Page 98 of Saving Tatum (Trace + Olivia 4)

“I can’t except this.” I thrust the box back into Jerry’s hands. “It isn’t right.”

“Yes, it is,” Jerry said adamantly. “I see the way Jude looks at you. You’re going to be in this family for a long time and I want you to have this. Please.” He tried to hand me the box again, but I refused to take it.

“I can’t take this, Jerry,” I shook my head, backing a step away with my hands raised. “It was your wife’s and I’m just Jude’s girlfriend.”

“Fine,” Jerry huffed, and I thought he was going to put it away. Instead, he tried a different tactic. “Then accept it because you’re my friend.”

“Jerry,” I whined desperately. “The bracelet is beautiful and I’d be honored to wear it, but it’s special to you. I can’t take it.”

He

shook his head. Stubborn old man. “Because it’s special to me I want you to have it. It deserves to be worn, not sitting in this old box. Please,” he handed me the box again and I took it, “it’s yours now. I look at you as if you’re my granddaughter and I want you to have something special. If it makes you feel better think of it as a graduation gift. You’re graduating soon, right?”

I nodded in answer and was about two seconds away from crying again. “Are you sure?” I asked, cradling the box protectively against my chest.

“I’m sure,” he smiled, patting my hand.

I set the box down and Jerry looked ready to argue with me again, but he closed his mouth when he saw that I was simply removing the bracelet to put it on my wrist. I stood on my tiptoes and kissed his wrinkled cheek. “Thank you.”

He wrapped his arms around me in a bear hug. “You’re welcome.”

I picked up the box once more and held it carefully. The bracelet jingled against my wrist. I’d never worn a lot of jewelry but the bracelet felt like it belonged.

I started to walk out of the room, but something that had been bugging me for a while forced me to stop. I turned to Jerry and asked, “Do you remember a girl named Julia?”

Jerry’s eyes filled with surprise. “I haven’t heard that name in a long time, but yes.”

“Did Andrew love her?” I asked. I don’t know why, but it seemed important to know.

Jerry sighed, scratching his chin. “I’m not sure my son ever loved anyone but himself. Why are you asking?”

“Just wondering,” I shrugged. I sucked on my bottom lip and decided to ask one last question. “Do you happen to remember Julia’s last name?”

Jerry rolled his eyes in thought. After a moment he answered, “Hansen. Julia Hansen.”

“Thanks,” I smiled.

We headed downstairs and found Jude waiting by the front door with a smile on his face. “What are you two up to?” He asked.

I held my wrist out. “He wanted to give me this.”

“That was Grams,” Jude smiled wistfully, his fingers brushing lightly against my wrist. “It looks beautiful on you, Tate.”

“Thank you,” I smiled.

Jude started to say goodbye to his grandpa, but Jerry interrupted him. “There’s something I’d like to give you too.” He nodded his head back up the steps.

“Oh,” Jude sobered. “Yeah, okay.”

I started to follow, but Jerry said, “Tatum, would you mind waiting down here?”

“Not at all,” I smiled. I stood by the door, looking out the window.

They must have been having a long talk, because ten minutes had past by the time Jude returned. Jude seemed oddly serious, and I worried that maybe Jerry had told him something that upset him. Something told me not to ask though.

Shaking his head free of his thoughts, Jude smiled. “Date time.”

“Bye Jerry!” I called to the man who stood at the top of the steps. He nodded in acknowledgement, watching the two of us.

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