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After sharing all of her feelings and concerns, and Gabriel so easily agreeing to move at a pace that she is comfortable with, Emily did not really know what to do or say. Things were not quite awkward between them per se, but they were different too. 

“So…umm…” Emily started awkwardly, “Do you think we should head on to the town? I know that after being in the woods the last few days and running, that I could definitely use a shower,” she finished with an attempted joke. 

“Yes,” Gabriel said. “For the record though, you smell great to me,” he said with a smile and offered her his arm. 

Emily smiled and gladly accepted his arm. They continued like that for a while at a slow pace s