k SHEkSMELLEDkWONDERFUL,kLIKEkLILACSkANDkPOWDER. Olivia'skhair,kreleasedkfromkthekbraidkitkhadkbeenkin,klaykspreadkagainstkthekwh itekpillow,kma ingkankelaboratekframekforkherkface.kThektopktwokbuttonskofkherkg ownkwerekopenkandkthekhemkwaskraisedktokherkthighskinkakverykmodestkinvitationkt okSpencer. "Whatkhappenedktokyourkbraid?"khekas ed,kliftingkaklongkstrandkandklettingkitksl in kthroughkhiskfingers.kLivvy'skhairkwasksoftkandksil y,kandkjustkthekfeelkofki tkacrosskhiskpalmkmadekdrawingkakdeepkbreathkharder. "Ikthought "kshekbegan,kthenkstoppedkherself.k"Ikcouldkdokitknowkifkyoukwant." "Leavekit."kSpencer'skvoiceksoundedkgruffktokhiskownkears.kMoreksoftlykhekadded, k"Youkcanktiekitkupklater.

" Hekturnedktokfacekher,k nowingkthatksoonerkorklaterkhekhadktokgetkstarted,kandkh isklegkslippedkbetweenkherskaskifkbykitskownkaccord.kBeforekhekcouldkpullkitkbac ,kherkhandkrestedkonkhiskthigh.kItkwas,kperhaps,kthekboldestkthingkOliviakhadke verkdone. Hekhadkmeantktoktellkherkhekwasktooktired.kHekhadkthoughtktokputkherkoffkuntilkt omorrowkorkthekdaykafterkthat,korkwhenkhekmightkfeelkmorekinkcontrol.kButknow,ka skhekgrewkhardkagainstkthekroundnesskofkherkhip,khektriedktokconcentratekonkthin gskhekcouldkcontrolkinkthekhopekofkstoppingkthingskhekcouldn't. k HIGHkPRAISEkFORk STEPHANIEkMITTMANk THEkMARRIAGEkBED "THEkMARRIAGEkBEDkISkAkBEAUTIFULkAMERICANkROMANCE,kemotionallykupliftingkandkbit tersweet.kStephaniekMittmankhaskthektalentkandkthekspar kofkgeniusktokbecomekthe knextkCandacekCamp.kMs.kMittmankmightkverykwellkbekthekstandardkagainstkwhichkal lkfuturekAmericankromancekiskjudged."kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk HarrietkKlausner,kAffairekdek Coeur "THEkBESTkOFkAMERICANkROMANCE.kStephaniekMittmankcreateskwarm,ktrue-to-lifekchar acterskwhokwillkwor ktheirkwaykintokyourkheart.kStephaniekMittmankiskaknamektokb ekremembered."kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk RomantickTimes "Ms.kMittmankisktrulykankup-and-comingkstarkinkthekworldkofkromance."kkkkkkkkkkk kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk ThekPaperbac kForum "TERRIFICk.k.k.kStephaniekMittmankportrayskruralkAmericakwithkwarmthkandkauthent icity."kk kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk PamelakMorsi k AlsokbykStephaniekMittman BridgektokYesterdayk AkTastekofkHoney

k THEkMARRIAGEkBED

kStephaniekMittman AkkDELLkkBOOK k Publishedkby DellkPublishing akdivisionkof BantamkDoubledaykDellkPublishingkGroup,kInc. 1540kBroadway NewkYor ,kNewkYor k10036 Ifkyoukpurchasedkthiskboo kwithoutkakcoverkyoukshouldkbekawarekthatkthiskboo kis kstolenkproperty.kItkwaskreportedkask"unsoldkandkdestroyed"ktokthekpublisherkand kneitherkthekauthorknorkthekpublisherkhaskreceivedkanykpaymentkforkthisk"strippe dkboo ." Copyrightkk1996kbykStephaniekMittman Allkrightskreserved.kNokpartkofkthiskboo kmaykbekreproducedkorktransmitted'kinka nykformkorkbykanykmeans,kelectronickorkmechanical,kincludingkphotocopying,krecor ding,korkbykanykinformationkstoragekandkretrievalksystem,kwithoutkthekwrittenkpe rmissionkofkthekPublisher,kexceptkwherekpermittedkbyklaw. Thektrademar kDellkiskregisteredkinkthekU.S.kPatentkandkTrademar kOffice. ISBN:k0-440-22182-Xk PrintedkinkthekUnitedkStateskofkAmericak PublishedksimultaneouslykinkCanadak Mayk1996 10k9k8k7k6k5k4k3k2k1 OPM k kkThiskboo kiskgratefullykdedicatedktokmykcritiquekpartnerkandkfriend,kSherrykSt einfeld,kwhokreadkeverykwordkandkas edkmektokchangekonlykakfewkofkthem.kThan kyo ukforkma ingkmekreplacekordinarykphraseskwithk"Mittman-isms,"kfork eepingkmekhon est,kandkforkli ingkmykboo s.kThan skalsokforkcomingktokmykrescuekatkthekdropkof kakhat,kofferingkalwaysktoklisten,kandgivingkmekgoodkadvice.kI'mksokgladkwe'rekf riends. And,kaskalways,ktokLaura,kwhokiskthekbestkeditorkakwomankcouldkas kfor alwayskavai lable,kencouraging,kandksupportive.kButkIkstillkli edktheklinekaboutkthekoldkmai dskbeingkli ekvultures. TokallkmykfriendskandksupporterskonkAOL akbouquetkofkroses,kwhichkIkcan'tkfigureko utkhowktokdo,kandkak;-). Andklast,kbutkneverkleast,kmykincrediblekfamily,keachkofkwhom,katkonektimekorkan other,kwaskcalledkuponktokconvincekmekonekmorektimekthatkIkamkreallykakwriter. IkhopekI'vekdonekyoukallkproud. k Prologue MaplekStand,kkWisconsink Marchk1894 Heklaykonkthekoldkoa kbedkinkthekdar enedkbedroomklisteningktokthekthud,kthud,kt huddingkofkhiskheartkcompetekwithktheksoundkofkhisknewkwife'skraggedkbreathing,k andkstaredkthroughkthekwindowkatktheklastktwokstarskinkthekBigkDipper'skhandle.k HowkdidkthatklittlekrhymekKirstenkhadktaughtkthekchildrenkgo?kStarklight,kstarkb right,ksomethingkaboutkthekfirstkstarkatknightk.k.k.kwishkIkmay,kwishkIkmight,kh avekmykwishkcomektruektonight?

Nearlykthat,kanyway. Ikwishk... Hekglancedkoverkatkthekwomanknestledkbeneathkthekcoverskjustkincheskfromkhisksid e.kOutside,kthekfewkdriedkleaveskthatkstillkclungktenaciouslyktokthekdormantklil ackbusheskscrapedkagainstkthekglasskpanes.kWindkwhistledkthroughkcrac skinkthekp aintedkwhitekframeskofkthekwindows. Ikwishkk... Shekshiftedkslightly,kthekmoundkofkcoverskmovingkli ekaksnowkdriftkinkthekwind,k andkaktinykwhimperkescapedkherklips. IkwishkIkwaskdead. "Olivia?kYoukallkright?" "Ikguess,"kshekansweredksoftly.kSheksoundedkbewildered,kconfused.kOfkcoursekshek was.kSokwaskhe. "I'mksorry,"kheksaid,kgratefulkthekroomkwasktookdar kforkherktokseekthekrushkofk embarrassmentkthatkheatedkhiskchee s.. Notkthatkshekneededktokseekhimktok nowkhowkmortifiedkhekwas.kHektoldkhimselfkonc ekagainkitkwaskjustktookmuchkwine,ktookmanyktoastskdrun ktokaknewlykweddedkpair. Thekwhitekmoundkmovedkagainkaskshekextricatedkakhandktoklayksoftlykagainstkhiska rm.k"Don'tkapologize,"ksheksaid,ksidlingkupkcloserktokhim.k"It'sknotkyourkfault. kWhenkakmankandkakwomank.k.k.kthatkis,kakhusbandkandkwifek.k.k.kwell,kIk newkitk wouldkhurt.kIkdidn'tkmeanktokcrykout.kI'mkfineknow,kreally." "I'mksorrykaboutkitkhurtingkyou,"kheksaid,kannoyedkwithkhimselfkforkbeingksoklos tkinkhiskownkdistresskthatkhekhadn'tkevenkthoughtktokapologizekforkthekpainkhekh adkcausedkher.k"But,kthen,"kheksaid.k"Afterk.kkk.kkk." "After?" Couldkitkreallykbekthatkshekwaskunawarekofkwhatkhadkjustkhappenedkbetweenkthem?k Orkwasksheksimplykbeingk ind?kCouldkshekbeksoknaivekshekactuallykthoughtkthatkwh atktheykhadkdonekwaskallktherekwas?kNo,kshekmustkhavekfeltkhimksuddenlykgrowksof tkinsidekher.kMustn'tkshe? "SokthenkIkguesskI'mkreally,kfinally,ktrulykyourkwifeknow." Hekcouldn'tkhelpkbutkhearkagainkherkcho edkscreamkaskhekhadkbro enkthroughkthekt hinkbarrierkthatkseparatedkakmaidenkfromkakwife.kWithknoksmallkamountkofkregret, khekconcededkaskmuch.k"Ikguesskyoukare." "Ikthoughtkitkwouldkfeel,kIkdon'tk now,kdifferent." Sokhadkhe.kCertainlykitkhadkbeenkdifferentkwithkKirsten.kHell,kwithkakfewkminute s'krestkinkbetween,khekhadkta enkherkoverkandkoverkonktheirkweddingknight.kHe'dk expectedktokgetkthroughkitkatkleastkoncekwithkOlivia.kAfterkall,kitkhadkbeenkmor ekthanktwokyearsksincekhekhadklainkwithkKirsten. Andkitkhadkstartedkoutkwellkenough,kconsideringkitkwaskOlivia'skfirstktime.kHe'd kbeenkgentle,kslow,kgivingkherktimektokgetkoverkthekinitialkpainkbeforeksettingk upkakrhythmkbetweenkthem. Inktruth,kitkhadkbeenkallkright.kBetter,kmaybe,kthankjustkallkright.kButkthenksh e'dkstartedktokrespond.kHe'dkheardkthatksameklittlekmoankfromkdeepkinkherkthroat kthatkhe'dkheardkakhundredktimes,kno,kakthousandktimes,kescapekKirsten'sklips.kA ndksuddenlykhe'dkbeenkunablektokgokon.kTheksadnesskjustkwelledkupkinkhimkandkend edkhiskweddingknightkalmostkbeforekitkhadkstarted. "Ikwaitedkaklongktimekforkthis,"ksheksaid,kadmittingkquietlykwhatkhekandkeveryon ekelsekinkMaplekStandkalreadyk new.k"Tokbekyourkwifekandkhavekyouklovekme.kDokyo uksupposekwekmightkhavekmadekakbaby?" "Akbaby?" "Mmm-hmm,"ksheksaidkdreamily,ksqueezingkhiskarm.k"Dokyoukthin kwekdid?" Itkwaskaskifkshekwerekloo ingkforksomethingkgoodktokhavekcomekoutkofkthekmesskhe khadkmadekofktheirkweddingknight.kAkmesskofkwhich,kthan kthekgoodkLord,kshekseem edkblissfullykunaware. "Ik...kIkdon'tk now,"khekcho edkout,kchoosingktokliekratherkthankadmitktokherkth atktherekwasknokchancekofkit. Atkleastktherekwaskthatktokbekgratefulkfor.kTherekwouldkbeknokchildkfromktheirka bortedkunion.kAnd,kgivenkOlivia'sklac kofkexperience,kifkhekwaskverykcareful,kan dkheksworekhekcouldkbe,kwouldkbe,ktherekmightkneverkbekanykchildren. Oddly,kthekideakgavekhimksolacekandkhekwarmedktokit,kevenkinkthekfacekofkhiskfai

lure.k"Thekoddskarekagainstkit." "Butkitkcouldkbe,kcouldn'tkit?kIkmeankwe'vekdonekitkand " "Notkeveryonekgetskwithkchildkonktheirkweddingknight,kOlivia.kSurelykyoukmustkre alizekthat,katkleast." "Butkitkcouldkbe,"ksheksaidkmorekstrongly,kherkvoicekbetrayingkthekhopekshekfelt .k"Spencer,kwekcouldkhavekjustkmadekakbaby." No.kWekcouldn'tkhave.k"It'sknotkakgoodkideaktokgetkyourkhopeskup.kLotskofkcouple skdon'tkhavekanykchildrenkatkall." "Butknotkus.kThatkwon'tkbekus.kAfterkall,kyou'vekbeenkakfather.kPeterkandkMargar et " Hekinterruptedkher.k"PeterkandkMargaretkarekdead,kremember?kMykchildrenkarekdead kandksokiskmykwife." "ButkI'mk.k.k."shekstarted,kthenkputkthekbac kofkherkhandktokherkmouthktokstifle kaksob.kInkthekdimklightkofkthekquarterkmoonkhekcouldn'tkma ekoutkherkfeatures,k butkhekdidn'tkneedktokseekherktok nowkthatkshekwaskbitingkthekbac kofkherkhandka ndkcryingksilentktears.kItkwaskOlivia'skway.kThekwaykshekhadkcriedkwhenkherkmoth erkdied.kThekwaykshekhadkcriedksoonkafterkthatkwhenkhe'dktoldkherkhekwaskmarryin gkKirsten. Hekcouldkhavekapologized.kHekcouldkhaveksimplykrolledkontokhisksidekandkpulledkh erkagainstkhim.kHekconsideredkbothkoptionskandkthoughtkbetterkofkthem.kBestknotk tokfillkupkherkheartkwithkfalsekhopeskorkherkheadkwithksillykdreams.k"It'sklate, kOlivia.kYou'rektired.kItkwaskquitekakdaykofkcelebrating.kGoktoksleep.kWe'vekgot kaklotkofkwor ktokdokcomekmorning." Shekturnedkontokherkside,kawaykfromkhim,kherkchestnutkbraidkwhippingkhiskchee ka sksheksettledkherself.kItksmelledkfaintlykofklilacs,kandkhekfingeredktheksoftken dskaskhekmovedkitkawaykfromkhiskface. Itkwasksilentkforkakminutekorktwo,kandkthen,kquietly,ktentatively,kshekas ed,k"W askitkk...kkwaskIkk...kkallkright?" Funnykthatkshekshouldkbekas ingkhim,kwhenkhekhadkfailedkherksokmiserably.kThekle astkhekowedkherkwasksomekreassurance.k"Perfect,"kheksaid,kpattingkherkbac kgentl ykthroughktheklayerskofkquiltsktheirkfriendskhadkgivenkthemkaskweddingkgifts.kAn dktruly,kshekhadkbeenkperfect.kSofterkthankhekhadkexpected,kherkbreastskfuller,k herkarmskmorekwilling. Andkinnocent.kCompletelykinnocentkofkwhatkhadkhappenedkandkofkthekplankthatkeven knowkwaskformingkinkhiskhead.kThekplankthat,kironically,kwouldksurelykrestorekhi skmanhood.kJustk nowingkthatkhekwouldkneverkleavekhiskseedkwithinkhisknewkwifekw asksettlingkthekhac leskthatkhadkrisenkonkthekbac kofkhisknec .kHekcouldkwithhol dkhiskessencekjustkaskhekwaskwithholdingkhiskaffection. AndkOliviakneedkneverk now. Oh,kbutkherkinnocencekwaskakblessing.kAnotherkwomankwouldkhavek nownkthatkhiskgr oankhad'kbeenkbornkofkfrustrationkandknotksatisfaction,kaskOliviakmustkhavekassu med.kAnotherkbridekwouldkhavek nownkthatkhisktripkbeneathkherknightdresskhadkbee nkcutkshortkbeforekhiskmissionkwaskcomplete. SurelykKirstenkwouldkhavek nown,kforktheirskhadkbeenkakperfectkunion.kTheykhadks oaredkli ekthekeaglesktogether,kevenkfromkthekfirst. Butkthenktheirklittlekblondkeagletskhadkfaltered,kandkallkhiskdreamskandkhopeskh adkbeenkdashedkagainstkthekroc skandklost.kDiphtheria,ktheykhadkcalledkit,kaskif kgivingkitkaknamekcouldkma eksensekofktheksenseless. HisklittlekMargaretkhadkbeenkthekfirstktokgo,kherks inksokflushedkwithkfeverktha tkshekwaskstillkwarmklongkafterkherklittlekchestkhadkceasedktokrisekandkfall.kBe autiful,kdelicatekKirstenkwasknext,khekandkPeterkstrugglingktok eepkherkalivekev enkafterkherktonguekwaskfurredkwithkslimekandkherkthroatkhadkallkbutkclosed,klon gkhourskafterkthekdoctorkhadksaidktherekwasknokhope.kThen,kbeforekshekwaskgone,k Peter,ktoo,khadksuccumbedktokthekfever.kAndkallkSpencerkcouldkdokwaskstandkbykan dkwatchkaskeverythingkheklovedkwaskputkintokthekfrozenkgroundkandkcoveredkwithkc oldkclumpskofkthekpalekfrostbittenkearth. Aktearkescapedkfromkthekcornerkofkhiskeye,ktric lingksilentlykdownkhisktemplekto kthekpillowkbeneathkhiskhead.kHekmadeknokeffortktokwipekit,kbutksworeksilentlykt hatkitkwouldkbektheklastkhekeverkshed. Besidekhim,kOliviakreleasedkakshudderingkbreath.kIfktherekhadkonlykbeenkanotherk

way,khe'dkhavekta enkit.kButkOlivia'skbrother,kRemy,khadkbeenkright.kThekfarmkwa sktookmuchkforkonekpersonktokhandle,kandkhekcouldn'tkgokonktherekalone. AndkOliviakwasksokwilling,ksokeager,kDespitekallkhiskmisgivings,khe'dkfinallykha dktokgivekin.kHe'dkta enkanotherkwife. Butkmarriedkthoughkhekmightkbe,kthisktimekhekwaskgoingktokprotectkhimself.kHekco uldkma eksurekthatkhekneverklostkanotherkchildkbecausekhekwouldkseektokitkthatkh ekneverkhadkanotherkchild.kAndkhekwouldkneverklosekanotherkwomankhekloved,kbecau se,kquiteksimply,khekwouldkneverklovekanotherkwoman.kNotkevenksweet,kinnocentkOl ivia.k Andkthatkwouldk eepkhimksafe. k ChapterkOne MaplekStand,kkWisconsink Aprilk1897 OliviakloiteredkinkthekcornerkofkZephin'skMercantilekwherekthekUnitedkStateskPos tkOfficekstood,kthekletterkinkherkhand. "Mailkit,"kherksister-in-law,kBesskSacotte,kurged,knudgingkherklesskthankgentlyk towardkthekcounterkwherekEmmakZephinkwaited.k"SendkitkandkdealkwithkSpencerklate r,kwhenkthere'sknothingkhekcankdokaboutkit." "Willkyoukstopkit,"kOliviakwhispered,kbrushingkatkBess'skhandskandkthenkstraight eningkherkcoatkinkankeffortktokrestorekherkdignity.k"Thiskisknotkli eksendingkfo rkaknewkpairkofkcommonsensekboots,kyouk now." "It'sksendingkforkakwholeknewklife,kOliviakWilliamson,kandkit'skhighktimekyoukdi dkit.kWhy,kifkIkcouldkfixkallkmyktroubleskbyksendingkawaykforksomething,kdon'tky oukthin kIkwould?"kShekrubbedkatkherkamplekhipkandkgrimaced.k"Betkit'llkbekquite kakstormktonight." "You'rektookyoungktokbektellingkthekweatherkwithkyourkbones,kBess,"kOliviaksaid. k"Itkisn'tkfair." "MarriedktokSpencerkWilliamsonkandkyouktal ktokmekaboutklifekbeingkfair?kSeemskt okmektheksnowkiskcallingkthekicekcold." Oliviaksaidknothing.kWhatkwasktherektoksay?kBesskwouldkneverkunderstandkthatkSpe ncerkdidn'tkmeanktokbekun ind.kHekwaskstillkjustkhurting.kIfkLivvykcouldkgivekhi mkthektimekhekneededktokheal,kshekdidn'tkseekwhykherksister-in-law,kandkeveryone kelsekinkMaplekStand,kcouldn'tkbekmorekpatient. "CankIkhelpkyoukladies?"kEmmakas ed,kstillkstandingkbehindkthekcounter,kherkfeat herkdusterkpoisedkinkmidairksokthatkshekwouldn'tkmisskakword.kEmmakwaskCharliekZ ephin'skoldestkdaughter.kHiskotherkgirlskhadkallkmarriedkandkwerekraisingkfamili eskofktheirkown.kButkEmma,kwhokwaskevenkuglierkthankCharlie'skotherkdaughters,kw askankoldkmaid. "Mailkthatkforkyou?"kEmmakas ed,kreachingkacrosskthekcounterkforkthekletter.kOli viakcouldn'tkseemktokletkthekenvelopekgo,kallowingkitkonlykenoughkleewayktokslip kinchkbykpreciouskinchkthroughkherkfingers.k"Mrs.kWilliamson?" "Yes,"kBessksaid,kpushingkOlivia'skarmktowardkthekcounterkli ekakpuppeteer.k"She kwantskitktokgokoutktoday,kifkpossible." "Thatkright?"kEmmakas edkOlivia,kwhoknodded,kthenkloo edkatkherksister-in-law,kd isgusted. "Hekisn'tkgoingktokli ekthis." "Hekdoesn'tkli ekanything,"kBessksaidksharply,kandkEmmakletkaksnic erkescapekher klipskbeforekquic lykcoveringkherkmouthkwithkherkhand. "Howkarekyoukdoingkanyways,kEmma?"kOliviakas ed,kanxiousktokchangektheksubject.k "Youkoverkthatkcold?" "Finally,"kEmmaksaid.k"Ikthin kitkwaskthatkspring-greenksoupkofkyourskthatkdidkt hektric .kMykpapakswearskyoukspentkthekwholekwinterkcuringkotherkpeople'skchildr enksincekyoukhaven't "kEmma'skhandkflewkagainktokherkmouthkaskifkshekwantedktokpul lkthekwordskbac kin. "It'skallkright,"kOliviakassuredkher.

"Ikdidn'tkmeanktokhurtkyourkfeelingskorkanything.kIksupposekPapa'skrightkandkthe re'skjustknokhopekforkme.kOftenkasknot,kIkseemktoksaykthekwrongkthing." "Don'tkworry,kEmma,"kBessksaid,kpattingkthekwoman'skhandkgentlykbutkloo ingkstra ightkatkOlivia.kk"Youkcan'tkhurtkOlivia'skfeelings.kShe'skplumknumb.kAndkit'skti mekshekgotkthawedkoutkandkstartedkliving.'' Nokfeelings.kIskthatkhowkshekseemedktokallkofkthem?kjustkbecausekshekrefusedktok brea kdownkandkcrykatkeveryklastklittlekthing?kWhy,kshekhadksokmuchkfeelingkinsi deksometimeskshekthoughtkshe'dkjustkburstkapartkfromkthekpainkofkitkall.kButkthe rekwaskenoughksadnesskinkherkhouse.kSpencerkhadkthekrightsktokallkthekmiserykthe re.kWithkwhatkhe'dkbeenkthrough,kmostkofkherklittlekdissatisfactionskseemedkpett ykandkunimportant. Allkexceptkone. AndkthatkwaskwhykshekwaskstandingkinkZephin'skMercantilekwhenkshekshouldkhavekbe enkba ingkBelgiankpieskforkthekchurchkandkgettingkakjumpkonkherkspringkcleaning. kTherekwasn'tkmuchkhopekthatkthekproblemkwouldkjustkta ekcarekofkitself.kAfterka ll,kthey'dkbeenktryingkforkthreekyearskandkshekwasn'tkgettingkanykyounger.kShekf eltkthatktoday,kespecially. Itkwaskhardktokswallowkaroundktheklumpkthatkformedkinkherkthroat.kNokbabies.kEve nkifkta ingkaknewkwifekhadn'tkmadekSpencerkhappy,ksurelykaknewkbabykwould.kAknew kbabyktokreplacekthekpainkhekcarriedkli ekaknewbornkagainstkhiskheart. Andksokshekwaskdoingktheknextkbestkthing.kIfktherekwasn'tkanykhopekforkchildrenk ofkherkown,kOliviakdidn'tkseekanykreasonkforkdenyingkthekpleaskofkherkbrother-in -lawkanyklonger.kWithkherksister,kMarion,kdeadkalmostkthreekyears,kJuliankhadkfo undkitkimpossiblektokta ekcarekofktheirkchildrenkalone.kOfkcoursekhekwaskrightkn otktoktryktokmovekacrosskthekentirekcountrykandkgetkresettledkwithkthreeklittlek oneskinktowktokloo kafter.kWhokbetterktokraisekthekchildrenkthanktheirkAuntkOliv iakandkUnclekSpencer?kHerksister'skchildrenkwerekboundktokneedkherklovekalmostka skmuchkaskshekneededktheirs. "Olivia?"kEmmaksaidksoftly,kfingeringkthekedgekofkthekenvelopekthatklaykonkthekc ounterkbeneathkOlivia'sksweatykpalm.k"YoukwantkmektokSendkit?" "Yes,"kBessksaidkwithkdetermination,kaskifkshekcouldkwillkOliviakthekcouragektok dokit. "Yes,"kOliviaksaidktokEmma,kandkthenkturnedkakbrightksmilektokherksister-in-law. k"Yes.kSendkit.kRightkaway.kToday.kAsksoonkaskpossible." "Quic ,"kBessksaid.k"Beforekshekchangeskherkmind." ThekthreekwomenklaughedkandkCharliekZephinkloo edkdownkatkthemkfromkthekladderko nkwhichkhekwaskperchedkcountingkcans.k"Whatkarekyoukthreekwitcheskcac lingkabout ?"khekas edkgood-naturedly. "Justkcoo ingkupkaklittlekmagic,kMr.kZephin,"kBessksaid,kthenkrubbedkherkhandskt ogetherkli ekankevilkwitch. Oliviakfeltkakchillkrunkdownkherkbac .kThiskplankcouldkblowkupkinkherkface,kshek new.kSpencerkcouldkhatekthekchildren.kHatekherkforkbringingkthem.kLord,khekseem edktokhatekeverythingkelsekthesekdays. "Magic,"kCharlieksaid.k"Well,kyoukbekcarefulktherekladies.kWeksurekdon'tkwantkth ekdevilkinkMaplekStand,kdokwe?kTheykmayknotkbekburnin'kwitcheskanymore,kbutkthey ksurekain'tktookpopulark'ceptin'konkHalloween."kHeklaughedkatkhiskownkjo e,knear lyklostkhiskbalancekonkthekladder,kandkthenkrightedkhimself.k"Well!kNokneedktok illkmekoff,kladies.kYourksecret'sksafekwithkme." "Spea ingkofksecrets,"kEmmaksaidkinkakloudkwhisper,k"Ikhearkthere'sktal kaboutkt hatkrailroadkspurkagain.kHearktheykmightkevenkbekpayingkmoneykforktheklandkit'sk gonnakrunkthroughksincekthey'vekgotktokgetktokSturgeonkBay.kAndkthey'reksendingk ankagent.''kThisklastkdetailkwaskacompaniedkbykakflushktokEmma'skchee s. "Well,"kBessksaidkasksheksighedkandkrubbedkagainkatkherkachingkjoints.k"Don'tksu pposekthat'llkmatterkmuchktokuskoutkonkthekouts irts.kI'dkaboutkgivekmykwholekch errykorchardkforkakhundredkdollarskcash." Oliviakts edkatkherkandklaughed.k"That'skmykfamily'skfarmkyou'rekgivingkaway,kmy kdear.kI'llkthan kyouktokta ekbetterkcarekofkit!" Bessknoddedkbutktheksmilekwaskgonekfromkherkface.kkItkmadekOliviakthin ,konlykfo rkakmoment,kthatkperhapskshekreallykmeantkit. "Guesskwe'dkbetterkbekgettingkhome,"kBessksaidkafterktheykhadktradedkbanterkakfe

wkmomentsklonger.k"Ikgotkthreeklittlekboyskandkonekbigkonekthat'llkbekclamoringk forksupperkbeforekIkgetkmykownkfrontkdoorkfullkopen." Oliviak newkwhatkwaskwaitingkforkherkatkhomekandkwaskinknokrushktokgetkthere.kFo rkakmomentkshekconsideredkta ingkthekletterkbac kfromkEmmakandkforgettingkthekwh olekidea. "Andkthey'llkallkbekwantingkhugskandk isseskaskmuchkaskbreadkandkbutter,"kBesska dded,kaskifkshek newkjustkwhatkOliviakwaskthin ingkandkcouldkfeelkthatkextrakenc ouragementkshekneeded. Childrenkwaitingkforkherkwhokwouldkwantkhugskandk isses.kSheksighedkandkcaughtkh erself,krealizingkhowkfoolishkakwomankofkherkagekmustkloo kdaydreamingkinkthekmi ddlekofkthekmercantile. "Youksendkthatkletter,"ksheksaidktokEmmakaskshektiedkherkhatkribbonkbeneathkherk chin. "Attakgirl,"kBessksaid,kandkloopedkherkchubbykarmkthroughkOlivia'skthinkone.kWit hktheirkwoolenkcoatskon,kitkwaskaktightkfit. "That'skeasykforkyouktoksay,"kOliviaksaidkasktheykheadedkforkthekdoor. "Oh,kno,kit'sknot,"kBessksaidkmoreksolemnly.k"Ikdon'tk nowkwherekI'llkputkthekfo urkofkyoukifkcomesktokthat." Oliviakstoppedkinkherktrac skandkevenkBess'skbul kwouldn'tkbudgekher. "Itkwon'tkcomektokthat,"kBesskreassuredkher.k"Don'tkworrykso.kIt'llkallkwor kout ." Besskhadkpromisedkherkthatkbefore.kWhen,kafterkmorekthankakyearkofkmarriage,kOli viakstillkhadn'tkconceived,kBesskhadkassuredkherkthatktimekwouldkta ekcarekofkev erything.kButkitkhadn't.kAndknowkSpencerkhardlyktouchedkherkinkbed,kaskifkhekbel ievedktherekwasklittlekpointkinkit.kAndkinksomekwayskshekwaskgladkforkhisklac ko fkattention.kIfktherekwasn'tkanykhopekofkchildren,kshe'dkjustkasksoonkneverkbeki ntimatekwithkherkhusbandkagain.kEachkunionkleftkherkstrangelykbereft,kaskifkherk bodykwaskasksadkaskherkheart.kAndkexceptkforkthatkmomentkonktheirkweddingknightk whenkshekhadkbegunktokfeelkakheatkthatkspreadkfromkherkmostkprivatekplaces,kshek hadkneverkfeltkevenkremotelykwarmedkbykwhatktheykwerekdoing. Inkfact,kdespitekthekintimacykofktheksituation,kshekfeltklonelierkwhenktheykwere kma ingklovekthankatkanykotherktimekin-herklife.kAndklatelykitkhadkgottenkworse. kNowkSpencerkdidn'tkjustkcollapsekagainstkherkandkmoan.kNowkhekgotkupkandkleftkt hekroom,kclaimingkakgoodkcigarkrelaxedkhimkandkhelpedkhimksleep.kAskfarkaskshekw askconcerned,kallkitkdidkwaskstin kupktheirkhome. Andksokhekleftkherkalonekinktheirkbed,klyingkperfectlykstillkinkthekhopeskthatkh iskseedkwouldkta ekrootkwithinkher.kLeftkherktokwishkonkstarskinkthekdar ness,kw ithkonlykthekmoonkandkherkhopektok eepkherkcompany. ShekstoppedkforkjustkakmomentkatkthekedgekofkSacottekFarmkbykthekwaysidekshrinek herkfatherkhadkbuiltkforkherkmotherkafterkthekhousekandkbarnkhadkbeenkmiraculous lyksparedkinkthekgreatkfire,kandkpromisedkthekBlessedkVirginkthatkshekwouldkreme mberktokbringkthekdelphiniumskasksoonkasktheykbloomed.kJustkaskitkhadkwhenkshekw askakchildkandkhadkhelpedkherkmotherktendktheklittlekchapel,ksokitkcalmedkandkco mfortedkherknow. Andkcalmkandkcomfortkwereksurelykwhatkshekwouldkneed,kshekthought,kaskshekrosekf romkherk neeskandkheadedktowardkherkhome.kThatkandkakhealthykdosekofkstrengthkan dkcourage. Shekwentkoverkherknewskonekmorektimekinkherkheadkaskthekfarmkcamekintokviewkandk herkhusband'skformkloomedkonkthekhorizon.kHeavens.kThere'skgoingktokbekthekdevil ktokpay. "Youkwhat?"khekas ed,kstaringkatkhiskwifekforkanyksignkthatkshekwaskbluffing.kSh eksatkserenelykinkthekchairkacrosskfromkhim,kherkhandskfoldedkinkherklapkaskifks endingkforkthreekchildrenkwithoutkevenktellingkherkhusbandkwaskaskordinarykandkn ormalkaskta ingkakstrollkbykthekla e.kButkifkthiskwaskakstrollkbykthekla e,kshek waskinkoverkherkhead.kInkherkheavykboots.kWithkherkhandsktiedkbehindkher.kAndkit kwaskgoingktokta ekmorekthankthatkHoudinikmagiciankfellowktokgetkherkoutkofkthis kmess. "IktoldkJulianktoksendkthekchildren,"kshekrepeated,ksokcalmlykthatkhekwasktempte

dktokreachkoutkandkchec kherkforeheadkforksignskofkakfever.kSpencerk newkfirstha ndkthek indkofkmankJuliankwas,kandkonlykforktheksa ekofkOlivia'sksister,kMarion, khadkhekheldkhisktonguekforkallkthesekyears.kNowkOliviakhadkinvitedkthekman'skch ildrenkintokhiskhome. "Withoutkas ingkme?" Shekshruggedkandkheksawkthekedgekofkherklowerklipkdisappearkbetweenkherkteeth. "Youkjustkgotkitkinkyourkheadktokgoktoktownkandksendkthatkbrother-in-lawkofkyour skakletterktellingkhimktokputkhiskthreekchildrenkonkaktrainkandksendkthemktokmyk house " "Ourkhouse " "Mykhouse,"khekrepeated,kthumpingkonkhiskchestkforkemphasis.kShekhadn'tkbeenkthe konektokputkupkthekhouse,klogkbyklog,kbric kbykbric ,kjustkthekwaykKirstenkhadkw antedkit.kShekdidn'tkpaykthekrnortgage,kwor ktheksoil,kchopktheklogs.kkk.kkk.kkk . Onekofkherkeyebrowsklifted.kSheksatkramrodkstraight.kHerkeyeskscannedkthekroomks ilently,kbutkthekonlyksignkofkherkhurtkwaskthekhardkswallowkhekwatchedkinkherkne c . Newkcurtainskframedkthekwindowskinkthek itchen.kAknewkclothkcoveredkthektable.kT hekcowskwerekmil ed,kthekchic enskfed,kandkallkofkitkbecausekofkOlivia.kHekhadkm arriedkherktok eepkhiskhouse,ktokcoo khiskmealskandkwashkhiskclothes,ktoktendkhi skgardenkandkta ekcarekofkhisklivestoc kwhilekhekdidkthekwor kinkthekfields.kHek hadn'tkas edkforkthekhundredkotherkthingskshekdid,kandkallkwithkthatkdamnksmilek onkherkface,kbutkhekwaskgratefulkshekdidkthem. "Ourkhouse,"khekconcededkhonestly. Sheknoddedkatkhimkaskifkshekhadkfollowedkhiskthoughtskandkappreciatedkhiskconclu sion. "Ikdidn'tkjustk'getkitkinkmykhead,'k"sheksaidkquietly.k"Itkwasktime." "Time?" Sheknodded,kopenedkherkmouth,'kbutknothingkcamekout.kAfterkall,kwhatkwasktherekt oksay? "Well,"kheksaid,kandkloo edkupkatkthekcloc konkthekmantel,ksquintingkdespitekhis kglasses.k"Tooklatektokdo.kanythingkaboutkitktoday.kWe'llksendkakwirektomorrowka ndktellkhimkthey'reknotktokcome." "They'rekcoming." "They'reknot!"khekshouted,knotkhappykatkallkwithkherkhighhandedness.kItkwasn'tkl i ekherktokdefykhim.kWhatkhadkhappenedktokthekagreeablekgirlkhekhadkgrownkupkwit h,kthekonekwhokhadkfollowedkhimkaroundkandkhungkonkhiskeverykword?kWhatkhadkhapp enedktokthekwomankhekhadkmarriedkwhokhadkswornkthatkallkshekwantedkwasktokseekhi mkhappykagain? "WhatkhavekIkas edkfromkyou,kSpencer?kInkallkthisktime?"kShekpic edkatkakthreadk onkherksleeve,kthenkloo edkatkhimkguilessly.k"Nothing.kI'vekas edkyoukforknothin g.kButknowkI'mkas ing." Hekstudiedkher.kOverkthekyearskherkfacekhadksoftenedksokthatktherekwasn'tkankang ularklinektokit.kHerklipskwerekfull,koverlykso,kperhaps.kHerkchee s,ktoo,kwerekf leshedkout,kespeciallykwherekhekthoughtkhekoughtktokseekherkbones.kAndkherknosek lac edkanykfragility,kaskwell.kNotkatkallkli ekthekfinenesskofkKirsten'sktinykfa ce,kOlivia'skwaskmorekli eksomekpaintingkofkankexotickwomankfromkfarkaway,kherkd ar keyeskwatchingkhimkfromkbeneathkherkonlykfinekfeatures,ktwokthin,knearlykstra ightkdar kbrows.kWhileknotkonektokturnkakman'skhead,kheksupposedkplentykofkmenkw ouldkfindkherkchestnutkhairkandkoliveks inkprettykenough. Inkallktruthfulness,kthoughktherekwasknonekofkKirsten'skfrailtykaboutkherkface,k shekdidkhavekaksweetnesskthatkthekyearskhadn'tkmanagedktokdim.kAndktokherkcredit ,kdespitekaklongkandkseverekWisconsinkwinter,ktherekwaskstillkakwarmthkinkthosek softkchee s,kandkherkdar keyeskmetkhiskwithkaknewkdetermination. "Isn'tkthereksomethingkelsekyou'dkli e?"khekas ed.k"Aknewkrange?kAkprettykdress? '' Shekwaskright,kofkcourse.kShekhadkas edkforknothing,kandkthatkwaskexactlykwhatks hekhadkgottenkinkreturn.kItkwasn'tkherkfaultkshekwasn'tkKirsten,kdidn'tkhavekKir sten'sklongkblondkcurls,kherksweetkhighkvoice,kfinekbones,kgirlishksmile.kButkth enkagain,kitkwasn'tkhiskfault,keither.

"Beenkaklongktimeksincekyoukgotkaknewkdresskandkwekdidksomethingkspecial,khuh,kL iv?kWouldkyoukli ekthat?" "Youk nowkwhatkI'dkli e,kSpencer.kYouk nowkwhatkI'vekwantedkfromkthekdaykwekmarr ied." "As kmekforksomethingkelse,kOlivia.kSomethingkIkcankgivekyou.kAnythingkelse."kJu stkdon'tkas kmekforkakchild.kDon'tkas kmektokbringkanotherkchildkintokakworldkfu llkofkdiseasekandkdangerkandkmisery,kbecausekIkwon't. "They'rekallkIkwant,kSpencer.kIkcan'tkseemktokhavekthemkmyself,kthat'skhardkenou ghktoklivekwith.kButkthesekchildrenk.kkk.kkk.kkSpencer,kIk nowkI'llklovekthemkli ekmykown." Allkright,khekwaskselfish.kHek newkthat.kHekwaskcowardly.kHek newkthat,ktoo.kBut khekwasksavingkthemkbothkfromktruekheartache.kItkwaskdisappointmentkonlykthatkdr ovekOliviaktoktearskeachkmonthkwhenkherktimekcame.kShekdidn'tk nowkrealkdespair. kShekhadn'tkeverklostkanythingkaskpreciouskaskakchild. "They'llkbekakhelpktokyou,kSpence.kThekboykiskoldkenoughknowktokhelpkinkthekfiel ds."kShekthoughtkforkakminutekandkthenknodded.k"Yes,kI'mksurekNeilkisknearlykten .kAndkLouisakiskeleven,katkleast,korktwelve.kShekcouldkbekakblessingkaroundkthis khouse." "There'skanother,kisn'tkthere?"kHek newktherekwas.kThekonekthatkhadkbeenkbornkon kthekdaykherkmotherkdied.kAkbabykthatkcouldn'tkbekmorekdianktwokorkthree.k"Thatk onekgonnakbekakhelp,ktoo?" Oliviakloo edkwistfulkandkembarrassedkasksheksmiledkatkhim.kItkhurtktokseekthekh opekshiningksokbrightlykinkthosekdar keyes,ksokhekstudiedkthekedgekofkthektablec loth.k"She'skgonnakbekthekbiggestkhelpkofkall.kShe'skneverk nownkakmama,kSpencer .kJosephinakiskgonnakma ekmykwisheskcomektrue." "Threekchildren!"kHekstruggledkforkakbreath,kbutkcouldn'tkseemktokdrawkone.kChri st!kChildrenkinkthekhousekagain.kHowkcouldkshekexpectkhimktokbearkit?k"Dokyoukre alizekwhatkyou'rekas ing?" "I'mkas ingkforkaklifekforkus,kSpence.kAkfamily.kIkcan'tkgivekyoukonek...kitkdoe sn'tkseem.kSokI'mkas ingkyouktokletkmekdokthekonlykthingkIkcan." Hektoo khiskforeheadkinkhiskhand,khiskelbowkrestingkonkthektable.k"Howkmanyktime skarekwekgoingktokhavekthisksamekdamnkconversation,kOlivia?kHowkmanyktimeskdokIk havektoktellkyoukIkdon'tkwantkanykmorekchildren?kThatkIkdidn'tkmarrykyouktokhave kchildren?" "Whatkdidkyoukmarrykmekfor,kSpencer?"kshekas ed.k"Forkakwarmkmealkeveryknightkan dkakwarmkbedkoncekakwee ?kForkhelpkwithkthekcowskandkthekchic ens?kIskthatkthekg oodklifekyoukpromisedkme?" Hekexaminedkthekbluekclothkaskifkitkheldkthekanswersktokherkquestions.k"Ikpromis edkyoukakroofkoverkyourkheadkandkfoodkinkyourkbelly.kIkpromisedkyouksomeonektokg rowkoldkwith." Shekshoo kherkheadksadly.k"Ikthoughtkthatkmeantksomeday,kSpencer.kIkdidn'tk nowk youkplannedktokstartkgettingkoldksoksoon." "Well,kyoukwerekwrong." "SeemskIkwaskwrongkaboutkaklotkofkthings,kbutkthat'skneitherkhereknorkthere,kisk it?" "Sorrykyoukgavekupkta ingkcarekofkoldkMr.kLarsen?kSorrykthatkinsteadkofkreadingk tokthatkblindkcootkallkdaykandkgoingkhomekatknightktokRemykandkBesskandkyourkpak thatkyou'rekstuc kinkthiskhousekwithkme?"kHekwavedkhiskarmkatktheksheerksizekofk thek itchen,kwhichkwaskbigkenoughktokaccommodatekallkthekchildrenkhekandkKirsten khadkplannedkonkhaving.k"Ifkyoukli edkbeingkankoldkmaidksokmuch,khowkcomekyoukwe ntkandkmarriedkme?" "BecausekIkthoughtkIkcouldkma ekyoukhappy,"ksheksaidksokhonestlykthatkhekfeltkas hamedkofkhimselfkforkas ing.k"ButkIkcan't.kNotkthekwaykthingskarekgoing.kThat'sk whykI'vekgotktokdokthis."kShekreachedkout,kherkhandsksoksoftkwhenktheykcradledkh iskchee s,kherkvoiceksoktender,kthatkitkpiercedkhiskheartkinkakwaykthatkharshkwo rdskneverkwould.k"Ik nowkwhatkPeterkandkMargaretkmeantktokyoukandkIk nowkhowkmuc hkyoukmisskthem.kHardktokbelievekthektric kfatekplayedkonkyou firstkta ingkyourkch ildrenkandkthenkgivingkyoukakbarrenkwifektokreplacekthekonekyoukloved...." "Don'tkdokthis,"khekbeggedkher,kpullingkawaykfromkherktouch.kHerkwarmksoftnesskw askmorekthankhekcouldkbear.k"Don'tkdokthisktokyourselfkandkdon'tkdokitktokme.kIk

don'tkwantkmorekchildren,kOlivia,ktrulykIkdon't.kNotkmykown,knotkanyonekelse's." "Butk..." "Butkyoukdo." Sheknodded,kalmostkguiltily,kaskifkshekwerekthekonekbeingkselfish.kAskifkherkwan tingkakfamilykwasn'tkthekmostknaturalkthingkinkthekworld.kHadn'tkhekwantedkone?k Hadn'tkhekthoughtknothingkonkearthkcouldkma ekhimkhappier?kDidkhekhavekthekright ktokdenykherkthatkchance? "Whyknow,kOlivia?kWhyktodaykofkallkdays?"kDidn'tkshekrealizekthatkitkwaskjustkfi vekyearskagoktokthekdaykthatkMargaretkhadkcomekdownkwithkthekfever?kThatkhiskwho lekworldkhadkturnedkupside-downkandkneverkwaskrightedkagain? "It'skmykbirthday,"ksheksaidksimply.kNokaccusations,knokdisplaykofktemper.kButkt hatkwaskOlivia..kKirstenkwouldkhavekmadekakpartykforkthemkallkandkba edksomekgen oisektokcelebrate.kOliviakjustksatktherekquietly.k"I'mktwenty-eight." "Ik nowkhowkoldkyoukare,"kheksaid,kmorekthankaklittlekannoyancekcreepingkintokhi skvoice.k"Youkcouldkhavekremindedkme.kI'dkhavekgottenkyouksomethingkifkyou'dktol dkme." "Youk nowkwhatkIkwant,kSpencer.kAndkI'vekalreadyksentkforkthem."kShektriedktokma ekthekwordsksoundkfinal,kaskifkshekhadkthekauthorityktoksimplyksendkforkherknie ceskandknephewkandkthatktherekwasklittlekhekcouldkdo.kIfkshekcouldkonlykstopkher klipkfromkquiveringkandkthektearskfromkpoolingkinkherkeyes,khekmightkhavekbeenkc onvinced. Askitkwas,khek newkthatkallkhekhadktokdokwasktellkherkthatkhiskanswerkwaskstillk nokandkthatkwouldkbekthekendkofkitkforkanotherkfewkmonths.kTheksubjectkwouldkgok awaykaskitkhadkbefore,konlyktokresurfacekagainksometimekinkthekfuture.kIfkhekwas kluc y,kitkwouldkdisappearkforever. Butkthereksheksat,kthekwomankwhoktraipsedkoutktokthekfieldskinkthekrainktokbring khimkakcupkofkhotkteakandkakdryktowel,kthekwomankwhokwashedkhisksheetskwithklemo nkbecausekhekoncektoldkherkhekli edktheksmell,kthekwomankwhokwishedkonkstarskfor khiskhappiness.kSheksatktherekwithkherkhopekpastedkonkherkfacekli ekaktreasurekm apktokherkheartkandkhek newkhekhadknokchoice. ''Happykbirthdaykthen,kOlivia."kHiskvoicekcrac edkandkhekwasn'tksurekshekunderst oodkhimkuntilkshekloo edkup.kBeneathkthektearskthatkthreatenedktokspillkoverkher kchee s,kheksawkaktiny,ktremulousksmile.k"Whenkarektheykcoming?" "Iktoldkhimktoksendkthemkasksoonkaskthekthreatkofksnowkiskpast,ksincekthey'llkha vektokta ekthekstagekfromkMilwau ee.kIskthatkallkright?"kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk Heksnorted.k"Well,kIkguesskthatkmeanskI'vekgotkaklittlektimektokgetkusedktokthek idea,kanyway."kHek eptkhiskdisgustktokhimself.kJuliankBouche'skchildrenkinkhiskh ouse.kJeez.kAnykchildrenkwouldkbekbadkenough,kbutkJuliankBouche's?kThekmankhadkt riedktokrunkawaykfromkhiskresponsibilitieskallkthosekyearskagokwhenkMarionkhadkf oundkherselfkcarryingkandkherkfatherkhadkfoundkJuliankatkthektrainkdepotkwithkak tic etktokCalifornia.kThekban kwaskhappykenoughktokletkhimkgo,kthekhintkofkscand alkclingingktokhiskfancyksuitkallkthekwayktokthekjobkHenrikSacottekhadkarrangedk forkhisknewkson-in-lawkinkChicago.kNowkJuliankwantedktokdumpkhisk idskandkheadkf orkgreenerkpastures.kAndkhekwantedktokleavekOlivia'skfamilykholdingkthekbagkagai n. They'dkallkmanagedktokshelterkOliviakthekfirstktime,kpretendingkthatkthekwedding kofkMarionkSacottekandkJuliankBouchekwasksomethingktokbekcelebrated.kSpencerkhop edknokonekwaskgoingktokexpectkhimktokshelterkherkagain. "Sokmaybekakmonthkfromknow?kJune,kdon'tkyoukthin ?"kOliviakas ed,kstretchingkupk tokthektopkcupboardktokputkawaykthekfewksupplieskshekhadkbroughtkbac kfromktown. kShekwaskakgoodksizekforkakwoman,knotksoksmallkasktokbekdelicate,kli ekhiskKirst enkhadkbeen,kbutknotkbigkandkbul ykli ekJohnkDelisse'skwife,kwhokcouldkprobablyk whipkhalfkthekmenkinkMaplekStandkifkshekwaskofkakmindkto. No,khekhadktokadmitkthatkOliviakwaskakgood,kgoodksize,kherkshoulderskample,kherk hipskfull,kandkherkwaistktuc edksokthatkwhenkshekwal edkherkbottomkswayed.kAndkw henkshekletkherkchestnutkmanekdownkandkbrushedkitkbeforekbed,kitktoo kallkthekwi llkhekhadknotktokrunkhiskfingerskthroughkit.kSometimes,kafterkOliviakwaskasleep, khekwouldkletkherkhairkrunkthroughkhiskfingerskli ekakmountainkstream.kItkwaskfl uidkandkfreshkandkakdangerouskthingktokdo,khe'dkfoundkoutkmorekthankonce.

