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Jack turned to his eldest daughter She was staring at hi She loved hi Please God, he prayed, don't let me disappoint her Not

again

He sed thickly and nodded "It looks great"

Surprise widened her eyes and crawled in a wash of pink across her cheeks "Thanks, Daddy"

Lissa set down a huge platter A sed by fried potatoes, carrots, and onions

When they were all seated, Lissa poured four glasses of milk, then set the pitcher down "Shall we pray?" she said, placing a hand on either side of her plate The girls eagerly placed their hands in their mother's

They were not so quick to hold Jack's hand Two small heads turned hesitantly toward him

"Daddy?" Savannah ventured softly Jack's heart did a painful twist Without aze?he couldn't bear to see the uncertainty in her eyes?he brought his hands to the table

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Savannah was the first to take his hand War his upturned palh, bitten-down nails prickled his flesh She gave his hand a squeeze, and it was ahim

He stared at the flowers, feeling a sharp sting behind his eyes He sed the thick, bone-dry lued suddenly in his throat God, how he loved them Sweet Christ

"Daddy? Is it okay if I hole your hand?" Katie's quiet voice crept into Jack's thoughts and brought his head up

Jack looked at his baby girl She gave him a shy, hesitant smile Love curled around his heart and squeezed so hard, his chest ached "II'd like that"

Katie's mouth dropped open "You would?"

He nodded, unable to speak