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“Everything is all right, Owen,” Hazel said “I’ that will hurt me or Evie” She turned to Callum “Especially Evie”

Calluuy and I would never harm Hazel or Evie” He looked at Hazel “Not intentionally”

He couldn’t pros after this was over He couldn’t predict the future, much less their chemistry That had a mind of its own

“All I ask is you don’t tell anyone Evie is staying here”

“We would never put her in that kind of danger,” Owen said, Jessica shaking her head in full agreement

They finished eating and noas ti to be for Hazel She watched Evie play with Olive with somber eyes

“She’ll be fine,” Jessica said “We have toys for s’ kids, so she’ll have plenty to do”

Hazel sent her a grateful but bittersweet smile “I’ve never been away from her like this before”

Jessica put her hand on Hazel’s shoulder “You’ll see her again before you know it”

Hazel nodded, wiping her eye even though no tears had fallen She did look a little h She went to Evie and crouched

“Hey, Evie Moet you as soon as I can, okay?”

“Okay” Evie stood and turned to hug herat all afraid to stay with her aunt and uncle—and their cute beagle

Hazel kissed her head “You be good for Aunt Jessica and Uncle Owen, okay?”

“Okay” Evie plopped back down by Olive, whose tail wagged and head moved forward for a quick lick on Evie’s face

Evie giggled and petted the dog