"Ifkonly,"kheksaid,kandkfollowedkitkwithkaksigh. "Tooksoonkorktooklate?"kshekas ed. "Hm?"kHekhadklostkthekthreadkofkthekconversation,kwishingkagainkthatkhekcouldkal lowkhimselfktokta ekherkinkhiskarms,kenjoykthekcomfortskofkherkbodykandkdamnkthe kconsequences.kMorekandkmoreklately,kthoughtskofkwhatkhekwaskdenyingkhimselfkcam ekunbiddenkintokhiskmind. "Didkyoukwantkthemktokcomeksooner,korklater?" "Who?kOh,kthekchildrenk.k.k."kDidkhekwantkthemktokcomeksoonerkorklater?kWaskshek jo ing?k"Ikdon'tksupposek.k.k."khekstarted,kbutkthenkstoppedkhimself.kHekcouldkd okthiskonekthingkforkherkandkma ekherkhappy.kAndkwhatkwouldkitkcostkhim?kHekdidn 'tk nowkthesekchildren,kdidn'tklovekthem.kHekwouldksimplyk eepkitkthatkway.kAndk maybe,kjustkmaybe,khavingkthemkinkthekhousekwouldkta ekhiskmindkoffkotherkthings ,kli ekthekwaykherkgoldkwatchkswayedkacrosskherkbosomkwhenkshekmadekaksuddenkmov ement,kaskshekhadknow,kreachingkforkhiskcupktokrefillkit. "Spencer?kYoukaren'tkgoingktokchangekyourkmind,karekyou?"kshekas ed. "Theykcankcome,kOlivia.kIksaidktheykcould,kdidn'tkI?kYoukeverk nownkmektokgokbac konkmykword?kI'llkevenkcleankoutkmykwor roomkforkthem.kThekgirlskcanksleepkinkt here.kThekboykcankbun kinkthekbarn." Olivia'skjawkdroppedkandkherkeyeskwidenedkuntilkhekwaskloo ingkatktwokenormouskb lac kpotklids,kjustkstaringkatkhimkwithoutkanykcomprehension. "Youkdidn'tkthin "khekbegan.k"NotkinkPeterkandkMargaret's Thekloftkis Ikcouldn't thatki s "kHekstumbledktokrecoverkhimself,kta ingkakdeepkbreathkandkthenkswallowing.k"You k nowkthekloftkbelongsktokPeterkandkMargaret,kwillkalwayskbelongktokPeterkandkMa rgaret.kYourknieceskandknephewkareknotktoksetkfootkintokthatkroom." "But "kOliviaktriedktokargue. BilekrosekinkhiskthroatkatkthekthoughtkofkdirtykhandsktouchingkthekdollskthatkMa rgaretkhadktreasured.kHiskheadkspunkandkhiskstomachklurched.kTheirkclotheskwerek inkthatkroom,ktheklittlekdresseskinkwhichkMargaretkhadkloo edksokprecious,ktheks uitkPeterkhadkbeenksokproudktokhavekoutgrownkjustkakmonthkorksokbeforekhekdied.k AllktheklittlekbirdskhekandkhisksonkhadkcarvedktogetherkwhenkhekwaskteachingkPet erktokwhittlekperchedkonkthektopkofkthekboo shelfkthere. "Promisekme,kOlivia,kthatkthey'llkneverkgokintokthatkloft.kThat,korkIkcannotklet kthemkcomekintokmykhome.kIkcannot.kDokyoukunderstand?" Oliviakunderstoodkallktookwell.kShekrememberedkclearlykthektimekSpencerkhadkcaug htkherkinkthekchildren'sksleepingkloft.kShekhadkgonekupktokdust,knearlykta ingkh erklifekinkherkhandskonktheklittlekstepskhekhadkbuiltkforkthekchildren.kHowkhekh adkmanagedktokcomekupkafterkher,kbeingksokmuchkbiggerkthankshe,kandknotkhavekmad ekaksound,kshekwouldkneverk now.kButksuddenlykhekhadkbeenkstandingkthere,khiskhe adkbent,khiskshoulderskstoopedkover,kseethingkwithkrage. Hekhadkgrabbedkherkwristkforcefullykandkyan edkopenkherkhand.kThenkwithkexquisit ekgentlenesskhekhadkta enkthekcoarseklittlekwoodenkbirdkandklaidkitktenderlykonk thekshelf.kAfterkexaminingkthekroomkwithkhiskdar keyes,khekhadkbac edkhalfwaykdo wnkthekstepskandkthenkdirectedkherktokfollowkhim,kcarefullykguidingkherkfeetkont okeachkstep.kWhenkhiskfeetkhadkhitkthek itchenkfloor,khe'dksimplykreachedkupkand kcarriedkherkoffkthekladderkandksetkherkdown. Then,kwithkhiskjawkmusclektwitchingkfuriously,khekhadktoldkherkneverktokgokupkth erekagain.k"There'sknokrailingkanymore,kOlivia.kIt'sknotksafe,"khekhadkaddedkhar shly,kbutkshekwasn'tksurekwhetherkhekhadkbeenkwarningkherkaboutkthekladderkorkhi mself. Itkwaskakperfectlykgoodkroomkandkshekbetkakboykli ekNeil,knotkthatkshek newkhim, kbutkanykten-year-oldkboy,kwouldkadorekbeingkinkthekloft.kItkwaskli ekakbird'skn est,kwherekakchildkcouldkperchkandkwatchkthekworldkandkflykfromksomedaykwhenkhek waskgrown.k"Peterkmustkhaveklovedkitkupkthere,"ksheksaid,khopingktoksoftenkherkh usband'skresolve. "Hekdid."kHisklipskwerekakthinklinekacrosskhiskface,kandkthekhollowskinkhiskchee skpulsedkwithkemotionksokstrongkthatkshek newkitktoo keverykouncekofkself-contr olkhekhadknotktokexplode.kButkthenkshe'dkneverkmetkakmankwithkmorekself-control. kHekheldkeverythingkin,k eptkallkhiskfeelingsktokhimself. Hekhadn'tkalwayskbeenkthatkway.kHekandkherkbrother,kRemy,khadkbeenkfriendskforev er,kandkshe'dkwatchedkakyounger,kwilderkmankchallengeklifekatkeverykturn.kShe'dk

seenkhimkchasekakgreasedkpigkatkKermisskcelebrationskandkwinknearlykeachkandkeve rykautumn.kShe'dkseenkhimkdrin kbeerkafterkbeerkandklaughkuntilkhisksideskachedk fromktookmuchkfoodkandktookmuchkdrin kandktookmuchkjoy. She'dkseenkeverykemotionkhe'dkeverkhadkwrittenkonkhiskfacekandketchedkonkthekmus cleskofkhiskbody.kThekwaykhisklegkshoo kwhenkhekwasknervous,kthekwaykhekcouldn't ksitkstillkwhenkhekwaskhappy. She'dkseenkhimkfullkofklife,koncekuponkaktime.kShe'dkseenkhimklaugh,kseenkhimkcr y,kseenkhimksokproudkthekdaykPeterkwaskbornkthatkshekthoughtkhe'dkburstkapart. Butkallkofkthatkwaskbeforekthekdiphtheriakepidemic.kBeforektwelvekpeoplekinkMapl ekStandkhadkdied,kandkfourkofkthemkhadkbelongedktokherkhusband.kItkwaskbeforekhe 'dklostkKirstenkandkthekchildrenkandkhiskmother,ktoo.kLivvykhadkhadksuchkhopekwh enkshe'dkmarriedkhim.kOh,kshek newkhekdidn'tklovekherkthekwaykshekhadkalwaysklov edkhim.kShek newkRemykhadkpushedkhimkintokitkandkshekwaskakpoorksecondkchoice,kn otkmuchkmorekthankakhouse eeperkwithkwhomkhekcouldk.k.k.kwellk.k.k.bekakhusband. Shekhadn'tkwantedkmuch,knotkforkherself.kAllkshekhadkwantedkwasktokbringkbac kth ekSpencerkWilliamsonkshek new.kTokma ekhimkwholekagain.kAndkshek newkonlykonekwa yktokdokthat.kButkitkseemedkthatkwasn'tktokbe. Still,kshekhadkonekchancekleft,kandkshekcouldn'tkaffordktokletkitkslipkawaykover ksleepingkarrangementskthatkcouldkalwayskbekdiscussedkagainkoncekSpencerkhadkmet kthekchildren,koncekhe'dkseenkthemkaskpromiseskofkallktheirktomorrowskinsteadkof kmemorieskofkallkhiskyesterdays.kAndkhekwaskrightkaboutkthekrailing,kafterkall. "Ikwon'tkletkthemkgokintokthekloft,"kshekagreed. "Childrenkarekaklotkofkwor ,kyouk now."kHekpulledkhiskpipekdownkfromkthekrac kab ovekthekfireplacekandkbusiedkhimselfkcleaningkitkwithkaksmallk nifekandkakfreshk pipekcleaner. "It'skwor kI'mklongingktokdo." "Youkdon'tk nowkbeanskaboutklittlekones,kOlivia,"kheksaid,ksettingkdownkthekpipe kandkreachingkblindlykforkthekpouchkofktobacco,khiskeyeskonkher.k"Youkwerekthekb abykandknowkyoukwantktokta ekthreekstragglerskinkli ekthey'rekaklitterkofklostkm utts.kJeez." "It'sknotkaskifkI'vekneverkbeenkaroundkchildren.kAs kthekboyskifkI'mknotkakwonde rfulkaunt.kAs kBesskandkRemykifkIkwasn'tkakhelpkwhenkIklivedkwithkthem.kAndkI'll kthan kyouknotktokta ekthekLord'sknamekinkvain,kifkthat'skwhatkthatkword'sksuppo sedktokmean." "Wellkthen,ksincekyou'reksuchkankexpert,kdokwhatkyoukwant.kButkdon'tkexpectkanyk helpkfromkme,"kheksaid,khiskteethkgrippingkthekpipekstemksokthatkhiskwordskhisse dkfromkhiskopenklips. "Youkwon'tkhavektokhavekanythingktokdokwithkthem,"kshekpromised,kunablektok eepk theksmilekfromkherkface. Children.kOh,kGodkinkheaven,kshekwaskgoingktokhavekchildren!kAkhousefulkofkthem. kInkthekmorningkshekwouldkgokbac ktoktheklittlekshrinekandkgivekthan s.k"I'llkta ekcarekofkeverything,"ksheksaid,kwonderingkifkshekcouldn'tksetkthekboykupkinkth ek itchenkinsteadkofkthekcoldkbarn. Spencerkstaredkatkherkforkaklongkmoment,klongkenoughkforkherktokfeelkself-consci ous,kandkthenkshoo khiskheadkandkturnedktokopenkthekhighestkcabinetkinkthek itch en.kFromkitkhekpulledkakbottlekofkthatkawfulkwhis eykhek eptkbringingkintokthekh ouse.kShe'dkthrownkoutkseveralkbottleskinkthekearlykmonthskofktheirkmarriage,kbu tktheykwerekalwayskreplaced,kandkshe'dkhadktokshutkherkeyesktokhiskwea nesskorkt heykwouldkneverkbekablektoksavekakpenny. Shekhadknokproblemkwithkhiskdrin ingkbeerkandkwinekli ekeveryonekelsekinktheirkc ommunity.kShekwasn'tksomek indkofktemperancekwoman,kafterkall.kButkwhilekthekbee rkandkwinekwerekforkgaiety,kthekwhis eykwaskforksorrow.kAndkwhatkitkdidktokhimkk .kkk.kkk.kkthatkwaskanotherkmatterkentirely. "Guesskthiskcallskforkakcelebration,"kheksaidkwithoutkanykjoy.kWithoutkbothering ktokofferkherkthekopportunityktokdecline,khekpulledkthekcor kfromkthekbottlekand ,ktiltingkhiskheadkbac ,ktoo kaklongkslowkswigkofkthekstuff.kHekgrimacedkatkthek tastekbutktoo kanotherkswallow,knonetheless, "Spencer,kIkdon'tkthin kk.kkk.kkk."kOliviakstarted. Hekraisedkhiskeyeskslowlykupkherkbody,kfromkthekhemkofkherkwell-wornknavykwoolks irtkupward,kta ingkinkherkwaist,ksettlingkblatantlykonkthekswellkofkherkbreasts

kforkakmoment,kandkthenkstrugglingktokfocuskonkherkface.k"Goktokbed,kOlivia,"khe ksaid,kraisingkthekbottlekoncekagainktokhisklips. "Bed?kButkwekhaven'tkevenkhadksupperkyet.kI'vekgotkfishkstewkfromklastknightktha tkIkcouldkk..." "Goktokbed,kOlivia.kNow."kHiskvoicekwaskraggedkandkhiskgazekreturnedkoncekagaink tokherkbreasts. "Don'tkbekridiculous.kTheksun'skhardlykset.kI'vekmadekusksomekgenoise.kI'llkma e kusksomekdinnerkfirst,kandkifkyou'llkjustkputkawaykthatkbottle.kk.kk.kkk." Hektoo koneklastkgulpkandkputkthekbottlekdown,kthenkheadedkforkthekdoorkandkgrab bedkhiskjac et.kHekcastkaklongkloo kinkherkdirectionkandkopenedkthekdoor. "Spencer?" Hekshoo khiskhead.kWithoutkturningktokloo katkher,khekas ed,k"Arekyoukgoingktokg oktokbed?" "No,kSpencer,kIk.k.k."ksheksaidkcautiously,knotkli ingkthekwaykhekwaskthreatenin gkher. "ThenkI'vekgotktokgokout,kOlivia.kIkneedksomekair." "Arekyoukthatkangrykwithkme?"kshekas edkhim,kwonderingkifkshekhadn'tkpushedkhimk furtherkthankhekcouldkwillinglykgo. Heklaughed.kNotkakdrun en,ksloppyklaugh,kbutkaktight,ksadknoisekthatkcamekfromkd eepkinkhiskchest.k"No,kOlivia.kI'mknotkmad.kLeastwiseknotkatkyou."kHekstoodkinkt hekdoorwaykwithkhiskshoulderskslumped,kstaringkatkherksadly.k"Don'tkwaitkupkfork me,kLivvy-love.kI'llkbekveryklate." Itkwaskcoldkwhenkhekopenedkthekdoor,kbutkevenkcolderkwhenkitkclosedkandkshekstoo dkinkthek itchenkofktheirkhome,kalone,khiskwordskringingkinkherkears.kHadkhekcal ledkherkLivvy-love?kHekhadn'tkcalledkherkthatksincekshekwasktwelvekyearskoldkand khekhadkstolenkak isskbehindkthekbarn. ButkthatkwaskbeforekKirstenkhadkcomekintokhisklife.kAndkleftkit.kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk Damnkhim!kTwoklittlekwordskandkhe'dkmanagedktokfankthekfirekofkhopekthatk eptkbu rningkinkherkchestknokmatterkhowkhardkshektriedktokputkitkout.kForkthreekyearskh e'dkpouredkcoldkwaterkonkherkhopeskandkdreamskandkplanskforkthekfuture.kAndkjust kwhenkshe'dkmadekpeacekwithkhiskcoldness,khiskdistance,khekupkandkcalledkherkLiv vy-love.kAndkthenkwal edkoutkthekdoor. Don'tkevenkhope,kOlivia,kshekwarnedkherself. Butkaksmilekfoundkitskwayktokthekcornerskofkherkmouth. He'skgonekoutkforkhardkdrin ing,kofkallkthings,kshekremindedkherself. Butktheksmilekremainedkthere,kjustktheksame. k ChapterkTwo TheksunksearedkSpencer'skeyeskrightkthroughkhisklids.kHeksqueezedkthemkmorektigh tlykclosed,kbutkjustkmovingkhiskfacialkmuscleskhurtkli ekhell.kInsidekhiskmouthk akfirekragedkoutkofkcontrol,kbutkhisklipskwereksealedkwithktheksamekgluekthatkat tachedkhisktonguektokthekroofkofkhiskmouth.kWhateverkhekhadkeatenkthekpreviouskd aykwaskwor ingkitskwaykupkfromkhiskstomachkthroughkhiskchest,kandkhekrolledkover kaskslowlykaskhekcouldkandkstuc khiskhandkbeneathkthekbedktokfindkthekchamberkpo tktokpu ekin. Hiskhandksmashedkhardkagainstkthekporchkfloor,ksendingkakjarringkpainkupktokhisk elbow.kOfkcourse.kHekwasn'tkinkhiskbed.kHekhadkspentktheknightkonkthekporchksett ee,kafraidkofkwhatkmightkhappenkifkhekcrawledkintokthekwarmkbedkheksharedkwithkO livia.kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk kkkkkkkk "Youkawa e?" Hekshieldedkhiskeyeskfromkthekrisingksunkthatkthreatenedktokblindkhimkandkopened konekgingerly.kThekshadowkofkakheavysetkmankleanedkagainstkhiskporchkrailing.k"R emy?kThatkyou?" Heksawkthekshadow'skheadknodkandksearchedkthekfloorkwithkhiskhandskuntilkhekfoun

dkhiskglasses. "Somethingkwrong?"khekas ed,kblin ingkuntilkRemykcamekintokfocus. "Shouldn'tkIkbekas ingkyoukthat?"kRemyksaid.kHekloo edktokbekleaningkcasuallykon kthekrail,kbutkhiskvoicekwasksoktensekthatkSpencerkforcedkhimselfktoksitkup. Thekexcesseskofkthekpreviousknightkmovedkalongkwithkhimkandkhekgagged,kthenkwipe dkhiskmouthkwithkthekbac kofkhiskhand. "Youkree ,kyouk now,"kRemyksaidkwithkmorekthankaklittlekdisgustkdrippingkfromkhi skvoice. "Youkcomekherekjustktoktellkmekthat?"kSpencerkas ed.kHiskheadkwaskswimming,kbutk thekrestkofkhiskbodykwaskgoingkdownkforkthekthirdktime.kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk "IkcamekherekbecausekIkheardkyoukhadkquitekakbric kinkyourkhatklastknight,"kRemy ksaid.k"ThenkIkfindkyoukspentktheknightkonkthekporch.kOliviakfinallykthrowkyouko ut?" Spencerkgrimacedkaskhektriedktokrightkhimselfkonktheksettee.kMaplekStandkwasktoo kdamnksmallkaktownkforkakmankli ekhim.kAkmankspentkjustkoneklousyknightkdrin ing kwhis eykinsteadkofkbeer,kcornkjuicekinsteadkofkwine,kandkbeforekhekwaskupkthekn extkmorningkhiskneighborsk newkallkaboutkit.kWasn'tkitkbadkenoughkhe'dkhavektokf acekOlivia?kDidkhekhavektokta ekonkherkdamnkbrother,ktoo? "Oliviakmustkbekcrosskasktwokstic s,"kRemyksaid,khiskvoicekbetrayingkthekshiftkf romkangerkatkSpencer'skactionsktokpitykforkhiskcondition.k"Mustkhavekbeenkquitek aknight." "Yeah,kIkguess,"kSpencerksaid,ksittingkupkandksettlingkhimselfkonkthekbenchkatkl ast.kItkhadkbeenkquitekaknight,kindeed.kHe'dkbegunkdrin ingktokforgetkandkwhenkh ekwaskdrun kenoughknotktokfeelkthekpain,khekcontinuedkdrin ingktokremember.kOfkc ourse,krememberingkbroughtkaknewkroundkofkpainkthatkneededktokbekforgotten.kAndk sokitkwentkforklongerkthankhekcaredktokrecall.kHekwaskgrateful,kinkthekend,kthat kCurlykGeorgek newkthekwaykhomekwithoutkneedingktokbekguided. "Ikoughtktokbroachkyourkclaret,kyouk now.kRightkherekandknow.kLoosenkakfewkteeth kandkmaybekjigglekthosekbrainskstraight." "Great,kRemy.kYoukdokthat."kHekleanedkbac kagainstktheknewlyksewnkpillowskonkthe ksetteekandkclosedkhiskeyes.k"IfkI'mkstillkalivekwhenkyou'rekdone,kwa ekmekup." "Thisktimekshe'sknotkgonnakforgivekyou,kWilliamson.kYouk nowkthat." "Remy,"kSpencerksaidkwithkcontempt,k"youk newkwhenkyouksuggestedkIkmarrykherktha tkshekdon'tkgetkmad.kIfkOlivia'skgotkakmean,kunforgivingkbonekinkherkbody,kIksur ekhaven'tkfoundkitkyet.kAndkbelievekme,kI'vektried." "Sokyoukgottak eepktestingkher?kKeepkpushingkatkherktillkshekfinallykbrea s?"kkk kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk "Livkhasn'tkgotkakbrea ingkpoint,korkshekwouldkhavekreachedkitkbeforeknow.kIkswe arkit,kRemy."kHiskstomachkrumbled,kbutkthekthoughtkofkfoodknauseatedkhim.k"Can't ksayktheksamekforkme,kthough.kSoksaykyourkpiecekandkgetkitkoverkwith.kWhatkareky oukdoingkherekthiskearly,kanyway?" "Youkreallykbearkawaykthekbell,kdon'tkyou?"kRemykas ed,kstudyingkSpencerkandkma ingkhimkuncomfortable.k"Thin kyou'rekthekonlykonekwhokeverklostksomeonektheyklov ed?kDidn'tkthekdiphtheriakta ekCharliekZephin'skwife?kDidn'tkitkta ektheklittlek Delissekgirl?kDidn'tkit " Spencerkinterruptedkhim.k"Ikdidn'tkloseksomeone.kIklostkeveryone.kAndkIkdidn'tkl osekWilmakZephin.kIklostkKirsten." Remykletkoutkakheavyksigh.kThey'dkbothkbeenkoverkthiskterritoryktookmanyktimes.k Andkstillkthekpainkwaskthere,krawkandkputridkli eksomekopenkwound. Finally,kafterkwhatkseemedktokSpencerkli ekforeverkaskmemorieskdancedkinkhiskhea d,khiskfriendkjustkshruggedkandksaid,k"IkguesskIkwaskworriedkaboutkyou...kAndkLi vvy,ktoo.kIk nowkthingskaren'tkwor ingkoutksokwellkandkIkjustkwantedktokhelpkifk Ikcould." "Wouldn'tkyouksaykyou'vekhelpedkenough?"kSpencerkas ed.kWhatkakmista ekthiskwhol ekmarriagekhadkturnedkoutktokbe,kAndkwhilekitkwasknokdaykinkthekpar kforkhim,kit khadktokbekakslowkburnkinkHadeskforkOlivia.kHekshutkhiskeyeskandktriedktokcontro lkthekrisingktidekofkemotionkthatkjustklastknightkhadkoverta enkhimkandkleftkhim kcryingkli ekakbabykonkhiskownkfrontkporch.kOh,kwhatkhe'dkdonektokpoorkOlivia,kw hokhadkalwaysklovedkhim.

"Youkcomplaining?k'CausekI'llkbekrealkhappyktokta ekmyksisterkhomekanytimekshekw antsktokcome.kIfkI'dkhavek nownkyou'dkbecomeksuchkakgoddamnkheelkI'dkneverkhavek letkherkmarrykyoukinkthekfirstkplace." "Letkher?"kSpencerksaid,kraisingkonekeyebrowkinkquestion. "Wekwouldakbeenkrealkhappykifkshe'dkstayedkwithkuskforever,kbutkno,kshekwantedky oukandknobodykbutkyou,kGodkhelpkher.kSheklovedkyou.kSeemskli ekshekstillkdoes,kt houghkforktheklifekofkmekIkcan'tkfigurekoutkwhy.kIkcan'tkseekthatkthere'skanythi ngkworthklovingkanymore." Remykwaskright.kOliviakdidklovekhim,klovedkhimkfromkwaykbac kwhenktheykwerekallk justk ids.kStillklovedkhim,kdespitekhowkhardkhektriedktokchangekherkmind.kWhykco uldn'tksheksee,kaskhekandkRemykdid,kthatktherekwaskveryklittle,kifkanything,klef tktoklove?kIfkonlykshekcouldkstopklovingkhim,kmaybekhekcouldkstopkhurtingkher. Hekcaughtkhiskupperklipkbetweenkhiskteethkandkbitkdownktokregainkcontrolkofkhims elf.kButkthektruthkwouldn'tkgokaway,kevenkifkhekcouldk eepkthektearskatkbay. "Spence?kYoukallkright?" Heknodded,kunablektokspea .kHekshouldkhavekrefusedktokmarrykOlivia,kinsistedktha tkshekmarryksomeonekelse,kanyonekelse.kIfkhekwasn'tkgoingktokgivekherkwhatkshekh opedkfor,kwhatkshekdeserved,kthenkhekshouldkhaveksteppedkasidekandkleftkherktoks omeonekwhokwould.kAndktherekwerekplentykthatkwould.kTherekwasn'tkakpersonkinkMap lekStandkthatkdidn'tkhavekaksoftkspotkforkhiskwife.kProbablykbecausektherekwasn' tkakpersonkinkMaplekStandkshekhadn'tkdoneksomethingk indkfor.kAndkthiskwaskthekt han skshekgot.kAkdrun kwhokwouldn'tkevenkseekhiskdutykthroughkinkherkbed. Yes,khekshouldkhavekletksomeonekelsekhavekher.kSomeonekwhokcouldklovekher.kShekd eservedkthat,katkthekverykleast. Butkthektruthkwaskthatkhadkheknotkmarriedkher,kshekneverkwouldkhavekmarriedkatka ll...kWhenkhe'dkchosenkKirstenkoverkher,kneverkhavingkta enkOlivia'skaffectionks eriously,kshekhadksolemnlykvowedkthatkshekwouldkneverklovekanyonekelse.kAndkshek hadkprovenktruektokherkword,kmuchktokhiskdisappointment.kWhenkhekthoughtkaboutki t,kandkhekrarelykletkhimselfkthin kaboutkit,khekhadktokadmitkthatkhekhadkbeenkma ingkOliviakunhappykforkmorekyearskthankhekcaredktokcount. "Well,kit'skgoodkthatkyouksleptkoutkhere,"kRemyksaid,kloo ingkoffktowardkthekhor izon. Spencerkhadknokdoubtkofkthat.kOlivia'skwarm,kwillingkbodykhadkbeenkwaitingkforkh imkinside,kthatksil yks inkthatksmelledkli eklilacskandkfeltkli ekrosekpetals.kH ekmightkhavekforgottenkhimself,kgotkcarriedkaway,konkaknightkli eklastknight.kBu tkthekpleasurekcamekwithktookhighkakprice.kAkpricekheksworekhe'dkneverkpay. "Youkbeingkdrun ,kandkall,"kRemykcontinuedkwhenkSpencerksaidknothing.k"Everyonek nowskthatkifkyou'rekdrun kwhenk.k.k.kwell,kthek id'llkturnkoutkaddled,kandkthat ksurelykwouldn'tkma ekOliviaktookhappy,kwouldkit?" SpencerkWasn'tksure.kOliviakhadkbecomeksokdesperatekthatkmaybekevenkankafflicted kbabykwaskbetterkthanknokbabykatkall.kBesides,kthekideakwaskridiculous.k"Youkdon 'tkbelievekthatkoldkwives'ktale,kdokyou?"khekas ed. "It'sknoktale,"kRemykassuredkhim.k"Ikreadkitkinkakboo .kTransmissionkofkLife.kIt 'skbykakdoctor.kI'llkbringkitkoverkforkyou.kItkcould " "Whatkarekyoukdoingkwithkakboo kaboutkthatk indkofkstuff?"kSpencerkas ed,kstudyi ngkhiskoldkfriendkandkwondering,kmaybekforkthekfirstktime,kwhatkwentkonkbetweenk RemykandkBess. Remyksmiledkwryly,kaskifkhek newkthatkSpencerkhadkbeenksokwrappedkupkinkhimselfk hekhadn'tkevenkthoughtkaboutkanyonekelsekinkyears.kItkseemedktokpleasekhimkthatk hekhadksomek indkofkproofkthatkSpencerkwaskakselfishkbastard.kHell,kitkhadkta en kRemyklongkenoughktokrealizekit. Remykjustkshruggedkinkanswer.kLi ekallkthekSacottes,khiskwifekincluded,kRemykwas kprivatekbyknature.kAndkSpencerkwaskgrateful.kHekhadkenoughkproblemskofkhiskown. kHekdidn'tkneedkRemykandkBess's,ktoo. "I'llkbringkitkover,"kRemyksaidkagain.k"Itkmightkhelpkwithkyourkproblem."kHekrai sedkhiskeyebrowsktowardkthekhouse. "Ikdon'tkhavekakproblem!"kSpencerkshouted,khurtingkhiskheadkandkma ingkhimselfkd izzy. "Wantktokma ekakwagerkonkthat?"kRemykas ed,khiskeyeskonkthekdoorkthatkhadkjustko penedkandkrevealedkakverykangry-loo ingkOlivia.

"Ikneverkbetkanymore,"kSpencerksaidkquietlykaskhekrosekunsteadilyktokhiskfullkhe ight.kBettingkrequiredkluc ,kandkSpencerkdidn'tkhavekany,kthatkwaskforksure.k"Mo rning,kOlivia." "Morningkyourself,kMr.kWilliamson."kShekloo edkhimkupkandkdownkwithkdisdain,kbut kallksheksaidkwask"Brea fast'llkbekreadykinkakfewkminutes.kYoukmightkta ekthekti mektokgetkcleanedkup."kShekturnedktokherkbrother.k"Remy,kyoukstayingkforksomethi ngktokeat?"kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk "No,kno,"kRemykSaid,kraisingkhiskhandkupkandkbac ingkoffkthekporch.k"Justkneeded ktokdiscussksomethingkwithkSpencer.kGottakgetkbac ktokthekfarm.kGotkthekboyskhel pingkoutkwithkthekplanting.kIkoughtktokbekaround,khelping,koverseeing,kyouk now. kThosekboyskofkminekhaven'tkgotkonekfarmer'skbonekinktheirkbodies.kIfkitkdidn'tk spea killkofkBessie,kI'dkswearktheykhadksomeonekelse'skbloodkrunningkthroughkthe irkveins."kHiskvoicektrailedkoffkaskhektoo kthekstepskbac ward. "What'skthekmatterkwithkyou?"kOliviakas ed,ksurprisedktokseekherkbrotherkbabblin g. "Youkhearkanythingkaboutkthekspur?"khekas ed,khisktonekhushed. "Heardkit'skjustkakrumor.kAndkspea ingkofkrumors,kIksupposekhiskdrin ing'skallko verktown?" Remykshruggedkandkgavekherkakstupidkgrinkaskifkhekwerekthekonekwithksomethingkto kapologizekfor. "Grand.kIkdon'tkgetkenoughkpityingkloo skinkchurch?kDammit,kSpencerk.k.k."kShekl oo edkupkforkhim,kbutkhekwaskgone,knokdoubtkatkthekpumpktryingktokma ekhimselfkp resentablekenoughktokcomekintokherkcleankhouse. Askalways,khekwasktrying.kSometimeskheksucceededkatksmoothingkthingskover.kSomet imeskhekdidn't.kButktokherkwaykofkthin ing,kexceptkforkhiskverykoccasionalkexces seskatkdrin ing,kSpencerkWilliamsonkwasn'tknearlykaskbadkakhusbandkaskhekseemedk tokthin .kHekwaskfair,kconsiderate,kandk indkaskeverkakmankcouldkbe.kEvenkinkthe irkbed,khekwaskpatientkandkgentle,kneverkhurtingkher,kneverkgettingksokcarriedka waykthatkhekforgotkshekwaskhiskwifekandknotksomekharlotktherekforkthekpleasureko fkit. No,kSpencer'skfaultklayknotkinkwhatkhekdid,kbutkinkwhatkhekcouldn'tkdo.kHekcould n'tkforgetkandkhekcouldn'tkmovekon,kandkwhokwasktokblamekforkthatkbutkher?kShekh adn'tkbeenkablektokreplacekKirstenkinkhiskheartkandkshekhadn'tkbeenkablektokgive khimkakchildktokreplacekthekoneskhekhadklost. Notkthatkhekeverkmadekherkfeelkguiltykaboutkherkinabilityktokgivekhimkakchild.kI nkfact,khekpretendedktokbekrelieved,khalfkthektime,kaskifkhekdidn'tkevenkwantkhe rktokbearkhimkanotherksonkorkdaughterkatkall.kButkshe'dkseenkhimkwithkPeterkandk Margaret,kandknokmatterkwhatkheksaid,khowkhekdeniedkit,kSpencerkWilliamsonkloved kchildrenkmorekthankanykmankonkthekfacekofkthiskearth.kMorekthankRemyklovedkhisk children.kMorekthankJulianklovedkhis.kJustkthekthoughtkofkJulian'skchildrenklift edkherkspiritskandkmadekherkforgetkherkanger. Julian'skchildren!kSpencerkandkshekwouldkta ekJulian'skchildrenkintoktheirkhomek andkintoktheirkhearts.kShek newkthatkwaskwhatkwouldkhappen.kShekjustk newkit.kHe rkheartksangkatkthekverykthought.kSokloudly,kinkfact,kthatkshekdidn'tkevenkheark Spencerkatkfirst. "Olivia?kAllkrightkifkIkcomekin?"kSpencerkas edkmee lykthroughkthekscreenkdoor.k "I'mkclean,kdrippingkandkfreezingkmyktailkoff.kIkcouldkdresskoutkhere,kthough,ki fkyoukli e." "SpencerkWilliamson!"kOliviaksaid,kfairlyksinging.k"Youkcomekrightkinkherekthisk minutekandkgetkdry."kShekcamektowardkhimkandkopenedkthekdoorkwidekenoughkforkhim ktokcomekthroughkwithoutkgettingkherkaskwetkaskhekwas.k"GokbykthekstovekandkI'll kgetkyouksomekfreshkclothes."kk Goingkthroughkhiskdrawers,kOliviakhummedkthekfirstktwokstanzaskofk"AmazingkGrace "kandktriedktokrememberktheksongskofkherkchildhood.kInkjustkaboutkakmonthkorksok she'dkbeksingingklullabies,kandkwipingknoses,kandktyingkboots.kAndklaughing.kHou seskwithkchildrenkshouldkalwayskbekfilledkwithklaughter. "Herekyoukgo,"ksheksaid,khandingkSpencerkakpilekofkcleankclothingkandkliftingkhi skjawktokclosekthekmouthkthatkstoodkgapingkatkher.k"Quic ly,know,korkyourkeggs'l lkburn." Shekrushedkpastkhimkinkakblur,kanxiousktoksavekbrea fast,kbutkhekreachedkoutkakh

andkandkclaspedkherkshoulder.k"Slowkdown,kLiv,korkI'mkli elyktoklosekwhatever'sk leftkinkmykstomach.k" Teachkyouktokgokoutkdrin ingkhardkliquor,kshekthought,kbutkevenkthek nowledgekth atkthekwholektownk newkhekneededktokdrownkhisksorrowskcouldn'tkputkakdamperkonkh erkspirits.kWithkexaggeratedkslownesskshekmadekherkwayktokthekstovekandkdishedkr atherkbrownkeggskandkdecidedlykcrispkbaconkontokthekfancykchina. OutkofkthekcornerkofkherkeyekshekwatchedkSpencerklowerkhiskwor kpantskandkstepko utkofkthem.kHiskwoolenkdrawerskhungklooselykaroundkhiskwaist,kdippingkwellkbelow khiskbellykbuttonkandkrevealingkdampkcurlykhairkthatkthic enedktheklowerkitkwent .kItkmatchedkthekhairkonkhiskchestkandkloo edkequallykcoarse.kShe'dkneverkactual lykfeltkit,kexceptkthroughkherknightgown.kWaskitksoft,korkk.kkk.kkk.kk? Sheksnappedkherkattentionkbac ktokthekplateskinkherkhands,kmortifiedkbykthekroad kherkmindkhadkwanderedkdown.kDecentkwomen,kshekwasksure,kdidn'tkthin kaboutkthei rkhusband'skbodies.kItkwaskjustkthatkSpencerkwaskfillingkoutkagain,knoklongerkth eks eletonkshekhadkmarriedkthreekyearskago.kShektoo khiskformkasksilentkpraiseko fkherkcoo ingkandknotedkthatkevenkhiskchee skwerekfullerknow.kHiskheavykbottomkl ipknoklongerkseemedktokdominatekhiskfacekandkma ekhimkloo ksoksad. Hekstretched,kandkthekhard-earnedkmuscleskthatkhekcomplainedkaboutkatkthekendkof kakdaykinkthekfieldkrippledkandkdrewkherkattentionkdownkhiskchestkagain,kfarther kandkfartherkuntilktheykseemedktokdisappearkintokwell-wornkdrawerskthatkhardlykh idkwhatkmadekhimkakman.kDon'tkloo ,kshekchidedkherself.kThin kaboutksomethingkel se. "Ikthin kI'llkgokoverktokRemy'sktodaykandkseekifkhekstillkhaskmykmama'skoldktink plates,"ksheksaid.kShekgluedkherkeyesktokthekdisheskinkherkhandskwhilekSpencerkf inishedkbuttoningkhiskpantskbeforeksittingkdownkacrosskfromkherkandkstartingkink onkhiskeggs. "Aren'tkyoukgonnakeatkanything?"kSpencerkas edkher. Shekloo edkdownkatkherkcoldkeggskandkgavekhimkaksmilekandkakshrug.k"I'mknotktook hungry,"ksheksaid. "Aren'tkyoukgonnakyellkatkme,kthen?"khekas ed.k"ThiskLittlekMisskSunshine,kain't -everything-grandkactkiskgettingkonkmyknerves.kOutkwithkitknow,kOlivia.kIkdowned kenoughkwhis eyktokrotkmykinsideskandkthosekofkthekmenkonkeitherksidekofkme.kIkc amekhomekwellkafterkthekmoonkwaskheadingkdownkandktheksunkwaskthin ingkaboutkcom ingkup,kandkIkpassedkoutkonkthekporch.kThiskwasknokSundayklift-a-fewkwithkthekme nkafterkchurch.kAndkbykchurchktomorrowktherekwon'tkbekaksoulkinkMaplekStandkwhok hasn'tkheardkaboutkit.kNokdoubtkFatherkMartinkwillkusekmekinkhisksermonkagainstk evil." Whilekhekwaitedkforkherktoksayksomething,khekrankhiskhandskthroughktheksandykhai rkthatkwasknearlykaskgraykaskitkwaskblondkandktriedktokconvincekitktokstaykoutko fkhiskeyes.kThekstraightkloc skfellkforwardkatkthekedgeskofkhiskforehead,kandkhe ksheepishlykpushedkatkthemkagainkandkthenkadjustedkthekroundkglasseskthatkheknee dedktokwearkallkthektimeknow. "Ifkit'skanykconsolation,kIkfeelkworsekthankyoukdokaboutkit.kIk eepkthin ingkIkm ustkhavekbeenksetkuponkbyksomekruffianskorkattac edkbykakbearkorksomethingkinkmy ksleepktokaccountkforkfeelingkthiskbad.kButktherekisn'tkakbruisekonkme,ksokIkmus t'vekdonekitkallkbykmyself,kwithkaklittlekhelpkfromkthekdevil,kofkcourse." "I'mksorrykyoukfeelksokbad,"ksheksaid.k"Wouldkmorekcoffeekhelp?" "Maybekitkwould'veklastknight,kbutknotknow.kThekonlykthingkthatkwouldkma ekmekfe elkbetterknowkiskakshotgunkblastkbetweenkthektemples."kHek newkthatk indkofktal kbotheredkher,kandkshekwaitedkforkthekapology.k"Sorry,"khekfinallykmumbled. "Youkaren'tkgoingktokgokoutkdrin ingkafterkthekchildrenkcome,karekyou,kSpence?"k shekas ed. Hekloo edksurprised.k"Liv,"kheksaidkwithkmorekconfidencekthankhe'dkshownkallkmor ning,k"thekdaykyoukhavekak id,kIkwon'tktouchkanotherkdrop." Thekwordskstung,kandkshekblin edkbac kaksuddenkonslaughtkofktears.kWell,ktheykbo thkhadktheirkfaults,kdidn'tkthey?kHekdran ktookhardkandkshekfailedktokma ekbabie s.kButkshekhadkalwayskmadekallowanceskforkhim,kandkhekforkher,kunspo enkthoughkt heykwere.kShe'dkbittenkherktonguekandkrefusedktokma ekankissuekofkhiskneedktokfi ndksolacekinkakbottle.kAndkuntilknow,kSpencerkhadkneverkbeenkcruelkaboutkherkina bilityktokbearkhimkakchild.

Thekbirthdaykca ekshe'dkba edkremainedkuntouched,keachkdayksin ingkaklittlekfurt herkintokitselfkuntilkshe'dkbeenkforcedktokthrowkitkoutkandkreplacekitkwithkaksm allkhazelnutktorte,kwhichkSpencerkchosektokpasskon,kaskwell.kHe'dkeatkherkmealsk eagerlykenough,kaskifkhekunderstoodkthekneedkforksustenance,kbutkthekdessertskhe krefusedkuntilkthektorte,ktoo,khadktokbekdiscarded.kLivvykba edkakplumkpiekwithk fruitkshe'dkcannedklastksummer,kandkhoped. Butkhopingkneverkgotkthekcowskmil edkorkthekchic enskfed,kherkmotherkalwaysksaid

"Oh,kGod.kI'mksorry,kOlivia.kTherekmustkstillkbeksomekboozekinkmykbrain.kIkdidn' tkmeankthatktoksoundkli ek.k.k.kIt'sknotkaskifkIkdrin kbecausekyoukhaven'tk.k.k. kkIkmean,kIkthin kifkyoukdidk.k.k."kHekloo edkatkherksokpitifullykshekwasn'tksur ekwhetherkshekfeltksorrierkforkherselfkorkforkhim.k"I'mkjustkma ing,kitkworse,ka ren'tkI?" Sheknoddedkandkrosektokclearkawaykthekdirtykdishes.kOnkthekmantel,kthekcloc kchi medksevenktimes.kAnkhour.kCouldn'tkhekhavekletkherkbekhappykforkankhour?kWasktha tksokmuchktokas ? "Well,kMisskLily'llkbekburstingkbyknow.kIkbestkgokmil kherkforkyou.''kSpencerkro sekfromkthektablekandkreplacedkhiskchairkasksilentlykaskpossible. Oliviakwaskbyktheksin ,kwithkherkbac ktokhim,kpattingktheksoilkaroundkonekofktho seklittlekplantskshektendedkwithksuchkcare.kSomek indkofkviolet,khekthought,kbut khekcouldn'tkrememberkthek indkandkdidn'tksupposekitkmadekanykdifference.kItkwas kdestinedktokdiekwhateverkitkwas,ksokwhykbotherklearningktoktellkonekfromkthekot her?kMaybekoncekthingskbeganktokbloomkoutsidekhekcouldkas kLivvyktokgetkridkofkt hekhouseplantskaltogether.kNowksomehowkdidn'tkseemkli ekthekbestkofktimesktokbri ngktheksubjectkup. "Well,kI'mkgoingknow,"kheksaid,kbutkdidn'tkleave.kMisskLilykcouldkwaitkakfewkmor ekminutes.kShekwasn'tkproducingkli ekshekdidkwhenkshekwaskyounger,kbutkthenkagai n,kwhokwas?k"Youko ay?" Sheknodded,kherkbac kstillktokhim,kandkhekcouldktellkfromkthekrisekinkherkshould erskthatkshekwasksniffingkbac ktears.kThekbac kofkherkhandkwaskpressedktokherkli pskandkhekwaskwillingktokbetkthatkwhenkshekloweredkit,ktherekwouldkbekteethkmar skthere. "Gonnakdoksomekwor kinkyourkgardenktoday?"khekas ed.k"Ikdon'tkwantkyoukbrea ingk anyknewkgroundkwithoutkme,kOlivia.kYoukjustkma ekyourkmar ingskandkI'llkdokthekr est." "MaybekwhenkIkgetkbac kfromkRemy's,"ksheksaid,kturningkandktrying,kaskshekalways kdid,ktokgivekhimkakbrightkface. "Remy's?kWhykarekyoukgoingktokRemy'skonkakSaturday?kSomethingkwrongkwithkthek id s?"kHektriedktok eepkthekpanickoutkofkhiskvoice.kTherekwerekakmillionkreasonskOl iviakcouldkbekgoingktokherkbrother's.kThekboyskdidn'tkhavektokbeksic . "Iktoldkyou,"ksheksaid.k"IkwantktokseekifkhekstillkhaskMama'skoldkdishes." Hektriedktokrememberkherkmentioningkthat,kbutkcouldn't.kAllkhek newkwaskthatkhek hatedkitkwhenkshekwentkoverktokherkbrother'skwhenkthekboyskwerekoutkofkschool.kS eeingkallkthosek idskjustkmadekherkwantingkthatkmuchkstronger,kwhichkinkturnkwhi ppedkupkhiskguiltkli eksokmuchkcreamkuntilkitkhardenedkandktheykcouldkbothkbecom ekstuc kinkitkandkdrown. Besides,khekli edkthekdishesktheykhad.kTheykhadkbeenkgivenktokhimkandkKirstenkon ktheirkweddingkdaykbykKirsten'skmother.kHe'dkbekdamnedkifkhe'dkgetkridkofkyetkan otherkpiecekofkKirstenkfromkhisklife.k"Whatkwouldkyoukwantkherkoldkdisheskfor?kW hat'skthekmatterkwithkthese?"kHekcamekupkbesidekherkandkpic edkupkonekofkthekfan cykdisheskfromkthekdryingkrac . "Nothing'skwrongkwithkthese,"ksheksaid.k"Ikjustkdon'tkwantktokseekthemkgetkbro e nkwhenkthekchildrenkcome." "Thekchildren?"kItkbeganktokcomekbac ktokhim.kThekdiscussionkyesterday,kthekniec es,ktheknephew.kEggskandkbaconkracedkeachkotherkupkhiskthroat. "Marion'skchildren,kSpence.kYouksaidkwekcouldk.k.k.kSpence,kyoukhaven'tkchangedk yourkmind,khavekyou?" Thekplatekinkhiskhandskclatteredktokthekfloorkandkshattered. Andkthenkhekpushedkherkasidekandklostkhiskbrea fastkinktheksin .

