Page 100 (1/2)

Jack pushed to his feet and turned around Reaching down for his coffee, he took a seat beside her on the couch

They sat there, stiff and afraid, both staring into the dazzling display of fire The smell of fire and woodsmoke filled the room

He cleared his throat

Tess leaned forward, waiting

"Soso you're teaching Katie to read"

Tess sress I've found that if I draw the letter in the air, she sees it better than if it's written on paper"

229

"She's a s"

The ache in his voice twisted her heart Why? she wanted to ask Why do you keep yourself so apart? What are you afraid of?

It was the only thing keeping theh his fear and force hie They would have a chance He would have a chance

"She loves you, you know"

Jack stiffened but didn't say a word

"So does Savannah Even Caleb?"

"Don't" The word caonized whisper

Instinctively Tess set her coffee down and turned to hi his face in her hands, she forced him to look at her The bleak despair in his eyes was like a knife in her throat She found it difficult to breathe