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"It's true, Royce" Her eyes h she were honestly afraid of his reaction She was studying hins of emotion

Royce felt the sudden need to sit down "When?"

"As-s best I can figure, soin the shower"

He nodded He felt too nu dates It had happened at Christmas, and they were already into the second week of March

"But that was"

"A few o now," she finished for hinant?" She'd kept it a secret for all those ? Oh, Royce, please don't keep led for words, but the emotions had jammed in his throat He sed and slowed his breath before nodding "Yes" He reached for her, taking her by the hips and drawing her to him He flattened his hand over her stomach and closed his eyes It was impossible for him to speak

"Read the letter," she whispered, and tears slipped from the corners of her eyes and ran unrestrained down her cheeks She brushed them aside "Don't worry, I' at the drop of a hat, but the doctor said it wasn't anything to be concerned about"

Royce withdrew the paper from inside the envelope He scanned the contents twice, certain there was so the Navy?" he asked, his voice incredulous

"Yes, but I'u her coive it up

Catherine's arms circled his neck, and she lowered herself onto his lap "Because I finally figured out why the Navy was so i

"I was searching to knowto find hi noon to the Navy, especially noas like grasping at straws, because I wanted to find soed your mind?"

"Our baby I realized I could do it Raise our child and everything else ere so far apart Then it dawned onto find e"

Royce kissed her, worshipping her with his

"Have you told him yet?" Kelly demanded from the top of the stairs

"She told me," Royce answered

Kelly raced down "What do you think, Dad?"

He grinned and held out his hand to his daughter, bringing her into the circle of their love It wasCatherine's hand, he pressed her fingertips to his lips Their eyes held, and in hers Royce saw the war a catchy tune when he pulled into the driveway and turned off the engine The station wagon was parked alongside of his black Porsche, a baby seat strapped in the rear seat

Andy was fast outgrowing the padded chair, which worked out well since Jenny would soon be needing it His three- a tricycle out of the way, Royce opened the front door and hung his hat and jacket on the brass coatrack "I'lee and ca around the corner at top speed Royce swept his son high above his head and hugged him close