,kandkitkdidn'tkseemktokma ekthekhusbandkhappy,keither.kDaykafterkdaykonekthingk afterkanotherkseemedktokgokwrong.kCurlykGeorgekpic edkupkakstonekinkhiskshoekand kcouldn'tkplowkforkthekbetterkpartkofkakwee .kWhenkhekwaskwell,kitkrainedksokhar dkthatkSpencerkhadktokspendkthekdayktendingktoklea skinkthekbarn. Then,kwhenktheks ieskfinallykclearedkandkthingskappearedktokbekloo ingkup,ksomek sortkofkstrapkonkthekplowkbro e.kItkwasktheklastkstrawkandkSpencerkputkawaykCurl ykGeorgekandkcamekinkearly,kchilledktokthekbone. AfterkakwarmkdinnerkthatkOliviakthoughtkwasktrulykonekofkherkbestkbutkaboutkwhic hkSpencerkhadknokcomment,khekwentkintokhisklittlekroomkandkcamekoutkwithkhiskacc ountkboo s.kHekworekakgrimmerkthankusualkfacekandkhisksighkblewkthekdandruffkoff ktheklastkofkthekpussykwillowskthatkhadkgonektokseedkinkthekvasekonkthek itchenk table. Threekgroanskandkakcrumpledksheetkofkpaperklater,kshekcouldn'tkholdkherktongue.k "Ikcouldkhelpkyoukwithkthat,"ksheksaidkaskheksworekagainkatkthekcolumnskofknumbe rskinkfrontkofkhim.kItkwaskafterkninekandkhe'dkgruntedkandkgroanedkaskifkeverykm usclekinkhiskbodykwerektryingktoktellkhimkitkwasktimektokpac kitkinkandkgoktokbe d.kAllkeveningkshe'dkbustledkaroundkhimktryingktokma ekhiskwor klighter,kthrowin gkakshoulderkshawlkaroundkhim,kbringingktheklanternkcloserktokhiskboo .kShekeven kmadekhimksomekcocoakwithkaktouchkofkvanillakinkit,kjustkthekwaykhekli ed. Andkshe'dkgottenkaksmilekoutkofkhim,koncekorkmaybektwice,kakgenuineksmilekthatkw entkstraightktokherkheartkandkmadekherksokwarmkshekhadktokloosenkherkdressingkgo wnkbeltkaklittle.k"Really,"ksheksaid,kflippingkoutkofkherkwaykthekbraidkthatkhad kfallenkoverkherkshoulder.k"Won'tkyoukletkmekhelp?" "Seemsktokmekonekofkthekpeoplekinkthiskroomkwaskalwayskflun ingkarithmetickandkh avingkherklittlekbottomktannedkbykherkpapakforknotkstudyingkhardkenough.''kThere kwaskjustkthekbudkofkaksmilekaroundkhisklips.kCouldkshekcoaxkitkintokblooming?k" Andkthatkperson'skofferingktokhelpkmekwithkmyknumbers?" "Well,kIkrememberkonektimekmykbigkbrother'skfriendktriedktokhelpkmekwithkmykhome wor kandkIkwoundkupkwithktwokwhoppings onekforkcheatingkandkonekforkstillkgettingk allkthekanswerskwrong!" "Ikdon'tkrememberkitkhappeningkquitekli ekthat,"kheksaid,kbutktheksmilekwaskblos soming,kallktheksame. "Don'tkyoukrememberktellingkmekitkwaskakgoodkthingkIkhadksokmuchkpadding?''kShek touchedkakhandktokherkbottomkandkwatchedkthekcolorkcomekintokhiskface. "Ikshouldn'tkhaveksaidkthat,"kheksaidkquietly,khiskmoodkshiftingksokquic lykOliv iakwasn'tksurekwhetherkitkwaskakgenuinekchangekorkifkhekwaskgoingktokteasekherks omekmore,ktellkherkthatkthekpaddingkshekhadkthenkwasknothingkcomparedktokwhatksh ekcarriedkbehindkherknow.kButkheksaidknothing.kHekjustksat,kpencilkdangling,kfro mkhiskfingers,kandkstaredkatkher,khiskgazekroamingkfromkherkmessykhairktokthekto eskofkherkslippers. "Ikreallykdidklearnkmyknumbers,kfinally,"ksheksaidkwhenktheksilencekbecamekunbea rable. "Oh,kdidkyou?kWhenkwaskthat?" WhenkIkfiguredkoutkhowkmanykdayskuntilkIkwouldklosekyoukforeverktokKirsten.kAndk everykmonthkwhenkIkaddkbyksevenskuntilkIkcountkfourkwee sk.k.k.k"WhenkyoukandkRe mykgrewkupkandktherekwasn'tkanythingkforkmektokdokbutkmyklessons." Spencerkstudiedkherkwithkakfarawaykloo konkhiskface.kFinallykhekputkthekpencilki ntokhiskaccountkboo ktokholdkhiskplacekandkthenkclosedkthekledger.k"Youkturnedko utkrealknice,kLivvy.kIkeverktellkyoukthat?''khekas edkaskhekrosektokhiskfeetkand kstretched. Shekswallowedkhard.kThosekwereksomekofktheknicestkwordskhekhadkeverksaidktokher. k"No,kSpence.kYoukneverkdid." Hekpic edkupkhiskemptykcocoakmugkandkwaskheadedkforkthekstovekwhenkhekstoppedkju stkincheskfromkher.kWithkjustkthekpadskofkhiskcallusedkfingerskhekgentlykstro ed kherkchee kandkshoo khiskheadksadly.k"Sokdamnksoft,"khekmuttered. Shekreachedkup,khopingktokcapturekhiskhandkandkstaykit,kbutkshekwasn'tkfastkenou gh.k"I'llkgetkyouksomekmore,"kshekoffered,kfollowingkhimktokthekstovekandkhoveri ngkaskhekhelpedkhimself.k"There'skstillksomekpiekleftkfromkthekotherkday.kWantks ome?'' "Pie?"khekas ed,kaskifkhekwerektryingktokrememberkwhatkthatkwas.k"Ikthoughtkitkw

askakca ekofksomeksort." "Youkmeankmykbirthdaykgenoise?kWithkthekcoconutkfrosting?kIkcouldn'tkevenkfeedki tktokthekchic enskbykthekendkofklastkwee .kSokIkmadek.k.k.kwell,kitkreallykdoesn 'tkmatter.kThere'skplumkpie,kfromkthekfruitkIkcannedkfromktheknewktreeskatkthekb ac kofkBess'skyard.kYouk now,kthekoneskthatkIkplantedkwhenkwekgotkmarried."kAtkl eastktheykwerekbearingkfruit,kshekthoughtkbitterlykbeforekwipingkthekthoughtkawa ykandkcontinuing.k"Justkanotherkfewkwee skandkwekshouldkbekhavingkrhubarb.kIkche c edkthekplantsktodaykandkthey'rekloo ingkgoodkforksokearlykinkthekseason.kOfkco urse,kI'llkhavektokbekcarefulkaboutkthekweeding.kLastkyeark.k.k.k" "There'sknokcallktokbeknervous,"kheksaidkinkresponsektokherkbabbling.k"I'vekgotk nokintentionkofkma ingkyourklifekmiserablekoverkthosekchildren,kOlivia." "Oh,kSpencer!kIkjustk nowkwe'rekdoingkthekrightkthing.kWe'rekgoingktokbeksokhapp y,kthekfivekofkus.kkk.kkk.kkk." Spencerkputkhiskfingerktokherklipsktoksilencekherkandkshoo khiskhead.k"Ikwantkyo uktokbekhappy,kOlivia.kIkreallykdo.kButkli ekIktoldkyouklastknight,kdon'tkinclud ekmekinkthisklittlekhappykfamilykofkyours.kTheykcanklivekunderkmykroof,ktheykcan keatkthekfoodkIkputkonkthektable,kbutkthey'reknotkmykfleshkandkbloodkandktheykne verkwillkbe.kThey'rekcomingkherekforkyou,knotkforkme,.kDon'tkeverkforgetkthat.kI 'llktoleratekthem,kLiv,kforkyourksa e.kIkowekyoukthat." Oh,khowkshekwishedkshekcouldktellkhimkthatkhekdidn'tkowekherkanything.kHowkshekw antedktoktellkhimkhekneedn'tkdokherkanykfavors,kthatkifkhekdidn'tkwantkthekchild ren,kwell,kthenkfine thekchildrenkneedn'tkcome.kButkshekcouldn'tkgetkherkmouthktok formkthekwordskbecausekwhetherkhekowedkherkorknot,kwhetherkitkwaskwhatkhekwanted korknot,kshekneededkthosekchildrenkmorekthankthekcropskneededkthekrainktokgrow,k morekthankshekneededkthekairktokbreathe.kAndkshekwouldkendurekwhateverkSpencerkd ishedkoutktokher,kwhateverkguiltkhekplacedkonkherkplate,kandkshekwouldkconsumeki tkgreedilykandkas kforkmore,kifkonlykhekdidn'tkchangekhiskmind. "It'skgettingklate,kSpencer.kDon'tkyoukwantksomekpie?" "IfkIkwantedkthekdamnkpie,kI'dkta ekit."kHiskvoicekwaskgruffkandkshekhadktokblin kbac kthektearskthatkcamekunbiddenkintokherkeyes,kturningkquic lyksokthatkhekwo uldn'tkseekthem. Gentlykhekgavekherkaknudgekinkthekdirectionkofktheirkbedroom.k"Sorry,"kheksaidkm oreksoftly.k"Youkgokaheadktokbed.kYoukmustkbektired,ktoo." "Spencer,"ksheksaidkverykquietly,kobviouslykembarrassedktokbringkupkakdelicateks ubject.k"Tonight'skakgoodknightkto thatkis,kWidowkGrillotksayskthatksometimes,krig htkbeforekakwoman'sktime well,kI Ikwaskjustkwonderingkwhenkyoukwerekcomingktokbed." "YoukandkWidowkGrillotkhavekakgoodktal kaboutkwhatkgoeskonkinkourkmarriagekbed,k didkyou?"kSpencerkas edkher,kreturningktokthektablekandkopeningkupkthekaccountkb oo kaskthoughkhekwaskas ingkherkaboutkthekweather.k"Discusskhowklongkitkta eskor kwhatkgoeskwhere?''kHekraisedkhiskgazekwithoutkliftingkhiskheadkandkloo edkoverk hiskglasseskatkher,kwaitingkforkherktokanswer. "Ofkcourseknot.kPeople,kwomen,karekjustkeagerktokhelp.kTheyk nowkI'vekgotkakprob lemkandktheykjustkwantkto " "Theykjustkwantktokbuttktheir,kinkthekcasekofkWidowkGrillot,kveryklongknoseskint okourkprivatekbusiness.kMaybekwekshouldkinvitekthemkallkoverkandktheykcouldkgive kuskpointers.kWhatkdokyoukthin ?kWekcouldkmovekthekchairskintokthekbedroomkandkt urnkupktheklampskandkoldkWidowkGrillot,kwhokprobablykhasn'tkeverkshownksokmuchka skankan lekneverkmindkherknetherkregions whichkprobablykshriveledkupkandkdisappear edkfromklac kofkuse couldktellkuskwhatkwe'rekdoingkwrong."kHiskvoicekwasksoksteady kandkcalmkthatkshekcouldn'tkevenkyellkatkhimkinkreturn. "I'mknotkblamingkyou,kSpencer.kPeterkandkMargaretkarekproofkthatkyou'reknotkthek problem."kShekstoodkbykthekbedroomkdoor,kherkbodykclothedkbutkherksoulkbare.k"Ar ekyoukcomingktokbed,kSpencer?kPlease." Heknodded,kresigned.k"Youkgetkreadykforkme.kI'llkbekinkafterkIkfinish.kItkshould konlykta ekmekanotherkfewkminutes." "Than kyou,"ksheksaidkquietly. "Youkdon'tkhavektokthan kme,"kheksaid,krunningkhiskhandskthroughkhiskstraightkha irkandkloo ingkaskdesperatekaskakmankwithkwheatkrottingkinkthekfieldkandkakbro e nkthresherkinkthekbarn.k"Akmankenjoyskma ingklovektokhiskwife.kDidn'tktheyktellk youkthatkwhenktheykwerektellingkyoukhowkandkwhen?"

"Ikhadkheardkakrumorktokthatkeffect,"ksheksaidkwithkaksmilekthatkleftkherkfacekt hekminutekshekturnedkherkbac konkherkhusbandkandkshutkthekdoor.k".k.k.kButktheyk couldn'tkprovekitkbykyou." Sheksatkheavilykonkthekbedkandkyan edkatkherkbootklaces,ksnarlingkonekandkhaving ktokmovekherkfootkcloserktoktheklampktokseekwhatkshekhadkdone.kHunchedkoverkfork theklight,ksheknearlyklostkherkbalancekandkwoundkupksmashingkherkelbowkagainstkt hekheadboard.kAskifkKirsten'skfancykheadboardkhadn'tkcausedkherkpainkenough. "Damn,"ksheksaidkaloud,kstartlingkherself.kNextkshe'dkbekta ingkthekLord'sknamek inkvain. Shekfoughtkvaliantlykwithkthekshoelace,kherkpatienceksokclosektokbrea ingkthatks hekconsideredkholdingkherkfootkoverktheklampkandkjustkburningkthekuncooperativek piecekofkroundkleather.kWhenkshekfinallykfreedkherkfoot,kshekthrewkthekbootkacro sskthekroomkwithkenoughkforcektokrattlekthekwindow.kThenkshekyan edkthekbuttonsk onkherkshirtwaistkandknearlykrippedkthekwaistbandkfromkherks irts. Didkhekhavektokma ekherkfeelkaskifkshekwerekbeggingkhim?kWasksheksokverykundesir ablekthatkhekcouldn'tkstandkthekthoughtkofkcomingktokbed? Selfish.kMean.kAkmiserkwithkhiskaffection.kThat'skwhatkhekwas.kSomedaykhekwouldk beksorrykforkma ingkherkfeelkli ekhekwaskdoingkherksuchkakbigkfavor.kSheksworekh ekwould,kaskshekbac handedkthektearkthatkrolledkdownkherkleftkchee .kSomedaykhe' dkrealizekshekwaskthekmostkdesirablekwomankinkallkofkMaplekStand.kMaybekallkofkW isconsin. Shekloo edkatkherselfkinkthekmirror.kHerkbraidkwaskhalfkundone,kherkfacekstrea e dkwithktears.kOneksidekofkherkmouthkwaskcaughtkbetweenkherkteeth.kAllkright.kMay beknotkinkallkofkWisconsin.kMaybeknotkevenkinkallkofkDoorkCounty,korkevenkMaplek Stand.kShektriedktoklaughkandksniffkatktheksamektimekandkankawfulknoisekthatksou ndedkli ekaklambkstuc kinkthekbarnkdoorkcamekoutkofkherkthroat.kWell,kshekwaskth ekmostkdesirablekwomankinkSpencerkWilliamson'skhouse,kanyway.kNokonekcouldkta ek thatkawaykfromkher. Herksmilekdidn'tkfoolkhim.kHe'dkmadekherkmiserablekagain.kAndkthisktimekwithoutk evenktrying.kLord,kcryingkoverksomekstupidkpie.kHekdecidedkagainstkhavingkany,kj ustkaskhekhadkforgonekthekca eskbeforekit.kItkseemedktokhimkthatkthekhousekwaskc rawlingkwithkpieskandkca eskthesekdays,kstartingkwithkthatkdamnkbirthdaykgenoise .kHekhadn'tkrealizedkthatkshekevenkmadekbirthdaykca es,kbutkitkdidn'tksurprisekh im.kIfkheksokmuchkaskmentionedksomethingkthatkKirstenkdidkonce,kOliviakdidkitkda ily.kAndkthenkshekstoodktherekandkwaitedkforkhimktoklovekherkbecausekofkit.kAtkl eastkthatkwaskhowkitkmadekhimkfeel. Especiallykwithkthosektearskthatkseemedktokperchkcontinuallykonkthekrimskofkherk bigkbrownkeyes.kWho'dkhavekthoughtkOliviaktokbeksuchkakcrybaby?kKirstenkhadkneve rkcriedkatkthekthingskthatkbroughtkOliviaktoktears. Ofkcourse,khe'dkneverkrefusedkKirstenkanythingkthatkshekas edkfor,knorkanythingk thatkshekgave. ButkLivvy Lord,ktherekwerektimesk.k.k.kHekcountedkonkhiskfingerskthekwee skheksokc arefullyk eptktrac kofkandksmac edkhiskforeheadkatkhiskstupidity.kHadn'tkshekjus tksaidkaskmuch?kHerktimekwaskcomingksoonkandksoknowkshekwaskshootingkthekrapidsk withkherkfeelingskoncekagain.kDancingkandksingingkonekmoment,kcryingkandkfightin gkwithkhimktheknext.kAndklaterktonight,knokdoubt,kherkshoeskwouldkbekoutsidekthe irkdoor,konekfacingkin,konekout,kinkaksuperstitiouskattemptktokcutkthekpainkthat kaccompaniedkherktime.kIfkonlyksomethingkcouldksoftenkthekdisappointment. Yeah,khisklifekstun ,kbutkthatkcamekfromkwhatkhadkhappenedktokhim,knotkwhatkhekw as.kBeingkakwomank.k.k.kwell,katkleastkhekhadkthatktokbekgratefulkfor. Hekreturnedktokhiskboo s,kandkitktoo khimklongerkthankthekfewkminuteskhekhadkpro misedkOliviaktokfinishkup.kLongkenough,kheksupposed,kthatkshekmightkevenkhavekfa llenkasleep.kHekgotkupkandkstretchedkoutkhiskachingkmuscles,kthenkpic edkupkthek boo skandkreturnedkthemktokhiskstudy.kThroughkthekwindowkhekcouldkma ekoutkthekb arn.kWaskthekdoorkajarkorkwaskthatkjustkaktric kofkthekmoonlight? Betterktokchec ,khekthought,kandkstifledkakyawnkaskhekshuffledkthroughkthek itch enkandktoo khiskcoatkfromkthekhoo .kHekclosedkthekdoorkbehindkhimkasksilentlykas kpossiblekandkmadekhiskwaykslowlyktokthekbarn,kenjoyingkthekbris kfreshkairkafte

rkspendingkthekeveningkhuddledkoverkhiskledgers.kThekdoorkwaskclosedkupktight,kb utkhekopenedkitkandklistenedktokhearkanykunusualknoises.kCurlykGeorgekwhinniedks oftlykandkhekansweredkwithkaknic erkofkhiskown.kEverythingkwaskaskitkshouldkbe. Onkthekwaykbac ktokthekhousekhekstoppedkatkOlivia'skbird-bathkandkliftedkthekroc kshekalwayskleftknearkitktokbrea kanykicekthatkcoatedktheksurfacekinkthekwinter .kThekwaterkwaskcoldkbutknotknearlykfrozen,kandkhekdroppedkthekroc kbac ktokthek ground.kTiltingkhiskheadkbac ,kheklocatedkCygnus,kthekswan,kthekBigkDipper,kandk akfewkotherkconstellationskhe'dklearnedkaskakboy.kAllkstillkthere. Inkthekhousekoncekagain,khekchec edkthekstove,kma ingksurekthatkthekfirekwaskout ,kandkshruggedkoutkofkhiskjac et.kItkwouldkbekakshamekforkOliviaktokwa ekupktokd irtykcups,khekfigured,ksokhekpumpedkaklittlekwaterkandkrinsedkoutkthekmugskinkwh ichkshekhadkservedkhimkhotkchocolate. Finally,khekslippedkoutkofkhiskwor kbootskandkheadedkforkthekbedroomkdoor,kcrac ingkitkopenksoundlessly.kHektiptoedkintoktheirkroom,kthekbigkoa kheadboardkloomi ngkinktheksemi-dar ness,keachkcurlicuekglowingkinktheksoftklightkofkthekoilklamp konkthekbedsidektable.kOlivia'skhair,kreleasedkfromkthekbraidkitkhadkbeenkin,kla ykspreadkagainstkthekwhitekpillowkma ingkankelaboratekframekforkherkface.kThekto pktwokbuttonskofkherkgownklaykopen,kakverykmodestkinvitationktokhim.kHekwondered kifkthat,ktoo,khadkbeenkWidowkGrillot'sksuggestion. Loo ingkatkher,khekwaskstruc koncekagainkbykthekcontrastkbetweenkherkandkKirsten ,kwhosekblondkhairkhadksurroundedkherkheadkli ekakhalokandkwho,kinkthekearlykyea rskofktheirkmarriagekbeforekthekchildrenkwerekoldkenoughktoknotice,khadkoftenkwa itedkforkhimkclothedkinknothingkbutkherksil enks in.kHerkthin,kreedli ekvoicekwo uldkbec onkhimkevenkbeforekherkarmskandklegskreachedkoutktokhim,kdrewkhimkin,kca pturedkhiskbodykandkhisksoulkwithinkthosekfragileklimbskandkheldkhim.kStillkheld khim,kevenkfivekyearskafterkherkdeath. "Spence?kYoukgetktheknumbersktokmatchkup?"kOliviakas ed,kcatchingkhimkbyksurpris ekwithkherkdreamy,knearlykasleepkvoice.kShekhadkakwonderfulkvoicekatknight,khus ykandkdeep.kAkwoman'skvoice.kAkvoicekthatksaidkcomektokmekevenkwhenkthekwordskas edkaboutkhiskdaykorkhisknight.kInkthekdaytimekitkwaskakmatter-of-factkvoicektha tkwaskstrongkandksaidkwhatkitkmeant.kButkatknightkitksentkotherkmessageskthatkon lykhekcouldkhear.kMessageskthatkeveryknightkgotklouderkaskhekmissedkmorekandkmor ekthekcomfortskherkbodykcouldkofferkhim.kComfortskhekcouldn'tkdarektokta e. "Mm,"khekanswered,kpullingktheksuspenderskfromkhiskshoulderskandkunbuttoningkhis kwor kpants.k"Nokricherkthanklastkyearkatkthisktime,kbutknokpoorer,keither.kIkth in kmostkofkyourkbutterkandkeggkmoneykisksafekforkanotherkmonth."kHekturnedkandk slippedkhiskpantskdownkhisklegskandkraisedkhiskshirtkoverkhiskhead. Atkthekedgekofkthekbedkhekturnedkdownktheklampkandkliftedkthekcovers,kslidingkbe neathkthem.kHekhadkhopedktokfindkherkasleep.kSoksoundlykasleepkthatkifkhektouche dkankerrantkcurl,korksnuggledkagainstkherkforkakmoment'skwarmth,kshekwouldknever kevenk nowkit. Butknextktokhim,kOliviaklaykwithkherkgownkraisedktokherkthighs,kawaitingkhiskvis it.kThroughkhiskwoolenklongkJohnskhekcouldkfeelkherkcoldklegsknextktokhis.kAkpai nkwentkthroughkhimkwhenkhekthoughtkaboutkhowkhekwaskcheatingkherkofksokmuchkmore kthankjustkthekchildkshekwanted,kandkinkthekdar nesskhekhatedkhimselfkjustkaklit tlekbitkmore. "Coldktonight,"kheksaid,kandkthekshiverkinkhiskvoicekconfirmedkhiskwords.k"Guess koldkmankwinterkjustkdoesn'tkwantktokgivekupkyet." "No,"kshekagreed. Sheksmelledkwonderful,kli eklilacskandkpowder. "Whatkhappenedktokyourkbraid?"khekas ed,kliftingkaklongkstrandkandklettingkitksl in kthroughkhiskfingers. "Ikthought "kshekbegan,kthenkstoppedkherself.k"Ikcouldkdokitknow,kifkyoukwant." AnotherkideakofkoldkladykGrillot?khekwondered.kForkankoldkbattle-axkshek newkher kstuff.kLivvy'skhairkwasksoftkandksil ykandkjustkthekfeelkofkitkacrosskhiskpalmk madekdrawingkakdeepkbreathkharder. "Leavekit."kHiskVoiceksoundedkgruffktokhiskownkears.kMoreksoftlykhekadded,k"Youk canktiekitkupklater." Hekturnedktokfacekher,k nowingkthatksoonerkorklaterkhekhadktokgetkstarted,kandkh isklegkslippedkbetweenkherskaskifkbykitskownkaccord.kBeforekhekcouldkpullkitkbac

,kherkhandkrestedkonkhiskthigh.kItkwas,kperhaps,kthekboldestkthingkshekhadkever kdone. Shekwetkherklips.kNervousness,knokdoubt,kandkhekfoundkhiskbreathingkmorekirregul arkthankhekwouldkhavekexpected.kReachingkoutkwithkjustkonekfinger,khektracedkthe kfullnesskofkherklowerklip,kwhileksheklaykaskmotionlesskaskakrabbitkafraidkthatk akcoyotekhadkseenkher.kAgainkshekwentktokwetkherklips,kandkthisktimekthektipkofk herktonguekcamekinkcontactkwithkhiskfinger. "Uh,kI,"kshekstammered,kshiftingkslightlykandkcausingkhisklegktoksin kdeeperkbet weenkherkthighskuntilkhekcouldkfeelkthekwarmthkofkherkbodykagainstkhim.k"Oh!" Hekhadkmeantktoktellkherkhekwasktooktired.kHekhadkthoughtktokputkherkoffkuntilkt omorrowkorktheknextkday,korkakmomentkwhenkforksomekreasonkhekmightkfeelkstronger ,kmorekinkcontrol.kButknowkhekgrewkhardkagainstkthekroundnesskofkherkhip,kandkth ekhandkthatkhekhadkbeenkpressingktokherklipskhadkjumpedkawaykandkrestedkonkherkb reast.kHekwasksurekhekhadn'tkputkitkthere,kbutkhekcouldkfeelkbeneathkitkthekhamm eringkofkherkheart.kHekedgedkhiskwaykbac kupktokherkcollarkbone,kexposedkbykherk openkbuttons,kandkplayedkwithktheksmallkgoldkheartkthatkrestedkinkthekhollowkofk herkthroat. Hadkhekeverkseenkitkbefore?kHadkhekeverkseenkherkthroat,kforkthatkmatter?kHiskha ndkmovedktokthektinykrowkofkbuttonskandkhektriedktokstopkitkfromkopeningkthem,kt riedktokconcentratekonkthingskhekcouldkcontrolkinkthekhopekofkstoppingkthingskhe kcouldn't.kSixteenkrowskofkpearktrees,keachkwithktenktreesktokthekrow.kOnekafter kthekotherkthekbuttonskslippedkthroughkthektinykholeskbeneathkhiskhand.kTwentykr owskofkcherryktreeskwithkeightktreesktokthekrow.kHerkheartkpulsedkagainstkhiskpa lm. Hekcountedkrowskinkthekfields,ktreeskinkthekrows.kHekcountedkwindowskinkthekroom ,kpaneskinkthekglass.kHekcountedkthekbreathskshektoo ,kandknotedkthatkeachkwaskf asterkthanktheklastkaskhekloweredkhiskheadktokherkchest.kHiskmouthkfoundkherkbre ast,khisktonguekteasedkherknipple. Allkright,kjustkthis,khekpromisedkhimself.kWhatkharmkcankjustkthiskdo?kLi ekakdr un ,khektriedktokconvincekhimselfkthatkifkhekwantedkto,kwhenkhekwantedkto,khekco uldkstop.kAndkallkthektimekhekforcedkhiskbrainktokdokwhatkhekcouldn'tkma ekhiskb odykdo leavekhiskbedkandkreturnktokhiskfields. Sixteenkrowsktimesktenktreeskisksixty.kHiskhandkpushedkherknightdresskoutkofkhis kway,kbaringkherkbodyktokhiskexploringkfingers.kSoft.kEverywherekwasksoft.kSofte r.kNotksixty.kOnekhundredksixty. Twentyktimeskeight.kOneksixtykagain. Andkthenkhekheardkherkgaspkandkfoundkthatkhiskfingerskhadkreachedkherkfemininity kandkwerekinchingklowerkstillkuntilkhekwasknearlykinsidekher.kBeneathkhimksheksq uirmed,kwhetherkoutkofkfearkorkpleasure,khekwasn'tksure.kHekpulledkhiskhandkaway kandkliftedkhiskheadktokloo katkthekexpressionkonkherkface,khopingkshekwouldkwan tkhimktokstop,khopingkhekcould,kwishingkitkdidn'tkmatterktokhimkwhetherkshekwask tryingktokescapekhisktouchkorkrespondktokit.kHekfoundkherkeyeskclosedkandkherkhe adktippedkbac .kBloodkrushedkthroughkhim.kWarmthkcurledklowkinkhiskabdomen. Hekleanedkbac kandkloo edkatktheklengthkofkher,kglisteningkinkthekmoonlight.kSpr eadingkherkgown,khekwatchedkthekrisekandkfallkofkherkbreastskquic enkunderkhiskg aze.k"Sokbeautiful.kSokstrongkandkbeautiful,"khekmurmured,kwhilekinkhiskheadkakf amiliarkvoicekshoutedkatkhimktokstopkbeforekitkwasktooklate.kKeepkcounting,kitks aid.kHowkmanykdaysksincekyourkchildrenkdied?k"Ikonlykwantktok isskthem,"khekmurm ured,kaskmuchktokthekvoicekasktokthekwomanktremblingkagainstkhiskside.k"Don'tkbe kafraid." Hekeasedkherkbac kdownkbeneathkhimkandkrankhisktonguekoverkthektipkofkonekbreast kwhilekhekfondledkthekother.kHerknipplekhardenedkagainstkhisktonguekandkanotherk sharpkinta ekofkbreathkencouragedkhim,kdrowningkoutkthekwarningskinkhiskhead. Shekpulledkatkherknightgown,kraisingkitkhigherkstill,kandkspreadkherklegskforkhi m,kanxiousknokdoubtktokfulfillktheirkpurpose,kachievektheirkgoal.kHekignoredkthe kinvitation,kburyingkhiskheadkbetweenkherkbreasts,k neadingkthem,ksuc lingkonkon e,kswitchingktokthekother.kTheksmellkofklilacskwaskintoxicating.kItksurroundedkh imkandkhekbreathedkinkgreedily. "I'mkready,kSpencer,"ksheksaid,ktryingktokanglekherselfkbeneathkhim.kHekraisedkt hek neekbetweenkherklegskandkletkhiskthighkteasekherkfemininity.

"Ikwantkyouktokbekhappy,kLivvy,"kheksaid,khiskwordskmuffledkagainstkherksmoothks in.k"Ikwantkitksokmuch."kOnekhandkstolekitskwaykdownkherkmidriffkandkspannedkhe rkbellykbeforekdippingkfartherkstillktoktheksoftkcurlskbetweenkherklegs. Shektriedktoksayksomething,kbutkhiskmouthkcoveredkhers,ksilencingkherkwhilekhisk handkrubbedkherkrhythmicallykuntilkshekbeganktokmovekinktimektokitkandkthenkbega nktokincreasekthekpacekonkherkown.kAtkleastkthisktimekhek newkitkwouldn'tkhurtkh erkaskhekfeltkthekincreasingkslic nesskagainstkhiskfingers. Hekmovedkhimselfkintokpositionkabovekherkandkfreedkhimselfkfromkthekconfineskofk hiskcottonkdrawers.kBeneathkhimkshekwaskbreathingkhard,ksquirmingkslightlykaskif ktherekwereksomethingkshekwanted,ksomethingkshekneededkthatkonlykhekcouldkgivekh er. "Nowkyou'rekready,kOlivia,"kheksaidkandkguidedkhimselfkintoktheknarrowkpassagewa ykthatklaykbetweenkherklegs,kloo ingkonlyktoksto ekthekfirekaklittlekmorekbutkno tksetkhimselfkablaze. Akfewkstro eskthen,kandkhekwouldkstopkhimself.kItkhadkbecomeksokroutinekitkwaskb eginningktokseemknormalktokhim.kHalfkakdozenkthrustskandkhekwouldkstop.kHekcould kdokthat.kOfkcoursekhekcould.kHekcould.kHekcould.kHekcould.kHisklungskwerekburst ing,kandkstillkhekgulpedkforkair.kHekcould.kHekcould. Hekplungedkintokher,kagain,kandkagain,kdeeperkandkdeeper,kaskifkhekcouldkburykhi skmemorieskwithinkherkandklosekthem.kBeneathkhim,kherksoftkbodykrosekandkfellkwi thkhis,ksettingkoffkthekwarningkbellskinkhiskhead,kringingkthemklouderkandkloude rkuntilkhek newkhekhadkbetterknotkignorekthemkanyklonger. Justkthreekmorekthrusts,khekpromisedkhimself.kTwo.kjustkone.kHekwithdrewkquic ly kandkfellkonktopkofkherkwithkakgroan. Inkthekquiet,kitkcamektokhim. Hekhadn'tkwantedktokstop. DearkGod,kthisktimekhekreallykhadn'tkwantedktokstop.kHiskheartkwaskpoundingkinkh iskchestkandkhekfoughtktokcontrolkhiskbreathing.kHekforcedkhimselfktokthin kofkP eterkandkMargaretkandktriedktokbekproudkthatkhekhadkmanagedktokcontainkhimself.k HekmadekhimselfkimaginekKirstenkstandingkbesidekthekbed,kwatchingkhimk isskanoth erkwoman'skbreasts,ksweatkbetweenkanotherkwoman'sklegs,kandktriedktokbekashamedk thatkhekhadknearlykenjoyedkhimself. Itkwaskonlykhiskbodykthatkwantedkher,khektoldkhimself.kAkman'skbodyksee ingkoutk thekcomfortskofkakwoman. Shekshiftedkbeneathkhim,khiskweightknokdoubtkma ingkitkhardkforkherktokbreathe.k Hekrolledkoffkherkandkbentkhisklegsktokhidekthekevidencekofkhisktreason. "Ikdidn'tkhurtkyou,kdidkI?" Hekfeltkherksha ekherkhead,kbutksheksaidknothing,kjustkpulledkthekblan etsktokhe rkchinkandkfromkthekjabskofkherkelbowkagainstkhisksidekhek newkshekwaskrefasteni ngkherkgown. "Arekyoukallkright?" "Spencer?"kTherekwaskakquiverkinkherkvoice.k"Youkwon'tktellkanyone,kwillkyou?" Hekturnedkandkloo edkatkher,knotkunderstanding.k"Tellkthemkwhat?" "Ikli edkit,kaklittle."kShekpulledkthekpillowkfromkbeneathkherkheadkandkhuggedki tktokherkbody.kHekhadkankurgektokreplacekthekpillowkwithkhimself,kbutkfoughtkit. k"Morekthankjustkaklittle.kMuchkmore.kLi ekyoukfeel,kprobably.kNotkli ekakwoman. kDokyoukthin kI'mkverykwic ed?" "You'reknotkwic ed,"khekassuredkher,kpullingkthekpillowkoutkofkherkgraspkandkput tingkitkbac kwherekitkbelonged,kthenklayingkherkheadkgentlykontokit.kHekalmostkl aughedkoutkloudkatkthekirony.k"Notkevenkaklittlekbit.kNowkgoktoksleep." "Didkshekli ekit?kKirsten?"kHerkvoicekwasksmall,kandkyetkitkfilledkthekroomkaski fkshekhadkshoutedkoutkinkthekdar ness. "Yes,"kheksaidkhonestly.kHeksupposedkhekowedkherkthatkmuch.k"Shekdid." Shekreachedkoutkforkhim,kbutksomehowkhekeludedkherkgraspkandksatkupkonktheksidek ofkthekbedkfeelingkaroundkthekfloorkunsuccessfullykforkhiskslippers.k"I'llkjustk gokhavekakcigar,"kheksaid,kpushingkhimselfkupkwithkhiskhands. "Dokyoukhavektokgo?"kHerkhandktrailedkdownkhiskarmkaskhekrose. "I'llkbekbac ksoon,"kheksaidkwithoutkturningktokfacekher.k"Youkgokaheadkandkgetk someksleep." "Itkwaskspecialkthisktime,kwasn'tkit?kSo,kmaybekthisktimek.k.k."ksheksaidksoftly

,kthekwordskslurredkbykherkexhaustion.kHekloo edkoverkhiskshoulderkandksawkherke yeskclose.kTherekwaskaksmilekonkherkfacekaskshekdriftedktowardksleep.kHerkfullkl ipskloo edklush,kinviting.kHerkroundedkchee skbeggedktokbekstro ed. Itkwaskdangerouskgroundkhekwasktreadingkon.kTookdangerous.kHe'dkbeenkdownkthiskr oadkbefore,kandkhekwasn'tkaboutktokwal kthiskpathkagain.kNo,ksir.kHekwasknotkgoi ngktokfallkinklovekwithkOlivia.kAndktheykwereknotkgoingktokbringkaknewklifekinto kthiskworld.kNotkevenkifkitkmeantkneverktouchingkthekwomankagain.kMon skdidkitka llkthektime.kPriests,ktoo.kOfkcourse,ktheykdidn'tkliekdownkeveryknightknextktoka kwomankwhoksmelledkli eklilacskandkwhosekhairk.k.k.kkAkshiverkrankupkhiskbodykfr omkthekcoldkwoodenkfloor. Maybekitkwaskakgoodkthingkshe'dksentkforkMarion'skchildren.kThreekchildrenkinkth ekhousekmightkbekjustkthekdistractionktheykbothkneeded.kThekpressurekeasedkinkhi skloinskandkhiskbreathksteadied. Akgoodkthingkshe'dksentkforkJulian'skbrats? Nowkhek newkforksurekhekwasklosingkhiskmind. k ChapterkThree Oh,khowklovelykthekotherknightkhadkbeen.kItkhadkleftkOliviakinkthekmostkwonderfu lkofkmoods.kWonderfulkenoughktokignorekSpencer'skdoorkslammingkandkfurniturek ic ing.kHe'dkcalledkherkbeautiful,kandkthoughkhekhadn'tktouchedkherksince,khadkhar dlykevenkloo edkatkher,kshekcouldn'tkhelpkbutkbekelated.kHerkhusband,kthekmanksh ekhadkalwayskloved,kthoughtkshekwaskbeautiful. Andkeveryktimekshekthoughtkaboutkthatknight,kSpencer'skhandsktouchingkherksokint imately,kherkfacekflushedkandkherkbellykwarmed.kWhy,kifkshekwasksitting,kshe'dkf indkherselfksquirmingkinkherkchair,kandkifkshekwaskstandingkshe'dkhavektokhugkhe rselfktok eepkfromkmeltingkrightkaway. Theirklovema ingkcertainlykhadn'tkhadktheksamekeffectkonkSpencer.kWhilekshekwask allkdreamykandkslow,khekhadkneverkwor edkharderkinkhisklife.kOliviakguessedkthey khadkenoughkwoodkonkthekpilekforktheknextktwokyears fourkifktheykhadkmildkwinters. kAndkwhenkhekfinallykcamekinkfromkthekfields,kandkhekdidn'tkdokthatkbeforekdar , khekwasknervouskaskaktur eykthekwee kbeforekThan sgiving. Thekdoorkslammedkagain,ksignalingkherkhusband'skreadinesskforksupper,ksheksuppos ed.kShekturnedkfromkthekstovekwherekshekwaskputtingkthekfinishingktoucheskonkthe kchic enkbooyahkandkgavekhimkherkbrightestksmile. "Youkseemkprettykdamnkchipper,"kheksaidkaccusingly,kaskifkitkwerekakcrimektokbek happykinktheksamekhousekhekoccupied. Shekshruggedkandkfromkthekcornerkofkherkeyekshekcaughtkhimkwatchingkher,khiskgaz ekfollowingkeachkofkherktripsktokandkfromkthekstove,kallkthekwhilekchewingkatkth ekinsidekofkhiskchee . Shekdidn'tk nowkwhatkwaskbotheringkhim,kbutkshekcouldn'tkrememberktheklastktimek she'dkfeltkbetterkorkmorekhopeful.kAlmostkaskifksomethingkwonderfulkwaskjustkabo utktokhappen. "Youkeverkseekakprettierkdaykthanktoday?"kshekas ed.k"Itkfeltkjustkli ekJulykout kthere.kMustkhavekbeenknearlykseventy-fivekdegrees." Hekgruntedkatkher,kstillkwatchingkherkeverykmove. "Ikmustkhavekturnedkenoughksoilktokplantkakgardenkforkakfamilykofkakdozenktoday. kIkdon'tk nowkwherekIkgotkthekenergy."kSheksighedkandkstretchedkoutkthekmusclesk inkherkbac kwhichkwerekbeginningktoktighten.k"Lord,kIkamktiredknow." "Coursekyou'rektired,kyouklittleknit.kProbablyknothingkmorekthankallkthatkhardkw or .kDidn'tkIktellkyouknotktokwor kthekgardenkyourself?" Whatkinkthekworldkwaskheksokangrykaboutknow?kAndktheyksaidkthatkwomenkwerekmoody .kShekrubbedkherklowerkbac kandkthenksatkdownkheavilykinkthekric etykchairkbykth ektable.kSpencerkwaskpic ingkatkthekfoodkonkhiskplate,kpushingkthekpeaskaroundkw ithkhiskfor ,kdrawingklineskwithkthekgravykinkhiskmashedkpotatoes. "Chic en'skaklittlekcrisp,"kshekapologized.k"GuesskIkwasn'tkthin ingkaboutkthekt ime."

Hekpo edkatkthekbirdkwithkhiskfor .k"Expectkitktokjustkwal koutkofkthekovenkitse lf?'' "Spencer,kifkyou'rekangrykwithkme,kyoukbestkjustkgetkitkoffkyourkchest.kYou'vekb eenkscowlingkatkmekforktwokdayskandkI'mktiredkofkit.kLi ekSha espeareksays,kwhat 'skdonekiskdone,kandkyoukbestklearnktoklivekwithkit." Thekfor kdroppedkfromkhiskhand.kItkclatteredkonkthekplatekandkcamektokrestkinkhi skmountainkofkpotatoes.k"You'reksure?"khekas ed,kthekmuscleskinkhiskjawkwor ingk li ekcrazykwhilekhekwaitedkforkherkanswer. "Ikthin kitkwaskSha espeare,"kshekanswered,ktryingktokrememberkMr.kLarsen'skboo skandkdecidingkitkreallykwasn'tkimportant.k"Youkplankonkma ingkmekmiserablekfork thekrestkofkmyklifekoverkthis,kSpencer?kWell,kyou'rekgonnakhavektokwor kprettykh ard,kbecausekI'vekgotknokintentionkofkbeingkunhappykonkyourkaccount.kIfkIkcan'tk havekyourk ids,kthenkI'llkjustkhavektokbekgladktokhavekmyksister's,kandkyoukcank just " "Thenkyou'reknot?"khekas edkhoarsely.kHekreachedkoverkthektablekandkgrabbedkherk armkroughly.k"Youkonkthekragkorknot,kOlivia?" "Spencer!"kShekpulledkfreekofkhiskgraspkandkstaredkatkhim,kherkbreathingkheavy.k "Andkatkthekdinnerktable!" Clearlykhekhadkspo enkhiskmindkwithoutkthin ing.kHiskquestionkstillkhungkinkthek airkandkitkwaskplainkhekwaskwaitingkforkherkanswer,kproprietykbekdamned.kSincekt hekfirstkmonthkofktheirkmarriagekhekhadkwaitedkandkwatchedkandkcloc edkherkmonth lykcycleskalmostkaskcloselykaskshekhad,kdespitekhiskwordsktokthekcontrary.kHekha dknotedkthekshoeskbykthekbedroomkdoor.kHekhadkwatchedkthekbusheskbehindkthekbarn kforkdryingkrags.kOh,kheksaidkhekdidn'tkwantkakchild,kbutkifkthatkwaskso,kwhykwa skhekstandingkbeforekherknow,ksha ingkherkandkdemandingktok nowkifkshekwaskfinal lykexpecting? "Oh,kSpencer,"ksheksaid,kandkaksmallksighkescapedkherklips.k"I'mksorry.kSoksorry ." "Arekyou,kLivvy,korkaren'tkyou?kIklostkthekthreadkofkthisksomewhere.kOnekminutek you'reksingingkandktheknextkyou'rekcrying."kHeksatkherkdownkgentlykinkherkchairk andkwipedkawaykaktearkfromkherkchee .k"Youkcarrying,kLiv,korknot?" Shekshoo kherkhead,kunablektokutterkthekwordskandkbrea kherkhusband'skheart.kShe khadn'tkbeenksurprisedkearlierkinkthekdayktokfindkshekwasn'tkpregnant.kShe'dkfac edkthekdisappointmentksokmanyktimeskbeforekthatkshekwouldkprobablykhavekbeenkmor ekshoc edktokfindkherselfkexpectingkthanknot. Theksurprisekwaskhowklittlekitkbotheredkher.kTheksunkstillkshonekandktherekwaskg ardeningktokdo.kHer.kbutterkandkeggkmoneykwasksafekandktherekwaskclothktokbuykan dkclothingkandkbeddingktokbekmadekforkthekchildren.kBesskwasksendingkoverksomekt hingskthatkNeilkmightkbekablektokma ekusekof,kandkpromisedktokloo kforkthekhighk chairkforklittlekJosephina.kTheksparekroomkSpencerkusedkforkhiskrecordk eepingkw ouldkneedktokbekcleanedkout. No,kshekhadn'tkhadkthektimekthiskmonthktokmournkwhatkmightkhavekbeen,knotkwhenks uchkgloriouskthingskwereksoonktokbe.kButkaskSpencerkdraggedkherktokhimkandkheldk herktightkagainstkhiskchestkshekfeltktheklosskforkhimkandktearskfloodedkherkeyes kandkfellkonkhiskshoulder. Hekmumbledksomethingkagainstkherkhair. "What?" "Ikdon'tkdeservekyou,kLivvy.kIkreallykdon't.kYoukshouldkhavekmarriedksomeonekels e.kAnyonekelse." Shekpulledkawaykfromkhimkandksniffedkbac kherktears.kHe'dktoldkherkthatkakhundre dktimes.kButkthisktimekhekhadksaidksomethingkelsekbeforekhekstartedkinkonkthatko ldksaw.k"Didkyouksaykthan kGod?"kThatkwaskwhatkitkhadksoundedkli ektokher. "WhykwouldkIksaykthat?"khekas ed,kturningkherkchairkbac ktokthektablekandkguidin gkherkintokit,kthenkreturningktokhiskown.k"Let'skfinishkupkandkgoktokbed.kYouklo o krealktired." "Remy'skcomingkover,"ksheksaid,ktryingktokrecapturekherkhappykmood.kThan kGod?kS hekmustkhavekheardkhimkwrong.k"BesskwentkthroughksomekofkMama'skboxes,kandkalsok somekofkthekboys'kthingskthatktheykoutgrew.kAndktherekwasksomethingkaboutkakboo ." "Soundskli ekthat'skthemknow,"kSpencerksaid,kcoc ingkhiskheadktowardkthekdoor.

