“Natalie gave me this to give to you,” Brandon said, extending his hand.

“It’s meant for Harper.”

“I don’t want your family money or jewelry,” I stated firmly.

“Then please just hold it for her until she grows up,” Brandon requested gently as he set the pouch on the porch railing.

He turned around, walked down the wooden steps, and got back into the black SUV.

PART 3

I locked the heavy front door and went to sit down at the worn kitchen table.

The soft velvet pouch lay silently right in front of me.