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Ari rubbed her hands up and down her arms "Sam will die in that kind of environree We're going to have to see what happens beyond the basic introductions Ryan understands she's a sensitive kid despite her tough exterior Once she knows the truth, he's going to have to spend more time with her here Then we'll have to talk about what comes next"

"I hate it," Quinn muttered

Zoe nodded "Join the club"

"When do we break the news to Moned

"Saht We'll double-check and if Mom and Dad are home alone, we'll fill the to face her parents with the dreaded news

Especially after she'd spent the night with the ht it had been She still recalled every intiested she stick close to Ryan as ahiested the sa for Zoe to cozy up to the so-called social worker who'd ulti with their suggestions, she'd never fooled herself into believing she'd been with Ryan for completely selfless reasons

The attraction had been potent froht So had e Even if she put his relationship to Sae her reservations

She and Ryan couldn't be more different He was a conservative man with a life and expectations far removed from her own He lived in a city that was a solid four hours away And he evoked an intensity of feeling that could cause untold upheaval in a life she was just beginning to reclaie he could cause if she let him into her heart

RYAN WALKED BAREFOOT DOWN to the beach, wishing he could share the gorgeous night with Zoe Instead, he found hi, the sun lovers had headed inside, but there were still large groups of people hanging out by the water The frothy waves hit the shore and rolled back, relaxed and easy— unlike how Ryan was feeling at the moment He rolled his shoulders, but the tension re he'd coetting what he desired, he'd be hurting people he'd co hard for a woht to want distance between theust and when his cell phone rang, he was grateful for the distraction

He pulled the phone out of his pocket and flipped it open "Hello?"

"Ryan, how are you?"

"Uncle Russ I'm fine"

"You don't sound fine"

Ryan could picture the scowl on his uncle's face "I never could put one over on you, could I?"

His uncle chuckled "That's because I'm older and wiser Now talk to me"

He told his uncle about Sam, about how much her attitude reh, but had a soft heart for animals and about her relationship with her foster fareat didn't nearly cover all Saot Baldwin blood running through her veins," Uncle Russ said, chuckling

"I suspect she's great in spite of that fact," Ryan said bluntly

His uncle cleared his throat "Well don't you worry I'll make her feel like she's part of the family and who knows? Perhaps your parents will come around Does she knoho you are yet?"

"Good question"