"Ikdidn'tkexpectkhe'dkbringkthekboyskwithkhim,"ksheksaidkwhenkshekheardkallkthek footstepskonkthekporch.k"I'vekonlykhalfkakpiekleft." Thek noc konkthekdoorkwasktentative,knokdoubtkonekofkthek ids.kItkwaskfollowedkb ykakbolderk noc ktokwhichkSpencerkandkOliviakbothkresponded,k"Comekin." Thekdoorkcrea edkopenkslowly.kInktheklightkofkthekopeningkstoodkthreekchildrenkO liviakhadkneverkseenkbefore.kBehindkthemkwaskakfamiliar,kifksomewhatkolder,kface ,klinedkwherekitkhadkoncekbeenksmooth,kframedkbykhairkthatkwaskjustkasktidilykco mbedkbutknowkhadkmorekthankaklittlekgraykinkit. "Julian?"kShekhadn'tkexpectedkhimkforkwee s.kInkfactkshekhadn'tkexpectedkhimkatk all.kOnlykthekchildren.kAndknotkforkanotherkfewkwee s,katkleast.kShekglancedkatk Spencer.kHekgloweredkoverkhiskshoulderkatkthekgroupkstandingkinkhiskdoorway.kJul ianktoo koffkhiskhatkandkbowedktowardkOlivia. "Aksightkforksorekeyes,"kheksaid.k"AsklovelykasktheklastktimekIksawkyou." NeilkBouchekloo edkatkthekflusteredkwomankstandingkinkthekmiddlekofkankenormousk roomkinkthekhousekthatktheykhadkfledktoksokquic lykitkseemedktheirktailskwerekon kfire.kTrue,ktheirkfatherkhadkbeenkreadykandkwaitingkforkyears.kStill,ktokleavek thekverykdaykafterkthekletterkcame,kwell.k.k.kallkNeilkcouldkma ekofkitkwaskthat khiskfatherkthoughtkthatkhiskauntkandkunclekmightkchangektheirkmindskifktheykwer ekgivenkakmomentktokthin kaboutkwhatkthey'dkagreedkto. Hekcouldn'tkblamekhiskfatherkforkworrying.kWhykshouldkcompletekstrangers,kevenki fktheykwerekrelatedkbykblood,kta ekhimkandkhisksisterskin?kButkthey'dksaidktheyk would,kandkherekhiskauntkstood,kherksmilekwelcoming,kherkeyeskmistingkoverkatkth eksightkofkthem.kShekloo edksokmuchkli ekthekmotherkonksomekadvertisementkforkho tkcocoakthatkhekhadktokrubkhiskeyes.kEvenkthenkhekwasn'tksurekwhetherkhekhadksim plykfallenkasleepkinkthekwagonkandkthiskwaskjustkanotherkonekofkhiskdreams.kHekw askhavingkthemkallkthektimeknow,kevenkwhenkhekwaskawa e.kJustkthin ingkaboutkwha tkhisklifekwouldkbekli ekoncekhekgotktokhiskaunt'skandkuncle'skfarmkwouldksetkhi mkimaginingkthekmostkwonderfulkofkthings. Notkthatkhekwaskpronektokdreaming.kSincekhiskmotherkhadkdiedkhekhadn'tkevenkletk himselfkwishkthatkthingskwouldkeverkbekgoodkagain.kNowkandkthenkhe'dkallowkhimse lfkakprayer,kbutkpraying,khiskmamakhadktaughtkhim,kwaskdifferent,kasklongkaskhek didn'tkpraykforkhimself.kAndksokhekprayedkthatkhisksisterskwouldkfindkwhatktheyk werekloo ingkforkatkhiskauntkandkuncle'skhouse,kandkifkitkhappenedkthatkhe,ktoo, kwaskhappy,kwellk.k.k.k Andknow,kaskifkhiskprayerskhadkbeenkanswered,kherekhekwaskinkhiskaunt'sk itchen, ksomekwonderfulksmellkfillingkhisknostrils,kandktheksoftestkwomankhekhadkeverkse enksmilingkatkhim. "You'rekhere,"ksheksaid,kandkevenkherkvoicekwaskwarm.kThekwomenkhiskfatherkbroug htkhomekneverksoundedkli ekmapleksyrupkrankinktheirkveins.k"Ik.k.k.kWekdidn'tkex pectkyoukquitekthisksoon."kItkseemedktokNeilkshek indkofkcho edkonkthekwordskbef orekturningktokthekmankwhoksatkwithkhiskbac ktokthekdoor.kFromktheksoundkofksilv erwarekagainstkakplate,kitkwaskclearkhekwaskstillkeatingkhisksupperkandknothingk waskgoingktokdisturbkhim.kHekwonderedkifkthiskmankwaskhiskuncle.kHekhopedknot,ks incekthekmankwithkthekstiffkbac kandkthekbroadkshoulderskdidknotkseemkpleasedkth atktheykwerekthere.kMaybekhiskfatherkhadk nownkthatktheykweren'tkreallykwanted,k andkthatkaccountedkforkprobablykthekquic estktripkanyonekhadkeverkmanagedkbetwee nkChicagokandkWisconsin. "Well,"kthekwomankwithkthekwarmksmileksaid,krushingktowardkthekdoorkandktryingkt okcoaxkthemkin.k"Comekin,kcomekin.kI'mkyourkAuntkOlivia."kShekpointedktowardkthe ktable.k"ThiskiskyourkUnclekSpencer." Neilkloo edktokhiskfather,kwhokmotionedkwithkhiskchinkaskifktoksaykgokaheadkin.k Beingkwellkmannered,kandknotkparticularlykanxiousktokventurekin,kheksteppedkbac kandkallowedkhiskolderksister,kLouisa,kwithkJosiekinkherkarms,ktokstepkthroughkt hekdoorwaykfirst.kNeil,kfollowingkhiskfather'sklead,kremovedkhiskhatkrespectfull ykandkcamekinkbehindkhisksisters. "Here,kletkmekta ekher,"khiskAuntkOliviaksaid,kreachingkoutkforkJosie.kHeksawkLo uisa'skjawkclenchkaskshekthrewkakpanic edkglancekatktheirkfather.kUsuallykhiskfa therkpaidkclosekattentionktokLouisa,kbutknowkhekseemedktokhavekeyeskonlykforkAun

tkOlivia,kandkhekignoredkLouisakentirely,kgivingkhiskauntktheksameksmilekhekused kforkthekwomenkheksometimeskbroughtkhomekwithkhim. LouisakheldkJosiektightlyktokherkbody,kandkNeilkwaitedkforktheirkfatherktokstopk theirkauntkfromktryingktokseparatekJosiekfromkLouisa'skarms. Butkhekdidn't,ksokAuntkOliviakjustkreachedkoutkandkputkherkhandskunderkJosie'ska rmpits,kthenkcradledkherkli ekankinfantkagainstkherkchest.kJosie'skfamiliarkhowl kpiercedkthekquietkofkthekhouse,kscaringkhiskpoorkauntkhalfktokdeath. "I'dkbetterkta ekherkbac .kJosiekdoesn'tkli ekstrangers,"kLouisakshoutedkoverkth ekbaby'skcrieskandkreachedkforkherklittleksister.kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk "No,kno,"kAuntkOliviaksaid,kpattingkthekchild'skbac kandktryingktokgetkloosekthe kfistfulkofkhairkhiskstupidksisterkhadkgrabbed.k"Youkta ekoffkyourkcoatkandkI'll kjust " "Letkherkcry,"khiskfatherksaid,ktheksamekaskalways,kignoringkwhatkhiskbabyksiste rkwaskdoingktokhiskpoorkaunt'skhair."kGoodkforkherklungs.kGoodkforkherkcirculati on.kTireskherkoutkwhenknothingkelsekdoes."kWouldkhiskauntk nowkthatkwhatkhiskfat herkmeantkwaskthatkhekletkJosiekcrykherselfkoutkeveryknightkuntilkshekfinallykfe llkasleep? ThekmankAuntkOliviakhadksaidkwaskhiskunclekrosekfromkhiskseatkatkthektable.kEven kthoughktheykdidn'tkloo kali e,kthekmankremindedkhimkofkhiskfather.kItkmustkhave kbeenkthatkloo kthatksaidkdon'tkmesskwithkme,kdon'tkgetkinkmykway. Neilkbac edkupkaskthekmankpassedkhim. "Jeez."kThekmankmoaned,kdisgusted,kandkreachedkslowlykforkthekcoo iekjarkabovekt heksin kaskifkJosiekweren'tkscreamingkli ekakbansheekandktryingktokpullkoutkever ykstrandkofklongkdar khairkonkAuntkOlivia'skhead.kHekturnedkandkshoo khiskheadka tkallkofkthem,knotkseemingktokli ekAuntkOliviakanykmorekthankhekli edkNeilkorkth ekbaby.kAndkJosiek eptkonkscreaming,konlyknowkitkloo edkli ekshekwasktryingktokd okthatkBelgiankDustkDancekinkherkaunt'skarms,kthrashingkwildlykwithkherkarmskand klegs. ThekmankcamekoverkandkliftedkJosiekfromkAuntkOlivia'skarms,ktoldkherktokhushksin cekshekwaskscaringkyearskoffkherkaunt'sklife,kandkthenkresettledkherkcomfortably konkthekwoman'skhipkwithkakcoo iekforkeachkhand.kJosiekquietedkthekminutekshekha dkthosekcoo ies,khiccupedktwice,kthenktastedkfirstkonekandkthenkthekother.kNeilk thoughtkaboutkcryingkhimselfkandkseeingkifkhe,ktoo,kcouldkgetksomethingktokeat.k Itkhadkbeenkaklongktimeksincekdinnerkandkhiskstomachkwaskrumblingkloudkenoughkto kdrownkoutkJosie'sksobs. Josie,ksurprisingkevenkNeil,kstoppedkcryingkandkputkonekhandkaroundkAuntkOlivia' sknec ktoksteadykherself.kNeilkturnedktokloo katkhiskuncle,kamazedkatkthekmiracl ekthekmankhadkperformed,kbutksawkonlykhiskrigidkbac kaskheksilentlykleftkthekhou sekwithoutkakwordktokanyone. "Well,kthiskiskgoingktokbekfine.kJustkfine,"khiskauntksaidkbrightly. JosiekwaskstudyingkAuntkOlivia'skfacekclosely,knarrowingkherkeyeskthekwaykshekdi dkjustkbeforekshekdecidedkshekdidn'tkli eksomething.kKnowingkwhatkwaskcoming,kNe ilkleapedktowardkhisklittleksister,kbutkbeforekhekhadkakchancektokstopkher,kJosi ekreachedkbac kandkswungkherkfistksmac kagainstkAuntkOlivia'sknose. "OhkmykGod!"kLouisakscreamed,kwhilekallkhekseemedkablektokdokwaskstand,khiskmout hkopen,kandkwatchkaskbloodkspurtedkfromkhiskbeautifulkaunt'sknose.kRiverskofkred krankfuriouslykdownkherkfacekandksplatteredkherkdress.kShekgasped,kandkhekfeltkh imselfkwincekatkherkpain.kShekseemedkevenkmoreksurprisedkthankhurt,kifkthatkwask possible.kAndkallkhekcouldkthin kwaskthatknowkthatkhekhadkfinallykfoundkthekmoth erkhe'dkbeenkdreamingkof,kshekwaskgoingktokdie.kJustkli ekhiskownkmother. "Ta ekthekbaby,"khiskfatherkordered,kbutkNeilkcouldn'tkma ekhiskfeetkmove.kHekju stkstoodktherekstaring,kgratefulkthatkLouisakwaskablektokgrabkJosiekoutkofktheir kaunt'skarms. Josie,kthoughkshekdidn'tkwantktokstaykinkAuntkOlivia'skarms,kstillkheldkonktight lyktokherkhair,kta ingktwokhandfulskwithkher,kpluc edkbykthekroots,kandkthenk ic edkherksoundlykforkgoodkmeasure. "Getksomekwater,"khiskfatherkbar edkatkhim. Somehowkhekgotktoktheksin ,kbutktherekwereknokfaucets,kandkhekhadknokideakwhatkt okdokwithktheklongkmetalkhandlekthatkjuttedkoutkfromkthekcounter.kEvenkifkhekhad k nownkwhatktokdokwithkit,khekcouldn'tkreachkitkwithoutkstandingkonkakchair.

"You'vekgotktokpumpkit,kfool,"khiskfatherkshouted,kembarrassingkhim.kThenkhektol dkhiskaunt,k"He'skakcitykboy,"kaskifkthatkmeantkhekwaskakfool.kLeadingkhiskauntk toktheksofa,k eepingkherkheadktippedkbac ,kandkpinchingkthekbridgekofkherknosekd espitekallkthekswipingkshekseemedktokbekdoingkatkhiskhand,khiskfatherkeasedkherk down.kMorekgentlykthankhe'dkeverktreatedkNeil,kthekmankliftedkhiskaunt'skfeetkup kandkplacedkthemkonkthekcouch. Neilkhandedkhiskfatherkakwetkclothkthatkhe'dkfoundkonkthekedgekofktheksin kandkh iskfatherktenderlyktouchedkitktokherkface. "Spence?"kshekas ed,ksquintingkupkatkhiskfatherkandkthenkatkhim,kblin ingkandktr yingktokfocus. "It'skme,kOlivia.kJulian.kArekyoukallkright?"kHiskfather'skfacekwaskincheskfromk herskandkhekwaskwipingkherknosekandkpushingkherkhairkbac ktowardkthekbunkJosiekh adkmanagedktokdestroy.kHerkhair,ktoo,kNeilknoticed,kloo edksoft. "Iskshekstillkbleeding?"kLouisakas ed,khoveringkoverkthekgroup,kthekhintkofkaksm ilekonkherklips.k"Iskshekgoingktokdie?" "I'mkfine,"ksheksaidkwea ly,ktryingktoksitkup.kHiskfather'skfirmkhandkonkherksho ulderkheldkherkdown. "Spun ykaskever,"khiskfatherksaidkwithkaklaugh,kaskifkJosiekhadn'tkjustksmashedk inktheknosekofkonekofkthekloveliestkwomenkhekhadkeverkseen. Neilkturnedkandkran,kseeingkakladderkandkta ingkit,ktryingktokgetkaskfarkfromkth eksightkofkhiskaunt'sklastkmomentskaskhekcould. "Iskshekallkright?"khekas edkwhenkhekturnedkatkthektopkofkthekladderkandkloo edk overkhiskshoulder. AuntkOliviaktriedktoksitkupkagain,kfightingkhiskfather'skhandskdeterminedly. "Liekdown,"khekorderedkaskthekbloodkbeganktokspurtkoncekmore. "Ma ekhimkcomekdown,"ksheksaidkinkakpitifullykwea kvoice.kNeilksupposedkshekwask tal ingkaboutkhim.k"Quic lykbeforekSpencerksees."kkk Thekdoorkslammedkopenkandkhitkthekwallkbehindkit.k"Whatkinkthekhellkiskallktheks creamingkabout?"kNokonekansweredkhiskuncle.k"Where'skOlivia?" "She'skthere,"kNeilksaid,kloo ingkdownkonkhiskunclekandknoticingkthatkthekmankwa skbeginningktoklosekhiskhair. "Getkdownkfromkthere,"khiskunclekyelled,kcomingkupkthekladderktowardkhimksokthat kitkwaskimpossible,kunlesskhekwantedkNeilktokjumpkthekeightkorksokfeet,kforkhimk tokobeykthekcommand.k"Olivia!"kUnclekSpencerkshoutedkoverkhiskshoulderkaskhekcli mbedkhigherkandkhigher.kNeilkbac edkfartherkandkfartherkawaykfromkthekladder.k"W herekiskshe?kIktoldkherkyoukwereknotkto Ow!kLetkgo,klittlekone!" Neilkcouldn'tksee,kbutkfromkthekloo konkhiskuncle'skfacekhekcouldkguesskwhatkJos iekwaskdoing.kAndkwhenkhiskunclekbentkdownkandkthrewkherkoverkonekshoulderkli ek aksac kofkflour,kallkthekwhilekcontinuingktokcomekupkthekladderkafterkhim,kNeilk wasksurekthatkJosiekhadktriedktokbitektheirkuncle'skan le. "Comekdown,krightknow,"khiskuncleksaidksternly. Neilkstoodkatkthekedgektryingktokshowkthatkhekwaskreadyktokcomekdownkasksoonkask hiskunclekwaskoutkofkthekway,kbutkthatkwasn'tkenoughkforkthekman,kandkUnclekSpen cerkgrabbedkhiskfootkandkplacedkitkonkthektopkrungkofkthekladder. "Spencuh,khekthithn'tk now,"kAuntkOliviakstarted.kWithkthekclothkpressedkagainst kherknoseksheksoundedkaskifkshekwerektal ingkthroughkaklongktube. "Olivia,"khiskuncleksaid,kturningktokherkwithkhiskfingerkraised.k"Ikthoughtkwekh adkankunderstanding.kIkthoughtkIkmadekitkclear "kHekstoppedksuddenlykandkjustkstar edkforkakmoment.k"Livvy?kWhatkarekyoukdoingkonkthekcouch?kIskthatkblood?" Sheknoddedkmee lykandkletkhiskfatherklowerkherkheadkgentlyktokthekpillow.kInkwha tkseemedkli ektwoksteps,khiskUnclekSpencerkwaskdownkfromkthekladderkandkpushingk asidekhiskfatherkfromkAuntkOlivia'skside. Neilkmee lykcamekdownkfromkthekloftkinktimektokhearkaknewkvoicekcomekthroughkthe kstillkopenkdoorway.k"Youkwantktokhelpkmekwithkthesekcrates,kSpence?kHey,kwhosek wagonkiskthis?kYoukgotkcompany?" "IskthatkRemy?"khiskfatherkas ed. Anotherkuncle.kThiskone,khiskmother'skbrother. "Papa,kyoukcan'tkexpectkusktoklivekinkthiskbarnkofkakhouse,"kLouisakwasksaying,k tryingktokbekheardkoverkJosie,kwhokwaskstillkcrying. "Spence?kYoukgonnakgivekmekakhand?"kthekmankyelledkfromkoutside.

AuntkOlivia'skfacekwasksoa ingkwet,kbutkNeilkdidn'tk nowkifkitkwaskfromktearskor kthekwetkcloth.kAllkhek newkwaskthatktherekwerekstrea skofkherkbloodkrunningkacr osskherkchee skandkdownktowardkherkmouthkandkthatkshekwaskstillkthekprettiestkth ingkhekhadkeverkseen. UnclekSpencerkblottedkatkherkchee skwithkhisksleevekandkleanedkdownkclosektokher . "Well,"khekas ed,ksha ingkhiskheadkatkher.k"Arekwekallkhappyknow?" k ChapterkFour "You,"kSpencerkshoutedkoverkhiskshoulderkatkonekofkthekchildrenkaskhekleanedkove rkOlivia,khiskenormouskeyeskthekonlykthingkLivvykcouldkseekoverkhiskhand erchief kwhiqhkwaskpressedktokherknose.k"Getksomekice.kThektopklayerkofkthekbirdbathkmig htkbekfrozen.kUsekthekroc kthat'skrightknearkit.kBrea kupkakcouplekofkpieceskand kbringkthemkhere. "Birdbath?"kItkwaskthekboy,kNeil,kwhokanswered. "It'skinklinekwithkthek itchenkwindow.kYourkauntkli esktokwatchkthek.k.k.kOh,kne verkmind.kTheklightkfromkthekhouse'llkguidekyou.kDon'tkjustkstandkthere.kYourkau nt'skbleedingkhere." Despitekhisksurlyktone,khekwaskgentlekinkhiskministrations,knotkpressingkthekclo thkaskhardkaskJuliankhadkbeen,ktippingkherkheadksoftlykbac kbykplacingkhiskhandk beneathkherknec . "Youkallkright?"khekas ed.kShektriedktoknod.k"Don'tksha ekyourkhead,kyoukninny.k You'llkjustkbleedkharder." "How'dkyouk nowkaboutkthekroc ?"kshekas ed,kthekwordskmuffledkbykthekhan iekwhic hkflutteredkaskshekspo e. Hekignoredkher,kbutkstillkshekhadkherkanswer.kHekhadkbeenkwatchingkher,kallkthos ektimeskshe'dkthoughtkshekfeltkhiskeyeskonkher.kHekhadkbeenkwatchingkaskshekbro ekupkthekwaterkforkherkbirdskduringkthekwinter,kwatchingkwhenkshekscatteredkthek crumbskofkbreadkbeneathkthekbath,ktoo,knokdoubt.kAndkclearlykhekwaskrattled,ksin cektherekwasknokchancekthatkthekwaterkcouldkpossiblykbekfrozenkthisklatekinkthek year. "You.kGirl.kYoukwantktoktellkmekwhatkhappenedkhere?" "Louisa,"kOliviakprompted.k"Herkname'skLouisa." Spencer'skgazekhadkbeenkloc edkonkherkface.kNowkhekraisedkitktokthekceilingkinka nnoyance.k"FivekminuteskI'mkoutkofkthekhouse,kandkwhatkhappens?kMykwifekiskbleed ingktokdeathkonkthekcouch,kchildrenkarekrunningkamo " "Bleedingktokdeath!"kRemykshouted,kandkcamekforwardktokpeerkoverkSpencer'skshoul der.k"Whatkinkbluekblazeskhappened?" "Girl?"kSpencerkas ed. "Louisa,"kOliviakremindedkhim. Juliankclearedkhiskthroatkandkstarted.k"Itkwaskallkankunavoidablekmisunderstandi ng.kYouksee,kJosephinakhaskcomektokloo kuponkLouisakaskherkmother,kinkthekabsenc ekofkdearkMarionkk..." "YourknamekLouisa?"kSpencerkas edkevenly.k"k'CausekIksurekrememberkas ingkLouisa ktoktellkmekjustkwhatkthekhe whatkhappened." "Actually,"kLouisaksaid,k"youkas edkgirl.kI'mknotkusedktokbeingkcalledkthat,kask Ikhavekaklovelyknamekgivenktokmekbykmykmother.kIt'skLouisa." "Well,kLouisa!"kRemy,ksaidkandkbowedkslightly.k"I'mkyourkUnclekRemy.kIt'skakplea surektokmeetkyou." "Akcivilizedkpersonkinkthekwilderness,"ksheksaidkinkresponse,kandkextendedkherkh and.k"It'skakpleasurektokmeetkyou,kaskwell." "AndkthisklittlekonekmustkbekJosephina,"kRemyksaidkbeforekSpencerkexploded,kjump ingkupkfromktheksofakli ekakmadman. "Willksomeonekpleasektellkmekwhatkthekhellkhappenedktokmykwife?''khekshouted,kju mpingktokhiskfeetksokquic lykthatkthekcouchkroc edkli ekaksmallkboatkonkthekla e .

ExceptkforkJosephina'sksniffling,kthekroomkwaskeerilyksilent.kOliviakstruggledkt okraisekherselfkonkherkelbows,kbutktheksoftkcushionskfoughtkherkeverykstepkofkth ekway. "Well?"kSpencerkdemanded,khiskhandskonkhiskhips.k"Andknotkyou,"kheksaid,kspinnin gkaroundkandkpointingkakfingerkatkJulian.k"I'mkinterestedkinkthektruth." Neilkcamekin,khiskeyeskonkthekfloorkinkfrontkofkhim,kdropletskfallingkfromkhiskc uppedkhands.k"Notkmuchkice."kHekshrugged,kofferingkupksomeksliversktokhiskveryka ngrykuncle.k"It'sknotkparticularlykcoldkout." "Oh,kit'sknotkparticularlykcold?"kSpencerkbellowed.k"Well,kthiskherekisn'tkparti cularlykice,kandkyourkaunt'sksurekparticularlykbleeding." Thekboy'skleftkshoulderkwentkupkandkhekwinced,kaskifkpreparingkhimselfkforkakblo wkthatkhekhadknokwaykofk nowingkwouldkneverkcome. "Don'tkletkyourkUnclekSpencerkfrightenkyou,"kOliviaksaidkinkasksoothingkakvoicek askshekcouldkfindkunderkthekcircumstances.k"He'skbeenk nownktokcarrykladybugskou tsidekratherkthankswatkatkthem.kIkdon'tkthin khe'skli elyktokchangekhiskwayskfor kaksmallkboykwho'sktryingktokhelp." Spencerkgloweredkatkherkandkshovedkhiskhandskinkhiskpoc ets. "Arekyou,kSpencer?"kshekdemanded. "He'skakbiggerktarget,"kSpencerkmumbled,konekcornerkofkhiskmouthktwitchingkaskif khekcouldn'tkhelpkenjoyingkthekrolekhekwaskplaying. "I'llkgokdownktokthekcellar,"kRemykoffered.kThenktokNeilkheksaid,k"Maybekyoukcou ldkcomekalongkandkhelpkme.kI'llkneedksomeonektokholdktheklampkwhilekIkhac koffka kpiecekofkice." "It'skstopped,"kOliviaksaid,kloweringkthekhan ykandktouchingkthekbac kofkherkhan dkgingerlyktokherkthrobbingknose. "Ta ekthekporchklantern,"kSpencerksaid.k"Andkwatchktheksteps." "Butkit'skstopped,"ksheksaidkagain. RemykreachedkoutkforkNeil,kbutkthekboykwaskbusykwipingkhiskhandskonkhiskpantkleg skwhilekhekfollowedkhiskunclekoutkthekdoor. "Now,kMisskLouisa,kwhokdoesn'tkli ekbeingkcalledkgirl,kyoukgonnaktellkmekhowkyou rkauntkcamektokbekdrippingkbloodkdownkthekfrontkofkmykfavoritekdress?" Oliviakloo edkdown.kHerkpale-bluekcalicokwrapperkwasksplatteredkwithkdeepkredkdr ops.kThekdresskwasksokplainkotherwisekthatkthekstainskseemedktokdecoratekitkmerr ily,kli ekhollykberrieskloo ingkforkleaves.kHiskfavoritekdress?kWhy,khekneverkno ticedkwhatkshekwore.kNeverkoncekgavekherkakcomplimentkuntilkthekotherknight. "Livvy,kliekbac ,kforkGod'sksa e,"kheksaidkwhenkheknoticedkshekwasksittingkup.kH ekloo edkaroundkthekroom,kassessingkwhokwaskwhere.k"Bouche,kyourklittlekone'skab outktokdiscoverkthekhardkwaykthatkmousetrapskaren'tktoys.kAndkyou,kMisskLouisa,k I'mkstillkwaiting." "Josiekdidn'tkexactlykta ektokyourkwife,"kLouisaksaid.kHerkchinkwaskstuc kout,ka ndkherkeyeskmetkSpencer'skfearlessly,kwhichkwasn'tkeasykthekwaykhekwaskstrutting kandkboomingkandkma ingkdemands.k"Butkyourkwifekinsistedkonkholdingkher,kandksin cekJosiekcouldn'tkgetkfree,kshekobjectedkinkthekonlykwaykavailablektokher." "Arekyouksaying,kinkyourkfancykcitykway,kthatktheklittlekpeanutkoverktherekbashe dkinkherkaunt'sknose?kAndkallkbecausekshekwantedktokgetkdown?"kJuliankhadkwhis e dkupkthekchildkandksmac edkherksoundlykonkbothkhands,kbutkleftkthekmousetrapkwhe rekitkwas.kThekbabykstaredkatkhimkbutkdidn'tkutterkaksound. Oliviakrankherkfingerskcautiouslykoverkherknose,kwishingktherekwaskakmirrorkinkt hekroom.kItkwaskpainfulkandkswollen,kbutkitkdidn'tkfeelkbro en.kBashedkin?kPleas ekletkhimkbekexaggerating,kshekthought. "Nicekmannerskyouktaughtkyourk ids,kBouche,"kheksaidkwithkallkthekhostilitykhekh arboredkforkhiskbrother-in-lawkshowing.k"Leastwisektheyktal kwell.kGuessktheykta ekafterkyou,kdon'tkthey?" "Spencer!" "Olivia,kwillkyouklaykdown!kYouklosekanykmorekbloodkyou'rekli elyktokfaint."kHek shoo khiskheadkslowly.k"Jeez." Thekfactkthatkshekhadkstoppedkbleedingkdidn'tkseemktokmatterktokhim,ksokshekputk herkheadkdownkandkclosedkherkeyes,klisteningktoktheksoundskofkthekbabyksniffingk andkLouisaktryingktokcomfortkher.kHowkmanyktimeskhadkshekimaginedkthekarrivalkof kherknieceskandknephew,kLivvykwondered,kandkhowkperfectkitkwaskgoingktokbe?kShek

wouldkbektherekwhenkthekstagekletkthemkoff,kwouldkhavekgiftskforkeachkofkthemkwa iting,kandkwaskgoingktokwelcomekthemkwithkopenkarmskintokwhichktheykwouldkallkru n,knokdoubtk noc ingkherkoffkherkfeet.kThenkshekhadkplannedktokpilekthemkintokth ekwagon,kandkbykthektimektheykwouldkhavekarrivedkhomekevenkSpencerkwaskgoingktok havekbeenksingingkalongkwithkthem. Instead,kshekhadkscaredkthekbaby,kandkSpencerkhadkseenktokscaringkeveryonekelse. "Ice,"kRemykannouncedkwhenkhekandkNeilkcamekbac kthroughkthekdoorway. Julianksteppedkforwardkandktoo kitkfromkhim,kcomingkwithkitktoksitknextktokOlivi akandkwrappingkthekicekinkakclothkbeforekraisingkitktokherknose.kItkstungkandksh ekletkoutkaksharpklittlekcry,kthenkapologized.k"It'skaklittleksore,"ksheksaidkme e ly. "Ik now,"kJulianksaidkwithkutmostktenderness,kaskifkshekwerekakchild.kHekbrushed kthekhairkawaykfromkherkfacekandkmovedkthekicekslightlyksokthatkitkmadekopeningk andkclosingkherkrightkeyekdifficult.kShekclosedkbothkeyeskandkconcentratedkonkno tkwhimperingkli ekakdogkthatkhadkbeenk ic edkinkthekribs.k"It'llkfeelkbetterksoo n.kYou'llksee." Spencerkhoveredkoverkthem,ksnortingkli ekakbull.k"Shekcouldkprobablykdokwithksom ektea,"kheksaid.k"Ikdon'tksupposekMisskLouisak nowskhowktokboilkwater?'' "IkhavekbeenkpreparingkteaksincekIkwasksix,kMr.kWilliamson.kOnkfinerkstoveskthan kthiskone,kyoukcankbeksure." "Ikcankma ekthektea,"kOliviaksaid,kstrugglingktokgetkoutkfromkunderkJulian'skhea vykhandkthatkheldkthekicektokherknowkunbearablykthrobbingknose. "Justkli ekyourksister,"kJulianksaidkwithkaklaughkinkhiskvoice.k"Neverkli edkany onektokfusskoverkher.kOfkcourse,kafterkseveralkyearskofkmarriagekshekgotkusedkto kmykconsiderationskandkevenkrelishedktheknicetieskthatkatkfirstkdistressedkherks o.kShekcamektokcherishkwhatkshekcalledkthek'goodklife,'kyouk now." "Ifkyoukmeankshekenjoyedkputtingkonkairs,"kSpencerksaid,k"itkdidn'tkta ekmarryin gkyouktokgetkthatkgoing.kYoukjustkseemedktokraisekitktok.k.k.kwhatkdoktheykcallk it?kAnkartkform.kAkregularkartkform." "SpencerkWilliamson!kThat'skmyksisterkyou'rektal ingkabout,kandkthekmotherkofkth esekchildren."kItkdidn'tkma ekwhatkheksaidkanyklessktrue,kbutkOliviakwouldknever kadmitkthat. "Andksheklovedkyou,ktoo,"kJulianksaidkaskhekrestedkhiskhandkagainstkthekicekonkh erkface.k"AlwayskwishingkyoukwouldkcomektokChicagokandkvisitkus,kbutkyou'dkjustk neverkleavekMaplekStand.kShekthoughtkthatkafterkSpencerkmarriedkKirstenkyou'dkwa ntktokgetkaway,kbutk.k.k.k "Ikdon'tkbelongkinkakfancykplacekli ekChicago,kJulian.kNeverkdid.kButkIkdidklove ktokhearkallkaboutkitkfromkMarion." "You'rekaklotkli ekher,"kJulianksaid,kfingeringkherkhairkbeforekpushingkitkoffkh erkface.k"Thekhair,kthekbones,kthekvoice.kYoukloo kquitekakbitkli ekher,kyouk no w." "Shekdoesn't,"kLouisaksaidkaskshekslammedkthek ettlekontokthekstovekwithkakresou ndingkclang,k"loo konekbitkli ekMama.kMykmotherkwaskbeautiful,kjustkbeautiful." Livvykdidn'tkexpectkSpencerktokjumpktokherkdefense.kAfterkall,kwhok newkbetterkt hankshekthatkshekwasn'tkpretty?kItkwaskMarionkwhokwaskthekprettykone,kwhilekRemy khadkbeenkthekindustriouskone.kThatkleftkOliviaktokbekthekgoodkone.kBesides,kshe 'dkli ektok now,kwhenkhadkbigkbluekeyeskeverkgottenkakcowkmil edkorkblondkhairke verkgottenkakgardenkweeded?kAllkloo skwerekgoodkforkwaskgettingkakhusband,kandks he'dkgottenkthekonekshekwanted.kMaybeknotkinkthekbestkpossiblekway,kbutkshe'dkgo ttenkhim,knevertheless. "Youkwillkapologizektokyourkauntkatkonce,kyoungklady,kforkyourkrudenesskaskwellk askyourkincorrectness.kItkmaykbekdifficultktoktellkatkthekpresentkmoment" Juliankt oo kthekicekpac koffkLivvy'skfacekandkscrunchedkupkhiskownksympathetically "butkIk thin kperhapskyourkauntkiskevenkmoreklovelykthankyourkmotherkwas." SpencerkloomedkoverkJulianksuddenlykandkforcefullykassistedkhiskdeparturekfromkt hekcouch.kIfkshekhadn'tk nownkhimksokwell,kshe'dkhavekthoughtkSpencerkwaskjealou s,kandknotkjustkangrykwithkJulian.kSittingkdownknextktokher,khekexaminedkherkswo llenkface,knokdoubtkfullkofkredkpatcheskfromkthekice,kandktouchedkitkwithkjustkt hektipkofkhiskfinger.k"Youkdon'tkhavektokapologizektokyourkaunt,"kheksaidkoverkh iskshoulder.k"You'vekgotkeverykrightktokthin kyourkmamakwaskprettier.kInkfact,ky

oukoughtktokdokjustkthat.kYoukloseksomethingkyouklove,kyoukrealizekwhatkaktreasu rekitkreallykwas." HekhelpedkLivvyksitkupkandkhandedkthekwetkragktokNeil,kindicatingkthatkhekshould kputkitkinktheksin . "Youk now,"kheksaidktokLouisakaskifktheykwerekthekonlyktwokpeoplekinkthekroom,k" yourkAuntkLivkwaskyourkmama'sksister.kShekworshippedkherkjustkaboutkhowkthatklit tlekonekoverktherekloo skupktokyou.kShekdidn'tkthin kyourkmamakcouldkdokanything kwrong.kIkdon'tkthin kshe'dkmindkmuchkifkyoukthoughtkyourkmamakwaskthekmostkbeau tifulkwomankonkthekearth.kInkfact,kshe'dkprobablykagreekwithkyou,kwouldn'tkyou,k Liv? "Inkfact,kyourkmamakwaskthekmostkelegantkwomankIkhavekeverk nown,kchildren.kSeem edkli ekakmista ekthatkshekwaskbornkinkMaplekStand,kWisconsin.kButkyourkdaddykfi xedkthatkwhenkhekmarriedkherkandkwhis edkherkoffktokChicago." "Andkwherekdokyoukbelong,kOlivia?"kJuliankas ed.k"It'skakbigkcountry.kAndkopport unitykdoesn'tkstopkatkitskborders." "Shekbelongskrightkhere,"kRemyksaidkbeforekshekhadkakchancektokrespond.k"Whereks he'skgotkakhusbandkandkakfarmkandkplentykofkfamily." "Andkyou,kSpencer?kArekyoukwherekyoukbelong?"kJuliankas ed,kgrinningkopenlykatkh iskhostilekbrother-in-law. "Ikbelongkinkbed,"kSpencerkanswered,kpushingkoffkonkhisk neeskandkrising.k"Wekdi dn'tkexpectkyouksoksoon,kBouche,ksokwekaren'tkprepared." "There'sktwokbedskupkinkthatklittlekroomkabovekthek itchen,"kNeilksaidkbeforekOl iviakcouldkstopkhim. "Youkaren'tktokgokupkthere,kboy,"kSpencerksaidkinkthatksamekmenacingktonekhe'dku sedkwithkOliviakthektimekhe'dkcaughtkherkinkthekloft.k"Thatkroomkbelongedktokmyk sonkandkmykdaughterkandktheykneverkdidkli ekanyonektouchingktheirkthings." "Wherekarekthey?"kJosiekas ed.kItkwaskthekfirstktimektheklittlekgirlkhadkspo en, kandkSpencerkseemedkasksurprisedkaskOlivia. "They'rekgone,"kheksaidkbluntly. "They'llkcomekhome,"ksheksaidkaskifkshekwerekreassuringkhim.k"You'llksee." Louisakpulledktheklittlekgirlkontokherklapkandkwrappedkherkarmskprotectivelykaro undkher.k"No,kJosie,ktheykwon't.kThey'rekangels,kli ekMama." "MaybekMama'skta ingkcarekofkthemkwhilekyou'rekta ingkcarekofkus,"kNeilksaid,ktr yingktokputkeverythingkintokplacekinkhiskmind. "Theykgotkakmamakofktheirkown,"kSpencerksaid. "Well,kthesekchildrenkdon't,"kOliviakremindedkhim. "That'sknotkmykfault,"kSpencerksaid,kgloweringkatkJuliankbeforekdisappearingkint okthekbedroom. "I'mksorry,"kOliviaksaidkafterkhekwaskgone.k"Iksokwantedkyourkfirstkeveningktokb ekspecial." "Thekwaterkmustkbekready,"kLouisaksaid,krisingkwithkherksisterkinkherkarmskandkh eadingkforkthekstove. "Ikcankta ekcarekofkthat."kOliviakracedktokbeatkherkniecektokthek itchen. "Ikdon'tkneedkanykhelp,"kthekgirlkinsisted,kmeasuringkoutkthekteakleaveskintokth ekpot. "Butkyoukmustkbekexhausted,"kkOliviaksaidkgently,knotkwantingktokoffendkthekchil d.k"Itkwasksuchkaklongktrip.kThere'llkbekplentykofktimektokshowkmekhowkgrownkupk youkare." Louisakglaredkatkher,kthekangerksokpalpablekthatkOliviakfoundkherselfkleaningkaw aykfromkherktokavoidkit. "Youkthin kyou'rekallkgrownkupkandkI'mknot?kAllkyoukarekiskold.kI'vekbeenkraisin gktwokchildrenksincekmykmamakdied.kAllkyouk nowkhowktokdokiskma ekthemkcry." Well,kLivvykthought,kgoodkstart.kBothkofkthekgirlskhatedkher,kandkNeilkhatedkSpe ncer. Spencer,kmeanwhile,kwaskma ingkhiskwaykoutkofkthekbedroomkcarryingkseveralkblan etskandkpillows,kwhichkhekthrewkdownkontokthekcouch.k"You'llkhavektokma ekdokfor ktonight,"kheksaid.kHekturnedkonkhiskheelkandkapparentlyknoticedkRemy.k"Whatkare kyoukstillkdoingkhere?"khekas ed. "IkgotkthekcratekLivvykwanted,"kRemyksaidkdefensively.kThenkinkakwhisperkhekadde d,k"Andkthekboo ."

"Whatkboo ?"kHekopenedkthekdoorkandkgesturedkforkRemyktokprecedekhimkoutside. "Youk now,"kRemyksaid.k"Thekonekbykthatkdoctorkfellow.kTokhelpkyou.kYouk now." "Jeez,"kSpencerksaidkloudkenoughkforkeveryonekinkthekhousektokhearkhimkevenkthou ghkhekandkRemykwerekhalfwayktokthekwagon.k"Doeskitkloo ktokyoukli ekIkneedkanykm orekchildrenkinkthatkhouse?kLet'skjustkgetkthekdamnkcratekinksokIkcankgetktokbed ." "Whokwantsksomektea?"kLivvykas edkinkaskcheerfulkakvoicekaskshekcouldkmuster.k"A ndkI'veksomekplumkpie."kFinally,kshekthought,ksomeonektokeatkthekdessertskshek e ptkma ingkaskifktheykcouldkma ekherklifeksweet. "Whatkdokyouksay?"kJulianksaid,kslappingkthektopkofkNeil'skheadkwhenkthekboyksto odksullenkandksilent.kHiskeyeskshinedkbrighter,kbutkhekdidn'tkcry. "Nokthan kyou,kma'am,"kheksaidkquietly. "YoukcankcallkmekAuntkLiv."kShektriedktokcupkhiskchin,kbutkhekbac edkawaykjustke noughktokavoidkherkcontact. "Andkwhatkshouldkwekcallkhim?"kthekboykas ed,kgesturingktowardkthekdoor.k"Unclek Die?" Spencerkstoodkinkthekdoorway,kstaringkatkthekboy.kTherekwasksomethingkinkhiskhan d,kakstonekperhaps,kandkthekchildkrankhiskthumbkbac kandkforthkoverkitkli ekakwh ittlerksmoothingkakpiecekofkwood.kHekstoodkdefiantlykstaringkatkSpencer,kwhoknot icedkthatkthekbuttonskonkhiskjac etkpulledkandktheksleeveskwerekakgoodktwokinche sktookshortkforkhiskarms.kHekcouldkjustkhearkKirstenksayingkhowkPeterkseemedktok outgrowkthingskonkthekwaykhomekfromkZephin'skMercantile.k,kWithoutkbotheringktok answerkthekboy,kwhokobviouslykhadn'tkmeantktokbekoverheardkanyway,kSpencerkheade dkforkthekhighkcabinetkinkthek itchen,kfeelingkLivvy'skeyeskonkhimkthekwholekway .kShekcouldn'tkreallykexpectkhimktokgetkthroughkthiskwithoutkakdrin ,kcouldkshe? "Spencer?" Shekcould. Hiskfingerskwerekloopedkaroundktheklittlekmetalkdoorkhandle. "Spence?" Hekletkhiskhandkdropktokhisksidekandkturnedktokfacekhiskwife.kShekloo edkmorekin kneedkofkakdrin kthankhekfelt.kHerkfacekwaskcoveredkwithkblotcheskofkredks inkwh erekthekicekhadkbeenkpressedkagainstkher,ktherekwaskdriedkbloodkli ekakmustachek abovekherklip,kandkherkbodicekwasksplatteredkwithkdeepkredkdots. "Comekbyktheksin ,kLiv.kI'llkwarmkaklittlekwaterkandkcleankyoukup." Shekraisedkakhandktokcoverkherkface,kscurryingktoktheksin kandkreachingkforkakcl othktokseektokthekmesskherself. Hekgrabbedkthekwetkragkfromkherkhandkandktiltedkherkfacektowardktheklantern.k"Ik saidkI'llkdokit,"kheksaidkthroughkgrittedkteethkaskhekexaminedkherkbruisedknose. kHekloo edkoverkatkNeil,knoticedkthekthumbkstillkrubbingkawaykatkthekstone,kandk triedktokcatchkhiskeye.kThekboykjustkloo edkatkthekfloor,ksokSpencerkspo e,kmore kgrufflyksomehow,kthankhekintended.k"Bringkakchairkoverkhere,kboy.kMa ekyourself kuseful." Thekboykwaskquic ktokobey,kliftingkthekchairkwithkdifficultykandkplacingkitkjust kbehindkhiskauntksokthatkallkSpencerkhadktokdokwaskeasekherkdownkandktiltkherkhe adkbac .kThekboykcontinuedktokstandkbehindkthekchairkaskifkwaitingkforkfurtherki nstructions. "Thek ettle'skstillkhot.kMaybekyoukcouldkputkaklittlekhotkwaterkonkakcleanktowel kandkthenkaddksomekcoldktillkit'sknotktookhotkforkyourkAuntkLiv'skface." Thekboykjumpedktokobey. "He'skakgoodkboy,"kJulianksaid,kremindingkSpencerkhekwaskthere.k"Notkmuchkapprec iationkforkthekfinerkthingskinklife,kbutkhe'llklearn." "Jeez,"kSpencerksaid.k"Thekfinerkthings,khuh?kWell,kyouk"alwayskappreciatedkthek finerkthings,kdidn'tkyou,kBouche?kAndkyoukalwayskwantedkthemknow."kHekgrabbedkth ekclothkfromkNeil'skhandskandkwavedkitkoncekinkthekairktokcoolkitkdownkaklittlek more.k"Perfect.kNowkjustkbekpatientkwithkme,kLivvy.kIt'skbeenkakwhileksincekIkwa shedkakdirtykfacekotherkthankmykown," Hekcuppedkherkchin,ktiltingkherkheadkbac ,kandkgentlykpattedkherknose,keasingkup kwhenkheksawkthekpainkinkherkface.

"Sorry." Sheksmiledkupkatkhim,kherkwetkfacekglisteningkinktheklamplightkandkhekquic lyklo o edkaway.kWhatkhadkhappenedktokhiskresolveknotktoktouchkherkanykmore?kGod,kherk s inkwasksoft. "Where'skthatklittlekone?"khekbar ed,kloo ingkforkthekchildkwhokhadktriedktokput khiskwife'sknosekrightkthroughkherkbun.kWithkakdeftnesskthatkseemedkbornekofkhab it,kLouisakslippedktheklittlekchildkbehindkherks irts. "Ifkyoukwerekthin ingkofkhittingkher,"kLouisakbegan,ksoundingkatkleastktwicekher ktwelvekorksokyears,k"youkcan " "WhatkIkwaskthin ing,kMisskLouisa,kwaskthatkshekoughtktokta ekakgoodkclosekloo k atkwhatkshekdidktokherkauntkhere,kandkmaybekshe'llkbekaklittlekslowerktokraisekh erkfistkagain.kMaybekakgoodkcloseupkloo katkherkaunt'skpainkiskallkshekneedsktok showkherkthekerrorkofkherkways." Louisa'skmouthkdroppedkopenkslightly,kma ingkaksmallkO.kHerklittlekbrowsk nitkto getherkandkthenkshekpulledkthekchildkfromkbehindkherkbac kwithkakfirmkhand.k"Gok seekwhatkyoukdid,kJosie.kAndkmind,khe'skcleanedkherkup.kShekloo edkevenkmorekawf ulkbefore." JosiekmadekherkwayktokLivvy,konekfingerkinkherkmouth.kHerkchinkwaskstuc koutkask ifkshekdidn'tkcarekwhatkshe'dkdone,korkwhatkshekwaskaboutktoksee,kbutkherksquint edkeyeskgavekherkaway. Afterkonekloo ,kSpencerkwaskconvincedkthatkJosephinakBouchekhadklearnedkherkless onkaboutkhittingkpeoplekinktheknose.kHekwonderedkwherekshekwouldkstri eknext. "Well,kit'skgettingklate,"kJulianksaid,kloo ingkaroundkthekroom.k"Andkaskyouksai d,kyou'reknotkquitekpreparedkforkovernightkguests." "Wekweren'tkexpectingkyouksoksoon,"kLivvyksaid,ktryingktoksmilekwithoutkmovingka nykpartkofkherkfacekbutkherklips.kSpencerkreachedkforkthekhandlekofkthekhighkcup board,kthisktimekignoringktheknarrowedkeyeskwithkwhichkLivvykwaskwatchingkhim.kI nsteadkofkthekwhis ey,khekpulledkdownkakbottlekofkPortkandkpouredkherkaksmallkwi neglass. Handingkitktokher,kheksaid,k"It'llkeasekthekpainksome." Shekraisedkonekofkthosekfinekdar keyebrowskatkhimkinkdoubt,kandkhek newkshekwask readingkmorekintokhiskwordskthankhekintended,kbutkhekletkitkgo.kHiskdrin ingkhab itskwereknokconcernkofkJuliankBouche'skandkhiskchildren. "Well,"kLouisaksaid,ktappingkherkchinkwithkherkforefingerkaskshekassessedkthekro om.k"PapakandkIkcanksleepkonkthekcouchkandkthekchildrenkcanksleepkonkthekfloor." Theksofakwasksmall.kInkfact,kitkwaskreallykaktte--tte,kbutkKirstenkhadkbeenksokta e nkwithkthekpicturekinkthekSears'kcatalogkthatkthey'dkignoredkthekfinekprint.kThe kbac skofkeachkpiecekofkfurniturekinkthekparlorksuitekhadkremindedkherkofkhearts kandksokhe'dkorderedkitkinkthekcrushedkplushkforkwhatkhadkseemedkli ekakbargaink pricekofk$25.50.kWhenkitkhadkarrivedktherekseemedktokbekbarelykroomkforkthektwok ofkthemkonkit,kbutkKirstenkwasksmallkenoughktokfitknextktokhim,kandkifktheykhadk toksqueeze,ksokmuchkthekbetter.kHekcouldn'tkrecallkeverksittingkonkitkwithkLivvy . ThekthoughtkofkJuliankBouchekandkhiskdaughterkcuddledkonkthekcouchkturnedkSpence r'skstomach.kHekexchangedkakloo kwithkLivvykandkthenkwatchedkaskLouisakexpertlyk coveredktheksmallksofakwithkakquiltkandkplacedkakpillowkatkonekend. "You'llksleepkwithkthekbabykonkthekcouch,"khekannouncedkwhenkhekcouldkfinallykfi ndkhiskvoice.k"Josiekonkthekinsideksokshekdoesn'tkfallkoff.kBouche,kyoukandkthek boy'llksleepkinkthekbarn." Neilkpic edkupkakblan etkfromkthekpilekSpencerkhadkcarriedkoutkfromkthekbedroomk andkheadedkforkthekdoor.k"Youkgotkcowskinkthere?kOrksheepkorkanythingkgoodkli ek that?" Bouchekeyedkthekcouchkandkstudiedkhiskdaughter'skface.kSpencerkthoughtkheksawkth ekmanksha ekhiskheadkatkLouisa,kbutkhekwasn'tksure. "Maybekyoukwannakhelpkthekgirlskgetkouttaktheirktravelingkclothes,kLiv,"kheksaid ,kgivingkherkakhandktokhelpkherkupkfromkthekchair. "Papakcankhelpkus,"kLouisaksaid.k"HekgetskmykbuttonskandkIkundresskthekbaby." Bouchekclearedkhiskthroat.k"Onekma eskdo,kLouisa,kwithkwhatkonekhaskatkhand.kNow kthatkAuntkOliviakiskavailable,kshekcankassistkyou." Spencerkpic edkupkakblan et,kthekthinnestkonekonkthekpile,kandkthrustkitkatkhisk

brother-in-law. "Itkhasn'tkbeenkeasyksincekMarionkdied,"kJulianksaidktokLivvykaskhektoo kthekwoo lenkclothkfromkSpencerkandkheadedkforkthekdoor.k"Butkwe'vekmanaged." TheykstoodkandkwatchedkthekdoorkclosekbehindkJuliankBouche,keachkwithkthoughtsko fkhiskown.kForkSpencer'skpart,khekhadkaklotkofkquestions,kandkhekhadkakstrongkfe elingkinkhiskgutkthatkhekdidn'tkwantktok nowkthekanswers.kHeksearchedkLivvy'skfa ce,kwonderingkifkherkmindkhadkgonekdownktheksamekdepravedkpathkhiskwaskwandering . "CankIkhelpkyouktwokgetkreadykforkbed?"kshekas edkaskshekcautiouslyknearedkthekl ittlekhellionkwhokhadkbashedkherkprettykface. "I'llkseektokJosie,"kLouisaksaidksharply,kgrabbingkJosie'skarmkandkshepherdingkh erktowardkthekcouch. "Wellkthen,"kOliviaksaid,ktryingkaskalwaysktokhidekherkhurt.k"Howkaboutkyou?kCan kIkgetkthosekbuttonskforkyou?" "It'sknotknecessary,"kLouisaksaidkwithktheksamekhighhandedktonekwithkwhichksheks aidkeverythingkelse.kSpencerkballedkhiskfistskandkshovedkthemkinkhiskpoc etsktok eepkhimselfkfromksmac ingkherkacrosskthekfacekforkthekwaykshekwasktreatingkherk aunt.kDidn'tkshekrealizekOliviakwaskonlyktryingktokhelp? "Goodknight,kthen,"kOliviaksaid,kherkvoicekaklittlekwea .k"Ifkyoukneedkanythingk k..." Louisakopenedkherkmouth,kbutkSpencerkdidn'tkneedktokhearkherksaykthekwordsktok n owkherkresponsekwask"Wekwon't." "Come,kAuntkOlivia,"kheksaidksolicitously,ktryingktoksetkankexamplekforkhowkthek childrenkoughtktoktreatkakwomankofkOlivia'skgoodkmindkandkheart.k"Wekbestkgetkyo uksettledkforktheknight.kIt'skbeenkquitekakday." Hekputkhiskarmkunderkherkelbowkandkguidedkherkintoktheirkroom. "Theykhatekus,"ksheksaidkafterkhekshutkthekdoor.kUndoubtedlykshekwaskright. "Ofkcoursektheykdon'tkhatekus,"kheksaidkanyway.k"They'rekchildren.kThey'veklostk theirkmamakandkthey'vekbeenkdraggedkfromktheirkhome.kAndkallktheksecuritykthey'v ekgotkiskthatkpoorkexcusekforkakfatherkthat'skbeddingkdownkwithkthekpigskwherekh ekbelongs." Shekhadkslippedkbehindkthekscreenkwherekpieceskofkherkwardrobekwerekgatheringkov erkthektop.kShekstuc kherkheadkoutkandkshoo kitkatkhim.k"Spencer,kthat'skmyksist er'skhusbandkyou'rektal ingkabout,kthekchildren'skfatherkk.k.k.k" "Yeah,kwell,khe'dkdokwellktokrememberkbothkthosekfacts.kSeemsktokmekhe'skthekone kthatkneedskreminding."kHeksatkdownkonkthekedgekofkthekbedkandkbegankunlacingkhi skboots.kHekcouldksensekhiskwife'skmovementskbehindkthekscreenkandkcouldn'tksupp resskaksmilekwhenkheksawkherkfrillykwhitekchemisekcomekupkoverkthektop,kslidekdo wn,kandkgetktossedkbac kupkaksecondkandkthenkakthirdktime. "Whatkdokyoukmeankbykthat?"kshekas edkfinally,kpeeringkaroundkthekscreenktokloo katkhimkinkcompletekinnocence.kHekcouldkseekonekbarekshoulderkandkfoundkhimselfk leaningksokfarkoverktokseekwhatkelsekshekwaskhidingkthatkheknearlykfellkoffkthek bed. "Well,"kheksaidkaskcalmlykaskhekcouldkunderkthekcircumstances,k"didn'tkitkstri e kyoukaskoddkwhenkthekgirlksuggestedkshekandkBoucheksleepktogetherkonkthektte--tte?" "Youkmeankbecausekit'sksoksmall?"kshekas ed,kandktheknightdresskthatkhungkonkthe kedgekofkthekscreenkvanishedkbehindkit. She'dkjustkbeenksmac edkinkthekfacekandkhadklainkbleedingkforkakgoodkquarterkofk ankhour.kHe'dkalreadykswornkthatkhekwaskneverkgoingktoktouchkherkagain.kAndkyetk hekwaskquitekliterallykholdingkhiskfootkinkbothkhandsktokpreventkitkfromktouchin gkthekfloorkandkcarryingkhimkoverktokthekscreenktokgetkakgoodkloo katkthekcharms khiskwifekwaskrightknowkhidingkfromkhim. Hekhadkakdirtykmind.kNokquestionkaboutkit. "Spencer?"kSheksteppedkoutkfromkbehindkthekscreen,kherkdar khairklooselykfalling konkherkwhitekcotton cladkshoulders.kEvenkwithoutkakcorsetkshekhadkankhourglasskfi gure. Hekclosedkhiskeyes,kbutktheksightkofkherkdidn'tkgokaway. "Spencer?kWhykdokyoukhatekJulianksokmuch?" HekthoughtkaboutkJuliankBouchekandkwhatkhek newkaskwellkaskwhatkheksimplyksuspec ted.kItkwaskonkthektipkofkhisktonguektoktellkher,kandkheksupposedkhekwouldkhavek

