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They stood like that for the longest tiinning to think he should call for a doctor when Caroline’s shoulders suddenly slu He heard one tiny sob, but the rest of her tears fell in silence Josh held her close He wanted to kill the bastards who had hurt his woman

“It’s okay, baby Don’t cry We’ll fix everything”

She pulled away from him Her eyes were red, swollen and owl-like

“How are we going to fix this, Josh? I don’t think it’s possible”

He ran his thu bottoain I’ll get you a new dress and we’ll be more careful about e invite”

She shook her head “No” She pushed away from him Now they were both covered in paint “We obviously weren’t reen eyes implored him to understand He didn’t Not one bit

“Weddings get ruined all the tiet hit with hurricanes, or earthquakes, or dodgy relatives Ours isn’t any different We can’t call it quits just because so”

Caroline barked a fake laugh “So?” She stared down at her dress, and another tear rolled down her cheek Josh felt his chest ache She looked back up at hiht for her precious control “You’re too good for me I am unlovable That’s why you pickedin love with me I am bossy And cold And—”

He stepped into her space and cradled her face in his hands “Stop Don’t listen to a word that crazy witch said There is nothing wrong with you You’re good and kind You’re funny and loving You’re beautiful, and moral, and oh-so-sexily innocent” He kissed her nose “You are too good forwhen you’re going to figure out that you could do so much better than me”

Caroline closed her eyes “Oh, Josh You can’t mean that I don’t even kno to dress The country is calling out for my makeover I erey as my wardrobe”

“No” He shook his head Wishing he could strangle the crazy woman who poisoned Caroline’s mind “No It’s not true You’re wonderful the way you are You never embarrass me Never Why would you even think that?”

Caroline pushed away from him She took a deep breath Her shoulders went back Josh’s sto stance

“I think we should call this e off”

Josh put his hands on his hips He summoned his patience as stared down at the floor He shook his head No There was no way that was happening He knew she was upset She deserved to be upset But call off the wedding? No Just No

“Wemarried”