Penny's POV
My breath hitches as I open the velvet box, and inside sits the most delicate necklace I've ever seen. A fine chain of white gold with a small pendant that's shaped like a key.
For a while, I can't even speak. My fingers hover over it like it might vanish if I touch it.
Andrew watches me closely. "It's not an engagement ring," he says quickly, almost defensive. "Don't panic."
I laugh, a little shaky. "Andrew Carter, if you thought my first reaction would be panic, you clearly don't know me well enough."
His mouth slowly curves into a smile, like he's still testing the waters. "So… you like it?"
"Like it?" I whisper, finally lifting the necklace out of its box. The key pendant rests cool against my palm, impossibly perfect. "I love it. What does it… mean?"
