Page 104 of Finding Redemption

A week of party planning will get to a guy. This is hard work. I’ve come to the point where I count down every day until she’s here. I want to ask her to move in, but I don’t think she will. The weekend before her birthday we do a little last-minute Christmas shopping.

“Your Mom? I have no clue what to get her.” She bites her nail, staring at her phone.

“She’s easy. Get her anything.”

“Walker, you’re no help.” Her brows furrow. “I need help. I can’t show up with anything. What if she hates it?” Her eyelids drop.

I reach across the table, take her hand from her mouth, and hold it tightly. “Reese, she will love anything you give her. It’s your thought and the love you put into it that matters, baby.”

She rocks in her chair, holding her stomach with her other hand. “I-I’ve never done this, Walker. It’s important to me.”

“I have an idea. Come on.” I pull her up, marching straight to the store I think will have it. I spot the place up ahead and we duck in.

“Fingers crossed.” I wink at her, opening the door.

“Mr. Pennington, it’s been a while. How’s your mother?” Tina, the jewelry manager, says as she greets me.

“It has been ages. She’s well. Thank you for asking.” I tuck Reese under my arm. “As a matter of fact, we’re looking for something for my mother. Reese, would you like to look around?” She nods, biting her lip as she wanders away. “Tina, I need a small favor.”

“Yes, of course, Mr. Pennington.” She studies me.

“This young lady owns me. Therefore, whatever we find, she will likely insist on paying for. I need you to give her the lowest price possible and I’ll make up the difference.”

“I understand. Would you like that on your account?” I scan the room for Reese, spotting her in the corner.

“Please. And again, it’s better she doesn’t know about this. All right?”

“Of course.” She smiles sweetly.

I walk away to join Reese. “Did you find anything?”

She chews on her thumbnail, shaking her head with a frown. “Nothing that I can afford.”

“Really? They usually have great sales this time of year. How about we walk around and if we find something we’ll ask.”

She takes a deep breath. “All right.” I take her hand in mine, praying we find something. As we walk the showcases, a twinkling light draws me over. “Reese, have I ever told you about butterflies?”

“No.” She peers into the case, spotting the necklace. “Beautiful.”

“Butterflies represent life, rebirth. Sallie collected butterflies.” My eyes well with tears.

“Ma’am, I’d like this.” Reese points to the sparkling jewelry.

“Aww, yes. Good choice.” Tina takes it from the case, allowing us to examine it. Reese’s eyes dart to the price tag and immediately bites her lip.

“I’ll take it. Thank you.” She pushes it toward the assistant.

“Wonderful. Would you like it giftwrapped?” Tina asks.

“Please.” Reese digs her wallet out, getting a credit card from it.

“You don’t have to pay this much. Mom won’t care.”

“I’ve got it. Besides, it’s the last gift on my list.” She winks.

“You’ve already bought mine?”

“A couple of weeks ago.” She smiles coyishly.