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"You sound just like hiain "I know that once the baby’s born I’ht now I don’t feel anything except…afraid"

"Afraid of what?"

"Of the baby getting all the attention," she blurted

"We’ll do our very best to see that doesn’t happen" Rachel wasn’t sure how else to respond "Before I drive you to the rateful you helped your father paint the nursery," she added

"It was sort of fun"

S, Rachel checked her watch and realized that if they didn’t leave within the next fewLindsey She paid their bill and they hurried over to her car

Jolene was quiet on the drive to the theater When Rachel pulled up in front of the lad it was just you and lad you’re being honest with me," she said "The truth can be painful, but I’d rather know exactly what’s going on with you"

Jolene opened the car door and stepped outside, then leaned down, saying, "It is hard, and Dad doesn’t likehim how I feel"

"He has to hear it, though, and so do I" She waited until she saw Jolene connect with her friend before driving off

Bruce stood by the living roo for her when Rachel parked in the driveway He had the front door open by the time she was out of the car

As soon as she was inside, Bruce drew her into his arms and simply held her He didn’t speak or make any effort to kiss her; all he did was hold her close Finally he stepped back and brushed the hair froet a better look at her

"I haveher arainst hi they stood in the sood to be in her husband’s aro "Hoas dinner with Jolene?"

"We had a nice tihtly as he took her hand and led her into the living roo hands

"She didn’t say anything to upset you, did she?" Bruce asked

"No," Rachel reassured him "Jolene was open and honest, and I appreciated that"

"Did she tell you she wants you to move back home?"

Rachel was uncertain how much of their conversation she should repeat "She told on"

His frown darkened "That’s not the saress"

"I want you back here with us Nothing feels right without you"

"In time," she promised

He studied her intently "In tiuely In her own mind, she’d set January 1, but that date wasn’t firm Not until she was convinced they were ready would she come back home

"Before Christmas?"

Unable to respond, she exhaled slowly

Bruce released her hand and stood, then walked around the coffee table, apparently cohts "When will you know?" he asked after a mo and hard "Do you want to move back here?"

"Of course I do!"

"It doesn’t see to think you and Nate--"

"Don’t!" She pointed her index finger at hiood friend when I needed one and I won’t have you insinuating there was anything more between us"

"I wouldn’t knoould I?"

Bruce’s sudden jealousy was ridiculous Hadn’t he said he trusted her? "Look at nant with your child Why would Nate be interested in me…especially now?"

"Because you’re beautiful and…and wonderful He was in love with you at one tio away They just don’t Once you commit your heart to so that Bruce didn’t give his heart easily He loved deeply, co She’d realized that if she married Bruce, it would be a lifetih he didn’t understand what she’d said

"You commit yourself completely, but not everyone does"

His face fell "Is this a way of telling me you don’t love me anymore?"