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"It was always you Just you, Katie Tully was a one-night stand, a long tio I didnt love her then and I never have Not for a second Youre my heart and soul My world How can you not know that?"

She saw the truth in his face, heard it in the tremble in his voice, and she was asha "I do know that Im just so worried about you and the kids I hate to think"

This conversation was like swih flesh and bone "I know, baby," he said finally "I know "

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

The day of the summer play dawned crisp and clear A beautiful Northwest autu event, but she was too weak to dotook effort The pain behind her eyes was constant now, like the bleating beat of an alarm clock that couldnt be turned off

And so Kate handed over her duties to Tully, who performed them like a champ

Kate slept through ht had fallen, she was as rested as she could be and ready to face the challenge of what lay ahead

"Are you sure youre up to this?" Tully asked at six forty-five

"Im ready Maybe you should put some makeup on me so I dont scare little kids "

"I thought youd never ask And I brought you a wig to wear—if you want it "

"Id love it I would have thought of it myself if I had any brain cells left " She reached for her oxygen mask and took a few hits

Tully left the room and returned with her makeup kit

Kate angled her bed up and closed her eyes "This feels like the old days "

Tully talked as she worked heron lashes Kate let herself be carried away on the tide of her friends voice "I have a gift, you know Do you have a razor?"

Kate h Maybe she even did