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Abagail hummed and brushed her fingers through Nicola’s hair before curling it behind Nicola’s ear. “Put the ring on. It’s always been yours.”

Nicola looked over her shoulder at it.

“I thought you’d want it as a way to say you were claimed by me.”

“Oh yes, I do.” Nicola snagged the ring off the table where Abagail had dropped it and slid it onto her finger. She’d been right before. This time it felt perfect on her hand—not too heavy and not attached to invisible strings that she had no idea were there. Abagail wouldn’t ask for those things, she’d proven that time and time again. Abagail just wanted what was best for her.

“I couldn’t give it to him again,” Abagail murmured. “I wanted you to have it.”

“Thank you,” Nicola said again. She couldn’t wait to tell Alanna.

She couldn’t believe this was actually her life.