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“Look,” I say softly as I step in closer “Let’s talk about this later”

“It’s a simple yes or no answer, Willow”

I cringe, knowing how this is going to sound “Then, for right now, it’s a ‘no,’ but I really would like to talk about this some—”

“I have to go,” he says, starting to turn away fro to be an awards ceremony and press interviews

“We’ll talk about it tonight,” I call after hih the box with purpose, ignoring other ishers who try to nab hiratulations They seeone

“Are you okay?” Regan asks, appearing at my side

“Did you hear that?” I say

“I heard him ask you to marry him,” she murmurs “So did your parents for that matter”

I craneht not have heard the entire conversation, but by the way Doive him the answer he wanted

“He caughtto excuse my lame-ass response to his proposal I s on the matter—it’s way too soon—but I suppose I could have handled it better

Rather than getting that deer-in-the-headlights expression and pulling back frohthearted and teasing I could have laughed, hugged, or kissed him Promised him the idea had merit, but that it would be better suited for a ne and strawberries

Instead, I acted like his offer of ine

I handled it awfully

But we’ll work it out He’s on his way to bask in the glory of victory now He’ll be in a better mood later and s to hiht

It will be fine

I’ive a quick flip of