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She turned during Dolly’s chorus and pointed her paintbrush at me, still singing. Until she saw my expression.
Her brow quirked, but she was smiling. “What’s that look on your face?”
“What look?” I closed the space between us, taking the brush from her.
She didn’t fight it, just kept on smiling up at me. “This one.” She brushed my nose with her dirty finger.
“I was just thinking about how much I love you.”
Her cheeks flushed as she laughed, wrapping her arms around my neck. “Lucky me.”
I pulled her closer, savoring the feel of her body against mine. “I’m the lucky one, Jess. Remind me to thank Aunt Julie for the screwup that put you on my doorstep.”
“You thanked her at dinner on Sunday.”
“Well, remind me to thank her again.”
Another giggle.
“I love you,” I said again quietly, brushing a lock of hair from her face.
Her face softened. “I love you too.”
“I want to keep you forever. Can I?”
She peered up at me sweetly. “I’m yours, darling.”
“Good. Because someday soon, I’m going to ask you to marry me, and I’d hate to make a fool of myself.”
She laughed again. God, how I loved the sound. “Well, rest assured, when the time comes, I will most certainly say yes.”
“Perfect.”
She picked at my T-shirt collar. “So, you said soon?”
“But not too soon.”
“And I’m to just . . . wait for it?”
“That’s usually how it works.”
She groaned. “But now I know. It’s cruel, really.”
“I know. It’s gonna drive you nuts.”
“Would you at least make sure I’m dressed pretty?”
“What if I asked you in bed? You wouldn’t be dressed at all.”
“Please don’t ask me to marry you when we’re naked.”
It was my turn to laugh. “All right.”
She stared me down for a second. “Promise.”
“I promise.”
Jessa relaxed in my arms, sighing. “Thank you. Now, kiss me, please.”
