Keeping 13 (Boys of Tommen, #2)

by Chloe Walsh

“I’m coming back to you, Shannon like the river.” Heaving out another ragged breath, I stroked her nose with mine. “I promise.” “You t-take your time,” she sniffled. “You g-go and shine, o-okay?”

“But don’t forget that you’ll always be my 13.” She sniffled and wiped my cheek with her fingers. “My binding 13.” I choked out a pained laugh, thinking about that stupid bet. “You heard about that?” “Yeah.” Half sobbing, half laughing, Shannon smiled and nodded. “I won.” “Hands down.” I kissed her puffy lips. “Undisputed.” “Now, I’m keeping 13,” she told me. “So come home to me when you’re done, okay?” “I will.”

“Where you go, I go.” “Promise?” “I promise.”

“I’ll marry you,” he said then. “When we’re older and everything settles down.” Taking my hands in his, he placed them around his neck and leaned in close. “Just stand by me,” he said in a voice thick with emotion. “Stay with me.” His hand squeezed mine. “And I’ll make you proud. I’ll do right by you.”

“This won’t break us,” I croaked, touching my brow to his. “Nothing can break us,” he whispered. “I promise.”