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Mrs Dillon patsher leave, as Rachel smooths her hand over my hair “You look a bit thinner but essentially the saround” She squeals, hugging ?”

Rachelher questions while atte on about our luck finding a strea behind me

Then his hand is onmy head I know because the blood drains from my cheeks and my poor heart throbs sickly

I turn to him slowly, aware that Rachel’s eyes are on us both

Oh, but he’s a sight up close; he looks so clean and strong and handsoot to behave casually, and so of course my eyes well I stare at the stubble on his jaw before I feel aze So blue In the dark, I couldn’t tell how blue his eyes are

His mouth twitches “Finley”

I feel like I’aze to Rachel “Have you met Declan?”

She beairl She holds her hand out “Not exactly” Declan takes it, and I can see he’s not sure what to do with it He gives it a slight shake before Rachel tucks her arms around herself

“We’re all so elated that you ?” she asks

He looks tired about the eyes, but he says, “Good” His voice is low and warm It sounds sincere

Rachel shted to hear it Now that you’re above ground

, nothing but the very best Would you like tea or coffee? Finley, you as well What can I get the two of you?” Her cheeks blush, much as mine do

“I’m satisfied as I am Thank you”

“I’ood too Just had sootten the name

“Milk toast” Rachel laughs “I can’t believe they served him milk toast” She makes a face at me Behind her hand, she tells him, “We’ve much better”