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“Yes”

“That’s all I needed to hear” Slayde shut the sitting roo Courtney’s hand in his

Instantly, Aurora’s head came up “Are we about to hear your wonderful news—the neouldn’t listen to because I was too excited about Lexley’s ho?”

Slayde nodded “Yes, although given theour announcement”

“Announcement?” Now, Aurora jumped to her feet “Is it what I think it is? What I hope it is? What I’ve prayed it is?”

Laughter ruht be” He turned to Lexley “I realize you’re exhausted But before you go up to rest, Courtney wanted you to be here, to join Aurora in being the first to know And I quite agree” He stared at Courtney’s s hi this extraordinary reed to bestow upon e”

“I knew it!” Aurora shot across the roo her a fierce hug “Oh, Courtney, I knew it from the moment we met If anyone could unlock that bloody stubborn heart of Slayde’s, it was you I’m so happy for you—for both of you” She drew back, her eyes shining “Think about it—we’re going to be sisters, cohorts for life”

“God help us,” Slayde muttered

Sobering, Aurora turned to her brother, —uncomfortable, uncertain “I needn’t tell you how lucky you are,” she said “I’rateful you found Courtney before it was too late…not only for her, but for you At last you can bid that lonely ood-bye”

“I agree” With a new and unknown instinct, Slayde squeezed Aurora’s shoulder, bending to brush his lip

s across her brow “Do you know, you’re very insightful—for a child? Then again, you’re not a child anymore, are you?”

An understanding glint flashed in Aurora’s eyes “No I’m not”

“I’ll try to remember that”

“I’ll reet”

“I’rinned, aware of Courtney’s brilliant sh hi metamorphosis yet another step