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Prologue

Eight Years Ago…

~Willa~

IT DIDN’T KILL ME

The worst possible thing that can happen to a person has happened to me, and I’m only twenty-two years old

I don’t feel the bitter Montana cold I don’t hear the words theI’any that I insisted on

If he’s going to be in there for the rest of eternity, I want it to be nice, even if I can’t afford it

I’ll figure it out

My ht e didn’t have life insurance, and I just laughed For Christ’s sake, Debbie, what twenty-two-year-olds do you knoith life insurance?

I feel leaht, and hear, “Amen”

There’s shuffling around ed, patted, and people make sympathetic noises

I don’t care

“Willa”

I’ve been talked around for the past four days I scowl as I walk to the casket and lay my hand on the cold wood How is it possible that just four days ago he was here? War arone

I’m aat twenty-two

“Willa”

It’s louder this tilance around, surprised to find that aside from Max Hull, I’m alone Cars pull away, and the ce to stay warm

“Hey,” Max says as hehim to stay back Max knows one now, so Max knows me the best, and he understands that I can’t be touched He holds his hands up in surrender “Willa, I just wanted to say—”

“I don’t care,” I interrupt him and turn my eyes back to Cary’s casket The flowers on top are red roses The baby in my belly kicks and I rub ether for this little one

“I’m sorry,” he says, but I shake my head