Jesse soothed, eyes shining. “We have Julio making one custom for you. But can we show you something first?” We each pulled a ring box from our pockets. The velvet corners on mine were worn from being rubbed over time. I flipped it open, a speck of a diamond with a white gold band. I cringed at the sight. The ring was a sad offering to a woman as glorious as Adelaide. “We bought these within six months of each other. It was almost two years ago. We’ve wanted to marry you for a long time. We asked your father for his blessing,” I faltered as the memory of it hit me. Shame prickled hot down my
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