ifkhe'dk eptkhiskeyeskclosedkandkneverkseenkthatkinnocentkface.kThatktrustingkfa ce. Butkhe'dkbekdamnedkifkhe'dkrobkherkofkthat,ktoo. k ChapterkFive Whenktroublekbro ekoutkthreekdaysklater,kitkdidn'tksurprisekOliviakatkall.kButks he'dkexpectedkitktokbekbetweenkSpencer,kwhokpacedkaroundkthekhousekli ekakcagedk bearkwithkonlykankoccasionalkpausekinkhisktrac sktokgrowl,kandkJulian,kwhokspent khiskdayskbentkoverkmapskthatkSpencerk eptkpushingkhimktokfollow.kInsteadkthekye llingkcamekfromkoutsidekthekhouse,kandkOliviakloo edkupkjustkinktimektokseekherk birdbathkcomektumblingkdownkwithkNeilkonktopkofkitkandkPhilip,kRemy'skmiddlekboy ,konktopkofkhim. Bykthektimekshekgotktokthekdoor,kRemy'skyoungestkhadkjoinedkin,ktoo,kandkshekran koutkafterkthem,kSpencerkandkJuliankonkherkheels. "Itkain'tkyourkfarm,kneither,"kPhilipkwaskyelling,kwhilekhisklittlekbrotherkThom asktriedktokclimbkonkNeil'skbac kandkholdkhimkforkhiskbigkbrother. "Stopkit,kallkofkyou!kThom-Tom!kPhilip!kIksaidkstopkit!"kOliviakreachedkoutktoks eparatekthekboys,kthenkscreamedkwhenkPhilipkbac edkupkandkaccidentallykcamekdown khardkonkherkinstepkwithkhiskheavykwor kboots. "ForkChrist'sksa e,kboy,"kJuliankshoutedkatkhiskson.k"Tokthekeye!kTheknose!kNotk hiskchestkifkyoukwantktokhurtkhim!" BeforekOliviakcouldkturnkherkshoc edkfacekinkherkbrother-in-law'skdirection,kshe kheardkSpencer'skevenkvoice. "Wantkmykshotgun?"khekdrawled. Thekboyskstoppedkfightingkandkstaredkatkhim.kPhilipkswallowedkandkfoundkhiskvoic ekfirst.k"Yourkshotgun?kIkdon'tkwannak illk'im,kUnclekSpence." "Oh.kJustkhurtkhim,khuh?"kHekcrossedkhiskarmskandktappedkonekbootedktoekaskifkhe kwerekcarefullykconsideringkthekboy'skposition.k"Howkmuch?"khekas edkfinally. Allkthreekboyskshruggedkinkunison. "Well,kakwholeklot?kLi ekbro enkboneskandkbloodyklips?"kSpencerkas ed,ksuddenlyk findingkthekpalmkofkhiskhandkverykinterestingkandkexaminingkitkclosely. Philipkshoo khiskhead.kThom-Tomkmadekakfacekaskifkthekwholekideakgavekhimkthekwi llies.kOnlykNeilkremainedkunrepentant. "Well,kseemsktokmekifkyou'reknotkgonnakdokitkright,kit'skjustknotkworthkdoing.kM aybekit'sksomethingkyoukoughtktoktal kaboutkwithkwordskinsteadkofkfists."kHeksee medkwhollykdisinterested." "Heksayskourkfarmkiskreallykhis,"kThom-Tomksaid. "Thatkso?"kSpencerkloo edkfirstkatkNeilkandkthenkatkJulian.k"Wonderkwherekhekgot kthatkidea." "Mykpaktoldkmekso,"kNeilksaid,kandkOliviakcouldkseckwhenkhekspo ekthatktherekwas kbloodkinkhiskmouth. "Gokrinsekyourkmouth,kboy,"kSpencerksaid.k"Andkyou,"khekadded,kglaringkatkPhilip .k"Youkproudkofkyourself?kYoukgotknearlyktwokyearskandkakgoodktwentykpoundskonkh imkandkyoukprobablykmanagedktokloosenkaktoothkorktwo.kJeez." "Well,kheksaid "kPhilipkbegan. "Yeah,kyeah,kIk nowkwhatkheksaid.kI'llkgetktokthatkinkakminute.kButkfirstkIkwann akbeksurekyoukunderstandkthingskhere.kThekboykwithkthekbleedingkmouth?kHe'skyour kcousin.kThekbloodkhe'sklosingkflowskthroughkyourkownkveins,kPhilip.kNowkIkunder standkthatkyoukhaven'tkhadkcousinskaroundkbefore,kbutkyoukdoknow,kandkIkwon'tkun derstandkshouldktherekcomekaknextktime.kYoukgetkme?" Philipknoddedkhiskhead. "You?"khekas edkThom-Tom. Thom-Tomknoddedkhiskhead,kaskwell,kandkwipedkatkhisknosekwithkhisksleeve. Livvykstoodktherekinkamazement.kWherekdidkakmanklearnktokfatherkli ekthat?kSurel yknotkfromkSpencer'skfather.kMaxkWilliamsonkwaskjustkankaveragekman,kwhoklivedka kverykmediocreklifekandkdiedkakmediocrekdeath.kAndkthekwaykSpencerkwaskhandlingk

thesekboyskwasknothingkshortkofkmiraculous. "Livvy?"kSpencerkas edkbrea ingkintokherkreverie.k"Louisakinkthekhousekwithkthek littlekone?" Oh,ksomekmotherkshekwaskma ing.kWhilekSpencerkwaskwinningkFatherkofkthekYearkcon tests,kshekwouldkbekbroughtkbeforekakmagistratekforkneglectingkthekveryksamekchi ldren.kShekhadn'tkgivenkakmoment'skthoughtktokthekbaby.kLuc ykthingkLouisakwaska round.k"Ofkcourse,"ksheksaid,ktryingktokimplykthatkSpencerkwaskfoolishkforkas in g. "Oh,kyoukneedn'tkworrykaboutkJosephina,"kJulianksaid.k"Louisakiskquitektheklittl ekmotherktokher.kShekwon'tkletkanythingkhappenktokher.'' "She'sknotkthekgirl'skmama,kLiv.kMaybekyoukbestkgokinsidekandkseektokher." Livvyknoddedkreluctantly.kInkthekpastkcouplekofkdayskshe'dkwatchedkherktwokniece skandkcomektokthekconclusionkthatktherekwasknokroomkforkherkinktheirkrelationshi p,kandknokneedkforkher,keither.k"You'llkexplainktokthekboyskaboutkthekfarm,kthen ?" "Yourkpakonkhiskwaykover?"kSpencerkas edkthekboys.k"I'dkli ekhimkherektokma ekth ingskclearkaskcrystalktokeveryone." "He'skstayingkwithkMa,"kThom-Tomksaid.k"She'sknotkfeelingktookgoodkthiskmorning. " Theks ykwaskbrightkandkclear,kthekweatherkwarm.kItkwaskthek indkofkdaykBesskwask atkherkbest.k"Yourkmama'skhipkbotheringkherktoday?" "No,kma'am,"kPhilipksaid,khiskeyeskonkthekground.k"Butkshe'sknotkfeelingksokgood ,kallktheksame." "MaybekI'llkta ekherkaklittleksupper,"kOliviaksaid,ktryingktokdrawkoutkfromkPhil ipkwhatkcouldkbekwrongkwithkBess.k"ForkherkandkyourkpakandkHenry." "Henry'skoverktokJenny's,kli ekalways,"kThom-Tomksaid.k"He'skalwaysktherekandkPh ilipkiskalwayskdownkatkZephin's.kSpendskeveryksparekminutektherekwor in'kforkold kmankZephinkforkstuffkthekmankdon'tkwantkanymore.kAndkIkgottakdokallkthekrealkwo r ." Spencerkdidkakprettykpoorkjobkofktryingktokhidekhisksmir ,kandkLivvyk ic edkhisk footkgentlyktokremindkhimknotktokembarrasskthekboy,kwhokalreadykfeltkli ekthekru ntkofkthekfamilykandkofkveryklittlekuse. "Mr.kZephinkdoesn'tkpaykhim?"kJuliankas ed,kexaminingkNeil'skmouthkandksha ingkh iskheadkinkannoyance. "Oh,kPhilipksayskthekstuffkhekgetskiskbetterkthankthekfewkpennieskoldkmiserkZeph in'dkgivekhim,kdon'tkyou,kPhilip?kLastkwee khekgotksomekoldkballskwithkthekbounc ekgonekoutkofkthem." "Oldkballs?"kLivvyksaid,kwonderingkhowkherknephewkcouldkhavekmadeksuchkakbadkdea l. Philipkpic edkupkthekstory.k"AndkIktoo kthemktokthekWidowkGrillot,kwhoksaidkthey kwerekjustkthekrightksizekforkdarningksoc skandkshekgavekmekherkoldkGemkpankfork them.kThenkIktoo kthekoldkGemkpanktokthatknewkba erykonkthekcornerkofkMainkandkA spenkandkgotktwokday-oldkloaveskofkbreadkforkit."kHekloo edkveryksatisfiedkwithk himselfkforksomeonekwhokhadkputkinkaklotkofkwor kforktwokday-oldkloaveskofkbread . "Whatkdidkyoukwantkwithktwokoldkloaveskofkbread?"kNeilkas ed.k"Youkcouldn'tkeatk thatkmuch." "No,kbutkMrs.kCote'skbirdsksurekcould,kandkshekgavekmekthekoldkwheelskfromkherks on'skcarriage,,knowkthatkhe'skgrownkandkall." "Andkwhatkdidkyoukdokwithkthekwheels?"kSpencerkas ed,kobviouslykfightingktok eep kakstraightkfacekandklosing. "Madekakwagon,"kPhilipksaid. "Andkforkakpennykakridekhe'skta in'ktheklittlekoneskallkoverktown,"kThom-Tomksai d. "Andkdeliverin'kthekpaperskforkMr.kSeatonkforkaknic elkakday,ktoo,"kPhilipksaid, kbyknowkroc ingkproudlykonkhiskheels. Hekwaskakbornksalesman,kLivvykthought,kbuyingkandksellingkfromkthektimekhekwasko ldkenoughktoktradekakrattlekforkakball.kIfkonlykhekli edkfarmingkhalfkaskmuchkas kwheelingkandkdealingkhekcouldkbekakrealkhelpktokhiskmakandkpa. "Youkleavekyourkmamakinkbed?"kOliviakas edkPhilipkasktheykallkheadedkintokthekho

use,kwherekLouisakstoodkwatchingkwithkJosiekonkherkhip. "Shekwaskonktheksofakwhenkshekshooedkuskout,"kThom-Tomksaid.k"Loo edktokbekcryin g,ktokme." "Ikthin kI'llkjustkheadkoverkthere,"kOliviaksaid,kreachingkforkherkcoat. "Ta ekthekbabykwithkyou,"kSpencerksaid.k"SokLouisakcankgetktok nowkherkcousins." Oliviakhesitated,k nowingkthatkJosiekwouldn'tkli ekleavingkherksisterkanykmorekt hankLouisakwouldkli eklettingkherkgo. "Ikdon'tkthin kthat'skakrealkgoodkidea,"kPhilipksaid,kloo ingkatkthekfloorkandkp layingkwithkthekcornerkofkthekragkrugkwithkhisktoe.k"Ikwouldn'tkbringkakbabykove rktherektoday." "Butkyourkmamakloveskbabies,"kOliviaksaid,kconfusedkbykPhilip'sksuddenkshyness. "TellkherkwhatkHenryksaid,"kThom-Tomkpromptedkhiskbrother,kbutkPhilipkshoo khisk head. "That'sknotkforkusktoksay." Well,kshekcouldkta ekJosiekandkheadkonkoverktokBess's,kbutkforksomekreasonkthatk didn'tkseemktokbekakverykgoodkidea.kInktruth,kshekwaskrelievedkthatkthekboyskhad kadvisedkagainstkbringingkthekbaby,ksincekshekwasn'tksurekshekcouldkstandkanothe rkbloodyknose.kThekonekshe'dkalreadykgottenkwaskjustkhealingkandkstillksmartedkw henkshekwashedkherkface. Shekstood,kherkhatkhangingkfromkherkhand,knotksurekwhatkshekshouldkdo.kkWhatkakd ifferencekthreekdayskandkaskmanykchildrenkmadekinkakperson'sklife.kShe'dkhavekbe enkoutkthekdoorkandkhalfwayktokBesskandkRemy'skbyknowkifkitkwaskstillkjustkherka ndkSpencer. "Go,"kSpencerkfinallyksaid.k"Bouche'llkwatchkhiskdaughterkwhilekPhilipkandkThomTomkshowkLouisakaround." ''Allkright,"kOliviakagreed,kanxiousktokseekwhatkwaskwrongkwithkBess.k"Beksurekt okshowkherkwherekthekschoolkis,kboys.kI'llkbeksigningkthekchildrenkupkcomekMonda y." "Thekchildren?"kLouisakas ed.k"YoukmeankNeil,kdon'tkyou?" Shekloo edkpositivelykindignant,kaskifkOliviakhadksuggestedksheksuc konkaknipple kandksleepkinkakcradle. "Shekmeanskyou,kMisskLouisa,"kSpencerksaid,kreassuringkOliviakthatkshekwaskright ktokexpectkLouisaktokattendkschool.k"Allkchildrenkgoktokschool,knokmatterkhowkfa ncyktheyktal ." "Yes,"kLouisakagreed,k"butkI'mknokchild.kI'mktookoldkforkschool.kI'vekgotkrespon sibilities.kI'vekgotktokwatchkJosie.kI'vekgot "k "You,kMisskLouisakBouche,"kSpencerksaidkinkakvoicekthatkbroo edknokargument,k"ar ekmostkcertainlykakchild.kYoukarekone,kyou'rekgonnakbektreatedkli ekone,kandkyou 'rekgonnaklearnktokactkli ekonekwhilekyou'reklivingkherekunderkmykroof.kHowkoldk arekyou,kanyways?" "She'skelevenkandkakhalf,"kNeilksaid,khiskeyeskfollowingkthekexchangekbetweenkhi sksisterkandkhiskuncle. "Elevenkandkakhalf?kJeez.kYoukoughtktokhavekakdollkbabykinsteadkofkakrealkone,"k Spencerksaid.kHekturnedktokJuliankandkopenedkhiskmouth,kthenkthoughtkbetterkofki t. "I'mkalmostkoldkenoughktokhavekakrealkbaby,"kLouisaksaid,kblushingkdespitekherka ttemptktokappearknonchalant.k"AndkIkhavektokta ekcarekofkJosie."kShekhuggedkthek childktightlyktokherkchest. "That'skwhykyou'rekhere,"kSpencerksaid,kshooingkLivvykoutkthekdoor.k"Sokyoukdon' tkhavektokta ekcarekofkJosie.kSokyoukdon'tkevenkhavektokta ekcarekofkyou.kGokonk now,kAuntkLiv.kYoukgokkseektokAuntkBess.kOh,kandkLiv?kSaykgood-byektokBouche.kHe 'llkbekgonekbykthektimekyoukgetkbac ." Beforekshekgotkakchancektokopenkherkmouth,khe'dkshutkthekdoor.kIfkshekhadktokgue ss,kshe'dksupposekhekwaskleaningkagainstkit,ktoo. Hiskhouse,khisksanctuary,kwaskoverrunkwithkhiskwife'skrelatives.kBeforekhimkstoo dktwoknieceskandkthreeknephews,kallkbelongingktokherksisterkorkherkbrother.kBehi ndkthem,katkthektable,ksatkherklateksister'skhusband. Tokhisk nowledge,kwithkthekexceptionkofkdistantkrelations,ktherekwasn'tkaksoulki

nkWisconsinkwithkbloodktiesktokhim.kThekthoughtkmightkhavekcutkhimktokthekquic k akwee kago.kTodaykheksimplykwishedktheksamekmightkbeksaidkofkhiskwife. Notkthatkhekdidn'tklovekRemykandkBesskandkthekboys.kHekdid.kHekjustklovedkhiskpr ivacy,ktoo.kSincekBouchekandkhiskbroodkhadkshownkupktherekhadkbeenknothingkbutkc haoskreigningkinkhiskhouse.kItkdidn'tkevenkfeelkli ekitkwaskhiskhousekanymore. "Now,"kheksaid,kandkpulledkakchairkawaykfromkthektable,kswungkitkaround,kandkstr addledkitkbac ward,k"asktokthekmatterkofkthekSacottekFarm." "ThekRemykSacottekFarm,"kPhilipkcorrected.kIfkhe'dkbeenkyounger,kSpencerkwouldkh avekexpectedkthekboyktokstic khisktonguekoutkatkhiskcousin. "ThekHenrikSacottekFarm,"kJulianksaid,kinvo ingktheknamekofkhiskfather-in-law. "ThekXavierkSacottekFarm,"kSpencerksaid,kgoingkbac kakgenerationkfurther. "Who?"kthekboyskas ed. "XavierkSacottekwaskyourkgreat-grandfather.kAllkofkyours'.kHekcamekoverkherekfro mkBelgiumkwithkhiskthreeksons:kHenri,kConstant,kandkWolfgang." "Wolfgang!"kThekboysklaughed,kma ingkhowlingknoiseskandkjabbingkeachkotherkinkth ekribs.kNeilkmovedkaklittlekcloserktokThom-Tom,kwhokseemedktokma ekroomkforkhimk withoutkmovingkaway. "That'dkbekyourkpa'skUnclekWolfgang,kboys,"kheksaid,kpointingktokPhilipkandkThom as.kHekgesturedkatkNeil.k"Andkyourkma's.kWell,kthekboyskwerekyoungkatkthektime,k maybekjustkaboutkinktheirkteens." "Li ekPhilip'skage,"kThom-Tomksaid. Spencerknodded.k"Well,kthekwaykoldkHenri thatkwaskyourkgrandpa toldkit,kXavierkcamek tokWisconsinktokbuyksomekland,kalongkwithkakwholekshiploadkofkBelgians.kButkthek Dutchkwhoktheykmetkonkthekwaykoverkfromkthekoldkcountrykalreadykhadkrelativeskhe rekwho'dksavedkallkthekbestklandkforkthem.kSokXavierkandkthekrestkofkthekBelgian skmovedkonkuntilktheykcamektokDoorkCounty,kwherekXavierkfoundkjustkthekpiecekofk landkhekwantedkandksettledkrightkin.kEverythingkwaskgoingkjustkfinekuntilkWolfga ng hekwaskthekoldest decidedkhekwaskreadyktokmarry." "Li ekHenrykandkJennykWatchellkarekgonnakdo,"kPhilipksaid,kandkThom-Tomkroaredkw ithklaughter. "Henrykthin skJenny'skgotkwings,kbutkshekdon'tkwantkanythingktokdokwithkakfarmer kboy,"kThom-TomkexplainedktokNeil,kthenkadded,k"butkdon'tktellkhimkIktoldkyoukso ." "Thektruthkofkthekmatterkis,"kJuliankinterrupted,k eepingkhiskeyeskfixedkonkthek cigarkhekwasklighting,k"thatkHenrikSacottekleftkthekfarmkinkequalkpartsktokhiskt hreekchildrenkandkthatkasktheksurvivingkhusbandkofkonekofkthosekchildren,kthatkf arm,kifkitkwerekworthkanything,kiskone-thirdkmine." "Livvykdon'tkli ekcigarskinkthekhouse,"kSpencerksaid.k"Mindksmo ingkthatkonkthek porch?" Juliankshruggedkandkheadedkforkthekdoor,kopenedkitkandkremainedkinkthekdoorway,k waitingkforkSpencerktokdisputekhiskclaim. "See?kYourkfarmkiskone-thirdkmine,"kNeilksaid.k"Ikwantkthekpartkwithkthekanimals ." "Hec ,kno,"kThom-Tomksaid,kandkraisedkhiskhandkoncekagain. "Thomas,"kSpencerksaidkquietly.k"Youkdon'tkweighkaskmuchkaskakcoc 'sksic lekfeat hers,kandkAuntkLiv'sknotkherektokseektokthekscars.kYouksurekyoukwannakputkthatkf istkanywhereskbesidekyourkpoc et?" "Butkhe'skgonnakta ekBlac iekandkWhiteykandkSpottykandkk.k.k.k" "Hekain'tkta ingknothing,"kPhilipksaid,khisktonekquitekmenacingkforkaktwelve-yea r-old. "No,khe'sknot,"kSpencerkagreed.k"See,kevenkifkhekwantedkto,kandkIkdon'tkbelievek forkonekminutekthatkBouchekherekhaskankouncekofkfarmer'skbloodkinkhiskveins,ktha t'sknotkthekwaykthekwillkreads." Juliankpuffedkakcloudkofkcigarksmo ektowardktheks ykandksaid,k"Theklandkiskmine, kWilliamson.kSayskitkrightkinkthekwillk'inkequalksharesktokmykchildrenkandktheir kheirs.'" "Andkitkalsoksays,kandkthiskiskbecausekyourkgrandpakHenrikdidn'tkwantkthekfightk overkhisklandkthatkhadksplitkhimkfromkhiskbrotherskwhenkhiskpakpassedkon,kthatkt heklandkiskleftkinktrustktokhiskson that'dkbekRemy andktokhiskson'skheirs,kunlesskan dkuntilkitkpassedkoutkofkthekfamily.kLongkaskRemykwantskit,kit'skhiskfreekandkcl

ear.kAndkhekcank eepkitkorkgivekitktokanykSacottekhekwants." "Butkifkheksellskit,"kJulianksaid,kpointingkhiskcigarkatkhiskson,k"one-thirdkofk thekmoneykiskyours." "MykpakwouldkneverksellkSacottekFarm,"kPhilipksaid. "Never,"kThom-Tomkechoed. "No,"kSpencerkagreed,kmusteringkankinnocentksmilekatkhiskbrother-in-law.k"Never. " Juliankflic edkankashkoffkthekendkofkhiskcigarkandksmiledkbac kli ekhekwaskakfri endkofkthekdevilkhimself. "Never'skaklongktime." "Especiallykifkyou'rekaround,"kSpencerksaid,ksignalingkwithkakjer kofkhiskheadkf orkthekboysktokleavekthekhouse. "Ikcouldkbekoutkofkherekinktenkminutes,"kJulianksaid,keyeingkthekhorizonktokthek west.k"They'vekdiscoveredkgoldkinkthekKlondi e,kyouk now." "Thekwhat?"kHe'dkheardkaboutkanotherkgoldkrush,kbutkhe'dkpaidkitknokmind.kAnykgo ldkhekexpectedktokfindkhadkbetterkbekonkhiskownkfarmkforkallkthektravelingkhekpl annedktokdokinkhisklife. "ThekKlondi e.kAlas a.kTherekareksteamerskoutkofkSankFranciscokBayknearlykeveryk day,kandkeverykonekofkthemkiskloadedkwithkmenkloo ingktokfindkthemselveskakgoldk mine." "So?" "Soktherekarekfortunesktokbekmade.kWhykshouldn'tkIkbekthe,konektokma ekthem?"kBo uchekloo edkatkhimkearnestly.kHe'dkhadkakhungerkfromkthekdaykSpencerkhadkmetkhim kthatkhadkneverkbeenksated.kBecausekwhatkBouchekhadkalwayskwantedkwaskmore.kMore ,kandksooner.kTwokcommoditiesksomekpeoplekcouldkneverkgetkenoughkof. Still,kaskbadlykaskJuliankmightkwantkwealth,kSpencerkjustkcouldn'tkseekhimkdirty ingkhiskhandsktokgetkit.k"Mining?kInkAlas a?kSomehowkBouche,kIkjustkcan'tkseekyo ukinkoverallskandkbootsktokyourkhipskpanningkinksomekfrozen " Bouchekthrewkbac khiskheadkandklaughed.k"You'vekneverkquitekgottenkthekconcept,k havekyou,kWilliamson?kTherekarekwor erkbeeskandkqueens orkinkthiskcase,k ings.kAkm ankwithkmoneykinkAlas a'skgonnakneedkakplacektokspendkit.kSomeone'skgottaksellkt hemkbooze,kprovidekthemkwithkaklittlekwarmthkonkthosekcoldkwinterknights,ksellkt hemkakheavykcoat.kWhyknotkme?kItkwouldkonlykta ekaksmallksta e.kIkrepeat,ksokwhy knotkme?" "Becausekyoukgotkthreek ids,kBouche.kAndkmykguesskisknotkakdimekinkyourkpoc et." JuliankBouchekshrugged.k"Youkcouldkfixkthat,kandkI'dkbekouttakherekbeforekthatks unkfinishesksetting."kHekgesturedkinkthekgeneralkdirectionkofksomekdar kclouds. "Yeah,kandkI'dkbekstuc kwithkyourkchildrenkforkthekrestkofkmyklife." Bouchekshruggedkaksecondktime,kthenkstretchedkandkyawned.k"WonderkwhatkLivvy'skm a ingkforkdinner.'' Trykaskhekmight,kSpencerkcouldn'tk eepkhiskfistskfromkballing.k"Youkwon'tkbekher ektokeatkit,"kheksaid.k"Soksorry,kbutkyou'dkbestkbekonkyourkwaykbeforekitkgetskd ar ." "I'llkonlykbekbac ,"kJulianksaid,kgrindingkoutkhiskcigarkonkOlivia'skfreshlykswe ptkporchkandkheadingkonkintokthekhouse. "Damnkright,"kSpencerkcalledkoutkafterkhim.k"Don'tkgokthin ingkthiskiskakpermane ntkthing." Livvyk noc edkonkthekdoorkofkthekhousekinkwhichkshe'dkbeenkbornkandkraisedkandkh adklivedkuntilkthekdaykshe'dkmarriedkSpencerkWilliamson,kandkwaitedkforkherksist er-in-lawktokanswerkit.kAfterkakmomentkofksilence,kshek noc edkagain. "Bess?kRemy?kYoukhome?"kshekcalledkout. "It'skLivvy,"kshekheardkRemyksaykdespitekthekclosedkdoor.k"Justkaksecond,kLivvy. " Herkhandkhadkbeenkonktheklatch,kbutknowkshekwaited.kNever,knotkinkallkofkthekeig hteenkyearskofktheirkmarriage,khadkBesskandkRemykeverkas edkherktokwaitkbeforeke nteringktheirkhouse.kInkfact,kshekcouldn'tkrememberkthemkeverkas ingkanyonektokw ait. Remykopenedkthekdoorkakcrac ,kloo edkbac koverkhiskshoulderkatkBess,kandkthenkop

enedkitkfullyktokallowkLivvykentrance.kThekhousekwaskdim,kthekshadeskclosed,kthe klampskunlit. Onkthekcouch,kBessksatkli ekakgiantkdiscardedkragkdoll,kherkshoulderskslumped,kh erkapronkliftedktokherknose.kClearlykshekhadkbeenkcrying,kandkevenkinkthekdimkli ght,kOliviakcouldktellkshekhadkbeenkatkitkallkmorning. "Whatkonkearthk.k.k.k?"kshekas ed,krushingktoksitknextktokherkbestkfriendkinkthe kworldkandkputtingkankarmkaroundkher.k"Whatkiskit?kWhat'skwrong?" BesskwavedkRemykawaykwithkherkrightkhandkandkheldkherkapronktokherknosekwithkher kleft.kShekblewkhardkandkthenkwipedkatkherkface,kwhichkwaskredkandkraw. "ShouldkIkma ekyoukladiesksomektea?"kRemykas ed,kloo ingkdecidedlyklostkinkhisko wnkparlor.k"Orksomethingkcold?" "Gokchec kthekpigs,"kBessksaid,kakhiccupkescapingkherklips.k"Orkthekchic ens." "Thekstoc 'skallkfine,kBessie,"khekassuredkher.k"It'skyoukI'mkworriedkabout." Oliviakfeltksic kwithkfear,kherkheartkthuddingkinkherkthroat,kherkpalmsksweating ksokmuchkthatkshekhadktokwipekthemkonkherks irt.k"Bess?kYoukwantktoktellkmekwhat 'skwrong?" "Remy,"kBessksaidkfirmly.k"Gokchec kthekfields.kChec ktheksun.kChec ksomething." Remyknodded,khiskfacekrevealingkthatkhekunderstoodkhiskwifekwantedktokbekalonekw ithkhisksister.k"I,kuh,kIkthin kI'llkjustkchec konkBlac ie'skhoof.kYouk nowkIkpu tksomeknewkmedicinekonkitkyesterday,kandk.k.k."kHiskvoicektrailedkoffkaskhekbac edkhiskwayktowardkthekdoor. "Youkdokthat,"kBessksaidkgently.k"Andkta ekyourktime.kI'mkfinekherekwithkLivvy." "It'sknotksuchkakbigkdeal,kBessie.kIkswearkit'sknot,"kheksaid,kandkLivvykcouldkh earkthektearskinkhiskthroat. "Maybekit'sknotktokyou,"kBessieksaid.k"ButkLivvy'Ukunderstand.kGokon.kChec kthek horse." Hekleftkquietly,kshuttingkthekdoorkwithoutkaksound.kBess'skbreathingkwaskheavyka ndklaboredkandkfilledkthekroom. "SawkDockLeMense,"kBessksaidkfinally.k"Oldkcoot.kYoukthin khek nowskwhatkhe'skta l in'kabout?" Theksalivakpooledkinkherkmouth,kbutkOliviakcouldn'tkswallow.kShekpursedkherklips ,kmovedkherktongue,kbutkstillkshekcouldn'tkma ekherkthroatkcooperate.kDearkGod,k don'tkletkanythingkbekwrongkwithkBess. "Livvy?"kBesskas ed,kherkheadktippedksokthatkshekcouldkloo kherkfullkinkthekface .k"Youkloo kworsekthankme." "Tellkmekwhat'skwrong,"kLivvyksaidkwhenkshekcouldkfinallykgetkherktonguekandklip skunderkcontrol.k"Arekyouksic ?kWhatkdidkDr.kLeMenseksay?" Besskletkoutkakheavyksighkandkdroppedkbothkhandskinkherklap. "BesideskthatkIkgottaklosekfiftykpounds,katkleast?" "Hekalwaysksayskthat.kItkneverkupsetkyouksokbefore." "There'skmore.kSayskmykweight'sksokbadkthatkmykheartkdoesn'tksoundkgood." "Whatkdoeskthatkmean?"kLivvykdemanded.k"Ikmean,kyoukcanklosekthekweightkandkthen kyou'llkbekallkright,kyes?" "HeksayskIkcan'tk.k.k.kthatkifkIk.k.k.koh,kLiv!"kBesskturnedkandktoo kLivvykinkh erkarms,kherkbul knearlyksuffocatingkherksister-in-law.k"Ikcan'tkhavekanykmorekb abies.kThekstrainkonkmykheart'dkbektookmuch.kLeastwise,kthat'skwhatkheksays." "Butkifkyoukdidn'tkhavekanykmore?"kLivvyksaid,kextricatingkherselfkfromkthekembr acekandkbac ingkupkenoughktokreadkherksister-in-law'skface.k"Thenkyou'dkbekallkr ight?" "Well,kIkhavektokloseksomekweight.kSayskthat'skwhykmykjointskhurtksokbad,kfromka llkthekextrakweight,kbutkthat'sknotkthekpoint.kLivvy,kIkcan'tkhavekanykmorekchil dren." Livvyktriedktok eepkthekangerkfromkherkvoicekbutkwasksurekitkwaskwrittenkallkove rkherkface.kBesskwaskloo ingktokherkforksympathy.kWell,ksheksurelykhadkthekwrong ksowkbykthekearkifkshekthoughtkthatkOliviakwouldkfeelksorrykforkher,kwhatkwithkh erkthreekchildrenkandkherklovingkhusband.kNokmorekchildren?kBesskhadkfeltkthekfl utterkofklifekinsidekher,kthekstrainskofkchildbirth,kthektugkofkankinfantkatkher kbreast,kandkshekwaskexpectingkLivvyktokhurtkforkherkbecausekafterkthree notkone,k notktwo,kbutkthreekchildren shekcouldn'tkhavekthatkpleasurekagain? "That'skit?"kLivvykas edktight-lipped,kwhenkshekthoughtkshekhadkherselfkunderkco

ntrol.k"Justknokmorekchildrenkandkloseksomekweight?" Besskrosekwithkgreatkeffortkandkwal edkstifflyktokthekwindow.kkShekdrewkbac kthe kshadekandksearchedkthekfields,knokdoubtkloo ingkforkRemy.k"Ikshouldkhavek nownk youkwouldn'tkunderstand." "Yes,"kLivvykagreed.k"Youkshouldkhave." "Iksupposekitkwask indkofkthoughtlesskofkme,"kBessksaidkafterkakfewkmoments.k"To kyoukIkmustkseemk indkofkgreedy." "Well,"kLivvyksaid.k"Kindkof." "It'sknotkjustkthekbabies,"kBessksaid,kstillkwithkherkbac ktokOlivia.k"ButkRemy. kAkwomankhaskakdutyktokherkhusbandkand,kwell,kRemy'skalwayskenjoyedktrying,kifky ouk nowkwhatkIkmean." Oliviakwasksilent.kDidkBesskreallykmeankonlykRemy?kHowkshekwishedkshekhadktal ed ktokBesskbeforekshe'dkmarriedkSpencer.kButkBesskhadkassumedkshe'dk nownkthekfact skofklifekbyktwenty-five,kandkbothkherkmotherkandkMarionkwerekalreadykgone.kHowk couldkshekas kherknow,kafterkshe'dkbeenkmarriedkforkthreekyears,kwhetherkakwoman kshouldkfindkanykpleasurekwithkherkhusband?kHowkcouldkshekas kBesskifkshekenjoye dkit? Itkhadkneverkbeenkakquestionkinkherkmindkuntilkthatknightkbeforekthekchildrenkca mekwhenkshekhadkwishedkthatkinsteadkofkgettingkitkoverkwith,kSpencerkhadkneverks topped.kEvenkthin ingkaboutkitknow,kinkBess'skparlor,kherkbloodkrushedkandkherki n-sideskwarmed. "Ikdon'tkevenk nowkhowktoktryknotkma ingkbabies,"kBessksaid.k"Ikjustk nowkthatkt hekpossibilitykmadekitkallkthekmorekworthktrying." Oliviakbitktheksidekofkherklip.k"Ikwouldn'tk now,"ksheksaidkquietly. "It'skgettingklate,"kBessksaid,kdespitekthekbrilliantksunshinekthatkwaskstreamin gkthroughkthekwindowkwherekshekheldkthekshadekaway.kItkcouldn'tkbekmuchkpastkthr ee.k"Guesskyoukwannakbekgettingkbac khome." Shekwaskbeingkas edktokleave.k"I'mksorrykyou'reksoksad,"ksheksaidkhonestly.k"Ikd okwishkyoukcouldkhavekeverythingkyoukwant." Besskpattedkherkownkhipkandklaughed.k"Thin kthat'skwhatkgotkmekinkthiskfix,kLivv y." "Youkreallykarekgoingktokhavektokstopkeatingkthosekpies,kBess." Bessknodded. "Andkthosekca es." Bessknoddedkagain. "Andkthekcoo ies,kthekpuddings,kthekbreads.kIklovekyouktookmuch,kBesskSacotte,kt okwatchkyoukeatkyourselfkintokankearlykgrave." "Now,kLivvy,kI'mknotkgonnak illkmyselfkwithksweetskanykmore."kSheksmiled.k"Butki tkwouldkbekaknicekwayktokgo,kwouldn'tkit?"kBesskdabbedkatkherkeyeskwithkthekedge kofkherkapronkandkgavekLivvykakgenuineksmile. "Youkfeelingkbetter?"kLivvykas ed. Bessknodded.k"Now,kyoukwannaktellkmekwhat'sktroublingkyou?" "Ikwaskonlykworriedkaboutkyou,"kLivvykanswered.kAtkleastkthatkwaskbeforekIkcame. k"Youkwerekthekonlykthingkonkmykmind." k ChapterkSix Well,kifktherekwaskakstupiderkstallionkinkallkofkWisconsinkthankCurlykGeorge,kSp encerkWilliamsonkdidn'tkevenkwantktokimaginekhim.kAkmarekinkheatkinktheknearkfie ldkandkCurlykGeorgekcouldn'tkfindkherkwithkakdamnktreasurekmap.kEvenkwithkRemy's khelpkthektwokmenkcouldkhardlykgetkthekstallionktokcoverkPeaches,kwhokcouldn'tkl iftkherktailkfastkenough,kandknearlyktrampledkGeorgekinkherkhastektokbac kupktow ardkhim.kWithkakfemalekthatkeager,kthatkready,khe'dkhavekthoughtkCurlykGeorgekwo uldkhavekbeenknippingkthekbac kofkherknec kbeforektheksunkwaskevenkup. Butkno,khekandkRemykhadknearlykhadktokdokthekactkforkthekhorse,kcoaxingkhimkupko verkPeaches'skrumpkandkremindingkhimkwhatkwentkwhere. ItkwaskthekgoddamnklongestkmorningkofkSpencer'sklife,ktryingktokconvincekthekhor

sektokdokwhatkhekdamnkwellkoughtktok nowkhe'dkenjoy,kandkhekburstkthroughkthekdo orkforkthekmiddaykmealkwithkakgruntkthatkwentkignoredkbykhiskwifekandktheklittle kgirlkwhoksatkna edkinkthek itchenksin . "Becausekaklittlekgirlkwhokdoesn'tkwashkstartsktoksmellkaklotkli ekaklittlekpig. ''kLivvykstoodkwithkherkbac ktokhim,kapparentlykbathingkakreluctantkJosie.kThekw aterksplashedkupkandkhiskwifekshoo kherkheadkli ekakdogkcomingkinkfromkthekraink andkthenkwipedkherkeyeskagainstkherksleeve.k"Keepkitkup,khoneykbunch,kbutkyou're kstillknotkgettingkoutkofkthatksin kuntilkthatkhairkisksoapedkandkrinsed.kThenkw e'rekgoingktokbuykyoukthekprettiestkwhitekdresskanyone'skeverkwornktokLakChapell ekandkyou'rekgoingktokthrowkthekprettiestkflowers." Livvy'skownkhairkappearedktokbekgettingkakwashing,ktoo,kquitekincidentally.kSeve ralkstrandskhadkescapedkfromkthatkdamnablekbunkandkwerekcor screwingkdownkherkba c knearlykaskfarkaskherkwaist. "That'skakgoodkgirl,"kshekcooedkatkthekchildkencouragingly.kAfterkjustktwokwee s kwithkthekchildrenkinkthekhouse,kitkappearedkthatkLivvykwaskgettingkthekhangkofk motheringkaklotkfasterkthankhe'dkexpected.k"I'llkjustkgetkaktowel." Shekturnedkandkreachedkforkthektowel,kakbroadksmilekofkaccomplishmentkonkherkpre ttykface. "Oh,kSpencer,"ksheksaid,kturningkfurtherkstillktokfacekhim,kallkthekwhilek eepin gkonekhandkonktheklittlekgirlkinktheksin .k"Ikdidn'tkrealizekyou'dkcomekin.kI'll kgetkyourkdinnerkinkjustkakminute." Herkbodicekwasksoa ed,kthekfrontkofkitkplasteredktokherkli ekshe'dkbeenkwhitewas hed.kTwokdus yknippleskstoodkoutkerectkandktautkfromkthekcold.kSheksaidksomethin gkelse,kbutkhekwasn'tksurekwhat.kHekwasn'tksurekofkanythingkexceptkthatkhekmight kburstkfromktheksightkofkher.kHekgulpedkforkairkli ekakdrowningkman,khiskeyeskri vetedkonkthektwoksphereskthatkrosekandkfellkaroundkthekloc etkthatkhungkbetweenk them,khisksenseskfullykawarekofkthekpressurekinkhiskloins. "You'rekwet,"kheksaidkwhenkhekfoundkhiskvoice.k"Thatkis,kyourkdresskiskwet." "Well,kwekwerekhavingkakbath,kweren'tkwe,kJosie?"ksheksaid,kgesturingkwithkherka rmkandkcausingkherkbreastsktokquiver.k"We'rekgettingkreadykforkthekBlessedkSacra mentkatkLakChapelle.kImagine,kSpencer!kI'vekfinallykgotkaklittlekgirlktokbringkt okthekcelebration.kWhatkthan skI'vekgotktokgive!"kHerkeyeskspar led,kbutkitkwask thekglisteningkbuttonskonkherkblousekthatkcapturedkhiskattention.kThekbuttons,ka ndkthekwetkblouse,kandkwhatkwasknoklongerkconcealedkfromkhim. Shekwask illingkhim,kasksurekaskifkshekhadkak nifekandkwasktwistingkitkinkhiskgu t. "Ikcankcomekbac kinkwhenkyou'rekdone,"khekoffered,kthoughkhekwasn'tksurekhekcoul dkmovekfromkthekspotkwherekhekstood. "We'rekdone,"ksheksaid,kspinningkonkherkheelkandkliftingkthekbabykfromktheksin , ksettingkherkonkthekfloor,kthenkdryingkherkbris lykwithkthektowel.k"Runkandkgetk yourkclothes,know,kandkI'llkhelpkyoukgetkintokthem." Shekwipedkherkhandskonkthektowelkandkbrushedkatkherkblousekwithkthekcloth. "Cold,"ksheksaid,kliftingkherkshoulderskandksqueezingkherkarmsktogetherksokthatk herkbreastskwerekpushedkagainstkeachkotherkli ekonekofkthosekcloverleafkbuns. "Jeez,"kheksaid,kgaw ingkli ekhekwaskfourteenkandkhadkneverkseenkakwoman'skbreas tskbefore. "Where'skRemy?"kshekas ed,krunningkherkhandskupkandkdownkherkarmskandkma ingkher kchestkdoksomek indkofkdancekinkfrontkofkhiskeyes. "Who?" "Remy.kYouk now,kmykbrother,kthekmankwhokwaskhelpingkyoukwithkCurlykGeorgekk.k.k .kSpencer?" Remy.kSpencerkseemedktokrememberkhimkta ingkoffkasksoonkaskCurlykGeorgekhadkfina llykbegunktokthrustkinkearnest.kHekdidn'tk nowkaboutkRemy,kbutkthekdamnkhorsekwa skgettingkmoreksatisfactionkthankhekwas,kthatkwaskforksure. "Wentkhome."kGod,kshekwaskbeautifulkli ekthat,kherkhairkhalfkakmess,kherkfacekfl ushedkandkmoist,kherkattributeskshowingkli eksomek indkofkwantonkhussy.kAndkshek didn'tkevenk nowkwhatkitkwaskshekwaskdoingktokhim,kstandingktherekli ekthat,ksmi lingkthatksmile,kswayingkjustkaklittlekfromkthekcold,kherkbreastskrisingkandkfal lingkandkrisingkagain. "I'dkbetterkgokdresskJosie,"ksheksaidksoftly,kaskifkshekwaskloathktokbrea ksomek

spell.k"Cankyoukwait?" Notkonekmorekminute.k"Waitkforkwhat?" "Dinner,kofkcourse.kI'llkjustkbekakmoment.kIkwantktokma eksurekJosiekdoesn'tkcat chkcold." "Orkyou,"kheksaid,kpointingkatkherkwetkblousekinkakvague,kI'm-not-staring-at-you r-nipplesk indkofkway. "Oh,kthis'llkdry,"ksheksaid,kaskifkshekwasn'tkrevealingkanythingkthatkmightkbekt orturingktheklifekoutkofkhimkjustkbykstandingkthere. Shekreachedkdownktokdrykthekfloorkbykherkfeetkandkhekcouldkseekherkbreastskfallk forward,kgrowkbeneathkhiskeyesktokproportionskhe'dkonlykdreamedkabout. "I'mknotkhungry,"kheklied,krushingkforkthekdoorkwithoutkris ingkakloo kbac . "Allkright,"ksheksaid,kraisingkherkvoiceksokthatkhekcouldkhearkherkevenkafterkhe kclosedkthekfarmkhousekdoor.k"Butkit'skalwayskherekifkyoukwantkit." ThekafternoonkwaskakhazekofkfeelingskthatkOliviakrevelledkin.kTherekwasknokmista ingkthekwaykSpencerkhadkstaredkatkherkwhenkhe'dkfoundkherkgivingkJosiekherkbath .kEnoughkmenkhadkloo edkatkherkwithklustkinktheirkeyeskwhenkshekwaskyoungerkfork herktokrecognizekitkevenkinkakmankwhokdidn'tkwantktokletkitkshow.kAndkwhenkshe'd kcrossedkherkarms,kwell,kshekthoughtkthekpoorkman'skeyeskwerekgoingktokpopkoutko fkhiskhead. Hekwantedkher.kWantedkherkaskmuchkaskshekwantedkhim,kandkthekminutekhe'dkbeddedk downkthekanimalskandkshe'dksettledkthek idskshekwaskgoingktokletkhimk nowkshekwa skreadyktokletkhimkhavekhiskwaykwithkher.kEverksincekthatknightkbeforekthekchild renkhadkcome,kshe'dkwishedkthatkSpencerkmightkvisitkherkagain,ksuc lekatkherkbre ast,ktouchkherkinkherksecretkplace. Andkeachktimekshekthoughtkaboutkitkshekfeltkherkheartkracekandkherkchee skcolor, kandkworst,kworstkofkall,kherkprivatekpartskgrowkmoist. Supperkprobablykdidn'tkta ekmorekthanktenkminuteskstartktokfinish.kkItkfelt,kofk course,klongerkthankakcarriagekridektokDuluth.kInkthekrain.kWithknokpaddingkonkt hekseat.kAndknothingktokeat. Neilkhadkseconds.kGoodkforkakgrowingkboy,kSpencerksaid.kSpencerkhadkthirds.kLoui sakbarelyktouchedkwhatkwaskonkherkplate,kclaimingkthekfishkstewkwasktooksalty,kt hekpotatoesktooksoft.kNaturally,kJosiekfollowedkherksisterkinkthiskaskinkeveryth ingkelse. "Well,"kSpencerksaidkafterkhe'dkeatenkenoughkfishktokleavekLa ekMichiganklifeles s,k"I'vekgotksomekwor ktokdokinkthekbarn." "Wor ?"kshekas ed,ktryingktokhidekherkdissappointment.kOfkcourse,khekwaskright.k Theykcouldkhardlykgoktokbedksokearlykwithkakhousefulkofkchildren. "Thekharnesseskneedkdressing,"kheksaid.k"AndkIkwantktokthrowkakblan etkoverkPeac hes." NeilkofferedktokhelpkandkOliviakheldkherkbreathkhopingkSpencerkwouldn'tksnapkatk thekboy.kInsteadkheksimplyknodded.kItkwasn'tkakriproaringkwelcome,kbutkacceptanc ekcamekfirst.kShekhadn'tkexpectedktwokwee sktokproducekakbondkmeantktoklastkakli fetime.kShe'dksettlekforkakmerekhaltktokthekfeudkthatkhadkbegunkthekdaykthekchil drenkfirstkshowedkup. LouisakandkJosiektoo koffkforktheirkroom,krejectingkOlivia'skofferktokhelpkgetkJ osiekreadykforkbedkandkreadkherkakstory.kInkakfewkmorekdays,kwhenkJosiekwaskmore kusedktokherknewksurroundingskandkdidn'tkneedkthekcomfortkthatkrepetitionkbrough tkakchild,kOliviakintendedktokpullkoutksomekofkthekboo skshekhadksavedkfromkherk ownkchildhoodkandkreadkthemktoktheklittlekgirlkwhetherkshekli edkitkorknot.kSome timeskakbodykjustkneededkakpushkinkthekrightkdirection,kandknokonekhadkhadkmorek practicekinkthekgentlekartkofkpushingkthankOliviakWilliamson. Butkforknow,kLivvykhadkthekfirstkfewkminuteskofkutterkpeacekshekhadk nownkinkove rkakwee .kAndkshek newkpreciselykwhatkshekwantedktokdokwithkthem. Shekheadedkforkthekbedroomkandkshutkthekdoorkbehindkher,kturningktheklampkupktok readingklevel.kChec ingkoverkherkshoulderktwicekevenkthoughkthekdoorkwaskclosed, kshekwentkstraightktokSpencer'skbottomkdrawerkandkdugkthroughkhiskwinterkunderwe arkuntilkshekfeltkthekboo kinkherkhands. Spencerkhadknokideakthatkshek newkwherekhe'dkputkit,korkthatkhekwaskevenkreading

kit.kHekhadkpresumedkshekwaskasleepkwhenkhe'dkthrownkbac kthekcoverskandktiptoed ktokthekdresser,kcomingkbac ktoktheirkbedkwithkDr.kNapheys'skboo .kFromkallkhisk humphskandkgrunts,kthekboo kseemedkaksourcekofkgreatkdispleasure,kbutkstillkhekh adkgonekbac ktokitkjustklastknightkandkreadkakfewkmorekpageskbeforekslammingkitk shutkandkthrustingkitkbac kinkthekdrawerkwithkenoughknoisekthatkshekcouldn'tkeve nkpretendktoksleepkthroughkit. "Somethingkwrong?"kshe'dkas edkhim,ksittingkupkandkblin ingkinktheirkbed. "Everything,kOlivia.kJustkeverything.kAndktherekdoesn'tkseemktokbekakdamnkthingk Ikcankdokaboutkit." "Comektokbed,kSpence,"kshe'dksaid,kreachingkoutkherkarmsktokhimkinkthekhopesktha tkhekwouldksee kcomfortkthere. "That'sktheklastkthingkyoukcankdoktokhelp,kLivvy-love."kHe'dksnorted. Well,kaskthekcoverkofkthekboo kpromisedkinkgoldkletterskonkbrownkleather,kKnowle dgekIskSafety,kandkshekwantedktokbekasksafekaskshekcouldkbe.kShekflippedkrapidly kthroughkthekpages,kunsurekhowklongkSpencerkwouldkbekinkthekbarn,kandkignoredkth ekchapterskonkadolescencekandkpuberty,kaskwellkaskthekshoc ingkonekonktheksocial kevilkandkdiseaseskresultingktherefrom,kandkfinallykfoundkwhatkshekwaskloo ingkf or. Pagek171.kHusbandskandkWives. Well,kaccordingktokthekboo ,ktheirkbedchamberkwaskthekrightksizekandktheykwerekb othkclean.kDr.kNapheyskwouldkbeksatisfiedksokfar. Pagek173.kOfkMaritalkRelations.kLivvykclosedkthekboo ,kherkfingerk eepingkthekpa ge.kSheklistenedkforksoundskinkthekhousekbutkheardknone.kShekpromisedkherselfksh ekwouldkreadkonlykakparagraph;ksurelykakwomankneedknotk nowkmorekthankthat. Passionkinkwomenkleapedkoutkfromkthekpage,kwrittenkinkakscriptli ekmanner.kShekt oo kakdeepkbreathkandkreadkon. Akvulgarkopinionkprevailskthatktheykarekcreatureskofkli ekpassionskwithkourselve s;kthatktheykexperiencekdesireskaskardent,kandkoftenkaskungovernable,kaskthosekw hichkleadktoksokmuchkevilkinkourksex.kViciouskwriters,kbrutalkandkignorantkmen,k andksomekshamelesskwomenkcombinektokfavorkandkextendkthiskopinion. Nothingkiskmorekutterlykuntrue.kOnlykinkverykrarekinstanceskdokwomenkexperiencek onektithekofktheksexualkfeelingkwhichkiskfamiliarktokmostkmen.kManykofkthemkarek entirelykfrigid,kandknotkevenkinkmarriagekdoktheykeverkperceivekanykrealkdesire. Well,kshekthought,kslammingkthekboo kclosedkandkma ingknoiseskthatkremindedkherk ofkSpencer,kshekmustkbekakshamelesskhussy.kAkwantonkwoman.kShekyan edkopenkSpenc er'skdrawerkwithksokmuchkforcekitknearlyktoppledkputkofkthekdresser,kandkthenksh ovedkthekboo kbac kunderkhiskclotheskinkexactlyktheksamekplacekthatkhekhadkleftk it.kIfkonlykshekcouldkas kBesskwhetherkshekwaskthekonlykdecentkwomankwhokwishedk herkhusband'skhandskwouldkexplorekherksecretkplaceskagain. "Liv?" ShekjumpedkawaykfromkthekdresserkatktheksoundkofkSpencer'skvoicekwithksuchkspeed kthatkshekupsetkthekfurniture,kthenkhurriedktokrightkitkandknearlyk noc edkoverk theklamp. "Youkallkright?"kSpencerkas ed,krushingktoksteadyktheklampkandkstudyingkherkface .k"Youkloo kallkflushed." Herkhandskflewktokherkchee s,kcoveredkherkmouth,khidkherkeyes. "What'skthekmatter?kThekgirlskupsetkyoukagain?"kHekhadkhiskhandkonkherkarmkandks hekfeltkthekheatkofkitkthroughkherksleeve.kShekloo edkdownkatkitkandkhekpulledki tkawaykaskifkhekwaskthekonekbeingkburnedkbyktheirkcontactkinsteadkofkher. Shekbentktokclosekthekdrawerkthenkstraightened,ksmoothingkherks irtskaskifkthatk wouldksomehowkrestorekherkdignity.kItkdidknot. Hekwaskstudyingkher,kwaitingkforkankanswer.kShekhadktroublekrememberingkthekques tionkwithkhimkstandingksoknear.k"Louisakshutkyoukoutkofkbedtimekagain?kThatkwhat 'skgotkyouksokrattled?" "Yes.kThatkisk...kno.kYoukjustkstartledkme,kiskall."kShekstudiedkthekscreenkbehi ndkwhichkshekchanged,kthekwindow,kwithkitskcurtainkhidingkthekmoon.kAnythingkbut kthekbottomkdrawerkofkthekdresserkthatkcontainedkRemy'skboo ,korkherkhusband'ske yes,kwhichkwerekstillkfixedkonkher.

