Chapter 138

"Oh, there you go again!"

I laughed and gave Emily a few light smacks on the arm.

"What is there I don't know about Emily!"

"Hmm. Fair point. I may have mentioned it offhandedly at some point."

"Exactly! Little things like that don't stick in the memory!"

We ventured further into the shop.

"Miss, what was the budget again?"

"Five silver!"

"Then what do you think about trying that uncle's method? All you'd need to buy is a ribbon."

"Hmm."

I crossed my arms and considered it.

Ta-da, gift. It was certainly a gift likely to cause panic.

But.

"Something feels off about it."

"The ta-da gift strategy?"

"Yes. I actually thought about climbing into a box all wrapped up in a ribbon and jumping out — surprise style — to infuriate him."

"That sounds remarkably good, actually."

"But somehow I don't think it'll land with him. My instincts are…