“Haven?” I called out once I unlocked the door with the key Mace had given me months ago, and slipped inside. I registered the sounds of water hitting tile and the squeal of the taps just before it was shut off.

“Be out in a minute,” Haven called, a cloud of steam escaping when the bathroom door opened. The smell of her body wash permeated the air. Fresh berries with a hint of vanilla. It was a scent I’d never get tired of. A few minutes later, while I was still pacing the living room, Haven stepped out of her room looking stunning as usual. A pair of those stretchy yoga type pants fitted her in all the right spots and her loose shirt hung just off one creamy shoulder. What I wouldn’t give to be either of those items of clothing.

“What’s going on? Why’re you nervous?” Haven stopped walking and tipped her head to the side, examining my body language. She had always been observant.

“I’m not nervous,” I fibbed, halting my rigorous pace. “I do need to talk to you though.” I indicated to the sofa, silently asking her to sit with me, to which she obliged. She tucked her legs neatly up under herself and hugged her knees loosely. Still trying as she might to hold herself together, or at least create a barrier between her and me. I didn’t dwell. I knew she was still working through the mess of her heart.

“Out with it, Jude,” she pushed, waiting for me to sit down beside her; instead, I took a seat on the large oak coffee table just inches away from her curled up legs. Her toes hung off the edge of the sofa. My fingers from my free hand found them, and I brushed each digit gently. She was wearing a dark blue polish that had chipped on the ends.

Her eyes never left mine as she wiggled her toes, welcoming my touch. I could tell she was still curious as to why she was even before me in this manner. “Jude?” she inquired simply.

I held out the long, slender box, letting it rest on my palm. What felt like minutes ticked by before she reached out and touched it. The entire time my heart racing like I’d just run a marathon.

“What’s this?” Her eyes flicked up from the box to mine, her fingertips still lingering on the ribbon.

“Take it. It’s for you.” I lay my other hand on top of hers and curled her fingers around the box.

I could see the look of hope spread briefly across her features. If I wasn’t paying attention, I might have missed it. Did she think it could be from anyone but me? I felt the need to clarify. “I saw this and knew it would be perfect for you.” I stammered through my words. “If you don’t like it, or whatever, I can take it ba—”

Haven held up her hand to stop my stuttered words. “Shh, Jude. It’s fine. Please.”

She slowly withdrew her hand, holding the thin rectangle gently, like it was made of glass, as she pulled on the ribbon, letting it fall to her lap. Then, she removed the paper and all that was left was to open the lid, which she did ever so smoothly. The light overhead caught the diamond, reflecting it’s light around the room.

“Jude.” She sighed. “It’s beautiful.” She pulled the bracelet from its black velvet bed and held it up.

“There’s a diamond heart that represents your heart, delicate and beautiful but stronger than anything in the world. There’s a teddy bear, ‘cause you like those, a handbag… Well, we’ve all seen how many of those you have. There’s a daddy’s girl charm for the obvious and a letter D charm, for Dylan.” I pointed to each charm her as eyes studied each one closely. She looked up at me with tears beginning to form. “Don’t cry, princess. I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

She threw herself off the sofa and right into my arms, hugging me tightly. “Thank you, Jude. It’s perfect.” Pulling back too soon, she wiped her eyes and held the bracelet out to me. “Could you put it on for me, please?”

I took it from her hand and wrapped it around her wrist, fiddling with the tiny clasp while she watched. When I looked up, her eyes were glued to me.

“Jude? Why are you here? I mean, why are you still here, rather?” She grunted with frustration, her words not coming out like she wanted them to. “Why did you stay? This couldn’t have been easy for you.”

“Haven…” I struggled to find the right words, so I moved to what I had to show her instead. This was the moment. The one I’d been waiting for. I stood and pulled my cell from my back pocket, tapping the screen until I found what I was looking for. “You need to hear something.” I looked up at her sparkling hazel eyes.

“First and the most important reason, I love you, Haven. That won’t ever change for me. Even if it’s not returned—and I understand if you can’t return it. I do. I love you with everything I have. And I was a fool for not fighting for you in the first place.” I took a deep breath and let it out steadily, waiting for her to throw me out like she’d had every right to do. When I realized she wasn’t saying a word, just looking at me curiously, I continued, “And this.” I tapped the screen on my phone one more time and let the saved message play into the quiet room. Praying to all that was holy, she wouldn’t fall apart again. Or worse, hate me forever.

Haven

The moment his voice filled the air, my heart stuttered and another little piece splintered off, stabbing me in the chest. I missed his voice so much it physically hurt.

“Jude, Haven doesn’t know I’m calling you, but I need a favor. I’ve never lied to her or kept anything from her, but I’m breaking that promise right now.