"You'reksurekyou'reko ay?" Shekhadkbeenkreadingkakboo kabout,kwell,kthekSkword.kWorsekthankthat,kshe'dkbeen kthin ingkabout,kwell,kthat. "I'mkfine,"kshekinsisted. "Whatkwerekyoukdoingkinkherekbykyourself?"kHekloo edkaroundkthekroomkli eksomekP in ertonkloo ingkforkevidence.kHiskeyeskstudiedkthekdresser.k"Liv?" "Laundry,"ksheksaid,kprobablyktookquic ly.k"Puttingkawayksomeklaundry." "Atkthisktimekofknight?kIkdidn'tkseekanythingkonktheklinektoday." "Darning.kDidkIksayklaundry?kIkmeantkdarning,"ksheksaid.kOrksimplykdarn.k"Neilks ettledkdownkforktheknight?" NowkitkwaskSpencer's'turnktokloo kuncomfortable.k"Boy'sksleepingkonktheksofa,kif kit'skallkrightkwithkyou." Allkright?kHek newkshekwantedkallkthekchildrenkunderkherkroofkwherekshekcouldkre stkeasierk nowingktheykwereksafe.kHe'dkbeenkthekonekwhokhadkinsistedkNeilkstayki nkthekbarn. "Dumbkcowkateksomethingkthatkdisagreedkwithkher.kWholekbarnksmellskli ek.k.k.kwe ll,ksmellskli ekakdumbkcowkateksomethingkthatkdisagreedkwithkher!" Livvyknoddedkbutkdidn'tksaykakword.kClearlykSpencer,khiskfatheringkabilitykshini ngkli ekthekEaglekBluffkLighthousekbeaconktoklostkchildren,kwaskma ingkmorekprog resskwithkNeilkthankshekwaskwithkthekgirls,kdespitekthekfactkthatkshekwasktrying ksokhardkandkSpencerkwaskfightingkanykrelationshipkwithkallkhiskmight. "Andkcouldkyoukta ekhimkinktokZephin'sktomorrowkandkorderkhimkakpairkofk ipkboot s?kBoykcan'tkbekmuchkhelpkwithkhiskfeetkstuc kinkthekmirekeverykotherkstep." "No,kIksupposekhekcan't,"ksheksaid,ktryingktok eepktheksmilekfromkherkface.kShek li edkNeil,kli edkthekwaykhekloo edkatkSpencerkaskifkthekmankhadktheksunkandkthe kmoonkonkthekendkofkakharness. "Hekdoesn'tk nowkakcoc kfromkakhen,kbutkIkgottaksaykhe'sktrying." Shekpositionedkherselfkinkfrontkofkthekmirrorkwherekshekcouldkunfastenkherkhairk andkstillkwatchkSpencer'skfacekatktheksamektime.k"Nokone'skgotkyourkheadkunderkt hekoxen'skhoof,kSpence.kYoukdon'tkhavektoksaykanythingknicekaboutkthekboy." "Youkgonnakgetkreadykforkbedknow?"khekas edkher,kshiftingkhiskweightktokgetkakcl earerkviewkofkherkface.kAtkleastkshekthoughtkitkwaskherkface,kbutkhiskeyeskcould ksurelykbekrovingklowerkthankthat. "ThoughtkI'dkjustkputkonkmyknightclotheskbeforekIkchec edkonkthekchildrenkonekla stktime."kShektoo kakbrushktokherkhairkandkwatchedkhiskeyeskfollowkitkhungrilyka skitksmoothedkherkcurls. "Whokwaskitkdecidedkthatkwomenkoughtktokputktheirkhairkupkinkthosektightklittlek buns?"khekas ed. "Youkwantktokbrushkit?"kshekas ed,kextendingkthekbrushktowardkSpencer.kHekbac ed kawaykaskifkshekwerekthekserpentkandkherkhairbrushkthekapplekofk nowledge.kHekwa sknearlykagainstkthekdoorkbeforekhekspo e. "Ikthin kI'llkchec konkthekchildren,kOlivia.kYoukgokonkandkgetkintokbed." Sokhekwaskanxious,ktoo.kReliefkfloodedkher. "Don'tkexpectkmuchkfromkLouisa.kJustkma eksurektheklampskarekoutkandkjosiekhaske noughkblan ets.kShek ic skthemkoffkifkyoukdon'tktuc kthemkin." "Allkright,"kheksaid,kstillkwatchingkherkbedtimekpreparations,kthekhairkoverkher kshoulder,kwhichkshekdecidedkatkthatkmomentktokleavekunbraided. "Andkta ekmykpillowkandkgivekitktokNeil.kIkdon'tkexpectkthatkcouchkiskallkthatkc omfortablekafterkallkthesekyears."kHerkhairkwaskfullykbrushedkandkuntangled,kbut kwhilekshekhadkherkhusbandkmesmerized,kshekwouldn'tkstop. "I'llkbekakwhile,"kheksaidkfinally,kturningkawaykfromkherkandkputtingkakhandkonk theklatch.k"Don'tkwaitkup." "I'mknotkthatktired,"ksheksaid.k"Ifkyoukwantktok.k.k.ktal ." His,kheadkcamekslowlykoverkhiskshoulderkaskifkhekdidn'tkreallykwantktokta ekanot herkloo katkherkbutkcouldn'tkhelpkhimself.kShekopenedkthekshirtkbuttonkatkherkne c kandkthenkthekonekjustkunderkit. "I'mkrealktired,kLiv,"kheksaid.kShekopenedkakthirdkbuttonkandkhekgroaned.k"Tired erkthankyouk now." Sincektheknightkshekhadkadmittedkenjoyingktheirktimektogetherkhekhadkavoidedkher kli ekakthornbushkinkbloom,kbutktonightkhekwasklosingkthekbattlekwithkwhateverki

tkwaskthatkwask eepingkhimkaway.kShekslippedkbehindkthekscreenkandkeasedkonekarm koutkofkherksleeve.kShekputkthekna edkarmkonkthekedgekofkthekscreenkforkbalance, kthenkdippedkherkheadkaroundkthekblindktokloo katkherkhusband. Hisksuspenderskwerekhangingklimplykatkhiskhips.kThekcollarktokhiskwor shirtklayk open,kthektopktwokbuttonskundone.kMaybekifkhekwasn'tksokswooningkhandsome,kshekt hought.kMaybekifkthekcurlskofkhairkonkhiskchestkdidn'tkcatchktheklightkandkglist en.kMaybekifktherekwasn'tkaksadnesskthatkcloudedkhiskfacekandkbeggedkforkherktok isskitkaway.kMaybekthenkherkchestkwouldn'tktightenkatkthekveryksightkofkhimkand kshekwouldn'tkwantktoklaykbeneathkhimkagain. Andkmaybekpigskwerekgrowingkwingskandkflyingksouthkforkthekwinter,kLivvykgirl. Sheklic edkherklipskandktriedktokthin kofkjustkthekrightkwordsktoksay,kwordsktha tkwouldkletkhimk nowkthatkshekwantedkhimkjustkthekwaykhekwantedkher.kWordskthatk wouldkconvincekhimkthatkhekshouldkhurrykbac ktokherkarms. Hiskhandkwaskonktheklatch,kbutkhiskeyeskwerekonkherkna edkshoulder.k"Goktoksleep ,kLiv,"kheksaidkwithkakheavyksighkaskhekreachedkforkakpillowkfromktheirkbed.k"Ik wantktoktal ktokLouisakanyway." Hekwaskflatkoutktellingkherkhekwasn'tkinterested.kBlin ingkbac ktears,kshekslidk behindkthekscreen,kashamedkandkembarrassedkforkflauntingkherselfkinkfrontkofkhim . "Goodknight,kthen,"kheksaidkhus ily,kclearingkhiskthroatkafterkpushingkoutkthekw ords. "Mm,"kshekagreed,kfindingktheksamektroublekforcingkanykwordskpastktheklumpkinkhe rkthroat. Hekshutkthekdoorkbehindkhimkandkleanedkagainstkit,khiskheartkbeatingksokstrongly khekwaskafraidkshekwouldkhearkitk noc ingkrightkthroughkthekwood.kEvenkwithkhisk eyeskclosedkhekcouldkseekherkbarekshoulder,kchestnutkhairkteasingkit,ktheklampli ghtkdancingkonkit,kandkhekachedktokrunkakfingerkagainstkitsksoftness.kButkonekfi ngerkwouldkneverkbekenough,kandkherkshoulderkwouldkonlykbekthekbeginningkofkthin gskhekhadkswornkwouldkneverkhappenkagain. "AuntkLivkasleep?"kthekboykas edkfromkhiskma eshiftkbedkonktheksofa,kstartlingkS pencerkandkyan ingkhimkbac kfromkakprecipicekthatkthreatenedktoksendkhimktokhisk ruin. "Yeah,kboy,kshe'skgoingktokbed.kDidn'tkIkwor kyoukhardkenoughkforkyouktokbekdriv ingkyourkpigsktokmar et?" "Yes,ksir,"kheksaid,kobviouslykunsurekwhatkthekexpressionkmeant,kbutkwillingktok obligekwithkthekanswerkhekthoughtkSpencerkwantedktokhear. "Snoring,kboy,"kSpencerkexplained.k"What'skthekmatter?kCan'tksleep?''kHekdidn'tk nowkaboutkthekboy,kbutkhek newkthatkdespitekthekhardkdaykinkthekfieldkitkwouldk bekaklongktimekbeforekhekhimselfkfoundkanykrest.kHekwasn'tkevenkinktheksamekroom kaskLivvy,kcouldn'tkevenkseekherksil ykhairkorksmellkherklilackscent,kandkhiskbl oodkwasksimmeringkandkonkthekwayktokakquic kboil.kHekloo edkaroundkforksomething ktokdo.k"It'skhotkinkhere.kYoukwantkmektokopenkakwindow?" Thekboykshoo khiskhead.k"Ikwaskjustkwondering,"kheksaidksoftly,kpic ingkatkhiskb lan et,k"how'dkyouk nowkthatkitkwaskgonnakrainkthiskmorning?kIkmean,klastknightk whenkyoukmadekmekgetkthekwindowskallkshutkandkta ektheklidkoffkthekrainkbarrelk. k.k.khow'dkyouk nowkbykthiskmorningkitkwouldkbekrainingkpitchfor s?" "Youknoticektheksunsetklastknight?" Neilkshoo khiskhead. "Mekneither,ksokitkwasn'tktookremar ablekthen,kwaskit?kYouknoticekanykstarsklast knight?'' Neilkshoo khiskheadkagain.kThekboy'skhairkwaskgettingklong.kItkmovedksoftlykabou tkhiskface,kma ingkhimkloo kyoungerkthankhekwas.kMa ingkhimkloo kmaybeksevenkork eight. "Howkaboutkthekmoon?kYouknoticekakringkaroundkit?kAllk indkofkhazy?" Neilkscratchedkatkhiskheadkandkshrugged.k"Maybe,"khekallowed. "Farmerskhavektoknoticekthesekthings.kThey'rekallktellingksigns.kIt'skli ekMothe rkNaturekhaskherkownkwaykofkwritingkthings,kandkakfarmerkhasktoklearnkhowktokrea dkthekmessageskshekleaveskonktheks ykandkthekwaterkandkthekwind."kOfkcourse,kitk

hadn'tkhurtkthatkstupidkoldkCurlykGeorgekwaskswattingkatkimaginarykflieskandktwi tchingkhisks inkli ekitkitchedksomethingkawful,kaksureksignkofkakstorm. "Isktherekanythingkyoukdon'tk nowkaboutkfarming?"kNeilkas ed,khiskeyeskfullkofks okmuchkadmirationkitkmadekSpencerkuncomfortable. "Don'tk nowkhowkakboykyourksizekmanagesktokdokallkhiskwor kandkstillkhavekenergy katkthekendkofkthekdayktokbadgerkmekwithkquestions.kYouksurekyoukdidkallkIktoldk you,kboy?" "Yes,ksir,"kNeilksaid,khiskvoicekquiveringkslightly.k"Ikdidn'tkmeanktokbotherkyo u." "YoukandkJuk.k.k.kyourkpa youkgetkalongkallkright?"khekas ed. "Samekaskmost,kIkguess." "Andkthekgirls?kTheykgetkalongko aykwithkyourkpa?" OncekagainkNeilkwaskpic ingkatkthekcomforterkthatksurroundedkhim.kHekshrugged.k" GuesskI'mktirederkthankIkthought,"kheksaid,kma ingkakbigkshowkofkyawningkandkcov eringkhiskmouth.k"Eachkdaykfeelskli ektwoksincekIkgotkhere.kOnekforkschoolkandko nekforkfarming." "It'sknotkankeasyklife,"kSpencerkagreed.k"Butknoklifekiskthesekdays." "No,ksir,"kNeilkagreed,kslidingkdownkunderkthekcoverskandklayingkhiskheadkonkthe kpillow. "Youkeverkdisagreekwithkanything,kboy?" "Notkanymore,"kheksaid,khiskbigkeyeskstaringkintokSpencer's. "Iksee,"kSpencerksaid.kSokthatkwaskhowkitkwas.k"Maybeksomedaykyou'llktellkmekwha tkhekhitkyoukwith." Thekboy'skeyesksnappedkshutkandkhiskbreathingkbecamekheavy. "Oh,"kSpencerksaid,kplayingkalong.k"Well,kIkseekyou'vekfallenkasleep."kHekwal ed koverkandkstoodkabovekthekcouchkloo ingkdownkatkthekboykwhosekchee skstillkheldk thekpudginesskofkchildhood,kwhosekhairkstillkcurledkaroundkhiskfacekli ekakhalo, kandkreachedkhiskhandkoutktoksmoothkawaykthekworrieskthatkdrewkhiskbrowsktogethe r.kIncheskbeforekhekcamekinkcontactkwithktheksoftks inkthatkmar edkthekboy'skyou th,khekstopped. Inkakfewkminutes,ksleepkwouldkta ekthekboykandkreleasekhiskcares.kHiskheadkwould ksweatkandkhiskbodykwouldkemitkthatkwarm,kfaintlyksweetksmellkthatkPeter'skalway skhad. BestkifktomorrowkNeilkwentkbac ktoksleepingkinkthekbarn. Jeez.kkkHiskkkwifekkkinkkktheirkkbedroom,kkkthiskkkboykkkonkktheirkcouch howkmuchk waskhekgoingktokbekas edktokbearkonktopkofkwhatkhekhadkalreadykborne? Dreadkslowingkhisksteps,khekdraggedkhimselfktokthekgirls'kbedroomktokturnkoffkth eklampkthatkstillkglowedkfromkunderktheirkdoor.kHek noc edksoftly. "Goodknight,kOlivia."kThekwordskwerekcrisp,kdismissive. "It'sknotkyourkAuntkOlivia,"kSpencerksaid.k"It'skSpencer,kandkI'mkcomingkin." k ChapterkSeven Josiekwaskasleep,kloo ingkuncharacteristicallykangelickwithkherklongkeyelasheskb rushingkherkroundkchee skandkakchubbykfistkjustkincheskfromkherkbowkmouth.kOnekl egkwaskthrownkoverkthekcovers,kandkSpencerkfoughtkthekmemorieskthatkassailedkhim kaskhekgentlykeasedktheklittlekgirl'skbareklimbkunderkthekquiltkandkbentktoktuc kthekblan etktightlykbetweenkthekmattresskandkthekbedkframe. Shekshiftedkinkherksleep,kacclimatingktoktheknewkposition,kandkmadeklittleksuc i ngknoiseskwithkherkmouthkthatkdrainedkhiskheartkdrykuntilkshekfoundkherkthumbkan dkquieted. "Now,"kheksaidkaskhekstretchedktokhiskfullkheightkandkfacedkLouisa.k"You." Louisakclutchedktheknec linekofkherknightdressktightlyktogether,kthekwidekdar ke yesksheksharedkwithkherkmotherkandkherkauntkwatchingkhiskeverykmove,kandkshivere d. "Youkcold?" Shekshoo kherkheadksilently.

"Youkcouldkusekaklittlekmorekmeatkonkyourkbones,"kheksaid,kassessingkhowklostksh ekloo edkamidkthekcovers.k"Youkmightktrykeatingkyourkaunt'skcoo ing,ksettingkakg oodkexamplekforkyourksisterkthere." "Ikdon'tkli ekherkcoo ing,"kLouisaksaid,kraisingkherkchinkdefiantly. "Well,kI'vektastedkbetter,"kSpencerkagreed.k"ButkI'vektastedkworse,ktoo.kYourkma ma'skvenisonkwaskaboutkthekworstkthingkIkeverkatekwithkakfor ." Louisakloo edks eptical.k"Youkatekmykmama'skcoo ing?" "Notkenoughktok illkme,kbutkdarnkclose,"khekansweredkwithkakquietklaugh.kMarionk hadktestedkmorekthankonekrecipekonkhimkandkRemy.kTheykbothkfeltkluc ykthey'dkliv edktoktellkaboutkit. "Mykmotherkwaskankexcellentkcoo ." Spencerkraisedkhiskeyebrowskdubiously.kThey'dkbothkeatenkMarion'skfood.kDidkLoui sakreallykthin kitkwaskmorekthankakstepkabovekpalatable?k"Guesskyoukthin kyourkm amakwasknearkperfect,"kheksaid,kdroppingktheksubjectkofkMarion'skcoo ing. "Ikdon'tkjustkthin kit,"kLouisaksaid. "Sheksewkgood,ktoo?k'CausekIknoticedkakpilekofkcalicokinkthekcornerkofkourkbedro omkthatkwasn'tktherekakcouplekwee skago.kFiguredkit'skearmar edkforkyoukandkyour ksister." "Shekwantsktokdresskmekli ekaklittlekfarmkgirl." "She?kOh,kyoukmeankyourkAuntkLivvy.kWell,kyoukgottakadmitkthatkyourkdresseskarek aklittlekfancykforkfeedingkthekchic enskandkra ingkthekcoop." Heksatkdownkatkthekedgekofkhiskniece'skbed.kHekwasktookdamnktiredktokbeatkaround kthekbushkwithkthekchild,kbutkherkfrightenedkeyeskandkthekjer ingkofkherklegskaw aykfromkhiskbodykcaughtkhimkoffkguard. "Hey,kI'mknotkgonnakbitekyou.kI'vekbeenkonkmykfeetkallkdaykandkI'mktired." "Thenkgokbac ktokyourkroom,"kLouisaksaid,kmorekakpleakthankaksuggestion. Heknodded.kTherekwasknothingkhe'dkratherkdo,kbutksomekthingskjustkneededksaying, kandkhekwaskthekonekelectedktoksaykthem. "You'rekgivingkyourkauntkakrealkhardktimekofkit,kMisskLouisa.kAnkuncalled-forkha rdktime.kI'vekneverkseenkakwomankwor ksokhardktokpleaseksomeonekwithksoklittleki nkreturn.kCoo ing,ksewing,kofferingktokhelpkyoukwithkyourkhomewor ,kandkyoukturn ingkherkdownkeverykchancekyoukget." "Ikdon'tkneedkakwomanktokta ekcarekofkme.kIkcankta ekcarekofkmyselfkandkofkJosie kandkNeil,ktoo.kIkhaveksincekMamakdiedkandkIkcank eepkdoingkitknow." "Sokyoukthin kshe'skmotheringkyouktookmuch?kIskthatkit?" "Shekalwayskthere,kbeingksoknice,ktryingktokma ekuskli ekher,kcoo ingkspecialkpi eskforkus,k issingkuskgoodknight,kbuyingkuskthings,ktryingktokpretendkshe'skourk mamakk.k.k." "Sokshe'sktooknice.kIskthatkit?" Thekgirlktracedktheklittleklog-cabinkpatternskonkthekpatchwor kquiltkwithkherkfi nger,ksilent,kaskifkshekwerekdecidingkhowkmuchktokconfide.k"Neilkli eskher,"kshe kfinallyksaid.k"Hekprobablykwisheskshekwaskourkrealkmama." "Andkyoukthin kit'sknotkright,khimkli ingkherkwhilekyourkmama'skdeadkandkburied, khuh?" "It'skli ekhekdoesn'tkevenkrememberkMama."kShekloo edkoverkatkherkbabyksister,ks leepingkpeacefullykakfewkfeetkaway.k"Andkshekdoesn'tkrememberkher.kShekneverkeve nk newkher.kThere'skonlykme." "Andkyourkpa." SheksnortedkandkhekdecidedktokleavekJuliankoutkofkit. "SokIkguesskifkyoukwerektokli ekOlivia,kevenkjustkaklittle,kitkwouldkta eksometh ingkawaykfromkyourkmama'skmemory,kthekwaykyoukseekit.kIskthatkso?" Shek eptkherkeyeskonkthekquiltkandkcontinuedktokrunkherkfingerskoverkallkthekcoz yklittlekhouses,kfollowingktheksmo eklineskoutkofkthekchimneyskwithoutkanswering khim. "Andkyoukthin kthatksomehowkyou'dkbekbeingkdisloyalktokyourkmamakifkyoukenjoyedk someonekelse'skcoo ing,korkletksomeonekgivekyoukak isskonkthekforeheadkbeforekyo ukwentkoffktokdreamland,khuh?" "Iklovedkmykmama.kForkme,kanyway,keverythingkwaskperfectkuntilkshekdied."kSheksn iffedkandkhekpulledkoutkhiskhan ykandkhandedkitktokher.k"AndkI'llkneverklovekany onekelsekli ekIklovedkher."

"Ofkcourseknot,"kheksaid.k"ButkIkdon'tkseekhowklettingkLivvyklovekyoukiskgoingkt okta ekawaykonekouncekofkthekfeelingkyoukhavekforkyourkmama."kHekpointedktowardk herkchest.k"Youkonlykgotkroomkenoughkinktherektoklovekonekperson?" "Inkthatkway,"ksheksaid,kfinallykraisingkherkeyesktokherkuncle's. "Thenkfindkanotherkway,"kheksaid,ktirednesskgettingkthekbestkofkhiskpatience.k"F indksomekdamnkotherkwayktoklovekher.kLovekherk'causekshe'skstrongkandk ind,kandk shekdoesn'tkgivekup.kLovekherk'causekyou'reknotkgoingktokfindktookmanykotherkpeo plekinkthekworldkwhokcareksokmuchkaboutkyourkbeingkhappy." "Ikthoughtkyou'dkunderstand,"kLouisaksaid.k"Butkyou'rekjustkli ekanykgrown-up.kY oukthin kthatkit'skallkrightkforkyouktokwantktok eepkyourkpreciouskmemories,kbut kIkcan'tkhavekmine.kYoukwon'tkevenkletkuskgokupkinkthatkloft,kneverkmindksleepki nkthosekstupidkbeds,ksokthatkmykbrotherkhasktoksleepkonktheksofakorkinkthekbarnk whenkthere'skakperfectlykgood " "Ikthoughtkitkwaskakstupidkbed,"khekcorrected. "Itkis.kAndkeverythingkelsekinkthiskhousekis,ktoo.kAndkyoukjustkthin kit'sksokgr eatkbecausekyourkchildrenklivedkhere."kSheknarrowedkherkeyeskandkaddedksharply,k pointingktowardkhiskchest,k"Youkonlykhavekroomktoklovekthosekchildrenkinkthere?" Atkfirstkhekdidn'tkanswer.kHeksimplykrosekandkwal edktokthekdoorkonklegskhobbled kfromkbeingkonkhiskniece'sklowkbed.kOncektherekhekloo edkoverkhiskshoulderkandks taredkatkthekfacekthatkwaskcrumblingkonkthekpillowkandkdissolvingkintoktears.k"T hat'skwhat'skthekmatterkwithkchildren,"khektoldkher.k"Theykthin ktheyk nowkstuff ktheykdon'tkhavekanykideakabout.kYourksituationkandkminekdon'tkhavekanythingkink common.kButkI'llktellkyoukthis Ikthan kthekLordkthatkOliviakcamekintokmyklife,kand kwhenkSundaykcomeskI'llkexpectkyouktokdoktheksame." Withkthatkhekliftedkthekchildren'sklampkandktoo kitkwithkhimkoutkofktheirkroom.k Hekhadkbeenkrightktokopposekthesekchildrenkcomingktoklivekwithkhim.kHekstoodkink thekparlorkandkheardkNeil'sksoftkbreathing.kTheykwerekeverywhere. Andkifkthreeksmallkchildrenkweren'tkenough,kfromkbeneathkhiskbedroomkdoorkaksoft klightkstillkglowed.kDamn,khekthought,kandkgrabbedkhiskjac etkbeforekheadingkout kontokthekporchktokwaitkforkOliviaktokfallkasleep. Shekheardkthekfrontkdoorkopenkandkclosekandkpausedkinkthekletterkshekwaskcomposi ngktokJulian.kWell,khe'dktoldkherknotktokwaitkup,khadn'tkhe?kButkifkhekwasksokal l-firedktired,kwhatkwaskhekdoingkgoingkoutkatkthiskhour? Shekputkdownkthekpenkandktriedktokseekoutkthekwindow.kAklightkfromkthekporchkcas tkshadowskonkthekground.kShekreachedkforkakshawlkandkeasedkherkfeetkintokherksli ppers,kdetermined,katkleast,ktokspea ktokherkhusbandkbeforekshekwentktokbed. ShekpassedkNeil'sksleepingkformkonkthekcouchkandkopenedkthekdoorkaskquietlykasks hekcould.kOnkthekporchksatkherkhusband,khiskheadkinkhiskhands,khiskshoulderskris ingkandkfallingkunevenly.kSobskrodekthekwindkbac ktokherkandkshekrealizedkwithka kstartkthatkhekwaskcrying.kCryingkopenlykonktheirkporchkonkakcoolkspringkevening kaskifkhekwerekallkalonekinkthekworldkwithoutkaksoulkwhosekheartkwouldkgladlykha lvekhisksorrow kno,kwouldkta ekallkthatksorrowktokseekakgenuineksmilekonkhiskfacek again. Sheksan kbac kthroughkthekdoorwaykintokthekhousekandkclosedkthekdoorksoundlessly .kOnekthingkherkmarriagektokSpencerkhadktaughtkher,kandktaughtkherkwell.kThingsk couldkbeksharedkonlykwhenktheykwerekgiven,knotkta en.kShekcouldn'tkta ekhisksorr ows,kbutkshouldkhekwantktoksharekthem,kshekwaskstillkthere,kstillkwilling.kSheks upposedkshe'dkalwayskbe. Bac kinkthekbedroom,kherkletterktokJuliankinkSankFranciscokwaited.kWhatkdidkakfa therkwantktokhearkaboutkhiskchildren?kSurelyknotkthatktheykwerekmiserable,korkth atktheykwerekdoingktheirkbestktokma ekherkaskunhappykasktheykwere.kShekstartedkw ithkNeil,k nowingkthatkitkwouldkbekeasiestktokpraisekhimkforkhiskhelpfulkwayskif knotkhiskrealkusefulness,kwhichkwaskdoubtful. NeilkhasklearnedksokmuchkaboutkfarmingkinkthekshortktimekhekhaskbeenkhelpingkSpe ncerkthatkIkfearkbeforekwek nowkitkhe'llkbekrunningkthekfarmkhimself.kHekshowska nkinterestkinkallkthekmachinerykandkakspecialkfondnesskforkthekvariousklivestoc .kInkjustkthekpastkwee khekhaskhelpedkplowkandkreadykthekearth,kcleanedkthekbarn

kandksloppedkthekpigs. Therekwasn'tkonekofkthosekjobskthatkSpencerkhadn'tkhadktokredokafterkNeilkhadkdo nekthem,kbutkakfatherkoughtktokbekablektokta ekpridekinkakson,kandkOliviakhadkse enksorryklittlekevidencekofkpridekwhenkJuliankhadkbeenkwithkthem. JosephinakandkIkarekbeginningktokwarmktokeachkotherkafterkthekroc ykstartkwekgot koffkto.kShekshowskankavidkinterestkinkeverythingkandkfillskmykdayskwithkthekwon dermentkofkchildren. Thekavidkinterestkinkeverythingkwasksurelyknotkankoverstatement.kJosiekhadkempti edkeverykdrawerkinkthek itchen,kspilledkoutkeverykcanisterkofkstaples,kburnedktw okfingerskonkthekstovek.k.k.k Sheklearnskverykquic lykandkretainskthek nowledgekwell. But,kLivvykwantedktokadd,kshektrieskfirstkandkas skquestionsklater,kwhenkherktea rskhaveksubsided.kThreektimeskshekfellkoffkthekladderktokthekloftkoverkthek itch en,kbutkeachktimekshekhadkmanagedktokgetkonekrungkfartherkupktheksteps. Shekiskpersistent,ktoo. AndkSpencerkhadkbetterkfixkthekrailingkthatkhek ic edkoutkallkthosekyearskagokor kremovekthekladderkbeforekJosiekgotkherselfktokthektop. Louisa,kOliviakcontinued, iskquitektheklittlekmother,kaskIkbelievekyoukoncekcalledkher.kShekta esksuchkgoo dkcarekjosiekthatkIkalmostkhatektokpushkherkoutkthekdoorkforkschoolkinkthekmorni ngs. Ofkcourse,kLouisakhatedkitkfarkmorekthankOlivia,kbutkwaskthatksomethingkJuliankr eallykneededktok now? Thoughkitkwouldkbekhardktokimaginekherkevenkmorekhelpful,kIkamkthin ingkofkletti ngkLouisaktrykherkhandkinkthek itchen. Maybekthenkshe'llkeatksomething.kLordk nowskIkcan'tkgetkherktokeatkwhatkIkcoo ,k andkifkshekgetskanyks innierkwekwon'tkseekherksideways. There'sktal kofkakrailroadkspurkpossiblykcomingktokMaplekStand,kthoughkIkcan'tks eekwhykanyonekhaskankinterestkinkcomingktokaktownkwhosekonlyknewkindustrykinkthe klastktenkyearskhaskbeenkakciderkpress.kButkthekrailroadkrunskbothkways,kandkIks upposekit'llkaidkthekyoungkfol skinkhightailingkitktokthekbigkcitykthekwaykyouka ndkMarionkdid. Well,kseeingkaskI'vekgotkmykhandskfullkwithkchildrenkIkguesskI'dkbetterkclosekth iskletterkandkgetkbac ktokwor .kItksurelykiskakbusykhouseholdknow. Shekliftedkherkpen.kThekhousekwasksokquietkshekcouldkhearkthekcoalkshiftingkandk Sin ingkinkthekstovekinkthekparlor.kWaskitkneverkgoingktokwarmkup? Spencerkcoughedksomewhere,kreassuringkherkthatkatkleastkhekhadn'tkupkandkgonekdr in ingkorkoutkonkthektown. Don'tkworrykaboutkyourkchildren.kSpencerkandkIkarekloo ingkafterkthemkaskifkthey kwerekourkown. Andksincekitkwaskhardlykli elykthatkthey'dkeverkhavekanykchildrenkofktheirkown,k OliviakwaskdeterminedktokenjoykeverykmomentkshekhadkwithkNeil,kJosie,kandkevenkL ouisa.

Love,kOlivia. Shekfoldedkthekprettykpaper,kakgiftkfromkBess,kandkslippedkitkintokthekenvelope, kthenkleftkitkonktheknightstandktokrememberktokta ekwithkherktokZephin's.kShektu rnedktheklightkwaykdown,kthenkdecidedkthatkSpencerkcouldkfindkhiskwaykinkthekdar ,kifkindeedkhekeverkdecidedktokcomekin,kandkputkoutktheklamp.kInkthekdar nessks heklistenedktoktheksoundkofkherkownkbreathingkandkwishedkSpencerkwasklyingkbesid ekher,khiskheavykbreathingkdrowningkoutkherkown,kjustkaskhisksorrowskoverpowered kherskandkhisklifekeclipsedkthekonekshekhadkchosenkforkherself. Hekmustkhavekcomektokbedkatksomekpoint,kbecausekwhenkOliviakawo ekinkthekmorning khekwasklyingknextktokher,khiskheadkproppedkupkonkhiskhand,kwatchingkherksleep. "Youkdidn'tkbraidkyourkhair"kwerekthekfirstkwordskoutkofkhiskmouth,kandksheksawk thatkhekwaskholdingkakloc kofkitkinkhiskfreekhand. Shekdidn'tk nowkhowktokanswerkhim.kHekhadkseemedksokfascinatedkbykherkhairkthatk shekhadkleftkitkloosekinkthekhopeskthatkhekwouldktouchkit,klosekhimselfkinkit,ka ndkthenktouchkher.kThatkwasn'tkexactlyksomethingkshekcouldktellkherkhusband.k"Do kyoukmindkitkloose?"kshekas ed,ksweepingkitkbac kfromkherkface. "Mm,"kheksaid,kdroppingkthekloc kandkrollingkontokhiskbac ,khiskhandskloc edkbeh indkhiskhead.k"Itkgetskallkoverkinktheknight." "I'mksorry,"ksheksaid.k"I'llkrememberktokbraidkitkfromknowkon." "That'dkbekgood,"kheksaidkwithoutkenthusiasm. "I'mkta ingkNeilkintoktownktoday,"ksheksaidkasksheksatkupkandkstretched. "I'llkneedkthekboy,"kheksaid,kspringingkfromkthekbedkandkgoingktokthekwindowktok chec kthekday.k"I'vekbeenkwaitin'kallkwee kforkakfullkdaykinkthekfieldkwithkhim. kRemy'skbringingkoverkhiskboyskandkwe'rekgonnaktryktheknewkhayloader,kthenkwe're kallkgoingkoverktokSacottekFarm." "Cankhekma ekdokwithkthekshoeskhe'skgot?"kshekas ed,khopingknotktokruinkallkofkt hekplanskforkthekday,kbeingkthekclosestkthingktokakfamilykoutingkSpencerkhadkexp eriencedkinkfivekyears,kandkthekfirstktimekshe'dkseenkhimkexcitedkinkallkthatkti me. "Juliankwaskakdamnkfool,kbringingkhimktokwor konkakfarmkwithkcity-slic erkban er kshoes.kWhatkdidkhekthin kthekboykwaskgoingktokdokhere?kPlaykhopscotchkonkcement ?kRollkakhoopkonkconcrete?" "Maybekifkwekstuffedkthektoeskofkmykboots?"kLivvykoffered. "He'skakdamnksightksmallerkthankyou,kLiv.kHe'skakpunykruntkforkakboykhiskage.kHa rdlykmuchkbiggerkthankPeterkwaskforkallkthekextrakyearskhe'skhad." LivvyktriedktokhidekherksurprisekatkthekreferencektokSpencer'skson.kThekname,kli ekthekloft,kwaskforbidden. "Cankyoukta ekhimktokZephin'sknow,kfirstkthing?"khekas edkquic ly,kaskifkhekwere kafraidkthatkLivvykmightksuggestkthatkperhapskNeilkcouldkwearkPeter'skshoes.kDid khekthin kshe'dkreallyksuggestkthat?kAfterkallkthisktime? "Whatkaboutkthekgirls?kAndkbrea fast?kAndkmykchores?"kshekas ed,kslippingkbehind kthekscreenkandkhurryingktokgetkdressed,kherkbladderknearlykbursting. "Louisakcankma ekbrea fastkandkta ekcarekofkJosie.kLordk nowskshek eepsksayingks hekcan.kLetkherkprovekit.kAndkI'llkgetkthekmil ingkdonekandkhavekLouisakdokthekr est.kThatkhayloaderkcouldkcutkourkwor ktimekinkhalfkandkgetkHenrykoffkthekfarmki fkhe'skakmindktoktrykhiskluc kelsewhere." Livvykcamekoutkfromkbehindkthekscreen,kkstillkwor ingkonkthekbuttonskofkherkshir twaist.k"Forkheaven'sksa e,kSpence,kHenry'skjustkakboy.kAndkthekgirlkiskelevenky earskold.kShekcan'tkk.k.k.k" Spencerkwaskwatchingkherkfingerskasktheyknestledkbetweenkherkbreastsktryingktokg etktheklittlekpearlkbuttonskthroughkthekholes.kWhykcouldn'tkhekloo katkherkli ek thatkatknight?kWhyknow,kwithkakhousekfullkofkchildren,ktwokfieldskofkhaykwaiting ktokbekra edkandkloaded,kandkallkherknephewskonktheirkwaykover,kalongkwithkherkb rother? "Livvy,kI " Therekwaskak noc katkthekdoor.kSpencerkpaddedkoverkinkhiskbarekfeetkandkopenedkt hekdoorkakcrac kwhilekOliviakturnedkawaykandkfinishedkfasteningkherkbuttons.

"I'mkready,"kNeilksaid.k"AndkIkgotkmykarrowheadsktoktradekPhilip,ktoo."kHekproud lykheldkupktwokarrowheadskhekhadkfoundkwhilekhelpingktokturnkLivvy'skgarden. "AuntkLiv'skgonnakta ekyouktoktownkandkgetkyouksomekboots,kboy.kSlapksomekjamkon kakslabkofkbreadkandkyoukcankeatkitkonkthekway." "Yes,ksir,"kNeilksaid,kscootingkfromkthekdoor. "Andkdon'tkletkPhilipkta ekadvantagekofkyouknone.kYoukbeksurekyoukgetksomethingk worthwhilekforkthosekarrowheads,"kSpencerkshoutedkatkthekboy'skbac . "Yes,ksir,"kNeilksaidkagain. "I'llkhoo kupkCurlykGeorge,"kSpencerksaid,kslippingkhiskwor pantskoverkhisklongj ohns.k"It'llksavekyoukthektimekofkwal ing." "ArekyoukgoingktokputkhimkandkPeachesktogetherkinkthekcorralkagainktoday?"ksheka s ed. 'Lesskyoukhaveksomekobjection.kGeorgekiskgettingkonkandkitksurekwouldkbekakshame kforkhimktokgokoutkofkthiskworldkwithoutkleavingksomethingkofkhimselfkinkit." Li ekitkwouldkbekforkSpencer,kOliviakthoughtksadly.kInkakworldkofkifkonlys,kthat kwaskherkmostkcherishedkone.kIfkonlykshekcouldkgivekSpencerkakchildkofkhiskown. "Youkdon'tkwantkmekto?"khekas ed,knotk nowingkwhatkitkwaskthatktroubledkher. "It'skjustkthatkLouisa'skhomektoday,kandkneverklivingkonkakfarm,kIkdon'tkthin ks he'dkbektookaccustomedktokseeingkspringkinkthekbarnyard." "Well,"kSpencerksaidkoverkhiskshoulderkaskhekhurriedkforkthekdoor.k"Gladktokseek thatkthosek idskaren'tkgonnakbekanyktrouble.kIkgottakhoo kupkGeorge,kyoukgottakr unktoktownkandkspendkgoodkmoneykonkshoeskthatkthekboy'llkoutgrowkbeforekwe'vekgo tkthekfieldkplanted,kandknowkMisskLouisa'sksensibilitieskarekgonnakbekoffendedki fkIkletkthekdamnkhorseskbehavekli ekhorses."kHekyan edkopenkthekfrontkdoorkandks houtedkbac ,k"Andkthatklittlekone'skcryingkagain,kLiv.kButkdon'tkworrykbecausekI kdon'tkevenk nowkthey'rekhere,kjustkli ekyouksaid." Thenkthekdoorkslammedkwithkenoughkforcektokrattlekthekdisheskinkthek itchenkandk setkJosiekoffkonkakhowlkthatkSpencerkcouldknokdoubtkhearkallkthekwaykinkthekbarn . Andkwithkallkthekchaos,kandkallkSpencer'skyellingkandkLouisakburningksomethingka tkthekstove,khowkcome,kshekwondered,kallkshekcouldkthin kofkwaskSpencerkstaringk atkherkwhenkshekwo ekup,kherkhairkinkhiskhand? k ChapterkEight "Boys'kboots,kMisskZephin,"kLivvyksaidkasksoonkaskshekandkNeilkcrossedkthekthres holdktokZephin'skMercantile.k"Askfastkaskyoukcankfindkthemkandkfitkthem.kThiskyo ungkmankhaskakfieldktokplantkandkhiskcitykshoeskaren'tkgoingktokdokthektric ." "Yes,kma'am,"kEmmaksaid,kherkvoicekunusuallykchipper.k"Andkwhatksizekwouldkthatk be?" LivvykstaredkdownkatkNeil,kwhokseemedkyoungerkinkthekmidstkofkakstorekfullkofkad ultskinsteadkofkakhousekfullkofkchildren,kandkputkakgentlekhandkonkhiskhead,ksli dingkthekcapkhekworekbac wardkuntilkhekrealizedkthatketiquettekdemandedkhekremov ekit.kShekleanedkdownkandkquietlykas edkifkhek newkhiskshoeksize. "Sizektwoklastktimekwekgotkany,"kheksaid,khiskeyeskstudyingkEmmakZephin.k"Ma'am, "khekadded,krespectfully. "Whatkaknicekyoungkmankyoukhavekthere,kMrs.kWilliamson,"kEmmaksaid,kbendingkforw ardktokexaminekhimknearlyknosektoknose.k"Verykwellkmannered." "He'sktookyoungkforkyou,kEmma,"kCharliekZephinksaidkfromkbehindkthekcounterkwher ekhekhadkbeenk neelingkoutkofksight.k"Bykthektimekhe'skripekforkmarrying,kyou'll khavekonekfootkinkthekgrave." "Papa!"kEmmaksaid,kstraighteningkandkma ingksurekherkshirtwaistkwaskwellktuc edk intokherkwaistband.kShekstuc kherknosekinkthekairkandkglaredkatkherkfather.k"Ma ekallkthekjo eskyoukwant,kMr.kZephin.kOnekdayksoonkI'llkbekleavingkherekandkyou' llkbekinkakfinekmesskwithoutkme,kyouk nowkyoukwill." "Leaving?"kLivvykas ed,kbutkEmmakjustkraisedkherkeyebrowskatkherkfatherkandkthen kmutteredksomethingkaboutkbootskstartingkatksizekthreekbeforekdisappearingkintok

thekbac kroom. "Leaving?"kLivvykrepeatedktokCharliekZephin.k"IskEmmakgoingksomewhere?" "Oh,"kCharlieksaidkwithkakheavyksighkandkmovedkcloserktokOliviakandkNeil.k"She's kgotkitkinkherkheadkthatkWaylonkMa eridgekfellowkiskgonnakcomeksweepkherkoffkher kfeetkandkta ekherkforkhiskwife."kHekshoo khiskheadkwithkakloo kthatkatkoncekpro nouncedktheknotionkfoolishkandkpathetic. "Someone'skgonnakmarrykher?"kNeilksaidkincredulously,kthenk"coveredkhiskmouthkas kifkhekhadn'tkmeantkforkthekwordsktokbeksaidkaloud. "Notkli elykson,kiskit?"kCharlieksaid,krufflingkthekboy'skhair.k"Tookbadkshekdon 'tkloo kli ekyourkauntkhere,korkshe'dkakgivenkmekakgrandchildkorktwokbyknow." "Notknecessarily,"kOliviaksaid,ktryingktok eepkthekhurtkoutkofkherkvoice.k"Andkw ho'skthiskMr.kMa eridge?kIkdon'tkthin kI'vekeverkheardkthatknamekbefore." "WaylonkMa eridgekiskthekrailroadksurveyor,"kEmmaksaid,kemergingkfromkthekcurtai nkthatkseparatedkthekstoreroomkfromkthekmainkroomkofkthekmercantile.kShekwaskcar ryingktwokboxeskandkakpairkofkloosekboots,kaskwell,kandktheksmilekhadkmostkdefin itelykreturnedktokherkfacekatkthekmentionkofkMr.kMa eridge'skname. "Ikli ektrains,"kNeilksaid,ksittingkonkakbenchkandkwor ingkatktheklacesktokhiskb an er'skshoes.k"WekcamekonkaktrainkfromkChicagokmostkofkthekwayskhere.kPapakmost lykplayedkcardskandkstayedkwithksomekdandy,kbutkmekandkJosiekandkLouisakwentkupk andkdownkthekcars,kandktherekwaskakmanksellingkmuffinskandkanotherkwithkdrin s.k Andkakwholekcarkthatkwasksetkupkjustkli ekakrestaurantkwithkfancyklinenskandkall ." "Well,kboy,kifkthesekherekwomenkcankconjurkupksomekmagic,kwekjustkmightkhavekakt rainkstopkrightkherekinkMaplekStand,kwekmight.kNowkwhatkwouldkyoukthin kofkthat? ''kCharliekcrossedkhiskarmskoverkhiskstoc kapronkandkloo edkverykpleasedkwithkhi mself. "Ikthought,kCharliekZephin,kthatkallkthiskrailroadktal kwaskjustksokmuchkstuffka ndknonsense."kOliviakshoo kherkheadkatkhim.k"Youkaren'tktryingktoktellkme "kshekst arted. "Well,kMr.kMa eridgekiskcomingktokMaplekStandktokdoksomeksurveying,"kEmmaksaid,k thenkblushedkfuriously.k"I'vekbeenkhavingkakcorrespondencekwithkhimk...kinkthatk regard,kofkcourse." ShekhadkputkthekboxeskofkshoesknextktokNeilkandkhadkbeenkuntyingktheklacesksokth atkhekwouldkbekablektoktrykthemkon.kNowkonekbootkhungklimplykfromkherkhandkasksh ekstaredkoffkintokspace. "PapakwillkhavektokfetchkhimkfromkMilwau ee." "Milwau ee?"kLivvy'skearskpic edkupkevenkaskshektoo kthekbootkfromkEmmakandkhelp edkNeilkpushkhiskfootkintokit.k"You'rekgoingkallkthekwayktokMilwau ee,kMr.kZephi n?" "It'sk indakbig,"kNeilksaid,kclompingkaroundkthekstore,konekfootkstillkcladkinkh iskoldkshoekandkcomingkdownksoftly,kthekotherksmac ingkandkslurpingkagainstkthek woodenkfloor.k"Youkgotkanythingksmaller?'' "Boy'skgonnakgrow,"kCharlieksaid,kriflingkthroughksomekboxeskbehindkthekcounterk andkcomingkupkwithkakpairkofkthic kwoolenksoc s.k"Trykthesekonkandkseekif,kwithk 'emklacedkupkgood,kthey'llkdo.kDon'tkwantkyoukoutgrowingk'emkbeforeklunch." Livvykloo edkatkthekbigkcloc konkthekwall.kLord,kthiskhadkta enklongerkthankshe' dkfiguredkalready,kandkshekhadn'tkevenkstartedktryingktokgetkMr.kZephinktoklower kthekpricekany.kSpencerkwouldkbekfumingkinkthekfieldskbyknow. Spencer.kHiskrejectionkstillkburnedkherkeyeskandkclosedkherkthroat. "Boy,kshe'skugly,"kNeilkwhisperedkwhenkEmmakwentkintokthekbac ktokseekifktherekw erekanyksmallerkboots. Oliviakshotkhimkakloo kthatksaidkshekwouldn'tktolerateksuchktal ,kbutkshekcouldn 'tkhelpkwonderingkifkNeilkthoughtktheksamekofkher.kWaskshekugly?kIskthatkwhykSpe ncerkdidn'tkwantkher?kSokbeautiful,khekhadksaidkthatknight.kSokbeautiful.kAndkwh ilekshek newkshekcertainlykwasn'tkbeautiful,knotkKirsten-beautiful,korkMarion-be autiful,kshekdidn'tkreallykbelievekshekwaskEmma-ugly,keither. "AndkWaylon,kthatkis,kMr.kMa eridge,kwillkbekstayingkherekwithkuskwhenkhekcomes, "kEmmaksaidkaskshekhandedkakboxktokOliviakthatkcontainedkshoeskthatkloo edkveryk small.k''Andkhe'skloo ingkforwardktokmykcherrykpie,kheksays." "That'skrealknice,"kOliviaksaid,kshowingkthekshoesktokNeilkandkwatchingkhimksha

