazy week.”

“No worries.”

“Are you coming in?”

“Nah, I gotta get home. I’ve barely been there lately, and I gotta keep my mom happy if I’m going to keep mooching off them while we save up for a house.” He grinned.

“Damn.”

“I’ll come by tomorrow.”

“Alright, sounds good.” I leaned up to kiss him. “Thank you for dinner.”

“Thanks for dessert,” he replied against my mouth.

I burst out laughing when I realized what he meant. When I pulled away, his hand found my thigh and clamped down, holding me in place.

“Just a sec,” he murmured, reaching for the glove compartment. He rummaged around for a moment before pulling something out of it and then slamming it shut. When he pulled his hand back, I could see a little black box in his palm, and I froze.

“Jesus Christ.” My mouth fell open.

Richie laughed. “It’s not that. Five years, remember?”

“I think I just had a heart attack,” I breathed as he handed me the box.

I opened it up to find a delicate gold chain with a littleApendant hanging from it.

“Graduation present,” he said quietly.

“Richie—” I stared at the necklace. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“You didn’t go to graduation—” He lifted a hand to quiet me when I opened my mouth to speak. “That shit about the cap and gown was bullshit. You know I’ve got my old one in a closet somewhere. My mom keeps everything.”

“Don’t tell the kids,” I ordered quickly.

“I won’t.” He smiled. “You didn’t do the whole graduation thing, but I thought you should have something to commemorate it. You spent high school raising four kids, working, and still got good grades and finished. That deserves some recognition.”

“Thank you,” I whispered, my nose stinging with tears.

“You’re welcome,” he replied gently.

“Well, fuck, now Ireallywant you to come inside,” I grumbled.

Richie laughed. “I’ll text you later, and I’ll come over in the morning.”

“Sounds good,” I said, my tone clearly indicating that I wasn’t satisfied with that answer. “I love you.”

“Love you, too, baby.”

After one last kiss, I hopped out of the truck and hurried toward my front door, the necklace clenched tightly in my fist.

If I’d known what I was walking into, I would’ve hidden it safely in my pocket.

CHAPTER 5

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