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Surprise brought Tess's head up

Jack flashed her a ser than a heartbeat, then his mouth drew back into its customary scowl

Tess felt as if she'd been struck Theafter he'd looked away frohtened corner of Tess's soul, and brought with it a quivering ray of light Sohter there was always hope

Tess sht maybe she could really, truly fall in love with him Maybe

Chapter Eight

After supper was finished and most of the dishes had been washed and dried and put away, Tess clapped her hands for attention

Jack regarded her warily "What now? You want us to call you Queen Victoria?"

"Vicky is fine," she shot back with a grin

"Mama, what do you want me to do with these" Savannah eyed the flat brown patties, as if uncertain whether they deserved the title biscuits

"I' over the dry sink's ri that, I want you three to go stand by the tree swing I'll be right out"

Savannah looked at her in horror "But?"

"Damn it, what?" Jack cut in

Tess ignored them "Go on, all of you I'll be out in a minute" When they didn'telse Maybe a nice three-layer cake"

Jack flinched "We're going Coirls"

They filed out of the house like silent, resentful soldiers Tess checked on the sleeping baby, then grabbed the biscuits and ran outside