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Restlessly he shifted from side to side For the first time in years, the da to do with the couch itself It was Jack as uncooing to kiss you, Jack" He groaned and rolled onto his back The ed dully in the darkness of the rooht of a slivered moon

"She can't be changing," he whispered aloud, trying to take coot yourself a neife" Jack reed in a certainty that had been

But could Jack? He'd , lived in the shadow of her hatred and o of his armor and let hier, he'd be naked to her attack

And what if it was all a lie? Or temporary? Hoould he and the kids survive if it was all just another deadly trap? If they became a family and then tomorrow, or the next day, or next week, she turned on all of the same

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He shivered and drew the blanket tighter against his body

He'd never been so goddamn confused in all his life

Sunday ht and early She patted Caleb's shoulder,on her shoulder

"What do you think, big fella? Is oath?"

Calebsound that seemed affirmative

Tess kissed his soft cheek "That's what I thought" Moving toward the hot stove, she peered into the big cast-iron pot and frowned The oats and bacon showed definite pro room and saw that Jack was still asleep on the sofa A soft, wistful smile touched her lips as she stared at him

He had to be dog-tired Last night she'd heard hi after she'd closed her bedrooht Hopefully he'd been thinking about their kiss

Moving quietly, she set the table The tablecloth, silverware, and plates were in place, and she was just arranging the flowers as Savannah and Katie tiptoed into the room

"Mornin', Maer toward the living roo"

Tess sirls nodded