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If things rong, the painful drama of the past could replay with new characters But it was out of her hands, Tori reminded herself She’d spoken her mind to Natalie All she could do noas be there for her friend and for the family she still cared deeply about
She walked to the back of the couch, then bent forward to brush a kiss on Erin’s cheek “Call me, okay?” she said
“Sure” Erin tore her attention away froh to return the kiss “Love you”
“Love you back” She ruffled her daughter’s loose hair
Will looked up at her, his eyes so deeply blue that, even after all this time, they could still stop her breath “Same time next week?” he asked
“Same time, or I’ll let you know Thanks”
“Thanks for coaze held hers for an instant Then he turned back to the TV, leaving Tori to walk outside alone These days their friendship was littleabout Will still quickened Tori’s pulse But it wasn’t enough to heal the hurt, and never would be Over the years they’d beco to link them except the beautiful child they both adored
With a last look back at the house, Tori clion and headed back to town
Sky and Jasper sat on the front porch of their duplex, watching the twilight deepen above the caprock Crickets chirped in the shadows The Border Collie curled at Jasper’s feet, his nose resting on the old man’s boot
Sky had moved his chair to Jasper’s side of the porch so they could be close enough to talk He had ht have died frounshot wound and the pneumonia still raised a lump in his throat
Jasper reached down to scratch the dog’s ears “Thanks for gettin’ me back here, Sky That sister of mine was bossin’ me near to death”
“And you earing Bernice to a frazzle,” Sky said “I figured both of you were ready for a break”
“How about bringin’ my ATV around tomorrow? I’m itchin’ for a ride”
“Sorry, but that’s up to Will He’s got the keys and he won’t let you ride till you’re stronger But I can take you out in the pickup tomorrow If you’re up for it, we can take a look at the place where you were shot Maybe it’ll help you remember”
“You told ood cousin that shot me And that now he’s lit out somewhere So what’s to remember?”