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Shana knew she was right Against the odds, Jaz to a new school and a new home, and she’d made friends

A few minutes later, Jazmine set the phone aside and raced over to Shana "Uncle Ada Victoria, BC," she said breathlessly "I’ve never been there and he said it’s a wonderful day trip"

"That does sound nice," Shana said wistfully She was astonished at the way Adas about Victoria It was almost eerie

"He wants to talk to you," Jazet the portable phone and handed it to Shana

Shana walked into the back roo a strand of hair behind her ear She’d , but whole sections were already atte a breakout

"Hello," she said and hoped her voice didn’t betray her feelings She thought about this man far too often and had an intense love-hate relationship with hi about She was attracted to him and yet she didn’t want to be The fact that he--

"Shana?" Adahts

"I’reat idea of Jazmine’s You can come, can’t you?"

"To Victoria, you mean? Ah…"

"We’ll make it a day trip I’m off until Thursday I’ll pick you and Jazmine up, then we’ll take the Fauntleroy ferry over to the Kitsap Peninsula, drive to Port Angeles and take another ferry across the Strait to Victoria"

"I…I’ at her with pleading eyes She’d folded her hands as if in prayer, and Shana’s resolve weakened "I’ll need to check with Catherine before I take a whole day" Shana instantly felt guilty; she’d invested her life savings in this business and she shouldn’t be running off for a day of fun She should be at work

"Ask her," Adaed

Shana turned away from the phone and came face-to-face with Catherine, who had her hands on her hips "Go I’ll e just fine It’s only one day, for Pete’s sake"

"But…"

"Aunt Shana," Jaz on her arm "Just do it We’ll have a blast"

Shana wasn’t nearly as sure That night, long after Jazmine was in bed and she herself should have been, she e-mailed her sister

Sent: June 24

From:

[email protected]

To:

[email protected]

Subject: Jazmine, Adam Kennedy andoff on a day trip to Victoria, British Coluot talked into it, and I’ll give you three guesses whose fault that is Your daughter could talk circles around Larry King Mark my words, that kid will have her own talk show one day

Yes, Ada hiht, let him knoasn’t interested in a relationship and evenI had to say The least he could’ve done was argue--just kidding! Without even trying, he’s worn down my defenses I have to admit I’ve enjoyed the time I’ve spent with him Twice now, after he’s visited Jazz, he’s stayed for a cup of coffee and we’ve talked There hasn’t been a hint of roh, yes--I’m attracted I definitely feel we have some chemistry, but I’ about it

Okay, I’ve bared my soul It’s your turn What’s up with you and this Commander Dillon? I know you, Ali You wouldn’t have mentioned him at all if you didn’t care, so I repeat--what’s up?

It’s al very early I offered to drive over to his place, but he said it was no trouble coet us

Write soon Jazmine and I both look forward to your e-mails

Love,

Shana

Less than twelve hours later, Shana was on a eles for Vancouver Island An excited Jazed up and down the outside deck while Adam and Shana drank cups of coffee inside They were seated on wooden benches, across fro this," sheand they were on the road by five