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Jory wore his success with grace, with touching huance that had been Julian's even when he had performed poorly

So far Melodie had said very little, as if she contained volu to spill out, but for so her opportunity to be center stage Custoood friends Countless times she twisted around in the front seat to s," I

adood news you have to tell us?"

Again came that taut look on her face as she flicked her eyes to Jory, old purse about to burst if she didn't tell us soon "Is Cindy there yet?" she asked

When I said no, Melodie turned again to face the windshield Jory winked "We're going to keep you in suspense a while longer, so everyone can enjoy our surprise to its full extent Besides, right now Dad's so intent on seeing we reach that house safely that he couldn't give our secret the appreciation it needs"

After an hour's ride ere turning onto our private road, which spiraled up the mountain, with deep ravines or precipices always on one side, forcing Chris to drive even more carefully

Once ere in the house and I'd shown them around downstairs, and they had exclai intoher head shyly down on ," encouraged Jory softly

Quickly she released me and threw a proud sly Then she was spilling out the contents of that bulging gold purse

"Cathy, I wanted to wait for Cindy and tell you all at once, but I'nant! You just don't kno thrilled I a this baby ever since the first year Jory and IOur baby is due in early January"

Stunned, I could only stare at her before I glanced at Jory, who had told in a family until he'd had ten years at the top Still, he stood there s as proud as anythis unexpected and unplanned child very well

That was enough to make me overjoyed "Oh, Melodie, Jory, I'randrand Jory on the back as if he were the firstMelodie and asking questions about how she felt and if she was experiencingsickness--just like the doctor he was

Because he was seeing so I wasn't, I looked at her more closely She had shadows beneath hollowed eyes, and wasthat could steal from Melodie her classical type of cool blond beauty She al even when she just picked up anoas baffled "What's wrong, Melodie?"

"Nothing," she said, gone stiff for no apparent reason, telling

My eyeshe'd tellMelodie

All the way back to Foxworth Hall I'd been dreading thethere would be an ugly scene to start everything out wrong I strode to a