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We are once again outside in the pouring rain

“Marry her,” Phoenix says

“What?” I ask

“Ask Liesel to marry you You love her or, at the very least, want her You don’t want s in my life I’ve stolen you froht You two belong together Only the two of you are going to be able to do the tasks required to get the treasure This is the only way this ork”

I frown “What about you?”

“I love you And if I love you, I have to let you go All I ever wanted to be was a aveI love the most—my children”

My heart thumps so loudly in my chest that it blocks out the roar of the thunder

“You’re wrong,” I say

Phoenix looks up ather cheeks

“I don’t love Liesel I love you I’m just not in love with you, Dunn”

“I know” She gives e that she’s the one you want to marry, not me”

“I’m sorry”

“Don’t be Loving you was one of the best parts of my life”

“I’ll love you forever, Dunn”

And then my lips consume hers It’s a kiss that tells her howincredible she is—the most unselfish person I’ve ever met