A Million Kisses in Your Lifetime (Lancaster Prep )(131)

But it’s a little too late.

I don’t have the strength to tell him that though. I’m too overcome with emotion. Crew holds me close, making me feel safe. He doesn’t cling too tightly, ever. He gives me the freedom I need, and he respects my decisions. My thoughts. My body. All of me.

Every single bit.

“You’re breaking my heart,” my father croaks, tears shining in his eyes. Any other day, seeing him like this would destroy me. But not today. “I’ve always been your hero, Pumpkin. The one you come to when you need help. Don’t ever forget that.”

“You don’t have to be her hero anymore,” Crew says, tugging me even closer to him. “That’s my job now.”

The pain on my father’s face is unmistakable. He actually flinches, his gaze narrowing into slits as he studies us.

“You’ve destroyed my family,” he accuses Crew.

“No, Harvey.” My mother steps forward, her eyes blazing with anger. “You did that all on your own.”

His shoulders sag and he hangs his head.

Just before he turns around and leaves.





The moment the three of us enter the apartment, Mom marches over to the discarded box where we left it, digging through the mess until she’s clutching a tiny white envelope between her fingers, no doubt with a card waiting inside. “For you,” she says, bringing it to me.

I take the envelope from her and glance over at Crew, who’s watching me carefully.

“Open it,” he urges.

With trembling fingers, I tear into the envelope and pull out the card.



An early birthday present for my Birdy. A million kisses in your lifetime, from me to you.



Love,

Crew



I clutch the card to my chest, completely overwhelmed with emotion. The tears flow freely, streaming down my cheeks and I blink hard to clear my blurry vision as I stare at Crew.

“I love it,” I whisper. “Thank you.”

He touches my cheek, his fingers drifting down to trace along my jaw. “You’re welcome.”

Emotion swirls between us, seeming to fill the entire room as we continue staring at each other.

My mother clears her throat, drawing our attention. “Wren. Why don’t you take Crew to your room and show the piece to him.”

I turn to look at her. “That’s okay with you?”

Her smile is small. “Of course. I trust you, darling.”

I go to her, wrapping my arms around her and squeezing tight. “Thank you. For everything.”

“Go,” she whispers, gently pushing me from her arms. “Show him.”

She knows how much this means to me. This moment. This piece.

And Crew.

“I love you,” I whisper to her before I go to Crew and take his hand, leading him down the hall and to my room. He follows me without a word, but the moment I pull him inside and shut the door, he’s on me, pressing my body against the wall, his arms wrapped tight around my waist.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers, raining kisses all over my face. “That I had to show up and confront your father like that, but I couldn’t let him take credit for my gift for you.”

“It’s okay.” I revel in the softness of his lips, the sincerity in his voice, and the careful way he’s holding me. “I’m glad you came. I’m just sorry I didn’t figure it all out sooner. My mom had to tell me.”

“Don’t apologize. I get it. Really, Birdy. You wanted to believe he would do that for you.” He leans back, studying my face. “Are you all right?”

“It hurts, how little respect my father has for me,” I whisper, my throat raw, my eyes burning.

“I wish I could take away your pain,” he says, and I can’t help it.

I stare at him in disbelief, wondering where the cruel, brooding Crew went. He’s been replaced with this sweet, sexy, thoughtful man who only wants to take care of me, and…

I love it.

I love him.

I do. I’m in love with him.

“I’m just glad you’re here.” I glance over at the piece leaning against my wall, and he does the same. “I love it so much.”

I love him so much, but how do I tell him that?

It’s scary, how strongly I feel about him. Does he feel the same way about me?

“I knew you would.” He kisses my temple and I lean into him.

I should’ve known Crew gave it to me. All the clues were right there, staring me in the face, and I was so blinded by the idea of my father wanting to earn back my trust and forgiveness, I went along with his lie.

But my eyes are open now. Thanks to my mother. I would’ve found out eventually, and I still can’t believe I didn’t see it, but now I know.

Crew was the one who went in search of it and found it, and God knows what he paid for it, but he gave that piece to me because he wanted to see me happy. He said that to me, only yesterday, at the Chanel store.

“Happy Birthday,” he whispers, and I return my gaze to him.

“I still can’t believe you did this.”

He hesitates, frowning. “It’s what you wanted, right?”

A sob escapes me and I cover my mouth, nodding as yet more tears spill.