Help Sarah politely decline her adventurous friend's invitation to the city's first "Gourmet Bug Buffet." Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

"That sounds... crunchy! I _____ love to come, but I already have dinner plans that evening."

The correct answer is would.

"I would love to, but..." is a classic, polite formula for declining an invitation. It shows you appreciate the offer and maintains the friendship, even if you are secretly relieved that you don't have to eat roasted crickets!