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“I choose this one,” she said

He stood up and she flew into his arms

“I’ve wanted you forever Since I first saw your picture,” she said as her happy tears spilled onto his chest “I wanted you even before I knew you”

“I wanted you when I didn’t even know your naet to keep my Beatrice forever”

Chapter 53

A few days later, Paul received an ee her words didn’t ameliorate his situation Not one bit But he did so anyway, if not to torture himself then to have her new status indelibly impressed on his mind

Dear Paul,

I hope this e to answer your lastit (By the way, thank you for the reco’s books I don’t haveto pick up Brunelleschi’s Dome)

One of the reasons I don’t have ed Gabriel has asked et married quickly, but were unable to book the basilica in Assisi until January 21st Gabriel has personal ties with the Franciscans, which is the only reason ere able to book the basilica in so short a ti your invitation to your apart Katherine Picton

I’ll understand if you can’t or don’t want to attend, but it was important to me to invite the people I care about Gabriel has rented a house in Uuests to stay in before and after the wedding You’d be ain too

You’ve been nothing but a good friend to me, and I hope that someday I’ll be able to repay the favor

With affection,

Julia

PS Gabriel didn’t want me to mention this, but he’s the one who persuaded Professor Picton to supervise your dissertation I asked her but she refused Surely he isn’t as bad as you thought?

Paul’s gratitude for Gabriel’s generosity didn’t erase the sudden sharp pain he felt at the realization that he’d just lost Julia Again

Yes, he’d already lost her, but before Gabriel’s return there was the possibility that Julia would change her mind, even if that possibility was re to , say, some other schmuck called Gabriel Like Gabriel-the-pluuy

Shortly after she ee in herthat it was posterly

Paul had sent her a limited edition copy of The Velveteen Rabbit He’d written a short inscription to her on the flyleaf, which tugged at her heart, and enclosed a letter

Dear Julia,

I was surprised by your news Congratulations

Thanks for invitingbut I won’t be able to attend My father had a heart attack a few days ago and is in the hospital I’ out on the far for you as a wedding present Where should she send it? I’ on campus once you’re married)

From the first time I met you, I wanted you to be happy To be s, and I’d hate to see you throw them away

I wouldn’t be your friend if I didn’t ask you if Emerson is what you really want You shouldn’t settle for less than the best And if you have any doubt about it, you shouldn’tto be an assle

Yours,

Paul

With sadness, Julia folded up Paul’s letter and placed it back inside the book

Chapter 54

Despite the fact that Toly), conflict ensued when the happy couple announced the destination of their wedding

While the Clarks were only too glad to spend a week in Italy during the winter, Tom, who had never traveled outside of North America, was less than enthused As the father of the bride, he’d intended on paying for his only daughter’s wedding even if he had to e his new house in order to do so Julia wouldn’t hear of hi would be sh that they would effectively da Gabriel was rin It was more important to Gabriel that Julia have the day of her dreams than for her father to be placated

Julia tried to s out that there were things that her father could pay for, such as her wedding dress and the flowers