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“So you and Abby,” Josh said, warmer this time “She’s plucky”

Tom snorted “Plucky?”

Josh shrugged “Well, it’s the first time anyone’s seen you with a woman in … well, neveryour sweats? That kind of says it all, don’t you think?”

Tom ran a hand over his face “Actually, it wasn’t

like that It’s a long story, too long for today Anyway, don’t get your hopes up It’s complicated, and she’s put the house up for sale I don’t think she’s hanging around for er”

There was the sound of a door opening and closing and the men turned to the double doors that h and halted as he saw the two of theether A s forward “Looking for a referee?”

Abby handed cups of coffee to Meggie, Tom, and Josh Another of tea waited for Jess in the cardboard cup holder and she sipped at her own beverage, suddenly exhausted Her legs were starting to pain as theroo with Josh and Bryce and the three of thery The three of them made quite a picture—Bryce’s and Tohter coloring

“That’s not a sight I thought I’d see anyti a seat beside Abby

“They put their differences aside for Sarah” Abby looked at Tom’s aunt “How is she?”

Worry clouded Meggie’s eyes “No mother should ever have to bury her babies”

“Or see their children suffer,” Abby said quietly

“Or that Mine have had their share”

“Erin’s death and now Sarah”

Meggie sipped her coffee “Jess, too You have theo out on their own It’s hard to watch the failures But wonderful to see the victories” She nodded at Josh “That feels like a victory today And I get the feeling you had a hand in it Thank you for that”

Abby shifted in the chair and the arasped and clenched her teeth but not before Meggie noticed “Are you okay? Don’t take this the wrong way, but you’re looking a bit rough We all sort of assumed that you and Togie blushed a little, and so did Abby