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By way of reply, I took the small black box out of my pocket and placed it on the table between us Joe picked it up and carefully opened it, as though it ht detonate at any tiold ring with careful etching around the outside, a large diamond set in the middle surrounded by smaller rubies

“It was randmothers I asked my dad if he knehere it was, and by some merciful act of the fates, he remembered I just picked it up today”

“You flew to France?”

“The concords are very fast”

“The concord isn't flying anymore,” Joe pointed out

“I think you soet just how rich my family is”

“Yeah, but come on”

“Two castles, Joe”

“I always thought that was metaphorical,” Joe said

“The battlements would indicate otherwise I tried to add it all once The calculator exploded”

“Coeration”

“Only a little bit The probleive it to her”

“I've always found the direct approach to work Maddie and I have been together for ten years, after all”

“I know that's why I thought to ask you,” I said

“Look, man, it's not that co your baby, which is a sign of co to say no”

“I want it to be special,” I argued

“You could try the custard approach,” Joe suggested

“Die on a big hill surrounded by enemy natives?”

“No, not the Custer approach The custard approach is when you surprise — though, with you, it would probably bea fancy dessert in which the ring is hidden”

“Now, that's a good idea”

“I have

There was no one around when I got hootten back first Jessica really did like ducks Seizing on the opportunity, I booted it into the kitchen and put allone of the nicest spreads the house had ever seen, including the soe plate full of Philly cheesesteaks Or at least my closest approximation of the species