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Which was also part of why she felt the need to keep Carrie fro too attached to her

Natalie’s gaze dropped to her hand Her hand that was encased in a sirl’s other hand was clasped with Matthew’s To anyone looking their way, they probably looked like a happy little family

The reality was, her and Matthew’s relationship was temporary It hy she was so reluctant to spend tiet attached when she knew eventually she’d no longer be in her life? That she’d have to leave the child, the way so many had come in and out of her own childhood?

But the little girl taking her hand and clasping it tightly had given Natalie a war her wish she was truly part of a fa her wish this were real and not temporary

She glanced up, realized Mattheas still watching her and blushed a little that he’d caught her staring at her hand laced with Carrie’s

Could he see how torn she was? How part of her thrilled at the child’s affection? How part of her wanted to shield herself and Carrie from future pain?

Although she’d not explained her feelings to hi-up centered around Carrie and not the hospital When things went south with their relationship, work could, and likely would, be probles went sour that would prompt her to look for a departy unit As long as things were good with Matthew, she didn’t see herself stepping outside the comfortable box she currently found herself in

Co it

She wasn’t comfortable with her relationship with Matthew

Eventually, his desire for her would change Just as Jonathan’s had

And then he’d leave

Definitely better not to get too attached to Carrie, and not to let the innocent girl get too attached to her, when Natalie kne that ripping away of relationships felt in the wake of tragedy

Better for her not to get too attached to Matthew, either

She feared she ht be too late on that one

CHAPTER THIRTEEN