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It hurt to hear him deliberately try and squelch Cindy's youthful pride Her radiant expression faded Like a tender floithout the admiration of rain to nourish her faith in herself, she wilted beforearms

"Apologize, Bart," ordered Chris I cringed, knowing Bart would never apologize

Bart curled his lips, his scorn so apparent, even as he acted indignant and angry His lips parted to insult Chris as he'd done so lanced at Melodie, who'd turned to look at him in a detached, curious way A deep flush heated Bart's face "I'll apologize when she learns how to dress and act like a lady"

"Apologize now, Bart," ordered Chris

"Don't fully in the eyes "You're in a very vulnerable position You and my mother You're not a Sheffield, not a Foxworth--or at least you can't let it be known you're a Foxworth So just what are you that counts? The world is full of doctors, too eable ones than you are"

Chris stood taller "My ignorance about medicine has saved your life more than once, Bart And the lives of nize that fact You've never said thank you for anything I've done for you I' for that day"

Bart paled, I suspected not so ht he was e "Thank you, Uncle Chris," he said sarcastically

Howand insincere his words and his tone of voice I watched the twoChris wince from the way Bart put stress on "Uncle" Then, for no reason at all, I glanced at Joel

He'd moved closer to pause just behind Melodie, and on his face was the kindest,darker I moved to stand beside Chris, just as Jory lined up with him on the other side

My lips parted to add a long list of things Bart should thank Chris for, when suddenly Bart was striding toward Melodie, ignoring Cindy "Have I told you the theoing to cause a sensation"

Melodie stood up She stared Bart straight in his eyes with open conteuests I think Jory has explained to youI can to see I have a healthy baby--and that doesn't include dancing for your amusement and that of people I don't even know"

Her voice was cold Dislike for Bart glared from her dark blue eyes

She left, taking Jory with her, leaving the rest of us to follow Joel tagged along at the very end like a tail that didn't knoag

Quick to recover from all wounds, as always she'd rebounded froushed happily about the expected baby that would oing to be one beautiful baby, I knohen it has parents like Jory and Melodie, and grandparents like you and Dad"

Cindy's delightful presence ed her close and she snuggled down on the loveseat in an to spill out all the details of her life I listened eagerly, fascinated by a daughter asup for all the excitement Carrie and I had missed out on