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Now, standing on the leaf-shaped island where they had first gotten to know one another, Steph’s stomach was filled with butterflies as she waited impatiently for the helicopter to land As it dropped closer to the ground, she saw her ainst the , and she waved furiously while Elora waved back

Once the helicopter landed and the blades stopped turning, Elora threw open the door and ran straight into her daughter’s ared her ed him just as fiercely She had never been away fro

After their joyful greeting, Jerry gave Mehdi a firm handshake

“Thanks for flying us out, Your Highness”

Mehdi winced “Please, ‘Mehdi’ is just fine And it was no trouble at all We have lunch prepared, if you’re hungry?”

Jerry grinned “Famished”

“Perfect Please, right this way”

Mehdi led the way as Steph laced her ar that had been going on since she and Jerry had left El Farah Elora listened with rapt attention, holding her daughter close

They sat at the table, which was set with plates of seafood and fruits and vegetables that were perfectly chilled to compensate for the sunny weather Mehdi popped a bottle of chane and Steph held four flutes as he filled thelass

“To family, to life, and to love!”

He was met with smiles as they all lifted their flutes and said, “Cheers!”

Jerry’s blue eyes ide as he gazed at the beauty around them “This place is incredible”

After a sip, Mehdi sat down and reached for Steph’s hand under the table

“This is where I fell in love with your daughter,” he said

Elora tilted her head in confusion “You’ve been here before?”

Steph laughed “Yes, Moht me when I was ‘kidnapped’”