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Mykia’s face softened "Did you think it was hied e I don’t knohat to say You worked so hard"

Maybe I’d beco struckfor those to them sustained ed to make such a delicious sauce with them, I felt like I’d honored their life cycle, as hippie earth mama as that sounds They were ripped from the soil pre this to Jesse wasn’t beyond me I’d mourn him every day until I drewover the unfairness that he was taken and focus on the wonders he’d given us He’d spent his life sustaining me, but now I had to let him rest

"I’m okay," I said into Mykia’s shoulder "Really, I am"

"I know," she ot forout with Mykia for an hour It ork to get Petra back inside, but once in the conference room, she took her place at the head of the table By the way Lukas and the others were sood or not was yet to be seen

Lukas stood

And then he knelt Right next to Petra, as if asking for her hand in e By the horrified look on her face, I could tell that was exactly what she was thinking

He placed his palers over her armrest Much too close for co to hold in our laughter Glynnis’s eyes were close to popping out of her head Byron’s ust, and Rhiannon’s eyes sparkled with anticipation

"Ms Polly," Lukas began "Petra Your words have meant more to uided our organizational philosophy You’ve offered us hope when it was in short supply You’ve been uru, my teacher You’ve helped me turn Guh into the powerhouse it is today--"

At this, Jackie coughed to mask her hysterics

"We love you as you are," Lukas continued "And if we do, Ans will focus not only on what you can offer corporate America, but your sense of style, your infectious joie de vivre, your ability to relate to the everymanor woman We will turn what you see as a detriment into an asset I promise you that"

Lukas’s eyes shone with eivenhi Frank in his presentation I started a slow clap, and everyone joined in Lukas blushed "I meant every word," he told Petra

She was more difficult to read After the applause died down, she tapped Lukas’s shoulder "You can stand up now I’ Queen"

"Of course," Lukas said, practically bowing in response

She was going to arette from her purse and slowly lit it She inhaled deeply and blew the smoke into the air We watched, ure out how to use it effectively, I thought We could do that for her She held one hand up We held our collective breath

"I’ive you people a chance," Petra said, and flashedI want a full teauarantee that everyone in this roo in soht On the way over, I’d revealed the coo Petra Polly was one smart--and kind--cookie

Lukas cleared his throat "Of course Guh is a family Every person in here is i to put that into the contract?" She batted her eyelashes coquettishly

Lukas nearly fell over "Of course That won’t be the least bit of a probleuess we have a deal," Petra said, and stuck out her small hand Lukas smiled dreamily while he shook it