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"You're welcome," he answered "A whole hell of a lot" "It's probably best not to curse in front of the children," she said

Jack gave her a look that would curdle milk, then snapped the reins The horse dropped its head and slowly plodded forward

Tess's plan was in un

Chapter Eleven

Tess saw the perfect spot and practically lurched off the wagon's hard seat "There!" she yelled, pointing at the huge madrone tree up ahead

Jack didn't even bother to look sideways at her "I take it by your screech that you've chosen the picnic site"

Tess bea you didn't understand me"

He ible, but the e was clear: Leave e Just to shake him up a bit "Sorry, Jack, I can't do that" He stiffened "What did you say?" She turned and gave hi smile, which he studiously avoided "I said, I'm sorry, but I can't leave you alone It's not part of my plan"

The flesh at the corner of his eye flinched in a quick, angry tic He said nothing, simply stared silently ahead

Tess studied his profile, noticing the sudden narrowing of his eyes, the tightening of his ers curled convulsively around the

reins

The plan orking, she realized He was reacting Oh, he was trying hard to be cool and cal just below the surface All she had to do was bring it out and disarm it Let him know

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that the other emotion, buried even deeper, was okay, too She was sure it was there?it was there in everyone Sohtened soul was the desire to be happy