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Arabella gave her an appraising look “Then what’s the probleood in Clayton The child is right next door And the daddy is pretty good-looking, too” Arabella arched a suggestive eyebrow “The job sounds perfect to me”

Brooke offered her standard line “I don’t do ith kids”

Arabella scoffed “Get real You’ve been playing with Jesse, Jamie and Julie since you arrived”

“That’s different”

“How?”

“No, Arabella! I can’t Soht happen”

Arabella sat back, awareness dawning Gently, she said, “That was years ago and you were a child Let it go”

Brooke glanced away froaze “I can’t”

Julie popped up in front of her “Mama says, ‘Don’t say can’t Say you’ll try’”

While Brooke pondered the wisdom of a four year old, footsteps sounded on the staircase A teenager, dark brown hair swinging around her shoulders, entered the room Her blue eyes sparkled with a fresh, wholesome prettiness Brooke had noticed the day of the funeral Even though Jashter and not blood related, she’d come to the funeral and helped with the dinner afterward Brooke, who’d liked her instantly, gave her extra points for being kind and considerate

“Hi, Brooke” Jasmine hoisted purse straps over one shoulder

“Nice to see you again, Jasmine”

“Where are you off to?” Arabella asked, turning toward the teen

“Cade’s taking ”

“Oh”