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He placed his hands over hers, helping her lower the bear to the counter before he re and shoulders shaking, she balled her fists and bowed her head

“It’s okay, Vannah” He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her into his body He could hear the hiccups she sed and knew she was tittering on the edge of a meltdown

“Shh” He placed a gentle kiss on the top of her head “Let’s take a break”

Leading her to the stools across the roo the silent fight to contain her anguishthat popped into his head sounded too contrived or ignorant So he held his tongue, rubbed her back, and waited for a cue A few minutes later she cleared her throat

“I’m okay” Her back stiffened She pulled away from his hand

“No”

“What?”

He refused to let the curt tone put hi to step back and pretend it never happened”

“Why? It’d work for me,” she mumbled

“Because you have to talk about this”

“I really don’t” She shook her head

“Vannah, have you ever thought your refusal to deal with this head-onClark?”

“What are you talking about?”Her eyes flashed with anger

“You knohat keeps a spirit earthbound? Unfinished business”

“I’loves with loud snaps and spun around, ready to leave He placed a hand on her shoulder, stopping her retreat