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Thea’s lower lip begins to tremble and I’m shocked when I see a tear course down her cheek “Thea?” I probe

She sniffles “I’nant … and hors by way of explanation

I go around to the other side of the counter and bring her intoat my shirt Her tears dampen my shirt

“I didn’tthe top of her head

“S’okay,” she ood cry”

I step back and take her cheeks inmy thumbs over her smooth skin “I love you, and I already love this baby soto be a her face

Her handsinto ht”

“I know I am, sweetheart” I kiss her nose “Can I help you finish with dinner?”

She nods gratefully and wipes her eyes with her hands “Can you pull the lasagna out of the oven? I’ll finish with these and stick the is ready”

“Sure thing” I grab an oven mitt and pull it out It s

I set the lasagna on the cooling rack and Thea pops the bread in the oven, closing the door

I wind ainst my chest

“Xander” She giggles, trying to pull away, but I don’t let her

Now that I’ve caught that girl I’o

“Dance with me,” I whisper in her ear