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Then again, she thought with a snancy, or the man she loved, was all that conventional, was it?

And she wouldn’t have it--or Jake--any other way

The sun was setting by the ti off all week He found Zach Sullivan in the private garage off the ed-up old Ford truck fro fronize most people by their shoes "Be out in a sec," he said to Jake

How long had he known Zach? For hts, ot tanked, cursed and cheered on sports teaether was to sit down and share feelings

A week ago--hell, two and a half o--Jake should have co coward for another five seconds

"Sophie and I are together"

Zach slid out from beneath the car so fast, he was practically a blur "What did you just say?"

The menace in Zach’s question was all the more impressive for how steady his voice was Allass of water

"Your sister is pregnant We’re having twins"

His friend’s hands were on his throat ato give a da at least: no one should give a damn if he died But Sophie would care His kids would care

Thinking of theht off Zach as his friend ca was off liut Jake had expected this, would have been pissed at his friend for doing any less to defend his sister Those expectations didn’t make it hurt any less, unfortunately And even in strict self-protection ood slaht

Both of thee when Zach spat, "I’ve knocked a lot of guys to the ground for ht you’d be one of theh for er on Sophie?"

"I shouldn’t have" But he had Over and over And he refused to even think of giving her up now He wouldn’t do that for anyone, not even the people who had helped raise hio to when he wouldn’t have had anything else without the her"