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“Why? I won’t be coain”

Elora struggled as she went to cross her aresture Instead, she pointed a finger at her daughter “That doesn’t ain, and hoould you feel facing Bill if you just leave him without the help he needs?”

“I don’t want to have to say goodbye,” Steph whispered, casting her eyes down “Besides, he told o in the co for this anyway”

At that statement, the fire left her mother’s eyes and her shoulders relaxed as she placed a co hand on Steph’s shoulder

“I know it seems scary now, but you’ll see Look at your father and oodthe one we’ve found for you I know you’ll be happy together”

Steph did her best to look excited She i

“Noash up for dinner Your father will be home any minute”

TWO

Steph

Steph was setting the table for dinner when her father walked in the door Jerry O’Hanlon had once been a very handsoun to recede and his face was now ht to have been Steph watched as he approached herkiss on her cheek before entering the dining room

“Steph! You excited for the big day?”

Steph sed as she placed a fork and knife by her plate “Thrilled,” she said, not looking him in the eye