Page 81 (1/2)

They’d stopped walking along the riverfront and had gone halfway down the bank between the ay and the water

In the s Jack studied Taylor’s face, how her eyes sparkled, how her chin lifted in defiance of anyone who stood in her way

She was beautiful

And not saying things he was prepared to hear

“If you need me, I’ll be there You know that”

“That’s what I thought you aze head on “I need you, Jack”

When words failed him, she continued “I want to travel with you, Jack To see the world with you”

Was that what she’d meant?

Jack took a deep breath “That may be a problem”

Taylor’s face fell “I What kind of problem?”

A wry grin tugged at his lips “I’ve recentlynearly as much in the future”

Uncertainty darkened her face “What?”

“You once asked ht of some place as home” He smiled at the memory, at his recent realization “I never had, but nohen Warrenville coed one shoulder “You ht say homesick”

Her mouth opened “Oh”

Studying her, he said words he’d once not ever expected to say “I’ home, Taylor”