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He pulls back and digs into his pocket Before I can ask what he’s looking for, he drops to one knee Please don’t

He takes“Jackson—”

“Shh,” he says “Please let et this out before I muck it all up Devyn, I don’t want to be your boyfriend anymore I want to be your husband I want to be Nathan’s stepfather I want the three of us

to live together and be a faether It makes sense to take this next step What do you say? Will you marry me?”

I slam my hand over my mouth to choke back a sob Jackson’s expression tellsHe thinks these are happy tears “I…” How a to crush him “Jackson…I can’t marry you I’m sorry; but I can’t I’m not ready”

He frowns “I don’t understand Don’t you love me?”

I wipe a tear away “I do…but it’s complicated”

He stands up and brushes himself off “What’s so complicated about it?”

“I…” I can’t think of anything to say

“Is this because of Riley?” he asks “Is he the reason you won’t say yes?”

I can’t look hiood man But I’m just not ready”

He tiltsoing on, Devyn? Do you still have feelings for him?”

“I…I don’t know” I shrug “Maybe”

Jackson tucks the ring back in his pocket “I see Well, that certainly does cos”

“Do you hate me?”