Mrs. Franklin cried when I told her I was putting in my two weeks. I had too much going on in my life and I was missing entirely too much work anyways. I’d still be sure to purchase something once a month to keep her afloat, but I didn’t have the time to work there. Mrs. Franklin had become like a mother to me and it hurt to do it, but she understood.

Shannon on the other hand was in complete shock. I told her everything and she was pissed that I never told her about the money, but once she checked her checking account she got over it pretty quick. It didn’t matter anyway, once I confirmed that I was definitely pregnant she forgot all about everything and went straight into baby shower planning mode.

Not to mention, she had been holding out on me on some stuff, as well. Come to find out, her and Devin’s friend, Matt, had been seeing each other for the last month.

“Yeah, good luck with that one.” I laughed.

“No luck needed. He’s not getting into these panties until he proves himself. I think he’s on a mission and I’m enjoying his attempts. It’s kind of hot.”

Good ole Shannon and asshole Matt. That was going to be interesting.

I was collecting all of my things from the back and putting items in boxes when Mrs. Franklin came in.

“Oh, your necklace came back in. I meant to call you and let you know, but things got crazy around here.”

She pulled out a little box.

“My necklace?”

I had no idea what the hell she was talking about.

“Yes. Is says here you put in the order for it to be engraved a little over a month ago,” she said as she looked over an order form.

She laid it on the table and walked out front when the doorbell rang.

I pulled open the little box and inside was the locket Devin had purchased the first day I met him. Lilly was engraved on the outside of the sterling silver cover. I cleared my throat and swallowed hard. I was afraid to read what was on the inside—afraid of more lies.

I pushed on the side of the locket and it popped open. The engraved script jumped out at me and my eyes pooled with tears.

You will forever be priceless to me.

I love you

I felt myself fall into an old desk chair as the tears fell harder. I held the necklace in my hands and replayed the first day I had seen his face. I considered it one of the best days of my life.

I read the inside of the locket again and it hurt. It was a lie, too.  I wasn’t priceless to him.

“You are.” I heard Devin whisper as if he’d heard my thoughts.

I looked up to find him standing in front of me with a look of sheer worry etched into his face. He looked as though he hadn’t slept and his eyes were puffy and red. It was weird to see him that way since he was usually so calm and collected.

He dropped down to his knees in front of me and cupped my hands. I wanted push him away. I wanted to run out, but I was so weak. The parts of me that were drawn to him, the parts in love with him, were so much stronger than my will to leave.

“I was just coming to get this,” he ran his ringer over the chain of the locket. “So I could bring it to you. I don’t think I’ve ever been happier to see your car parked out front.” He took a deep breath and his face crumbled before my eyes. “I know about the baby.”

I knew he’d find out once I realized I’d accidently dropped my ultrasound picture at his house. After thinking it over all night, I’d decided that I’d tell him anyway. Dad and Jenny wouldn’t want to miss out on the baby’s life and I wanted them to be a part of it.

“I came to tell you about her yesterday. I didn’t lie to you, Devin. I was told I couldn’t have kids. I’d never try to trap you that way, and I won’t ask you for anything, I promise.”

“Her.” He dropped his head at the word before looking up with tears in his eyes. “I want to be there. Please, let me be there for her… and you.”

“I’d like for the baby to be a part of your family,” I said.

I watched as his shoulders visibly relaxed a bit.

“And you?” he whispered. “Will you be a part of my family, too?”

“I don’t know. Did you even care about me at all, Devin, or was it all because of the money?” I stared into his eyes and prayed that I would see honesty.

His eyes fluttered closed for a brief minute before he matched my stare. “Before I met you, I only barely existed. After my mom left, I spent every day of my life feeling like I’d never see the light again and like every part of me was going in a million different directions at once. Then I met you, and everything inside of me balanced out. You’re the light in every dark part of my soul and I’m drawn to your warmth. I was so broken before you and somehow you put me back together. Maybe I should, but I don’t regret taking your mom’s offer. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me and I can’t bring myself to regret it.” He dropped his head into my lap and cried. “I just know I’m sorry I hurt you and if I have to spend the rest of my life making up for it I will. Anything I have to do just to be close to you, I’ll do it. Because honestly, when I’m not near you I feel like I’m going to fall apart again.”