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“That was a long tio”

“You proposed tohilances that was both coy and mischievous

“For either the third or fourth ti back then, as I recall”

There was an opening there, but Tara let it pass “We were so young back then Or at least I was You were too serious to ever really be young”

“I suppose”

She deliberately let the silence lengthen a little “It’s sad, isn’t it?”

“What?” Ty’s glance touched her with mild interest

“That you have to lose someone close to you, someone you loved very much, before you realize that money, status, the opinions of others—none of that matters Only the people in your life are important All my life I’ve been so ambitious—” Tara stopped and darted him a wry look “But you know that better than anybody No, I realize that I spent all that tis And that is very, very sad” She knew there was nothing Ty could say to that, so she didn’t give him the chance to respond “Sorry As always, I’m so wrapped up in myself and my troubles that I haven’t even asked how you are”

“I’m fine Busy as usual” It was exactly the kind of noncommittal response Tara expected from him

“And Jessy?” It was so hard to keep her lip fro in dislike

“She and the twins are fine”

“She’s had the babies, then” The neas like a lead weight in her stomach

“Last week,” Ty replied, with a hint of pride in his voice “A boy and a girl”

“A boy and a girl” Tara didn’t have to feign her surprise Therefore, she let it work for her “Then, you have been doubly blessed”

“We think so”