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Jack glared at Tess Tension e hard for control Or the appearance of control "Don't do this"

She blinked innocently up at hioddamn family"

The frightened plea almost broke Tess's heart There was a bleakness in his eyes that hit her hard in the sto and alone And desperately afraid "We already are" He paled "It's not safe" "Yes it is"

His anger ca the momentary flash of emptiness and fear in his eyes "Fine I'll do it for them But don't try thisstrike thi

ng again I'm a man of limited patience"

He spun back around and storh the open door He was on the bottom porch step when Tess called out his name

He paused and reluctantly turned toward her "Yeah?" "Just for the record, Jack, you're a ot tons"

150

Jack stared at her, speechless for a heartbeat, then he turned and walked away

Tess flashed the girls a triuirls"

Fiveat herCaleb's toes and

laughing

Katie turned to her sister, a grave look on her ser in Mama's body," she said quietly

Savannah nodded She, too, was staring at her mother A faraistful look crept into her eyes "I hope she

stays"