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But, of course, he didn't move His hands remained bolted to his sides, and not a hint of softness crept into his hardened gaze The only protection was in distance If he cracked?even for an instant, as long as it took to say, "I love you"?the evil in his soul would slip out and devour his children

But he wanted to Sweet Christ, hoanted to

He sed the boulder-sized lump in his throat and prayed the emotions in his heart didn't reach his eyes "She's fine Doc Hayes says she'll be confused for a while Might even forget sos We're supposed to help her out"

Katie peeked her head out froood name"

"Caleb, huh?"

"Mama won't like it," Savannah said tonelessly

Because we do Jack had no trouble finishing the sad sentence She was right, and all three of them knew it

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A their joy Jack knew he should say nothing, should simply turn his back and walk away But God help hi, "Well, maybe we should try it nohile she'sconfused"

At Savannah's sudden smile, Jack felt a neave of despair It took so little to irls happy So very, very little And, daave them even less

"Carol," Tess hissed as soon as the door closed "Get down here Now!"

Tess her in bed "Carol!"

No answer

Tess let her breath out in a frustrated sigh She hadn't really expected Carol to answer Apparently ghostly intervention was reserved for postdeath experiences New lives were a new slate

What was she supposed to do now? Be a pioneer wife? She shuddered at the thought She didn't even like movies about pioneer wives The women were always so dirty and overworked