Page 85 of Cross My Heart
Walking over to her, I ask, “May I?”
I take the pendant from her delicate hands, motioning for her to turn around so I can clasp it around her long neck. From my jacket pocket, I retrieve the small matching earrings. Tate and I both decided Lanie wouldn’t like anything too big. The simple posts suit her perfectly.
“Dex, this is all too much. I can’t accept all this.” She tries backing away, but I step with her, keeping our bodies close.
“You can, Lanie, and you will. Now put them on, we have a schedule to keep, would you like to know what I have planned?” I tease.
I watch her slide the stud earrings into her perfect ears as she nods yes.
“First, we are going to dinner, there will be nothing slippery on the menu,” I wink at her. “Then, we are going to a costume gala my company is sponsoring. It’s a charitable event, all proceeds going to various therapies for abused children. Eventually, we will start our own charity with the same goal, but until we have someone to head that endeavor, we will donate to various foundations with a similar purpose.” I tell her, waiting for a reaction.
This right here is what I’m not sure about. I know it is a lot for her to take in, but when she does, she gives me the most brilliant smile. “You, Mr. Cross, are certainly unexpected.”
What I don’t tell her is that I hope to name the foundation in her honor someday.
Lanie
Chapter 32
“Jules, the months are flying by so quickly, I can’t believe it’s almost Thanksgiving,” I whine. “I don’t think we have ever been apart for this long.”
“I know, Lanes. But can I be honest with you?” She asks like there is ever any other way.
“You know you can,” I tell her.
“I’ve never seen you so happy, Lanes. Mom and Dad see it too. I think Dex and North Carolina have been good for you. Before you go making any permanent plans, I hope you really think about how your life has been these last eight months,” she says.
Sighing because I know she is right, I prop my phone up on the nightstand and lie on my side so I can see her. “I know, Jules. I don’t know what to do. It’s not like he has come right out and asked me to stay, though.”
“I’m sorry, Lanes, but that is a pretty bitchy thing to say,” Jules says, shocking me. “The man has a running commentary on every nice thing he has done for the last 250 plus days, and you don’t think that’s screaming at you to stay?”
“I’m so confused, Jules. I’ve never felt like this before,” I confide.
“I know, sweetie, but do you know what the indicator was for me that you might have finally found your place?” I shake my head. “You’ve been there eight months, and not once that entire time have you been tempted to come home. Not when Bitchzilla slapped you, not when asshat threatened you at the school, and not when he roughed you up at the clubhouse. None of that has sent you running.”
“Hmm,” is all I can manage. She is right, of course, I had just never thought of it like that. “I guess I’ve never felt threatened here.”
“Or, you knew you were not going to be in serious physical danger because Dex was always there for you.” Jules counters. Unconsciously, I thumb my pendant.Maria stayed. “Just don’t make any rash decisions, okay? Thanksgiving is three weeks away, have you decided what you’re going to do?”
“I’m not sure. Tate has been begging me to stay and celebrate with him. I don’t want to let him down, but I am missing you guys so much,” it’s true, I’ve never been away from them this long before.
“Want my opinion?” Julia asks.
“Always,” I reply in my bestDuhtone.
“I think that kid has had a hell of a time in his short life. I think without even realizing it, you’re both healing something in the other. I think you should do what’s going to make him happy and plan to come home for a weekend when Thanksgiving is over.”
“That’s a lot of thinking,” I joke. “Are you saying, if you were me, you’d stay...for Thanksgiving?” I add quickly.
“I would,” she says.
“I’ll think about it and let you know soon. Luvs, Jules.”
“Luvs, Lanes.”
* * *
“Lanie! Thanksgiving is next weekend, are you going to stay with me?” Tate asks, full of hope.
