[Looks deeply uncomfortable at the idea. He’s been a situation like that before, with his childhood friend Sally back in Anderson’s Field. It didn’t end well.] … I’d try to let her down gently, Anon, and hope we could still be friends.

[Folds his arms, looking uncomfortable] Y-you’re right, Anon, I know the future isn’t set in stone. But the future Gail told me about is one I would have wanted anyway, so I j-just plan to keep trying for it, as if nothing’s changed.

[Gives a weak little laugh] Que sera, sera.

[Blushes like crazy] Th-that’s a … an interesting idea, Anon. But I don’t really have many male friends.

[Hesitates before answering] Honestly? I’m … I’m k-kind of jealous of him. We’re n-nearly the same person, but he’s s-so much more confident and successful [and richer, though Jack’s not going to go that far]. He was the one Katelynn liked first, and s-sometimes I feel like she would have done better with him. [Sighs] I kn-know he’s a good person, though, so I try not to say anything.

[Swallows uncomfortably] W-what are you talking about, Anon? He’s her friend, and he’s h-helped her a lot. Of course she’s still f-fond of him. That doesn’t mean she still feels that way about him.

[Grits his teeth at the thought] I’d t-tell him to stay away from Katelynn and me. I know it w-wouldn’t make a difference, a-and I couldn’t do anything to stop him, but I’d have to try!

We’re planning to have the wedding next spring, w-when the trees are blossoming. We don’t have a date picked out yet, though. [Frowns] And n-no, villains are not allowed.