Spencerkandkhisknephewskhadktriedkoutkthekhayloaderkandkhadkakrowkandkakhalfkofk cornkturnedkandkplantedkbykthektimekheksawkOliviakandkNeilkinkthekwagonkcomingkd

ekhiskheadkatkevenktryingkthemkon. Hekhadkputkthekheavykwoolenksoc skoverkhiskownkandkwasktryingkonktheksecondkpair kofkboots,koneskthatkloo edkaklotkli ekthektypekSpencerkwore,kwhilek eepingkonek eyekonkthekgrownups. "Wouldkyoukbekwillingktokta ekakcouplekofkpassengerskwithkyouktokMilwau ee,kMr.k Zephin?"kshekas ed.k"MaybekMrs.kSacottekandkIkcouldkgokalong,kifkMr.kWilliamsonk andkRemykdon'tkmind.kBesskhasn'tkbeenkallkthatkwellkandkI'dksurekli ekherktoksee kakgoodkdoctor.kThatkis,kifkyou'rekplanningkonkonlykstayingkoneknight.kIt'sknotk easykforkeitherkofkusktokgetkawaykforktooklong." "Why,kMrs.kWilliamson,kI'dkbekhappykforkthekcompany.kEvenkconsideredkclosingkdow nkthekstorekandklettingkEmmakcomekwithkme,kbutkthiskisksokmuchkbetter."kHekbowed kslightlykatkthekwaist.k"I'dkbekdelightedkifkyou'dkdokmekthekhonor.kAndkloo skli ekhekfoundkthekbootskhekwants." Neilkstoodkinkthekheavykbootskli ekakproudkpeacoc ,khiskchinkraised,khiskhandsko nkhiskhips.k"Thesekarekthekones,kAuntkLiv.kTheykfitkmekgreat." "You'reksure?"kshekas ed,kneverkhavingkboughtkshoeskforkakchildkandkhavingknokwa ykofk nowingkwhetherktheykwerekhalfkakdozenksizesktooksmallkorktooklarge,konlyk nowingkthatkNeilkwantedkthemkbecausektheykloo edkjustkli ekSpencer's. "They'llkbekfine,"kCharlieksaid,kbendingkoverkandkfeelingkthroughkthekshoekforkN eil'sktoe.k"Enoughkroomktokgrowkbutknotksokmuchkthatkhe'llkleavek'emkinkakpileko fkmuc .kAndkthey'rekakbargain,ktoo.kOnlykakdollarkandkeightykcents.kLesskthankth ekcatalog,kli ekalways." "Akdollarkeighty,"kOliviaksaid,kchec ingkthekcloc kagain.kShekwishedkPhilipkwere kherektokclosekakdealkforkher,kaskshekwasn'tkverykgoodkatkbargainingkevenkwhenks hekhadkallkthektimekinkthekworld.kShekwasktookhonestktokma ekakgoodkhaggler,ksok sheksaidkwhatkwaskonkherkmind.k"Mr.kWilliamson'skgonnakas kifkIkpaidkyourkfirstk price,kMr.kZephin,kandkyouk nowkhowkIkfeelkaboutklying." Mr.kZephinklaughed.k"IksupposekIkcouldkta ekoffkanotherknic elkandkma ekitkoneks eventy-five." "Olivia,kyourkpiekwonkthatkbluekribbonklastkyearkdidn'tkit?"kEmmakas ed,kabsentm indedlykpac ingkupkthekshoeskthatkNeilkhadktriedkandkrejected.k"Thekcherrykone,k didn'tkit?" "Well,kitkwaskakgoodkyearkforkcherrieskatkSacottekFarm,"kLivvyksaid.k"Thekfruitk reallykshouldkhavekgottenkthekribbon." "AuntkLivkiskakrealkgoodkcoo ,"kNeilksaid.k"EvenkUnclekSpencerksayskso." "Aboutkthekrecipekforkthatkpie,kOlivia,"ksheksaid,kloo ingkplaintivelykatkLivvy. "Aboutkthekpricekofkthekshoes,kMr.kZephin,"kLivvyksaidkinkturn. "AboutkthekridektokMilwau ee,,kMrs.kWilliamson,"kCharlieksaidkandkthekthreekallk waitedkforkakmomentkwhileknokonekthrewkanotherkfavorkintokthekpot. "Can'tkgoklower,"kCharliekfinallyksaid.k"ButkIkcouldkthrowkinkankextraksetkofkla ceskandksomekpolish." "I'llkcopykdownkthatkrecipektonight,"kLivvyksaidktokEmma.k"AndkIkhopekitkbeatskt hekDutchkoutkofkMr.kMa eridge."kkkkk "She'llkneedkrealkgoodkcherries,"kCharlieksaid,ksensingkankopportunity.k"Youkcou ldkbringk'emkwhenkyoukcomekforkyourkridektokMilwau ee." Livvyklaughedkandknoddedkherkagreement.k"Ifkitkturnskoutkthatkwekcankgo,kthenkwi thkpleasure,kMr.kZephin." "Pleasure'skallkmine,kMrs.kWilliamson." "CouldkIkwearkthemkhome?"kNeilkas ed. "Ikdon'tk now,"kLivvyksaid,kloo ingks epticallykatkthekenormouskbootskonkherkspi ndlyknephew'skfeetkandkthenkthrowingkoneklastkglancekatkthekcloc .k"Cankyoukrunk inkthem?" "CoursekIkcan,"kNeilksaid,khiskchestkpuffedkoutkli ekakpeacoc kbeforekhektripped konkthekwaykoutkthekdoor. "Well,"kLivvyksaidkwithkakshrug.k"Atkleastkwe'vekgotkCurlykGeorgektokcarrykuskth ekrestkofkthekway!"

ownkthekdirtkpathkfromktown.kHekdidn'tk nowkwhatkhe'dkbeenkthin ing,ksendingkhis kwifektokgetkthekboykshoes.kLordk newkwhatkhe'dkwoundkupkwith,kforkLivvykwasksok soft-heartedkshe'dkgetkthekchildkwhateverkhekas edkfor.kAndkNeil,kwhilekhekwaskq uic ktokcatchkon,kcamekasknaturalktokfarmingkaskakchic enkcamektokpuc eringkupka ndkwhistling. Sheksteeredkthekwagonktokwithinkafewkyardskofkthekbarnkandkthenkstopped,ksaidkso methingktokNeil,kandkfixedkthekbra e.kThekboykjumpedkdownkandkheadedkforkSpencer ,k ic ingkdirtkonkthekwaykwithkwhatkloo edktokbekgoodksturdykwor kboots. "AuntkLivkwantsktok nowkwherekyoukwantkCurlykGeorge,"kheksaidkwhenkhekwaskwithin kshoutingkdistancekofkhiskuncle. "Hey,kNeil,"kHenryksaidkatkhiskcousin'skapproach.k"Youkowekuskfourkrowskofkwor . " "It'llkgokfasterknowkthatkI'mkhere,"kNeilksaid,kandkSpencerkstifledkaklaugh.kIfk therekwaskakwaykforkNeilktokfoulkupkthekwor kandkma ekitkta ektwicekasklong,kqui tekunintentionally,kthekboykwouldkfindkit. "I'llkjustkgokunhitchkGeorge,"kSpencerksaidktokthekboyskandksaunteredktowardkthe kwagon. Oliviakwaskma ingkherkwaykdownkfromkthekbuc board,konekfootksearchingkforkthekhu bkofkthekwheel,kherkfannykstic ingkoutkroundlykbehindkher.kHekstoodkbehindkher,k paralyzed.kHekdidn'tkdarekreachkforkherkwaist,k nowingkhekcouldn'tkhelpkbutks im kherkbottomkonkhiskwayktowardkthatkslimkwaistkthatkhekthoughtkhiskhandskcouldkpr obablykspan.kHowkwaskitkhekstillkdidn'tk nowkthatkafterkthey'dkbeenkmarriedksokl ong? Becausekhe'dk eptkhiskdamnkhandsktokhimself,kandkthatkwasksurelykwhatkhekoughtkt okbekdoingkrightknow,kinsteadkofkliftingkherks irtkenoughktokfindkherkan lekandk guidekitkontokthekwheelkhub.kBecausektheklittlekvoicekinkhiskheadkwarnedkhimktha tkta ingkherkintokhiskarmskwaskjustkonekstepkawaykfromkta ingkherkintokhiskheart .kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk "Oh!"ksheksaid,knearlyklosingkherkbalancekwhenkshekfeltkhiskhandkonkherkan le.kH erkfootkmissedkthekhubkandkcontinuedkdown,kherklegkrunningkthroughkhiskhandkunti lkitktightenedkjustkunderkherk nee.kHowkcouldkaklegkbeksoksoft,ksoksmooth?kIfkhe kletkgoknow,kshe'dkfall.kIfkhekheldkonkmuchklonger,khe'dkneverkletkgo.kWithkhisk freekhandkhekscoopedkherkupkandkdepositedkherkfirmlykbesidekthekwagon. Recoveringkherkbalancekandkcatchingkherkhatkaskitktumbledkfromkherkhead,ksheksta redkatkhimkaskifkhe'dklostkhiskmind.kMuchkmorekofkthiskandkhekwasksurekhekwould. kKidskeverywhere,khiskwifekinkwetkshirtwaists,kherkchee skalwayskflushedkk.kkk.k kk. Georgekstompedkandksnorted,krattlingkhiskharnesskaskifkhekwerekinkakhurryktokeit herkgoksomewherekorkbekunhitched.kUnhitched.kHekandkCurlykGeorgekhadktookdamnkma nykdesireskinkcommon. "Ikdidn'tk nowkifkyoukwantedkthekhorsekinkthekbarnkorkthekcorral,"kOliviaksaid,k squintingkatkhimkinktheksunshinekandkloo ingkli ekshe'dkbeenksetkaglow. "Thekhorsekiskherektokwor ,"kheksaid.k"Putkonkthiskearthktokwor ,kjustkli ekme." kWhatkonkearthkwaskhektal ingkabout?kCouldn'tkheksimplyksaykIkneedkhimkinkthekfi eld?kAllkthiskchaoskhadkrenderedkhimkincapablekofktal ingksense. "Oh,kofkcourse,"ksheksaid,kappearingkslightlykembarrassed.k"You'rekusingkPeaches kforkplowing,kanyway.kIkdon'tk nowkwhatkIkwaskthin ing." Ifkshe'dkbeenkakmankhe'dkhavekguessedkshekwaskthin ingkaboutkthekhorseskmating.k She'dkhavekbeenkthin ingkaboutkSpringkandkakyoungkman'skfancykorkwhateverkitkwas kthatkpoetkhadksaid.kShe'dkhavekbeenkthin ingkaboutktheksmellkofkakwomankandkwha tkitkdidktokakman'skbrainkevenkinkthekmiddlekofkaksunnykmorningkinkMaykwhenkther ekwaskplantingkandkplowingktokbekdonekandkakfieldkfullkofkchildrenkwaitingkonkhi m. "IkguesskI'dkbetterkchec konkthekgirls,"ksheksaid,ksokshylykhekcouldkswearkshekh adkbeenkreadingkhiskthoughts.kForkakminutekhekwishedkhekcouldkreadkhers,kbutkthe nkhek newkhekdidkeveryktimekhekloo edkintokherkface.kAndkitkwaskakboo khekdidn't kwantktokreadkagain.kNeverkagain. Neilkwishedktherekwaskakmirrorkwherekhekcouldkwatchkhiskauntkaskshekcutkhiskhair

.kItkwasn'tkthatkhekwaskstuc kupkorkanything,kbutkshekseemedksokdistractedkthatk hekwaskafraidkhekmightkwindkupkbaldkforkthekPetitionktokthekBlessedkVirgin.kAndk hekcouldkseekthatkherkeyeskweren'tkonkhiskhairkbutkonkthekwhitekdresskshekhadkbo ughtkforkJosiekatkZephin's. "Watchkwhatkyou'rekdoing,"khiskuncleksaid,ksittingkonktheksofakandkreadingkaknew spaperkaskifktherekweren'tkakhousefulkofkchaoskaroundkhim. "Oh,kSpencer,"khiskauntksaid,kherkvoicekallkdreamy.k"Didkyoukseektheklittlekveil kforkher?kWon'tkshekloo kjustkli ekankangel?" Hiskunclekmadeksomek indkofknoisekthatkwaskmorekakcho ekthankaklaughkandktoo kof fkhiskglassesktokwipekhiskeyes.kk"Shekwon'tkfoolkthekLord,"kheksaid.k"Underkallk thatkwhitekstuffkwillkbektheksamekblac -heartedklittlekbeggarkwhoknearlykbro eky ourknosekandk eepsksharpeningkherkteethkonkmykan les." "Hekdoesn'tkmeankthat,"kAuntkOliviaksaidkunderkherkbreathksokthatkonlykNeilkcoul dkhear.kHekwasn'tksoksure.kNeitherkofkhisksisterskwaskdoingkanythingktokendearkt hemselvesktoktheirkrelatives. Forkhiskpart,kNeilkwaskdoingkeverythingkhekcould.kHekwor edkinkthekfieldskuntilk hekwaskreadyktokdrop,katekwhateverkwaskputkonkhiskplate,krememberedktokremovekhi skhatkindoors,kandkwentktokbedkwheneverkhekwasktold. "Done,"kAuntkOliviaksaid,ksteppingkbac ktokloo katkhim.k"Andkakhandsomerkboykthe rekwon'tkbekinkthekprocession.kNowkgokputkonkthatklittleksuitkIkpressedkforkyouk andktellkJosiekI'mkreadykforkher." "Ikdoubtkthat,"kUnclekSpencerksaid. AuntkOliviaklaughed,kakgirlishklaughkthatksurprisedkandkpleasedkNeil,kandkbentkt okcleankupkthekhairkclippingskonkthekfloor. "ArekyoukgoingktokcutkUnclekSpencer'skhair,ktoo?"khekas ed.kUnclekSpencerkloo ed kli ekhekwaskreadyktokputkinkakgoodkdaykinkthekfieldskinsteadkofkattendingkthekm ostkimportantkreligiouskfestivitieskofkthekyear.kHe'dks ippedkserviceskonkSunday ,ksamekaskhekhadkeachkSundaykthey'dkbeenkthere,kbutkhiskauntkhadkmadekitkclearkt hatkwhilekmissingkSundaykservicekmightkbekacceptable,kthekProcessionkwasksomethi ngkelsekentirely. AuntkLivkloo edkatkUnclekSpencerkoverkherkshoulderkandktiltedkherkhead.k"Youkcou ldkusekaktrim,kSpence.kWekshouldkhavekthoughtkofkitklastkwee ksokyoukcouldkhavek hadkitkcutkinktown.kYoukwantkmektokjustkneatenkitkupksome?" UnclekSpencerkshoo khiskhead.kItkgotkreallykquietkinkthekroom,kandkNeilkhadkthek sensekthatksomethingkwaskgoingkonkbetweenkhiskauntkandkunclekalthoughkneitherkon ekwasksayingkanything. Finallykhiskauntkbro ektheksilence.kItkseemedktokNeilkthatkshekwaskalwayskthekon ektokgivekin.k"Spencer,kakfarmerkofkallkpeoplekhasktokpetitionkthekVirginkforkak blessingkofkabundantkcrops.kAkfarmerkhasktokgivekthan s.kHekhaskto " "Notkthiskfarmer,kLivvy.kThiskfarmer'skgotkfieldskwaitingkforkhim.kIkgavekthekLo rdkSundaykbyknotkwor ing.kI'llkbekdamnedkifkI'llkgivekhimkMonday,ktoo." "Isn'tkitkmorekli elykyou'llkbekdamnedkifkyoukdon't?"kshekas edkhim,kandkherklip ktwitchedkaskifkshekmightkcry,krightktherekinkfrontkofkhim. Hiskuncleksnorted,ksomethingkNeilkwasklearningkhekdidkquitekoften.kItkmeantkthat khekfoundksomethingkfunnykthatknokonekelsekdid. Mostkespeciallyknotkhiskaunt,kwhokwentkoverktokthekcouchkwherekUnclekSpencerkwas ksittingkandk neltkbesidekthekstuffedkandkroundedkarm.k"Please,kSpence.kI'vekwai tedkmykwholeklifekforkthiskday.kIkrememberksokclearlykthekfirstktimekmykmotherkd ressedkmekallkinkwhitekandkplacedkthatkveilkonkmykheadkandkthosekflowerskinkmykh and.k...kIkrememberkFatherkMartinksmilingkatkmekinkhiskspecialkrobeskwithkthekmo nstrancekheldkupkhigh.-.kkk.kkk.kkPlease,kSpence.kDon'tkdokthis." Hadkshekas edkNeilktokraisekakbarnkinkthatkvoice,khe'dkhavekfoundkakwayktokdokit .kButkhiskunclekseemedkunmovedkandkjustkshoo khiskheadkatkherkli ekakdisappointe dkteacherkwhosekpupilkstillkdidn'tkunderstandksomethingkhekhadkexplainedkakthous andktimes. "I'mknotkstoppingkyou,"kheksaid,kandkforkakmomentkNeilkthoughtkhiskunclekwaskgoi ngktokcupkhiskaunt'skchinkjustkthekwaykakmotherkdidktokakchild,kbutkthenkthekhan dkstoppedkinkmidairkandkthekgesturekturnedkintokakshrug.k"Youkta ekthem,kLivvy.k Ikcankmanagekwithoutkthekboykforkthekday.kHe'dkbekinkschool,kanyway,kifkitkwasn' tkforkthekRogation."

"Yes,kbutk.k.k."kshekbegan,kalmostkli ekshekwaskbeggingkhiskuncle.kNeilkwishedks hekwouldkstandkup,kbutkshekdidn't.kShekjustkstayedktherekonkherk neeskandktouche dkUnclekSpencerklightlykonkthekarm.k"Ikwantedkitktokbekallkofkus,kakfamily,kSpen cer.kYouk nowkhowkI'vekwantedkthat." Thisktimekhiskunclekdidkcupkhiskaunt'skchin,kandkNeilkcouldkseekthekregretkonkhi skuncle'skface.k"Ik now,"kheksaid,kthenkrepeatedkhimself.k"Ik now.kButkIkcan'tkg o.kYou'reknotkthekonlykonekwithkmemories.kMykfamily'skgone,kLiv.kNokonek nowskth atkbetterkthankyou.kThatkyoukcouldkevenkas kmek.k.k.kMargaret'skdresskiskstillku pkinkthatklittlekcupboard,kallkwhitekandkready.kIkk..." Hiskauntkrosekandknodded.kHerkbottomklip,kwhichkNeilkli edkbecausekitkwasksokful lkandksoft-loo ing,knotkakhardkthinklinekli ekhiskfather's,kwaskquivering. "You'vekgotktokgetkdressed,khoney,"ksheksaidkwhenkshekloo edkhiskwaykandksawktha tkhekhadn'tkmadekakmovektowardkhiskfreshlykpressedkSundayksuit.kAnotherkladykwou ldkprobablykhavekbeenkmadkatkhimkforkstandingktherekandkwatchingkher,kbutkitkdid n'tksurprisekNeilkthatkshekwasn'tkangrykwithkhim.kShekneverkgotkangry.kShekwasn' tkevenkmadkatkhiskunclekforkruiningkherkday. "I'mkgoingktokstaykwithkUnclekSpencer,"kheksaidkwithkmorekconvictionkthankhekfel t.kMaybekifkheksaidkhekwouldn'tkgokunlesskhiskunclekdid,kthenkhiskunclekmightkgi vekinkandkgo,kaskwell.k"Youkjustkta ekthekgirls." "Getkdressed,kboy,"khiskuncleksaidkinkthatkvoicekhekusedkthatkbroo edknokargumen t. "Butkyou'reknotkgoing,"kNeilktried.k"I'llkgokifkyoukdo."kHekwaskthin ingkmaybekh iskauntkwouldkas khiskunclektoksetkakgoodkexample.kAfterkall,kifkhiskunclekwasn' tkgoing,kwhykshouldkhe? "Youkdon'tkwantktokma ekyourkauntklate.kShe'skbeenkwaitingkforkthiskdaykforkaklo ngktime." "Willkyoukgo?" Hiskunclekdidn'tkevenkbotherkansweringkhim. NowkNeilkreallykdidn'tkevenkwantktokgokhimself.kHiskauntkwouldkthin khekwaskjust kgoingkbecausekhekwaskbeingkforcedkto,kinsteadkofkbecausekhekwantedksokmuchktoks eektheksmilekreturnktokherkprettykface.kShe'dkhavektokbekannoyedkwithkhim,kandka llkbecausekofkhiskuncle. "Ikdon'tkwantktokgokifkyoukdon't,"kNeilkargued.k"Whykcan'tkIkjustkstaykherekwith kyou?" Hiskunclekrosektokhiskfullkheight,ksokthatkNeilkcamekonlyktokhiskchest.kMusclesk fromkhardkwor kstrainedkhiskshirt.kEvenkleaningkbac ,kNeilkcouldn'tkma ekoutkthe kexpressionkonkhiskuncle'skface.k"Becausekyou'llkdisappointkyourkaunt,"kheksaidk simply.k"Youkdon'tkwantktokdokthat,kdokyou?" AuntkLivvykstoodkbykthek itchenktable,kakbrushkinkherkhand,ktryingktokconvincekJ osie'skcurlsktokacceptkthekveilkshekwaskattachingktokherkhair.kButkherkeyeskwere konkUnclekSpencerkandkNeil.kk "Whatkaboutkyou?"kNeilkas ed.k"Aren'tkyoukdisappointingkher?" Hiskuncleknoddedkandkscratchedkatkhiskchinkaskifkhekthoughtkhekneededkakshave.k" Ikdokitkallkthektime,"kheksaidkquietly.kHekcrossedkthekroom,konlyktheksoundkofkh iskheavykbootskechoingkaroundkthem.k"Don'tkI?"khekas ed,kbutkopenedkthekdoorkand kleftkbeforekAuntkLivvykcouldkanswerkhim. k ChapterkNine He'dkhadktwokwee sktokgetkusedktokthekidea,kandknowkSpencerkthoughtkthatkmaybekO livia'skplanktokgoktokMilwau eekwasn'tkallkthatkcrazy,kafterkall.kSure,kitkwould kmeanksomekextrakwor kforkhimkandkRemy,kbutktwokgrownkmenkoughtktokbekablektokta ekcarekofktwokfarmskforkoneknight,kespeciallykwithkthekhelpkofkLouisa,kwhokwoul dkbekonlyktookhappyktokprovekherselfkankadult.kReally,kwhatkwaskitkLivvykdidkbes ideskcoo ,kwhichkshekpromisedktokdokinkadvance,kclean,kwhichksheksaidkcouldkwait ,kmil kthekcowskandkfeedktheklivestoc ,kwhichkNeilkofferedktokta ekcarekof,kandk loo kafterkthekchildren,kwhokinsistedktheykcouldkloo kafterkthemselveskandkeachk

other? Sokfine.kLetkherkgo.kHekcouldkusekaklittlekbrea kfromkherkconstantkchatterkandkf ussingkoverkhim.kHekcouldkuseksomektimektokstretchkoutktokfullksizekinkhiskownkb edkwithoutkris ingkbumpingkintokher.kItkwouldkbekakreliefktokgoktoksleepkwithout kthatkexpectantkfacekstaringkatkhim,kakpleasurektokwa ekupkwithoutkthatkdamnksmi lekgreetingkhimkandkwishingkhimkakgoodkmorning.kHey,kshekcouldkgokaklotkfartherk thankMilwau eekandkitkwouldkbekjustkfinekwithkhim. Hekhadktokadmit,kthough,kthatkhekwaskrelievedkthatkshekwouldn'tkbektherekalone.k NotkthatkshekneededkBessktokloo kafterkher,kbutkshekwasn'tkexactlykwisektokcityk wayskandksomekunscrupulouskman,kta enkwithkherkfreshkfarmkloo s,kmightkhavekidea skshekdidn'tkevenkunderstand.kWhok newkthektroublekshekcouldkgetkintokinkakcityk theksizekofkMilwau ee,kakgirlkaskprettykaskshekwas? Notkthatkhekfoundkherkpretty,kbutksurelyktherekwerekthosekthatkwould.kAfterkall, kshekdidkhavekakverykwomanlykfigurekwithoutkankextrakouncekonkher.kStandingknext ktokBess,kaskshekwouldkbe,kshe'dkloo kevenkmorekattractive.kAndkthatkhair.kOfkco urse,kwhenkitkwaskbunnedktherekwasknoktellingkhowklongkorkhowksil ykitkreallykwa s. Notkthatkitkmattered,kanyway.kLetkherkhavekherkfun.kHe'dkevenkgivekherkaklittlek spendingkmoneykinkcaseksheksawksomethingkextrakspecialkthatkcouldn'tkbekhadkinkM aplekStand.kThatkshouldn'tkbektookhard. "Spencer?kYoukalmostkdone?"kLivvykshoutedkfromkthekporch.kAkdogkbar edkandkhekwo nderedkifkhekownedkonekofkthoseknow,ktoo. "No,kI'mknotkdone,"khekshoutedkbac .kI'mknotkdonek'causekI'vekbeenkstandingkhere kthin ingkwhenkIkshouldkhavekbeenkdigging.k"Ground'skharderkthankIkexpected,"khe klied. "Really?"ksheksaid,ksashayingktowardkhimkwithkakfurrowedkbrow.k"Butkit'skbeenkra iningkforkthreekdays,konkandkoff.kIkwaskhopingktokgetkthosekberrieskinkbeforekIk leftkforkMilwau ee." "You'reknotkgoingkforklong,kOlivia.kAkdaykorktwokwon'tkma ekakdifference." "No,"ksheksaid,kandksighedkaskifkhekhadksaidksomethingkprofound.k"Iksupposekitkw on'tkma ekanykdifferencekatkall." "Gotkanotherkhourkorkso'skwor ,"kheksaid,kpushingkthekpitchfor kintoktheksoftkea rthkandkturningkitkwithkgreaterkeffortkthankitkrequired. "Youkwantkmektokbringkyoukoutksomethingktokdrin ?"kshekoffered.kJosiekcamekwande ringkupkbehindkherkandkshekliftedkthekchildktokherkhipkandkruffledkherkhair.k"Yo ukdonekfeedingkthekchic ens?"kshekas edkthekchild,kwhoksatkhappilykenoughkplayin gkwithkthekloc skofkhairkthatkhadkescapedkhiskwife'skbunkandkwerekteasingkherkne c . Whenkhadkthatkhappened?kHekthoughtkJosiekhatedkLiv,kbutktherektheykstood,kblowin gkatkeachkother'skhairkandklaughing. "Iksupposekthere'llkbekseedkallkoverkthekbarn,"kheksaid,kpicturingkthekmesskonek three-year-oldkcouldkma e. Josiekshoo kherkheadksolemnly.k"Onekatkaktime,"ksheksaidkwithkgreatkseriousness. "Huh?" "Ikgavekherkaklittlekcupfulkandktoldkherktokgivekthemkjustkonekseedkatkaktimekto kma ekitklastklonger.kIskthatkwhatkyoukdid?"kshekas edkthekchild,kwhoknoddedkand kwiggledktokgetkdown. "Youkdon'tkthin kshekreallykgavekthemkonekatkaktime,kdokyou?"khekas ed,kamazedks hekhadn'tklearnedkanythingkfromkhavingkthektirelessklittlekgirlkaround. "Spencer,"ksheksaid,k"itkwouldn'tkbekthekfirstktimektherekwaskseedkinkthekbarn.k Ifkthosekchic skhaven'tkfinishedkoffkwhateverkshekspilled,kI'llkcleankitkmyself. kOnekseedkatkaktime." "Humph!"kseemedktokbekthekonlykappropriatekresponse,kandksokthatkwaskwhatkheksai dktokherkretreatingkbac kaskshekwentkafterkjosie,ktheks ipkinkherkstepkma ingkhe rkloo kaklotkyoungerkthankherktwenty-eight,kyears. "Oh,"kshekshoutedkoverkherkshoulderkaskshekpic edkupkherkpacektokcatchkupktokthe krunningklittlekgirl.k"Remy'skcomingkoverkbeforekthekmeeting.kSaidkhekneedsktokt al ktokyou." "Whatkmeeting?"khekshoutedkbac ,kbutkshekwaskalreadykinsidekthekbarn,kandkifkshe kheardkhimkshekdidn'tkstic kherkheadkbac koutktokanswer.

"Jeez,"khekmutteredktokhimself,kandkburiedkthekpitchfor kseveralkincheskintokthe kmuddyksoil.kHekhadkbetterkthingsktokdokthankturnktheksoilkinkakgardenkpatch.kHe kstal edkoutktokthekfieldktokchec konkthekdamagekfromkallkthekrain. NeilkalwayskwantedktokpleasekhiskAuntkLiv.kLetkhimkgetktheksoilkturned. Giggleskpealedkfromkthekbarnkandkfloatedkonkthekwindkupktokwherekhek neltkbykthe kseedlings.kFromkthekloo kofkthings,kJosiekwaskpretendingktokbekakchic enkandkOl iviakwaskakfoxktryingktokcatchkher.kHekwatchedkhiskwife,kakwomankwhosekdignitykw askunassailable,kcrawlkafterktheklittlekgirlkonkallkfours,kherkapronktiedkaround kherksoftkfannyksokthatkitkactedkaskaktail. Josieksquealedkwhenkshekwaskcaughtkandkscoopedkupkinkhiskwife'skarms.kForkakmome ntkhiskbreathkcaughtkasktheklittlekgirl'skhandkflewkout,kbutkinsteadkofksmac ing kLivvy'sknose,kshekwoundkthekarmkaroundkLivvy'sknec kandkappearedktok isskher. Spencerkstretchedktokhiskfullkheight,kbutkthektwokdisappearedkbehindkthekbarnkdo or.kItkwaskhardktokbelievekthatkhiskwifekhadknothingkbetterktokdokthankfritterka waykthekdaykplayingkchildren'skgames.kHekcertainlykhadkbetterkthingsktokdokthank watchkthem,kanyway. Thekgroundkwaskwet,knotkmerelykdamp,kandkwithoutksomekgoodkstrongksunshine,kmild ewkwouldkgetkhiskwholekcrop.kWhenkwaskhekgoingktokgivekinkandkplantkcherrykandka pplektreeskli ekatkSacottekFarm?kHekdidn'tk nowkhowkmanyktimeskhekhadkconsidered kthekideakandkthenkdiscardedkit,k nowingkhekdidn'tkhavekthektimektokwaitkforktre esktokcomektokmaturitykbeforekproducingkcropskbigkenoughktoksupportkhiskmortgage . Foolkthatkhekwas,khe'dkborrowedkthekmoneyktokfurnishkthekhousekjustkthekwaykKirs tenkhadkwantedkit.kAndkhekwaskstillkpayingkforkchairskshe'dkneverksitkinkagain.k Allkthekthingskshe'dkwantedkjustkso,kandkshe'dkhardlykhadkthekchancektokenjoykth em.kWaskLivvykenjoyingkthem?khekwondered.kHekwasn'tksurekshekevenknoticedkthemka tkall. Peacheskwhinnied,kthatkpeculiarkwhinnykshekalwayskmadekaskshekcamekoutkintokthek freshkair,kand,ksurprisedkthatkshekwaskoutkofkthekbarn,kSpencerkloo edkup.kLivvy khadkthekmarekleadkonkherkandkuponkherkbarekbac ksatkJosie,kherkhandskburiedkink thekhorse'skmane,kshrie ingkatkPeachesktok"go." Hekswallowedkhard,kbutktheklumpkinkhiskthroatkrefusedktokgokaway.kJosiekloo edkn othingkli ekMargaret,kwhosekblondkcurlykcapkhadkglowedknearlykwhitekinktheksunsh inekandkwho'dksatkfrozenkwithkfearkonkCurlykGeorge'skbigkrump.kThisklittlekonekw askfullkofklifekandkgutskandkifkanyonekwaskterrorized,kitkwaskPeaches,kwhoktried ktok eepkthekchildkbalancedkonkherkbac kaskifkshekwerekwellkawarekofkherkpreciou skcargo. Sokifkshekloo edknothingkli ekhiskdaughter,kwhykwaskitkthatkMargaretkfallingkfro mkCurlykGeorge'skrumpkwaskallkthatkhekcouldkseekaskhekcamektearingkdownkfromkthe krisekatkthekthreesomekma ingkitskwaykslowlykaroundkthekcorral.kMemories.kThekba nekofkhiskexistence. Withoutkakword,kforkhek newkifkhekstoppedkgrittingkhiskteethkoutkwouldkcomekthin gskthatkshouldkneverkbeksaid,khekyan edkthekchildkoffkthekhorsekandkthrustkherka tkOlivia.kThenkheksmac edkPeaches'skrumpksokhardkthekhorsekgallopedktokthekfarke ndkofkthekconfineskofkthekpenkandkturnedktokstarekatkhim. Thatkmadekthreeksetskofkwidekeyeskthatkallkseemedkstunnedkbykhiskactions,kaskifk akmankhadkneverkta enkakchildkoffkakhorsekbefore. "She'skinkheat,kdammit,"kheksaidkaskifkthatkexplainedkeverything. "Arekyou,ktoo?"kOliviakas edkhimkpointedly. Nowkwhokwaskcrazy?khekwondered,kta enkabac kbykOlivia'sksuddenksassiness. "You'rekactingkverykoddly,"ksheksaidkaskifkthatksomehowkexplainedkherkremar .k"E venkforkyou." Hiskniecekclungktokhiskwife'skleg,kmorekafraidkofkhimkthankshekwaskofkthekhorse. kHektoo ktwokstepskbac ward,ktryingktokeasektheklittlekgirl'skfearkandkatktheksa mektimekmovekoutkofkthekpathkofkthekwarmkbreezekthatkcarriedkLivvy'sklilackscent kpastkhisknostrilskandkintokakbrainkthatknoklongerkseemedkablektokfunctionkwithi nkhiskhead. Theykstoodkstaringkatkhimkaskifktheykwerekwaitingkforkhimktokdoksomething,kandkh eksupposedktheykwouldkhavekcontinuedktokwatchkhimkforksignskofkdementiakforkthek restkofkthekhotkandkdustykafternoonkifkthekclompingkofkhorses'khooveskandkthekac

companyingkrattlingkofktac lekhadn'tkannouncedkthekarrivalkofkhiskbrother-in-law . "There'skRemy,"kheksaid.k"We'vekgotkmorekimportantkthingsktoktal kabout." Hekstal edkoffktowardkthekoncomingkwagonkwithkmorekpurposekthankhekfelt.kHekcoul dn'tkevenkrememberkwhykitkwasksheksaidkRemykwaskcomingkover.kLatelykitkwaskhardk tokrememberkanythingkexceptkhowkgoodkOliviaksmelledkandkhowksil ykherks inkwaskw henkhekmadekthekmista ekofktouchingkit. "Remy,"kheksaidkinkgreeting.k"Bess.kGoodktokseekyouktwo." Remyknoddedkandkputkthekbra ekonkthekbuc board.k"Youkjustkwaitkupkhere,khoneybuh ch.kI'llkonlykbekakminute.kNokreasonkforkyouktokgetkdownkjustktokgetkbac kup." Besskloo edkannoyed,kbutkhekplantedkakbigkwetk isskonkherkchee kandkcoaxedkaksmi lekoutkofkherkbeforekjumpingkdownkfromkthekwagon.kBykthenkLivvykwaskstandingkbes idekthekwagonkwithkthekbabykonkherkhip. "She'sktookbigktokbekcarriedkallkoverkthekplace,"kSpencerksaidktokher.k"Youkshou ldn'tkcarrykherksokmuch." OliviakputkJosiekdownkreluctantlyk>kobviouslyknotkhappyktokgivekupkthekcloseness ktheykwerekjustkdeveloping. "Arekyoukcomingktokthekmeeting?"kBesskas edkLivvykaskRemyktuggedkatkSpencer'sksl eevekandkmotionedkforkhimktokcomekupkonkthekporch. "Thekrailroadkassembly?kWithkEmmakZephinktellingkuskmorekaboutkherkbeau?"kLivvy' sklaughterktin ledkli ekpieceskofkglasskhittingkeachkotherkinkthekwind,kandkshek saidkshekthoughtkshekjustkmight,korksomethingkli ekthat.kItkwaskhardkforkSpencer ktokhearkherkasktheykmovedkfartherkfromkthekwomen. "Ikneedkthekboo kbac ,"kRemyksaidkinkakwhisper.k"ThekonekIkloanedkyou." Spencerklaughed.k"Forgetkhowkit'skdone?" Remykshoo khiskhead.k"It'sknotkaklaughingkmatter.kDocksayskBesskcan'tkhavekanykm orekchildrenkorkitkmightk illkher.kAndkI'mksokrandy,kifkIkhavektokstaykawaykfrom kherkmuchklongerkIkdon'tk nowkwhatkI'llkdo."kHiskvoicekcrac ed.k"Spencer,kyoukdo n'tk nowkwhatkit'skli e.kI'mkgoingkcrazy.kThiskmorningkIkgavekThom-Tomkthekbac k ofkmykhandkforkspillingkhiskmil .kImaginekmekdoingksomethingkli ekthat. "IfkIkdon'tktouchkher,kI'mkhurtingkherkfeelings.kIfkIkdo,kI'mknotksurekI'llkbeka blektokstop.kI'mkgoingkoutkofkmykmind.kWe'rekhopingkthatkdoctorkinkMilwau ee'llk haveksomekanswers." SpencerkhadkallkthekanswerskRemykneeded.kAndkhek newkfirsthandkthatknonekofkthem kreallykwor ed.kHekdidn'tk nowkwhatkgoodkRemykexpectedkDr.kNapheys'skboo ktokdo, kbutkhekagreedktokgetkit.kThekboo kcertainlykhadn'tkdonekhimkanykgood,kwithkitsk suggestionkofkabstinence.kItkwaskankeasykthingkforkDr.kNapheysktoksuggest.kHiskw ifekprobablykresembledkhiskhorse.kButkletkthekgoodkdoctorkspendkakfewknightskink theksamekbedkaskOlivia,kletkherkhairktrailkacrosskhiskchestkorkherkscentkinvadek hisknostrils,kandkthenkletkhimkseekhowkeasykabstinencekwas. Spencerkopenedkthekbottomkdrawerkandkdugkbeneathkhiskwinterkunderwear.kHektoo ko utkhiskBalbriggankundershorts.kHekthrewkhiskmerinokdrawerskonkthekfloorkandklift edkoutkthekwholekstac kofkundershirts.kThekboo kwasn'tkthere. He'dkreadkitkjustktwoknightskago,khopingkagainstkhopekhe'dkmissedksomeksecretkto kendkhiskagony.kHektriedkthekotherkbottomkdrawer,kfiguringkthatkinkhiskdisappoin tmentkperhapskhekhadkbeenkcareless.kWithksomekembarrassmentkhekrifledkthroughkOl ivia'skunderthings,kallkfrillykwhiteskwithklacekandkribbonskandkbowskandkwhilekh ekfoundkakcorsetkhekdidn'tkevenk nowkshekowned,khekdidn'tkfindkthekboo . Livvy!kShekmustkhavekfoundkitkandkbeenkshoc ed.kDr.kNapheyskwaskakverykcandidkma n.kHekcalledkthekwaterkwetkandktheksandkscratchy,kandkwasknoklesskaccuratekabout kanatomy.kAndknowkSpencerkwaskgoingktokhavektokas kherkwhatkshe'dkdonekwithkit.k Well,kifkshekwaskscandalized,kitkwaskherkownkfault.kNokonekas edkherktokreadkthe kboo ,kthoughkLordk newkshekmightkhavekmadekakbetterkwifekfromktheirkweddingknig htkifkshekhad.k.k.k.kStill,kshe'dksoughtkoutkthekboo ,kwhichkhadkbeenkwellkhidde n,kandkreadkitkofkherkownkaccord. Thekideakbothkangeredkandkfrightenedkhim.kDr.kNapheys'skboo kwaskgraphickenoughk forkevenkLivvyktokgraspkwhatkhadkandkhadn'tkoccurredkbetweenkthem. "Jeez,"khekmuttered,kstuffingkbac ktheirkunderthingskintokthekdrawers.kHekdidn't k nowkwhetherktokbekoutragedkorktokrunkforkthekhills. Andkyetkshekhadn'tkchangedkherkattitudektowardkhim.kShekwaskstillktreatingkhimkt

hekwaykshekalwayskhad.kAkwomankli ekLivvy,khadkshek nownkwhatkhe'dkbeenkdoing,kw ouldn'tkjustksmilekandkofferkhimkakdrin kinkthekgarden.kAkwomankli ekLivvykwould kk.kk.kk.khekcringedkjustkthin ingkaboutkit. SokmaybekshekhadktaJcenkthekboo ,kbutkshekhadn'tkreadkitk'kyet.kHeklitkfromkthek roomkaskifkatkthatkverykmomentkshekhadkitkinkherkhandskandkifkhekjustkhurriedkhe kcouldkstopkherkfromkgettingktokthekpartkthatkconcernedktheirkmarriage. "Olivia,"khekyelledkfromkthekdoorwaykandkwaved,kmotioningkherktokcomekin.k"Iknee dktokseekyou." SheksaidksomethingktokBesskandkRemy,kwhokhadkjoinedkhiskwifekinkthekwagon,kandkt henkwal edkslowlyktowardkhim,kherkeyebrowskdrawnkinkquestion. "Isksomethingkwrong?"kshekas edkwhenkshekreachedkhimkandkgotkakgoodkloo katkhisk face. "I I,"khekstammered.k"Therekwaskakboo ,"khektriedkagain.k"Remy'skboo .kAndkhekwant skitkbac ." Oliviakturnedkredkaskakbeet.kThekappleskinkBess'skorchardkweren'tkaskbrightkaskL ivvy'skchee s. Hekfeltkhiskownkwarmkandkhekwonderedkifkhekwaskpaintedkaskguiltykaskshe.k"Thenky oukhavekit?" "Havekit?"kShekcouldn'tkevenkloo khimkinkthekeye. "Livvy,kIkcankseekbykthekcolorkofkyourkfacekyou'vekbeenkinkit,ksokthere'sknokuse kplayingkcoy.kWekcanktal kaboutkyoukreadingksuchkakboo klater,kbutkrightknowkRem ykwantskitkbac ." Shekfoldedkherkhandskmodestlykoverkherkchestkandkloo edkatkthekfloor,kshrugging. k"Sokgivekitkbac ."' "Wherekiskit?"khekas edkquietly,ksofteningkhiskvoicekwhenkheksawkhowkverykembarr assedkshekwas.kMarriedkthreekyearskandkitkwaskstillkli ektal ingktokankinnocent. Shekwentkintokthekbedroomkandkbentkoverktokpullkatkthekbottomkdrawer.kMuchkaskhe kli ekthekviewkofkherkupturnedkderriere,khekdidn'tkseekmuchkpointkinkthekcharade . "It'sknotkinkthere,kLiv.kWhere'dkyoukhidekit?"kHeksupposedkthatkshekhadn'tkreadk itkafterkall,kbutkperhapskshe'dktriedktokstopkhimkfromkreadingkit.k"It'skallkrig ht.kAllkIkwantktokdokiskgivekitkbac .kThere'sknothingktokbekafraidkof." Shekwaskstillkbendingkoverkthekdrawer,kfeelingkthroughkhiskunderwearkwithkherkha ndskinkearnest.k"Spencer,"ksheksaid,kturningktokhimkwithkherkeyeskwidekandkherke yebrowskraised.k"It'sknotkhere.kAndkIkdon'tkhavekit,kandkyoukdon'tkhavekit." "Well,kthenkwhokk.kkk.kkk.kk?"kSpencerkas ed. "Youkdon'tkthin k.k.k."kLivvykbegan,kherkhandkrushingktokcoverkherkmouth.k"Oh,kh ekwouldn'tk..." "Boyskarekcurious,kLiv.kThat'skall.kThoughkhekseemskaklittlekyoung." "It'sknotkjustkthekboo ,kSpencer.kWhatkwaskhekdoingkinkourkunderthings?"kShekshi veredkandkhekrankonekhandkupkandkdownkherkarm,kthenkgraspedkherkelbowkandkhelped kherkup.kEvenksha enkshekwaskgraceful,kevenkwithkworrykcreasingkherkbrowkshekwas kstillk.k.k.kwellk.k.k.kThekonlykwordkthatkcamektokhiskmindkwaskpretty,kandkthat kwasn'tkwhatkhekmeant.kNotkatkall. "I'llktal ktokhim,"kSpencerksaid.k"Butkboyskarekjustknaturallykcuriouskaboutksuc hkthings."kHekdidn'tkli ekthekideakofkthekchildrenkriflingkthroughktheirkpersona lkgarmentskanykmorekthankshekdid,kbutkhekrememberedkbeingkakyoungkmankwithklotsk ofkquestionskandknotkenoughkgutsktokas kthem. "MaybekIkshouldkk.k.k.k"kshekbegan. "No,"kheksaid,kcuttingkherkoff.k"Akboykneedsktoktal ktokakman." "I'mksorry,kSpencer,"ksheksaid,kloo ingkguiltilykatkhim.k"Ikcouldkas kRemyktokta l ktokNeil,kifkyoukdon'tkwantkto." "IksaidkIkwould,"kheksnappedkatkher,kmoreksharplykthankhekintended.k"I'mkjustksu rprisedkitkcamekupksoksoon.kButkthen,kbeingkBouche'skboy,khekprobablykwaskraised konkAristotle'skMasterpiece." Shekloo edkatkhimkblan lykandkhekfoughtktok eepkakstraightkfacekaskhekremembered kleafingkthroughkakcopykofkthekboo kwithkRemykbehindkhiskfather'skbarn.kThekwood cutskmightkhavekbeenkprimitive,kbutktokakcouplekofkthirteen-year-oldkboyskhungry kforkinformation,kitkhadkbeenkakfeastkforkthekeyeskandkenoughktokprovidekthekboy skwithkmorekthankonekgoodkboner.kButkNeilkwaskonlykwhat,kten?kWhatkcouldkhek now

kofksuchkthings? "Dokyouksupposekit'skinkthekbarn?"kshekas edkaboutkthekboo .k"ShouldkIkgokloo ?" Spencerkshoo khiskhead.kHe'dkratherkthekboykreturnedkitkonkhiskownkthankgokandkt a ekit.kRemykcouldkwaitkakfewkdays.kAfterkall,kBesskwouldkbekawaykinkMilwau eeka ndkSpencerkcouldktal ktokNeilkwhilekthekwomenkwerekaway.kHisknephewskhadkprobabl ykhadkakpee katkNapheys'sktomekthemselves.kRemy'dkunderstand. "We'dkbetterkgetkonktokthekmeeting,"kSpencerksaid.k"Youkta ingkthatklittlekonekw ithkus?" "Mm-hm,"ksheksaid,kaklittlekpridekshowingkinkherksmile.kHavingkthekchildrenkarou ndksurekdidkseemktokagreekwithkher,kevenkifkitkwasksettingkhisknerveskonkedge.k" Louisa'skoffksomewhereskandkNeilksaidkhekwaskgoingkhomekwithkThom-TomkandkPhilip kafterkschoolktokdoktheirkchores,kthenktheykwerekcomingkoverkhere." Ah,kSpencerkthought thekboo .kHistorykrepeatskitself.k"Chores,"kheksaid,ktryingkno tktoksoundktookdubious.k"Yes,kwell,kThom-TomkandkPhilipksurekseemktokhavekta enk toktheirkcousin." "Yes,"kshekagreed,ktookpleasedkforkhimktoktellkherkthekobviousktruth.k"Isn'tkitk wonderful?" "Andkwhere'dkyouksaykMisskLouisakis?"kThekgirlkworriedkhim,ksuchkankoddkmixturek ofkwomankandkchild,katkoncektryingktokbekallkgrownkupkandkfailingkmiserably,kand kthenktryingktokhidekthekbreastskthatkwerekbuddingkonkherkchestkandkthekhipsktha tkwerekbeginningktokspread. "Ikdon'tkhonestlyk now,"kshekadmittedkwithkakslightkshrug.k"But,kli ekboys,kgirl skhavekgotkcertainkthingskthatkthey'vekgotktokgetkthroughkatkelevenkorktwelvekth atkaren'tkeasy.kIkthin kshe'skoffkthin ingksomewheres." SpencerkhadkbeenkaroundkforkOlivia'skgrowingkup,kjustkoldkenoughktok nowkwhatksh ekwaskabout,kbutknotkoldkenoughktokhavekanyksympathykforkthektag-alongksisterkof kakfriendkwhokwouldksitkandkstarekatknothingkforkhourskandkthenkproclaimkMaplekS tandkthekdullestkplacekonkearth. "Youkmightkwantktokhavekaktal kwithkherkwhenkyoukgetkbac ,"kSpencerksuggested,kb utkOliviakjustkgavekakjer kofkherkheadkaskifktokremindkSpencerkthatkLouisakwante dknothingktokdokwithkher.kHeksupposedkshekwaskright.kAnykattemptkbykLivvyktokhel pkLouisakunderstandkwhatkwaskhappeningktokherkcouldkbekmista enkforkankattemptkt okreplacekthekgirl'skmother.k"Well,kthere'sktime,"kheksaid,kescortingkherkfromkt hekroomkaskRemykyelledkoutkthatkitkwaskgettingklate. FromkthekwaykCharliekZephinkandkhiskdaughterkhadkbeenktal ing,kOliviakhadkjustka ssumedkitkwaskallksettled.kShe'dkwrittenkforkappointments,konekforkherselfkandko nekforkBess,kwithkthekladykdoctorkshe'dkreadkaboutkinkthekBadgerkStatekBanner.kS he'dkcountedkoutkthekpennieskfromkherkbutterkandkeggkmoneykandkraidedktheksugark bowlkwherekshek eptkanythingkshekhadkleftkoverkfromkthekspendingkmoneykSpencerkg avekherktokrunkthekhousehold. Nowkherekwerekherkfriendskandkneighborskarguingkoverkwhetherkthekrailroadksurvey orkshouldkbekinvitedkatkall.kHekhadktokbe.kHowkelsekcouldkshekmanagektokgoktokMi lwau eektokseekDr.kSarahkRoberts?kAndkifkshekdidn'tkseekDr.kRoberts,khowkwouldks hek nowkifktherekwaskevenkakglimmerkofkhopekforkherktokgivekSpencerkakchild? ".k.k.kbecausekaktrainkmeansknoisekandksmo ekandkno-accountskandkeveryonek nowsk thatkitkcostskakbarrelkofkapplesktokshipkakbarrelkofkapples,kthat'skwhy,"kshekhe ardkherkhusbandksay. "It'llkbringkinkbusinesskandkyoukcan'tkfightkprogress,kMr.kWilliamson.kIt'sknear lykthektwentiethkcenturykandkyou'reklivingkinkthekeighteenth."kCharliekZephin'sk usuallyksmilingkfacekwaskgrim. "IkreadkwherektherekwaskankaccidentkinkGilmour,kMontana,kjustklastkmonthkandkfou rkpeoplekwerekhurt.kWhy,kitkseemsktokmekthatknearlykeverykwee kthere'skthekrepor tkofkanotherkone " "Theykwerektramps,"ksomeoneksaid.k"Theykdon'tkcount." "Didn'tkyoukhearkaboutkthekcollisionkinkHudson?kSixk illedkandktwokhurtknotktwok hundredkmileskfromkhere,kandkitkwaskonlyklastkwee ." "It'skthekwaykofkthekfuturekandkMaplekStandkcan'tkaffordktokbekleftkbehind." "Well,kIkvotekno,"kSpencerksaid,krisingktokhiskfeet.

