Always There

Chapter Fifty-Four

Blossom's eyebrow furrow. "You didn't have to do that, Bryce."

I take a moment to eat some of my ice cream to avoid having it melt down the cone and onto my hand. "I know I didn't," I reply. "But I wanted to. I really hope that you'll like it."

This causes her expression to turn skeptical. "I really hope that you didn't spend too much money on me again, Bryce. I still can't believe that you bought me this ring."

Our eyes simultaneously dart to the promise ring sitting on her finger.

She looks up at me, biting her lip when her eyes meet mine. "You're ridiculous. There are so many better things you could spend money on. I don't need to be spoiled with all these nice things, as much as I cherish them."

I catch a drop of ice cream dripping down the side of my cone. "I have more than enough money to pay for rent, groceries, bills, and all the other shit that we actually need, and so I don't see why I shouldn't spend my money on you."

To my surprise, she sniffles, as though she's fighting back tears. "You're so kind to me. I don't think I deserve you."

I shake my head at her, because I'm so unworthy of her that it's almost fucking comedic.

I'm lying to you about something enormous, Blossom. And I know that I'm going to regret it for the rest of my whole damned life.

"No, baby. I don't deserve you," I tell her softly.

🌸🌸🌸

"I'm so glad to finally be home. I loved our night out, but I want some time to be truly alone with you," Blossom whispers, kicking off her heels as I shut and lock the apartment door after us.

She shrugs off her jacket and I take it from her, shrugging off my own jacket as well. "I'm glad to be home too. I want you to open your present."

She bounces on her heels, clapping her hands together at this. "I'm so excited. But also nervous. Because I know in my gut that you spent way too much money on me once again."

I slip my feet out of my shoes before reaching for Blossom. I wrap an arm around her waist and she leans against me, letting me guide her through the apartment and into the living room.

I can tell the moment that her eyes land on the vase of flowers sitting on the coffee table by how she lets out an excited squeal, hurrying over to keel down on the floor next to the table.

She reaches a hand out to gently touch the petals of one of the red roses. "Are these for me? How did they even get here?" she asks excitedly.

I take a seat on the couch. When she turns around to face me, still kneeling on the floor, I brush her hair back behind her ears. She looks like an angel as she leans her cheek into my hand, looking up at me with wide, hazel eyes.

"I had a bouquet put together for you, but since I was running behind after school and didn't want you to have to wait any longer for me, I wasn't able to stop by the florist on my way home. I had Shawn and Ella pick the flowers up and drop them off here," I tell her, grinning at the massive smile on her face.

"Thank you," she whispers, pulling her face away from my hand so that she can kiss my palm. "They're so beautiful. Will you open your birthday presents now? Please?"

I lean down, brushing my lips against hers. "Not yet," I breathe, still against her lips. "I have something else for you."

Without giving her a further explanation, I kiss her head and stand up from the couch.

Lexi's POV

I watch as Bryce disappears into our bedroom before I stand up off the floor and sit down on the couch instead.