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“Then maybe stop deciding for her what marriage would mean.”

Noah was silent.

“You keep worrying about the woman who used to panic every time you got too close, but she isn’t running anymore, Noah. She keeps choosing you.”

Cole was right. Claire was not the same guarded woman he had met in the hallway.

She didn’t run from him anymore.

She ran to him.

“You’re still waiting for her to stop being afraid,” Cole said. “I think you missed the part where she already did.”

“I think you’re right,” Noah admitted. “What about you?”

Cole frowned. “What about me?”

“You and Julia. When are you proposing?”

“This conversation isn’t about me.”

“That was evasive.”

Cole took another bite of his sandwich. “We’ve talked about it.”

“Talked about marriage?”

“In a broad, hypothetical, someday kind of way.”

Noah smiled. “So, you’re terrified.”

“I’m being thoughtful.”

“Sounds familiar.”

“Julia deserves something planned. Romantic. Memorable.”

“She ordered fried pickles before we arrived because she knew Claire would like them.”

Cole stared at him. “How is that relevant?”

“I’m just saying,” Noah continued. “She may care more about you knowing her than she does about a violinist.”

“Interesting advice from the man who doesn’t even have a plan yet.”

“I have the important part.”

“The ring?”

“Claire.”

After lunch, Noah returned to his desk and opened his text thread with Emily.

Noah: I need your help with something.

Her response came immediately.

Emily: IS THIS ABOUT A RING?