Page 120 of Surprisingly Us

“What?” I ask.

“I didn’t know you were a Swiftie.”

“You going to add it to your flash cards?” I ask.

She tosses a playful glare in my direction. “No, I’ve retired those. Threw them in the trashcan this morning.”

“So, we’ll have to do it the old-fashioned way?”

“And what way is that?” she asks.

“Spending time together.”

Her eyes never leave mine, but her lips push out in a slight pout. God damn, I have the strongest urge to grip her by the back of the neck and kiss that scowl right off her. Never mind the fact we’re in the hallway of a children’s hospital oncology wing.

“When absolutely necessary.”

If that’s the case, then I’ll be adding as many appearances and events to the calendar as I possibly can.

For the next two hours, we make our way down the hall, visiting with the children in each room, passing out tutus. It’s more fun than I thought it would be. The good news is most of the kids love Taylor Swift, pink, and fashion, so I’ve got plenty to talk with them about. I end up with a few friendship bracelets and promise to come back with some of my own to exchange next time.

Outside the last room, Lettie places her hand on my forearm. “Don’t make promises you’re not going to keep.”

I broke her trust and now she’s concerned I’ll do it with the children here.

“I plan to keep it. I’ve already texted Ramsey to pick up a bracelet making kit. I’ve got a million ideas.”

She nods and presses her lips together.

“Thank you for coming today.”

“I had fun.”

“Me, too.” Lettie smiles and my whole world gets brighter.

“We done with this?” I motion to the empty box.

“No. I’ll keep it and start making tutus for another visit.”

It hits me then. This doesn’t end. There will always be children here that Lettie can visit. That she wants to visit and try to make a bright spot in an otherwise challenging and scary time in their lives. I wish I had half the good heart Lettie does.

In the elevator, Lettie stands on the opposite side and it feels like she’s a million miles away. I thrust my hands into my pockets and my fingertips brush against the cool platinum band of her engagement ring.

I pull the ring out of my pocket.

To start building back trust with her, I need to be honest.

I hold the ring up in front of me and Lettie’s eyes drop to the large diamond.

“I hated the moment I found this hanging on your toothbrush this morning. Not because I knew it meant you didn’t want to play this game with me anymore, but because I thought I’d lost you as a friend.”

Her eyes lift to mine as she sucks in a sharp breath.

“You’ve easily become my best friend over these last few weeks, and I hated the thought that I hurt you and I might have lost you. I was an idiot letting this thing with Jerrod get out of control, and again, I’m sorry I blindsided you last night.My parents’ foundation is important to me, and I let my fear of Jerrod getting the board position cloud my judgment.”

I’m searching her eyes. This moment is more intimate than my proposal in front of everyone last night.

“Lettie, will you—"

---