Always There

Chapter Fifty-Four

I tuck my legs underneath myself, leaning against the back of the couch. I'm surprisingly nervous about giving Bryce his birthday present, because even though I think he'll probably like it, I can't be certain how he's going to react.

Tonight has been wonderful so far. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect Valentine's Day, and the fact that it's Bryce's birthday today just makes it even more special. I really don't want to ruin it for him.

When Bryce emerges from the bedroom, he's holding something behind his back in one hand that I'm unable to see from this angle.

"Close your eyes. I want it to be a surprise," he says softly. His voice is deep and husky.

Obligingly, I shut my eyes and fold my hands in my lap.

I can feel his eyes on me as he takes a seat down on the couch beside me, reaching up to skim his fingertips along my cheekbone.

"That's my girl," he whispers before kissing me on the cheek.

I then feel him reach down for my hands, gently unclasping them for me. He places something rectangular in my palms.

"Can you guess what it is?" he asks me quietly.

I purse my lips together. I can tell that it's a jewelry box from the soft material, but it's much too large to be a ring box.

Bryce confirms my thoughts by telling me, "Not an engagement ring. Not yet."

Still keeping my eyes shut, I turn to face him. "If you proposed right this second, I would say yes."

Bryce is suddenly silent.

After a few moments, he reaches a hand up to cup my cheek. "Don't say that," he says softly. "It's not true. But that's okay. I would never expect you to want to get married at eighteen. That's just ridiculous. We still have our whole lives ahead of us."

I merely shrug at him. "I wouldn't expect us to actually get married right away. But I wouldn't say no because I love you and I'd also love another pretty ring."

Bryce's thumb skims my bottom lip. "I didn't get you another ring, but I got you something else sparkly and pretty. Open your eyes."

I open my eyes and look down at my hands. I find that I'm holding a robin's egg blue jewelry box with the words 'Tiffany and Co.' engraved in silver on the lid.

My eyes snap to Bryce. "Seriously? I told you not to spend anymore money on me, Bryce!"

He gives me a sheepish smile, running a hand through his hair. "Well, I didn't listen, clearly. Open it."

I stick my tongue out at him, but nonetheless, I lift the lid off of the box.

Inside, I find a necklace. It's made up of simple, circular diamonds, but there are also a few flowers made of tiny diamonds scattered along the necklace as well.

I force myself to look away from the beautiful necklace. Instead, I look at Bryce. "This is really for me?" I ask him.

He nods and smiles at me. Something I'm unable to identify flickers in his amber eyes. "Yes. For you. My girl. Will you try it on for me?"

I nod at him because I'm scared that I'll start crying the moment that I open my mouth. I don't know why, but this necklace just feels so perfect, and I also can't fathom the fact that Bryce actually bought me a Valentine's Day present.

He's your boyfriend, Lexi! Bryce Bradshaw is really your boyfriend, and he has been for the whole past year!

Bryce gently takes the box from my hands and sets it down in his lap before he lifts the necklace up. He unhooks the clasp and then brushes my hair over one of my shoulders.