Page 48 of Bride By Coronation

Or are they so serious I need to be scared?

Like, are you an axe murderer waiting to chop me into a million pieces?

Will you physically, sexually, or emotionally abuse me until I'm broken into pieces?

Or maybe your flaws aren't quite as severe but would still drive me insane until the end of time.

Do you refuse to shower and stink like my brother's room when he was in high school?

Are you a vegetarian? I'll be totally honest with you. That's a deal-breaker. Don't keep my meat from me.

Perhaps you take phone calls in public, speaking so loudly the entire building can hear you?

It would be nice if you would write to me and tell me if I need to worry about any of these flaws.

I chuckle again, but then my face falls.

No, little bird. My flaws are nothing you can imagine.

I stare out the window a moment, then continue reading.

I'll confess I don't understand how I'm in this position because of something my father created. I have a million questions ranging from the reason my brother promised me to you, to why my mom can't come to the wedding.

It's going to break her heart again. If you knew my dad, then don't you think she's had enough heartache? Could you please reconsider?

I sigh, hating how Bridget has to endure more hurt. Fiona is right. She's had a lifetime of pain, and I wish I didn't have to bring her more, but there's no way she can be there. I finish reading the letter.

I guess this is all I wanted to say. Seventh time's a charm for me! Forget that saying about a third! Oh, I did think it was nice of you to write to me.

I wish I could tell you I knew for sure what I'll do, but as of now, I'm still torn.

Sincerely,

Fiona

P.S. I'm curious if you figured out something borrowed yet.

The panic I've been feeling resumes. I still have no idea what to give her as something borrowed. So I rise and pace the room with the letter, rereading it several times.

A knock interrupts me.

"Kirill!" Valentina shouts.

"Yeah?"

She opens the door, glancing at the bed and then the letter. She meets my eyes. "What's that?"

"Nothing. I'll be out in a minute."

She arches her eyebrows. "Are you okay?"

"Yes."

"Okay. I need to go. I've been ordered to check on one of the newbies," she states.

"Lucky you," I offer.

"The little-brained peon is still out there," she adds.

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