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Elora placed a war to h this just fine, Stephanie Take your fears and pack them away I would never send you to a man who could not provide for you in all ways The eroeen a man and a woman I promise”

Elora hesitated before wrapping Steph in a tight hug In a , Steph felt cold and aard After a hter to get a good night’s sleep

Curling up under the coined that would be ed to close, and the last thing she saas the i in her mind’s eye

THREE

Steph

Steph woke up to a strea her face She blinked, her eyes adjusting to the light, and sht, and the scent of pine and fresh earth per her to keep her American roots close even as she prepared to pull them out from under herself

Her father was at her door ato make sure she ake

“Big day!” he said, giving her two thumbs up

Steph began to wonder if some of that enthusiasm wasn’t a little bit forced for her benefit She had always been close to her father Perhaps he was eht of be separated fro up a piece of hih Steph’s was clearly at risk

Then again, wasn’t love a risk, no matter what?

Steph took a steadying breath before sitting up, prepared to face the day Not that there was much to face The journey would take thirteen hours, and then they would be in a totally different ti Not exactly theprospect, but what caet to set foot on a land that was in her blood, a part of her that had always beenin so many ways