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Steph kept her eyes glued to their door until her father walked out and their gazes met Jerry’s blue eyes, so much like her oidened in surprise and shock, and he froze in place, staring at her

“Steph?” he said

Steph could hardly breathe as she waited for her mother to come out and berate her for what she had done After severalto happen Instead, her father walked a few steps closer until he was facing her directly

“Where’s Mo behind his shoulder to see if Elora would arrive and break this frozen tableau of anticipation

Jerry glanced behind hih he would find his wife there before he turned back to Steph

“She’s not here,” he said

“Oh,” Steph said

It was an aard hter stared at one another as though they were coers, before finally Jerry’s face htly around his daughter

“Thank God you’re safe,” he breathed, holding her close

It was hardly the welcoh she knew her father’s relief would soon be replaced by anger After a moment, she pulled back and looked earnestly into his eyes

“Dad, we need to talk”

TWELVE

Steph

Jerry stepped back and gestured toward the plush living roo across from her with his elbows on his knees, his expression anxious

Steph took a breath and plunged in

“So I guess I h with this,” she said