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“How’s the pergola working out, Jess?”

“Great Sure you won’t join us, Tom?”

To an overture and then there was pressing your luck Josh still hadn’t said a word Things were not going to be forgiven so easily, then At least he wasn’t sniping out insults and no fists were flying Toress of a sort Peaceful coexistence he could live with, he supposed

“No, thanks, Jess I’ve already finished and I’ve got soh”

Jess nodded “Well, when you see Abby tomorrow, tell her I said to drop by the shop any tiht I kind of hope she stays in town, you know?”

Wasn’t Jess the cool and brave one, pushing To the pressure cooker of Josh’s resentment with the other Tom remembered the look on Rick’s face a feeeks back and nearly smiled Maybe soet him back in line

“I will,” he said, e can and tossed in his paper plate and napkin But he still had to pass by theive Someone had to make the first move

He looked at his cousin as he caed simply

Josh’s lips were a thin, harsh line, but he gave a brief nod “Tom”

Tom raised a hand in farewell and h, the brief exchange with Josh just now bothered him far more than the passionate outburst at the party Maybe it was re trips they’d taken as boys, but the truth was he s used to be

Never had it been ain

CHAPTER 15

Abby felt the sensitive tingle and tightness before she ever got out of bed Yesterday’s gardening had been a big s were tight and painful frolorious sunburn bloomed on her forehead and cheeks Her chest, shoulders, and arh not nearly as tender She pressed her palms to her face and it was hot to the touch

How could she have been so stupid? It was June, for Pete’s sake She should have slathered on the sunscreen before she’d ever gone outside, and put on a hat

But she’d been so very aware of Tootten so wrapped up in the garden work she hadn’t thought about it again