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"H-Have I done so to offend you?" The confusion returned to Minerva's eyes "Why, no, of course not It's just that " She shrugged "Well, to be honest, you've always asked me to leave before" "Wow" "Excuse me?"

Tess hurried to the door and put a hand on Minerva's shoulder "Please forgive my rude behavior in the past I'd like to start fresh, if that's all right I've had sort of a change ofheart since this baby"

Minerva stared into Tess's eyes for a moment Then, slowly, she smiled "I'd like that"

194

r

Jack couldn't believe his ears There was laughter coh the openand danced on the light spring breeze

Ji it over his shoulder "Sounds like the girls are having fun," he said, flopping the heavy burlap sack beside the oak

tree

Jack swiped his damp broith his shirt-sleeve and stared at theThe quiet hter, aroused his curiosity He tried to ignore it, tried to pretend he couldn't

care less

But he couldn't quite hbors As far as she was concerned, anyone not born to money in the South was poor white trash She'dnice to the islanders, as if she was afraid she ht actually be happy here

"That coffee sure sood," Jim said

Jack glanced up, surprised that Jim had spoken Ji of

grain

He thinks I'ht And why not? After last Fourth of July, the whole daure out why in the hell the Hannahs didn't steer clear of him,