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He was right about that But the look on his face suggested he could sense there was so more to my hesitation

“OK, what’s up?”

“There’s nothing up”

“I should kno you look when you’re lying—I’ve kind of used to it by now So you ht as well spill it”

He had rew up poor, but I grew up in a situation less affluent enough that we still had to worry aboutdeal when I was a kid, and ays had to et So, when I finally started s I was proudest of I could go out and buy whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted Not only clothes, but everything else Within reason, of course”

He nodded “OK, I get that But I still don’t like you having to pay when you’re already going along with this insane plan of h already”

“Look at it this way— when I’ to marry”

A strange expression flashed on his face for the briefest of moments I had no idea what to oes on for a little while and the expenses start racking up, then we can talk about going Dutch But while you’re here withthe bills And that’s the end of that”

I wanted to keep arguing Hi so persistent when I’d told hi my wishes It reest, gaudiest ring when it wasn’t at all what I wanted

But instead, I said, “Fine”

He so in an hour Can’t wait to see what you pick out”

I offered a weak sht be as difficult as anything else about this crazy plan

Chapter 26

JOSH

Relief took hold as soon as I pulled my car away from the house

“Daht I’d be so happy to leave the house”