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Noah stared at the screen.

Noah: Why are you like this?

Emily: Mom and I have been waiting.

Noah smiled despite himself.

Noah: Don’t tell anyone.

Three dots appeared.

Emily: That depends. When are we shopping?

Noah: Slow down. First, I need you to figure out Claire’s ring size. Do NOT be suspicious.

Emily: How exactly am I supposed to do that without being suspicious?

Noah: You’re women. Talk about jewelry.

Emily: That may be the dumbest thing you’ve ever said to me.

Noah: You once watched me flood the laundry room.

Emily: This is worse.

Noah: Please help.

The typing bubble disappeared, then returned.

Emily: Fine. But I’m involving Mom.

Noah: Absolutely not.

Emily: Too late.

Emily: What kind of ring?

Noah thought about Claire’s delicate gold jewelry, the simple pieces she wore every day, and the way she always chose feminine details without anything feeling excessive.

Noah: Gold. Simple. Oval stone.

Emily: You’ve thought about this.

He looked down at the message.

He had.

For longer than he had admitted to anyone.

CHAPTER 38

Someday

Claire and Noah were walking Biscuit through Central Park, where the trees had started filling back in with fresh green leaves and clusters of pink blossoms dotted the paths.

“Do you think you’ll always live here? In the city?” she asked him.

“No,” Noah replied, “I love the city, but I’ve always imagined ending up somewhere quieter. More peaceful. Like where I grew up. Where my parents live.”