Page 106 of Tickled Pink

What’s this?

I open it, and my chest tightens.

It’s a ring. A diamond ring.

An engagement ring?

Thad is going to propose to Phoebe.

Thad is going to propose to Phoebe?

Shoes thud up the stairs, bounding toward our room. I return the box to where I found it and shove the drawer closed before he reaches the bedroom door.

“Yo, birthday boy!” Thad says as he stomps in. “You packed?”

“Yeah,” I answer, tossing the socks in. “Almost ready.”

“Pheebs had to run in to the office early, as expected. She packed last night like a smart person and will meet us at the gate, just have to bring her bags with us.”

I nod. “Okay.”

Thad looks right through me. “Hey, you okay?”

“I’m fine,” I say.

“You seem nervous.”

“Maybe.”

“Well, shake it off.” Thad pats my shoulders. “You’re not going alone. I’ll be there with you. Phoebe, too. We’ve got your back.”

I exhale hard. It’s honestly an immense comfort, knowing he’s always been by my side. That she always will be.

At least, I thought it would always be true, but if he proposes to her… what happens to me?

Am I going to have to watch the two people I love most in the world marry each other, instead of me?

“It’s gonna be fine,” Thad continues. “In fact, it’s gonna be great. Spoiler alert, but I already made dinner reservations for us tonight.”

“Where?” I ask.

“No, no.” He wags a finger. “It’s a surprise.”

“It’s Kitano’s, isn’t it?”

“Yup. But act surprised. It was Phoebe’s idea.” Another pat on my shoulder, and Thad leaves. “Ten minute warning!” he shouts down the hall.

I take a breath once he’s gone, my pulse still pounding fast.

Yeah.

The birthday curse continues on.

* * *

My ears pop again. I swallow to correct it, my throat feeling a bit raw at thirty-thousand feet.

At least Thad convinced us to fly first class.

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