Bitterroot Valley she needed wide open spaces

Ooh, that was smart. It was against Angel's nature to be duplicitous in this way, but she could see how it would make things easier for everyone if she had a way to walk this declaration back. She toyed with the idea, wondering if that was really something she wanted.

"I suppose we'll just have to see how it goes," she replied, shrugging it off. "If he's too awkward about it, maybe I'll let him off the hook that way. But my mother taught me to be honest about what I want — so I will try that, first."

This advice helped.

"So, what about this Callahan," she asked, finishing her decorating and turning back to Elowyn. She patted the spot next to her on their bedding, inviting her closer. "Is he dashing? Fit? Handsome?"

It was quite the name, she thought. Callahan.