He lifts the chain out of his own collar, the pendant shiny, clearly well taken care of—and an identical match to the one around my own neck. “It was the only thing I had of her for a long time.” He huffs out a near sobbing breath. “Besides you.” “Me?” “Matty.” He steps forward, putting a hand to my neck. “I love you like you’re my own son. And I will always, always be here for you. If you want me.”