"Ikcan'tkseekthatkhavingkMr.kMa eridgekcomekandkta ekakloo kcouldkcausekanykharm ,"kOliviaksaid,kcomingktokakstandknextktokherkhusband. Thekroomkquieted. "Sitkdown,"kSpencerksaid.k"Youkcan'tkvotekforkthekrailroad,ksokjustkloo kafterkt hatklittlekonekyoukwereksokanxiousktokgetkholdkof." "ArekyouktellingkmekthatkIkdon'tkhavekaksaykinkthis?"kLivvykas ed,kchec ingkonkJ osiekandkseeingkthatkthekchildkwaskjustkfinekandkhappykeatingkthekcoo ieskshekha dkbroughtkforkher.kWithkherkhandskonkherkhips,kshekwaskjoinedkbykseveralkotherkw omenkwhokstoodkandkturnedktokfacekherkhusband,ktheksamekexpectantkloo skonktheir kfaceskthatksheksupposedkwaskonkherkown.k"Becausekmorekthankakfewkofkthesekladie skownkalongkwithktheirkhusbandsktheklandkthatkthekrailroadkjustkmightkbekinteres tedkinkbuying.kSome,kli ekMrs.kTrencherkthere,kownkitkwhole.kSokifkthekladieskar en'tkgoingktokbekallowedktokvotekalongkwithkthekmen,ksamekas " "Ikdidn'tksayktheykcan'tkvote,"kSpencerksaidkandkthenkloweredkhiskvoicektokaklou dkwhisper.k"Iksaidkyoukcan'tkvote.kUnlesskyoukwantktokvotekagainstkthekrailroadk alongkwithkme.kOtherwisekwekjustkcancelkeachkotherkoutkandkthere'sknotkakdamnkre asonkforkusktokbekhere." "Well,ktherekmayknotkbekakreasonkforkyouktokbekhere,"ksheksaid,kleavingkoutkthek profanitykthatkcameksokeasilyktokherkhusband'sklips,k"butktherekiskforkme.kI'vek gotkankinterestkinktwokpieceskofklandkhere,kandkIksuspectkthatkwhilekMr.kMa erid gekisn'tkgonnakbekinterestedkinkeitherkone,kI'vekgotkaskmuchkrightkasktheknextkm an,kmaybekmore,ktokhearkwhatkhekhasktoksay." "Ma eridge?"kSpencerksaid.k"Whokthek.k.k."kOliviakglaredkatkhimkandkhekwatchedkh iskwords.k"WhokiskthiskMa eridge?kAndkhowkdokyouk nowkhim?" "Mr.kMa eridge,"kEmmakZephinksaid,kta ingkthekpodiumkandkclearingkherkvoice,k"is ktheksurveyorkforkthekAhnapeekandkWesternkRailroad.kActually,khisktitlekiskcivil kengineer." Akbuzzkwentkaroundkthekroom,kespeciallykamongstkthekladieskwhenktheyknoticedkEmm a'sknewkhairdo,kaksortkofkpuffed-outkbunkli ekthekoneskthatkartistkC.kD.kGibsonk waskdrawing.kAtkleast,kLivvyksuspectedkthatkwaskthekloo kEmmakwasktryingkfor.kSh ekwonderedkhowkherkownkhairkwouldkloo kdonekthatkway.kBetterkthankEmma's,kshekho ped. "Whatkyakgotkonkyourkheadkthere,kMisskZephin?"ksomeonekas ed,kandkakfewkmen,kSpe ncerkincluded,kguffawed. Livvykcamekdownkhardkonkhiskinstep.k"She'sknotkdeaf,"kLivvykwhisperedkatkhim. "No,"khekagreed.k''Justkugly." Emmakignoredkthekquestionkaboutkherkhair.k"Mr.kMa eridge,"kshekcontinued,k"iskak finekupstandingkgentlemenkofkexcellentkbreeding.kHekhaskbrownkhairkwithkakwaveka bovekonekeyebrowkandkeyeskthekcolorkofktheks ykinkJune." "Regardless,"kOliviaksaidkloudly,ktryingktokpreventkEmmakfromkembarrassingkherse lfkfurther,k"there'sknokstoppingkthekmankifkhekwantsktokcome,kandkperhapskwekcan kturnkhiskvisitktokourkadvantage." Shekhopedksomeonekelsekinkfavorkofkthekrailroadkwouldkta ekupkthekgauntlet,ksinc ekshekhadknokideakwhatktoksayknext.kIkhavektokgoktokMilwau eekbecausekIkwantkakb abykofkmykownkdidn'tkseemkakusefulkfollowkup. "Andkmaybekifkwekdon'tkinvitekhim,kdon'tkma ekcheesekofkhim,kthenkhe'llkgoksomep lacekelsekthatkwill,kandkwe'llkbekridkofkthekwholekproblemkbeforekitkevenkstarts ,"kSpencerksaid.kHekwaskspea ingktokthekwholekcrowd,kbutkwhenkhekfinishedkhekgla redkatkLivvy. "That'skmykpoint,"kMr.kZephinksaid.k"Ifkwekdon'tkcourtkhim,ksomeonekelsekwillk.k .k." "Loo skli ekMisskEmma'skthekonekloo ingktokcourtkhim,"ksomebodyksaid. "Wekhavekcorresponded,"kEmmaksaidkproudly,kherknosekinkthekair.kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk "Corresponded,"kSpencerksaidksoftlyksokthatkonlykthekfewkpeoplekaroundkhimkcould khear.k"Thatkexplainskit.kMan'skbuyingkakpigkinkakpo e.kSeemsktokmekit'skourkdut yktokprotectkhim." "I'dkli ektokseekthatkrailroadkengineerkcomekandkbuykSacottekFarmkrightkoutkfrom kunderkmykBess'skwearyklegs,"kRemyksaid,kta ingkOliviakbyksurprise.k"Sellkhimkth ekwholekthingkfromkDanktokBeershebaktokgetkBesskoffkthatkfarmkandkintoksomekcush

yklittlekhousekinktownkwithknokstepskandknokchoreskbutktoksitkandkchurnkthekbutt erkforkherkheavenlykbiscuits." "Andkwouldkyoukli ektokgivekakthirdkofkthatkmoneyktokBoucheksokhekcankneverkbekh eardkfromkagain?kAndkanotherkthirdktokyourksisterkwho'dkprobablykgivekitktokthek firstkneedykchildkwhokcrossedkherkpath?"kSpencerkas ed. "It'skmykopinionkthatkWaylon,kthatkis,kMr.kMa eridge,kcouldkbekpersuadedktokrout ekthekspurkrightkthroughkMaplekStand,"kEmmaksaid. "Soundskli ekhe'skwillin'ktokrunkhiskrailroadkrightkthroughkyour" akraucouskvoicek saidkbeforekhavingkthekairk noc edkoutkofkhim "town,kma'am.kRunkthatkrailroadkrigh tkthroughkourktown." Therekwerekaklotkofksnic erskandkhoots,kandkOliviakfiguredkthatkwhoeverkitkwaskt hatkmadekthekcommentkhadksomekthoughtsknotkfitkforkmixedkcompany. "Ikcallkforkakvote,"kCharliekZephinksaid,kpushingkhiskdaughterkawaykfromkthekpod iumkandkpoundingkonkitkforkorder.k"AllkthosekinkfavorkofklettingkMr.kMa eridgekc omektokMaplekStandkandkhavekakloo -see,kstandkoverkherekonkmykleft.kThosekthatkd on'tkevenkwannakseekwhatkthekmankmightkbekoffering,kwhokwantktokseekMaplekStandk passedkbykandkleftktokdrykupkandkturnktokdustkandkWowkaway,kstandktokmykright." Inkthekend,khekloo edkli ekakpreacherkreadykforkthekbenediction,khiskhandskraise dkrightkandkleftkli ekhekwaskofferingkakblessing.kSpencerkwrappedkhiskfingerskar oundkLivvy'skarm,kbutkshekshoo khimkoff,kcarryingkJosiekwithkherkandkmovingkalon gkwithkthekgroupkthatkwaskembracingkthekfuturekandkallkitskpotential. Shekstoodkloo ingkatkherkhusbandkdefiantlykaskhekglaredkbac katkher.kNotkthatkhe rkonekvotekwouldkhavekmattered,ksincekhadkthekelectionkbeenkconductedkonkakboatk itkwouldksurelykhavekcapsized.kLesskthankakhandfulkofkpeoplekstoodkwithkSpencer, kclingingktokthekpastkandktok eepingkthingskthekwayktheykwere. Livvykwishedkthatksomekofkthosekpeoplekstandingkbykherksideknowkcouldkcomekhomek withkherkandkfacekSpencerklater.kShekdidn'tkrelishkdoingkitkalone. k ChapterkTen Well,kshekwaskgussiedkup,kallkright.kAllkreadyktokgoktokthekbigkcity.kStudyingkh er,khekwonderedkifkhe'dkeverkseenktheksuitkshekwaskwearingkbefore.kItkwaskakpear lkgraykandkhuggedkherkwaistktightly,kspreadingkwiderkandkwiderktokaccommodatekhe rkbosomkandkhips.kHekhardlyk newkthekwomankwhokstoodkwithkthekfeatheredkhatkbykt heirkbedroomkdoor.kButkthekexpectantkloo kinkherkeyekwaskfamiliarkenough.kSheklo o edksokhopefulkanyonekwouldkhavekthoughtkshekwaskthekonekwithkthekdoctor'skappo intmentkinsteadkofkBess.kButkthatkwaskLivvy,kcaringkmorekaboutkotherskthankherse lf. "YoukgotkaklottakfaithkinkthiskDr.kRoberts,kdon'tkyou?"khekas ed.k"Thin kshe'llk bekablektokhelpkBess?" Shekloo edkstartledkatkhiskwords,kthenkgavekhimkaksmallkshrug,kthekfeatherskonkh erkhatksha ingkevenkafterkherkheadkhadkstopped.k"Wekhavektoktry,katkleast,"kshek said.k"Ikmean,kifktherekisksomekway,kIksurelykwouldn'tkwantktokhavekmissedkitkbe causekweklivekinkMaplekStandkandknotkMilwau ee." "No,"khekagreed,knotksurekwhatkitkwaskshekwasktal ingkabout.k"Butkdon'tkyoukthin kifkBesskcouldkjustkloseksomekofkthatkextrakweight,kshe'dkbekallkright?kMaybekt hisktripkisn'tkreallyknecessary,kLiv." "Supperkiskinkthekicebox.kLouisak nowskhowktokheatkitkup.kShe'skstayingkhomekfro mkschoolktokwatchkafterkJosie,kbutkIktoldkNeilkhe'sktokgo."kShekpulledkonkherkgl oves.kTheykmatchedkherktravelingkoutfitkperfectly. "Ikdon'tkseekwhatkonekdoctor'skgonnaktellkherkthatkanotherkcan't.kDockLeMensekha skbeenkpracticingksincekIkwaskakboy.kDon'tkyoukthin khek nowskwhat'skwhat?"kShek smoothedkherks irtkandktheklightkshonekoffkitkli eksunshinekoffkakfrozenkfield.k Hekloo edkaway.k"I'mknotksoksurekyoukhavektokgo,katkall." "Neilkwillkta ekcarekofkthekstoc kandkthere'llkbekenoughkleftkoverkfromksupperkt okta ekcarekofktomorrow'skdinner.kTherekarektwokloaveskinkthekovenkthat'llkbekre adykinkaboutktwentykminuteskorkso."kShekraisedkherkvoicekandkyelled,k"Louisa,kyo

ukwon'tkforgetkaboutkthatkbreadknow,kwillkyou?" AkgruntkcamekfromkthekdirectionkofkLouisa'skroom.kTheykbothktoo kitkaskankaffirm ation. "YouksurekthisktripkiskgoodkforkBess?kMaybekit'sknotkakgoodkideakforkherktokbekm a ingksuchkaklongktrip.kHavekyoukthoughtkofkthat?" Herkeyeskwidenedkandkshekfocusedkherkattentionkonkhimkinsteadkofkherktravelingkc lothes,kwhichktokhiskmindkwerekalreadykperfectkandkdidn'tkrequirekanykofkthekfus singkshekwaskdoing. "Why,kSpencer,kI'dkswearkyoukdidn'tkwantkmektokgo." Nothingkwaskfurtherkfromkthektruth.kHekcouldn'tkwaitkforkherktokgo.kInkfact,khek wishedkshe'dkgoneklastknight.kPreferablykbeforekthekdamnkmeeting.k"Livvy,kyou'dk neverkswear,"kheksaid,kavoidingkansweringkher.k"YoukgotkthekextrakmoneykIkgaveky ou?"kHektoo ktheksatchelkshekhadkleftkbykthekbedroomkandkplacedkitkbykthekdoor. "Forkthekthirdktime,"ksheksaid,k"yes.kDon'tkworrykso.kIkwaskonkmykownkaklongktim ekbeforekIkmarriedkyou,kremember?kI'vekbeenktokMilwau eekbefore,kandkit'sknotkso kbigkandkfearsome." "Aktownkwherekthekonlykstreetkwithoutkakbeerkgardenkiskfilledkwithkwomenkwhok.k. k."kHekdidn'tk nowkhowktokputkwhatkthekwomenkdidkintokwordskthatkwereksuitablekf orkLivvy'skears,kandkhekdidn'tkli ekitkwhenkshekseemedkamusedkbykhiskdiscomfort. "I'vekbeenkaroundkbeerkallkmyklife,kSpencer.kAndkIkhardlykthin kthekwomenkwillkb ekanykthreatktokme.kWhykeverkarekyouksokworried?" "I'mknotkworried,"kheksaid.kHeknoticedkakhangnailkonkhiskthumbkandkbeganktokpic katkit. "Good,"ksheksaid,kaknotekofkfinalitykinkherkvoice. "Yeah,"khekagreed.kHekbitkatktheks inkbykhisknailkandkfeltkitkripkawaykfromkhisk fingerkpainfully. "Andkyoukcanktal ktokNeilkwhilekI'mkgone,"kshekwhisperedkandkadded,k"aboutkyouk now." Askifkhekdidn'tk nowkwhatkshekmeant.kHekwaskdreadingkitkalready.kTal ingkaboutkt hekbirdskandkthekbeesktokakboykNeil'skagekgavekhimkthekwillies. "Spencer?"kShekwaskloo ingkatkhimkexpectantly. "Ikwill,kOlivia.kIksaidkIkwould,kdidn'tkI?"kThiskwaskgoingktokbekakgreatkcouplek ofkdays.kNowkinsteadkofkjustkthin ingkaboutkhavingkhiskasheskhauled,khekcouldkta l kaboutkit tokakten-year-old.kInsteadkofkthektorturekofksleepingknextktokhisklila ckscentedkwife,khekwouldkbeksleepingkalone.kAndkthekgirls.kTheykhadn'tkta enktok himkallkthatkwell.kLouisakactedkli ekhekhadkankunpleasantkodor,k eepingksixkfeet kawaykfromkhimkwheneverkshekcould,kandkJosiekstillkseemedktokthin kpartskofkhimk werekdesignedkforkteething,kespeciallykwhenkhektriedktokta ekherkdownkfromkwhere verkshekmanagedktokclimb. "PoorkSpencer,"kOliviaksaidksympathetically.k"Ik nowknonekofkthiskiskwhatkyoukha dkplanned." Beforekhekcouldkevenkreflectkonkthektruthkofkherkstatement,kshekthrewkopenkthekd oorkandkwaved. "They'rekhere,"kshekannounced.k"Louisa,kJosie?kComekletkmeksaykgood-byekbeforekI kleave." Neilkcamekrunningkfromkthekbarn,ktryingknotktokspillkthekmil khekhadkcoaxedkfrom kMisskLilykaskhekhurried.kOliviakruffledkhiskhairkandkgavekhimkak isskonkhiskche e kandktoldkhimktokbekgoodktokhiskUnclekSpencer.kThenkshekturnedkandkloo edkfork thekgirlskwhokwerekemergingkfromkthekbedroom. Louisakcamekslowlykforward,kakpiecekofkherklipkcaughtkbetweenkherkteethkandkthek babykinkherkarms. "Don'tkloo ksokworried,"kOliviaksaid,kcuppingkthekgirl'skchin.k"Yourkunclekisn't ksokhardktokplease.kYou'llkdokfine." Theklipkquivered,kbutkLouisakgavekherkakslightknodkandkclungkmorektightlyktokher ksister. "Andkyou,"kOliviaksaid,kpo ingkJosiekinkherkbellykandkma ingkherklaugh.k"Noktric skwhilekI'mkgone.kYoukmindkyourksisterkandkUnclekSpencerkandkstaykoutkofktroubl e,kyoukhearkme?" Theklittlekhellionkwaskallkbigkinnocentkeyeskaskshek issedkherkAuntkLivvykgood-b ye.

Andkthenkitkwaskhiskturn.kShekstoodkaw wardlykinkfrontkofkhim,kwaitingkforkhimkt oktellkherktokhavekakgoodktripkandkthatkhekwouldkmisskher.kHek newkthat.kThekchi ldrenkwerekwatchingkhimkexpectantly.kHek newkthat,ktoo.kLord,ktheklastktimekhe'd khadkakprivatekmomentkwaskbeyondkhiskremembering.kHekremovedkhiskglasseskandkcle anedkthemkwithkhiskhand erchief,kma ingksurekthatkeveryklastkspec kwaskgone. Thenkhekpic edkupkherksuitcasekandkcarriedkitktokZephin'skridiculouslykfancyksur rey.k"Youkbetterkgo." Shekhurriedkafterkhim,kremindingkthekchildrenkofkthiskandkthatkonkherkway,kaskif kshekwerekakrealkmother,kandkthenkallowingkhimktokhelpkherkintokthekcarriage.kHe kexchangedkquic kpleasantrieskwithkBess,kwishingkherkaksuccessfulktrip,kandkshoo kCharliekZephin'skhand. "Don'tkyoukworryknone,"kCharliekreassuredkhim.k"I'llkta ekgoodkcarekofkyourkmiss us." Insidekhiskchest,khiskheartkwaskhammeringkagainstkhiskribskaskhekwatchedkhiskwif eksettlekherself.kWordskfoughtktokleavekhisklips,kbutkhekheldkthemkbac kbykbitin gkdownkonkhisktongue.kItkwasn'tkaskifkhekreallykwantedktoktellkherkhekwouldkmiss kher.kItkwaskjustkthatkitkwaskexpectedkofkhim.kAndkhe'dkbekdamnedkifkhe'dkbekfor cedkintoksayingkwhatkhekdidn'tkmeankjustktokma ekherkandkthekchildrenkhappy. "Well,kbye,kSpencer,"kBessksaidkcheerily. Andkhekwasn'tkaboutktoksaykitkforkBess,keither. "Thatkitkthen?"kCharlieksaid,kaskifkitkwerekrequiredkofkakhusbandktoksayksuchkth ingsktokakwife. Well,khangedkifkhekwould.k"Yup,kthat'skit." Everyonekstaredkatkhim,kwaiting. "Spencer?"kLivvykas edkquietly.k"Waskthereksomethingkelse?" "No,"khekbitkout,kannoyedkbykallkthekprompting.k"Youkcankgokanyktimeknow." "Notkunlesskyoukletkgokofkthatkharness."kCharlieklaughed,kpointingkatkthekleathe rkstrapkclutchedkinkSpencer'skhand. Spencerkletkgokofkitkaskifkitkwereksuddenlykburningkhimkandkslappedkthekhorsekon kthekrump. Itkwasn'tkuntilkthekwagonkwasknearlykoutkofksightkthatkhekfinallykutteredkthekwo rdskaloud. "Havekaksafektrip,kLivvy-love." "Shekcan'tkhearkyouknow,"kNeilksaidksoftly. Whenkhekturnedktokhurrykthekboykforkschool,kallkthreekofkthekchildrenkwerekgone. Thekdaykwaskonekrevelationkafterkanother,knonekofkthemkwelcome.kSenseskhekhadn't kusedksincekKirstenkandkthekchildrenkhadklivedkinkhiskhouseksuddenlykcamekbac kt okhauntkhimkli ektheirkghosts.kForkexample,kheklearnedkthatkhekcouldkstillktellk someonekwaskgonekfromkthekhousekwithoutkevenkbeingkinkit.kHekcouldksimplykfeelkL ivvykwasn'tktherekevenkfromkthekmostkdistantkofktheirkfields. Thenkhekfoundkthatkhekcouldkbeksurektwokchildrenkwerekinkthekhouse,konlyktokfind kwhenkhekreturnedkforkhiskdinnerkthatktheykweren'tktherekatkall.kOnkthek itchenk tablekhadkbeenkaknotekassuringkhimktheykwouldkbekbac . He'dkreturnedktokthekfields,knotkhavingkanykideakwherektokbeginkloo ingkforkthek girls,kandkspentkthekbetterkpartkofkankhourktryingktokconvincekhimselfktherekwas knothingktokworrykabout. Wrongkagain. Whenkthey'dkfinallykturnedkup,kLouisa'skfacekhadkbeenkstrea edkwithktearskandkhe rkeyeskrimmedkwithkred.kAndkitkwaskclearkthatkhekwasktheklastkpersonkshekwantedk tokdiscusskherkproblemskwith. WhichkhadkonlykservedktokremindkhimkthatkhekhadkakmatterktokdiscusskwithkNeil. Thekboykcamekdawdlingkupktheklanekafterkschoolkhummingkaktunekandkwatchingkthekc loudskaskifkthekmysterieskofkthekuniversekwerekwrittenkinktheks y.kHekdroppedkhi skboo skonkthekfrontkporchkandkbustledkoutktokthekfieldkwithoutkevenkstoppingkin kthekhousekforkakglasskofkcoldkmil . "Aren'tkyoukhungry,kboy?"khekas edkthekscrawnykchild.k"Youkdon'tkstartkeatingkmo re,kakgoodksummerkstorm'llkjustkblowkyoukclearktokMichigan." "Ikcouldkwait,"kthekchildksaid,kpointingktokthekdar eningks ykthatkSpencerkhadks

omehowkfailedktoknotice.k"Loo skli ekrain,kdoesn'tkit?"khekas ed. "Betterkgetkthekhorseskin,"kSpencerkagreed. "Yessir,"kthekruntksaid,kandkracedkaheadktokopenkthekbarnkdoorkbeforekSpencerkan dkCurlykGeorgekarrived. SpencerkshowedkhimkhowktokunharnesskthekhorsekandkhandedkhimkthektinkofkColgate' skBlac kHarnesskSoap.kWithoutkwastingkwords,khekdippedkinkakragkandkshowedkhimkt hekproperkwayktokapplykthekpastekandkrubkitkin. WhenkhekwasksurekthatkNeilkwouldn'tkwrec kthekleatherkbeyondkrepair,khekmadekakt entativekstabkatktal ingktokthekboy. "Schoolko ay?"khekas ed. "Ikguess,"kthekboykanswered. Therekwaskakminutekorktwokofksilence. "Anyknicekgirlskinkyourkclass?" "Girls?" "Yeah,"kSpencerksaid.k"Youk now,kthosekprettykthingskwithkthekhairkbowskandkpett icoats."kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk "Ugh,"kNeilkreplied.k"Thekoneskwhokdon'tkwantktokcarryktheirkownkboo skandkwhoky oukcan'tkhit,kbutktheykcanksoc kyoukfinekifktheykwantkto?" Spencerkcouldn'tkhelpklaughing.k"Thosekarekthekones.kAnykprettykoneskinkyourkcla ss?" "Neverkthoughtkaboutkit,"kNeilksaid,kobviouslykconsideringkitknow. "Anybodykspecial?" "Nah,"kheksaidkafterkconsiderablekthought. "Oh."kTheykwor edkonkthekleadskandkbridles,kandkfellkintokakrhythm,kNeilkwor ing ktheksoapkwellkintokthekleatherkandkSpencerkdoingkthekpolishing. "Boy,"kSpencerksaidkofkthekmattresskandkas ed,k"BeforekIkfell?" "Yes,kthat,ktoo,kbutkIkmeantkbeforekIkrealizedkthatknokmatterkhowkhardkIktried,k Ikcouldn'tkstopkmyselfkfromklovingkyou.kDamn,kLiv,kIkdidn'tkwantktokhurtkyou,kIk justkcouldn'tkris kit.kAfterkKirsten,kIkcouldn'tkstandkthekthoughtkofklosingkano therkwomankIkloved,kandkIkthoughtkifkIkcouldkjustkstopkmyselfkfromklovingkyouk.k .k.k" Shekbac edkawaykfromkhim,kthekbeddingkslippingkfromkhiskfingerskuntilkshekwaskfr eekofkhiskgrasp.kThekstic inesskbetweenkherkthighsktoo konkitskfullkmeaning,kand kshekhadknokdoubtkwhatkBess'skFrenchkenvelopekwaskfor.k"Andkchildren?kWhatkwasky ourkplankaboutkchildren?" "Ikwantkakhundredkofkthem.kAndkIkwantkthemkallktokbekjustkli ekyou,knotkstubborn kandkstupidkli ekme.kAndkIkwant " "Wekwerektal ingkaboutkbefore,"ksheksaid,ktryingktok eepkherkvoicekeven,kfightin gkthekhysteriakshekwaskafraidkwouldkoverwhelmkher.k"Whenkyoukdidn'tklovekme." "Then,"khekadmitted,knotkdenyingkthatkhekhadn'tklovedkher,knotkevenktryingktokde nykit,kthoughkitkwouldn'tkhavekdonekhimkanykgood,k"Ikdidn'tkwantkmorekchildren." Shekcouldn'tkresistktouchingkthekmoisturekonkherklegs.kHerkstomachkturnedkoverka tkthekcontact. "Youkhavektokunderstand,"kSpencerkwasksaying.k"IkhadklostkeveryonekIkloved.kIkth oughtkifkIkprotectedkmyself,kthatkIkhadktokprotectkmyselfk.k.k.kOfkcourse,kIkwas kankidiot.kI'mkalwayskankidiot.kIklivekinkakstatekofkperpetualkidiocy.kButkthat' skallkfromkbefore." Againkhekreachedkoutktokpullkherktowardkhim,kgrabbingkthekedgekofkthekcomforterk thatkshieldedkherkna ednesskfromkhiskeyes. "Livvy,"khekpleaded.k"I'mksorry.kIksaidkIkwaskakfool.kI'mkgoingktokma ekitkupkto kyou.kWe'llkhavekakchild.kLotskofkchildren.kWekmightkhavekmadekakbabyktonight." "Butknotkbeforektonight,"ksheksaid,kjustktryingktokbekabsolutelyksurekthatksheku nderstoodkwhatkakshamkthekpastkthreekyearskhadkbeen.k"Iskthatkright?" "Itkwaskunli ely,"khekadmitted.k"Butknowk.k.k.kYourkfamilykiskfullkofkchildren.k Mykfamilyk.k.k.kwell,kIk.k.k.know,kLivvy,kwekcankhavekallkthekchildrenkyoukwant. " "Thatkwouldkbekverykdifficult,"kshekwhispered,kslippingkbehindkthekscreenkandkse archingkinkthekdar kforkherkunder-things.kVerykdifficultkindeed,ksincekshekfully kintendedkneverktokletkSpencerkusekherkagain.

k ChapterkFifteen "You'rekbeingkridiculous,kLiv,"kheksaidkaskhektrudgedkalongsidekherkinkthekdar . Thiskfromkthekmankwhoklivedkwithkherkforkthreekyearskpretendingktoklovekherkor,k ifknotkthat,kpretendingktok.k.k.kjustkthekthoughtkshamedkandkembarrassedkher.kAk grown,kmarriedkwomankandkshekdidn'tk nowkwhatkwaskhappeningkinkherkownkbed.kShek betkthatkdoctorkinkMilwau eekhadkenjoyedkakgoodklaughkafterkshekandkBesskleft. "Ifkyoukstillkfeelkthiskwaykinkthekmorning,kI'llkhitchkupkGeorgekandkdrivekyouko verkmyself."kHektrippedkoverksomethingkinkthekdar kandkswore. Shekwasksorrykhekdidn'tkbrea khisknec . "Ikdon'tkblamekyoukforkbeingkmad,"kheksaid,khiskvoicekconciliatory.k"Youkcertain lykhavekakright.kButkIklovekyou,kLivvy.kYoukcankhavekeverythingkyoukalwayskwante d.kMe,k idsk.k.k."k Sheksnorted.kItkwaskobviouslykthekonlykproperkresponse. "Arekyoukgoingktokbekmadkatkmekforever?kYouk nowkyou'reknot.kWhenkI'mkonkmykdeat hbedktwentykyearskdownkthekroad,kandkyoukcomektoksaykyourkgood-byes,kyouk nowkyo ukwon'tkstillkbekmad.kAndktenkyears?kYoukcouldn'tkstaykmadkatkakfellowkaskhandso mekaskmekforktenkyears,knowkcouldkyou?" Tenkyears?kShekcouldkbekmadkatkhimkforktenklifetimes. "Sokwe'rekdownktokfivekyears.kAklotkcankhappenkinkfivekyears.kLouisa'llkprobably kbekgettingkmarried.kAndkyou'llkexpectkmektokpaykforkthekwedding.kAndkIkwill,kan dkthenkhowkwillkyoukbekmadkatkmekthen?kSokwe'rekdownktokwhat,ktwokyears?kHec ,kH enry'llkprobablykbekgettingkmarried,kandkifkRemykhaskhiskway,kSacottekFarmkwillk beksoldktokthekrailroadkandkwe'llkhavektokhavekthekweddingkatkourkplace,ksincekt hekmercantile'llkbektooksmallkforkallkthosekrelativeskofkyours." Itksurekwaskdar kout.kAndkthekowlskweren'tkma ingktheknightksoundkanykfriendlier . "Sokwhat?kAkyear?kCouldkyoukstillkbekmadkinkakyear?kWithkmekbringingkyoukgiftska ndkta ingkNeilkunderkmykwing?kCouldkyoukgivekupkwhatkwekjustkdidkinkourkbedkfork akyear,kLivvy-love?" Didkhekthin khekwasksokwonderfulkinkthatkbedkthatkshekwouldkrollkonkherkbac kfor khimkwheneverkhekas ed?kDidkhekthin khekwaskthekonlykmankinkMaplekStandkwithkakr ollingkpinkbetweenkhisklegs? "Sokakfewkmonths,ktops.kNow,kLiv,kiskitkworthkit,kforkjustkakfewkmonths,ktokbeku psettingkthekchildren,kimposingkonkBesskandkRemy,kandkherksoksic ly,kjustktokpun ishkme?kBelievekme,kIkwaskpunishedkenough.kDokyoukthin kIkenjoyedkonekminutekofk eepingkmykdistancekfromkyou?kTonightkwasn'tkthekfirstktimekIkeverkenjoyedkmysel f,kOlivia.kIk newkwhatkIkwaskmissing." Shekstoppedkdeadkinkherktrac s.kItkwaskdar ,kbutknotksokdar kthatkshekcouldn'tks eekherkhusband'skface.kAndknotksokdar kthatkshekcouldn'tkgivekhimkthekslapkhekde served. Thekcrac kthatkreverberatedkinkthekstillknightksurroundedkLivvy,kandkforkakmomen tkshekwasn'tksurekwhetherkitkwasktheksoundkofkherkhandkcomingkintokcontactkwithk Spencer'skface,korkperhapsktheksoundkofkherkheartkbrea ingkinktwo. "You'rekthekreasonkIkdidn'tk now,"ksheksaid,kthekheelkofkherkhandkstingingksokba dlykshekwantedktokputkitkinkherkmouth,kbutkshekwouldn'tkgivekSpencerktheksatisfa ction.k"AndkremindingkmekaboutkthekgrandktimekyoukandkKirstenkhadkinkmykbedkiskn otkli elyktokma ekmekta ekpitykonkyou,kMr.kWilliamson." "See,"kheksaid,ktouchingkhiskchee kgentlykaskifkhekcouldkta ekthekpainkawaykwith khiskhand,k"I'mkankidiot.kIksaykthekwrongkthings.kIkdokthekwrongkthings.kButkit' skbecausekIkcan'tkthin karoundkyou." "Well,kthatkwon'tkbekakproblemkforkyoukanymore." "Livvy,kIkwaskhappy.kForkthekfirstktimeksincektheykdied,kIkwaskhappyktoday.kArek youkgoingktokta ekthatkaway?" "Therekwaskaktime,kSpencer,kthatkIkwouldkhavekgivenkmykrightkarmktokhearkyouksay kthat." "I'mksayingkit,kLivvy."kSacottekFarmkwaskjustkoverktheknextkrise.kHavingkwal edk

thekdistancekakthousandktimes,kneitherkSpencerknorkOliviakhadktokseekitktok nowk itkwaskthere. "It'sktooklate." "Ikcouldkpic kyoukupkandkcarrykyoukhome."kHekputkakhandkonkherkarm. "Andkarekyoukgoingktokchainkmektokthekbed,korkthekstove?"kshekas ed. Hekletkherkgokandk eptkpaceknextktokher.k"It'sknotktooklate,"kheksaidkjustkaskth eykwerekfeetkfromkthekdoor.k"You'llksee,kLiv.kYouklovedkmekwhenkIkwaskatkmykwors t.kIfkyoukcouldkdokthat,klovingkmekatkmykbestkiskgonnakbekaskeasykaskrollingkoff kaklog." "Peoplekwhokrollkoffklogskdrown,"ksheksaid,konekstepkonkthekporchkwhereklongkago kshekhadkspentkherkdayskmooningkoverkthekmankwhokwasknowkbeggingkforkforgiveness . "I'dksavekyou,kLivvy,"kheksaid,kcuppingkherkchinkandklettingkherkseekthektearski nkhiskeyes.k"Afterkall,kIkowekyoukone." Hekowedkherkaklotkmorekthankone.kIfktonightkwaskanykindicationkofkthekspar sktwo kpeoplekinklovekcouldkproduce,khekowedkherkthreekyearskandkaskmanykchildren.kShe kdidn'tkseekanykwaykhe'dkbekablektokrepaykthatkdebt.kNokwaykatkall. Butkevenkifksheksawkitkclearkaskdaykevenkinkthekdar kofknight,kthatkdidn'tkmeank hekwaskreadyktokgivekup. "Youkcan'tkjustkturnkoffkthatklove,kLiv,"kheksaidkwhenksheksteppedkupkontokthekp orch. "Ssh,"kshekwarnedkhim,kpointingktowardkthekscreenkdoor.k"Someonekwillkhearkyou." "Ikdon'tkcare,"kheksaid,kmaybekevenkaklittleklouder.k"Youklovekme,kOliviakWillia mson.kYoukcan'tktellkmekyoukcankjustkstopkthatkfeelingkthatkyou'vekhadkallkyourk life." "Well,"ksheksaid,kta ingkholdkofkthekrailingktoksteadykherself.k"Forkthreekyears kI'vekwatchedkakmaster.kI'mksurekI'vekpic edkupkakfewktric s." "That'sknotkfair,"kSpencerksaidkhiskvoicekakplaintivekwhine.k"Iklostkeverything. kWhatkhavekyouklostkthatkcompares?" "IkthoughtkIkwasn'tkakwoman,kSpencer,"ksheksaid,kembarrassedkbykthekadmission.k" Dokyouk nowkwhatkitkfeelskli ektokthin kyoukcan'tkbearkakchild?kThatkyoukhavekno kpurposekonkearth?kThatkyou'rekbeingkpunished?" "I'mksorry,kLivvy,"kHektouchedkherkgentlykonkthekshoulderkandkletkhiskhandkrunkd ownkherkarm.k"Ikdok nowkwhatkitkfeelskli ektokbelievekyou'rekbeingkpunished,kand kIk nowkwhatkitkfeelskli ektoklosekakchild,kandkgivenkthekchoicekofknotkbearingk onekorklosingkone,kIk nowkwhatkIkchose,kandkIkwouldkchoosekitkagain." "I'mksoktiredkofkyourkpain,kSpencer.kYourkloss.kYourkchoice.kDidkyoukas kme?kDid kyouktellkme?kDidkyoukcarekthatktheykallkbelievedkIkwaskbarren?kThatkIkbelievedk Ikwaskbarren?" Whatkwaskthekpoint?kItkwasn'tkaskifkhekwouldkeverkunderstandkthekpainkhekhadkcau sedkher.kHekwasktookbusyknursingkhiskownktokma eksurekitkneverkdied.kShekopenedk thekdoorkandkletkherselfkin. "I'llkcomekbykinkthekmorningktokseekifkyou'vekchangedkyourkmind,"khekshoutedkthr oughkthekscreenkdoorkintokthekdar enedkroom. "Ikwon't,"ksheksaidkquietly,kseeingkNeil'skformkonktheksofakandkprayingkthekboyk hadksleptkthroughkyetkanotherkofkhiskauntkandkuncle'skarguments. "ThenkI'llkcomekagainktheknextkday,"kSpencerksaidkaskshekwaskclosingkthekwoodenk doorkbehindkher.kHekraisedkhiskvoice.k"Andkthekdaykafterkthat.kForkasklongkaskit kta es,kOlivia.kIkwon'tkgivekyoukup." Shekleanedkagainstkthekdoorkwithkherkbac kforkakmoment,kthen,kfeelingkthektearsk wellingkup,kshekhurriedktokthek itchen,kwantingktoksparekherknephewktheksightkof khiskauntkbrea ingkdownkandkcryingkforkallkthekdreamskthatkhadkdiedkstillbornkin kKristen'skbedkjustkankhourkbefore. Pressingkthekbac kofkherkhandktokherkmouthktoksilencekherkcries,kshekleanedkagai nstkthek itchenksin kandkletkthektearskrollkdownkherkchee s. Neilkhadkheardkhiskunclekyellingktheknightkbefore,kandkitkhadkta enkhimkaklongkt imektokfallkbac ktoksleepkagain.kItkseemedkhekhadkjustkmanagedktokclosekhiskeyes kwhenktheksoundkofkUnclekSpencer'skvoicekrousedkhimkagain.

"Somebodykopenkthiskgoddamnkdoor!" AuntkBess'skhandkflewktokherkmouth,kandkUnclek.Remykgrimacedkandkshoo khiskhead. "Shekdoesn'tkwantktokseekyou,"kUnclekRemykyelledktowardkthekclosedkdoor.k"She'sk gettingkthekchildrenkreadykforkschool.kAllksixkofkthem." NeilkthoughtkaboutkcorrectingkUnclekRemy.kAfterkall,kJosiekwasn'tkgoingktokschoo l,kbutkhekthoughtkhiskunclekwaskjustktryingktoksoundkputkout,kandkheksurekwaskdo ingkakgoodkjobkofkit. "Ikcouldkhelp,"kUnclekSpencerksaid.kNeilknearlykfellkoffktheksofa.kUnclekSpencer kwaskaboutkaskhelpfulkaroundkthek itchenkaskThom-Tomkwaskinkthekfield.kAuntkLivk mustkhavekfeltktheksamekway,kjudgingkfromktheksoundkofkthekspoonkclatteringktokt hekfloor.kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk Butkshekmustkhaveksaidkno,kbecausekAuntkBess,kstationedkatkthekdoorwayktokthek i tchen,kloo edkintokthek itchenkandkthenkshoo kherkheadkatkUnclekRemy,kwhoktoldkU nclekSpencerkthatkAuntkLivkstillkdidn'tkwantktokseekhim.kItkremindedkhimkofkwhen kThom-TomkandkPhilipkhadkhadkakfightkandktheyk eptktal ingkthroughkHenry,kas ing khimktoktellkthekotherkonekthiskorkthat.kUnclekRemykhadkboxedkPhilip'skearskandk threatenedktokdoktheksamektokThom-Tomkifktheyk eptkonkwithkit. HekwonderedkifkUnclekRemykfeltkli ekboxingkAuntkLiv'skears.kFromkthekloo skofkth ings,kheksurekwouldkhavekli edktokboxkUnclekSpence's. "I'llkjustkwaitkforkthekchildren,kthen,"kUnclekSpenceksaid.k"Ikcouldkwal k'emkal lktokschool.kMaybekevenkgivekJosiekakridekinkthatkwagonkofkPhilip's." "Philipktradedkthekwagonkforkakbeat-upkbicycle,"kUnclekRemyksaid.k"Andkthek idsk nowkwherekthekschoolkiskbyknow.kGokhome,kSpencer,kyou'vekdonekenoughkdamagekfor konekday." "Remy,kforkcryingkoutkloud,kopenkthekdamnkdoor." "Youkwatchkyourklanguage,kSpencerkWilliamson.kIkgotkchildrenklivingkinkthiskhous e,"kBesskyelled. "Youkain'tkheardklanguagekyet,kBesskSacotte.kNowkopenkthiskdoorkorkI'llkgivekyou kaksamplekofkgutterktal kthat'llkhavekyoukrepaintingkthekporchkbeforeknoon." "AndkI'llkta eksoapktokyourktongueksurekaskIkwouldkonekofkmykboys.kYoukhearkme?" Thekdoorkmightkhavekbeenkclosed,kbutktheykcouldksurelykhearkAuntkBesskinkSturgeo nkBay. "Youkcan'tk eepkmykwifekinkthere,"kUnclekSpencerkyelledkbac .k"Notknow." AuntkBesskandkUnclekRemykexchangedkquestioningkloo s. "Jeez,kRemy,kIklovekher,"kUnclekSpencerkyelledkfromkthekporch.k"She'skgotktok no wkI'mksorry.kI'vekpromisedk.k.k.koh,kneverkmind!" AuntkBesskopenedkthekdoorkandksteppedkoutside,kfollowingkafterkUnclekSpencer'skr etreatingkbac .kNeilkcouldn'tkhearkthekwordsktheykexchanged,kbutkhekdidkseekhisk auntkpatkhiskunclekonkthekshoulderkandkloo ktowardkthekhouse. Andkhekdidkhavekthekdistinctkfeelingkthatkafterkhekandkhiskcousinskwerekoutkofkt hekhouse,ktherekwaskgoingktokbekaklotkofktal khekwouldkbekhappyktokmiss. "Hekwantsktokwhat?"kLivvykas edkincredulouslykoncekallkthekchildrenkbutkJosiekwe rekgonektokschool. "Hekwantsktokta ekthekchildrenkonkakpicnic,"kBessksaidkaskifkSpencerkWilliamsonk alreadykhadkbeenknominatedktwicekforkfatherkofkthekyear. "Ikwon'tkgokonkakpicnickorkanywherekelsekwithkthatkman,"kLivvyksaid,kseeingkrigh tkthroughkhisklittlekploy.kShekputkthreekspoonskonkthekfloorkforkJosiektokplaykw ithkandkraisedkherkvoiceksokthatkshekcouldkbekheardkoverkthekgirl'skbanging.k"Ev er." "Youkaren'tkinvited."kBesskwaskwashingkupkfromkbrea fastkandkdidn'tkevenkturnkto kloo katkherksister-in-law. "Oh?kAndkwhenkiskthisklittlekouting?kItkprobablykdidn'tkevenkoccurktokhimkthatkt hekchildrenkarekinkschoolkallkday."kShektoo kthekspoonskawaykfromkJosiekandkputk herkbootedkfootkinkfrontkofkthekchild.k"Tryktokopenktheklace,"kshektoldkthekbaby . "Well,khe'skgotkthiskideakthat'sk indaknice,"kBessksaid.kItkseemedktokLivvykthat kBesskwaskpurposelykavoidingkloo ingkatkher.kAlthoughkwithksixkchildrenkandkthre ekadultsktherekwerekaklotkofkdishesktokbekwashed.kAndkBesskhadksetkLivvyktokthek

mendingkpile,kclaimingkshekhadkyoungerkeyes.k"He'skplanningkaksupperkunderkthekt rees.kItkgetskdar ksoklateknowkthatktheykcankhavekdinnerkandkplaykaboutkbeforekt hekmoonkevenkstartsktokrise." Itksoundedkbeautiful,kexceptkthatkSpencerkwouldkbekpartkofkit.kLivvykwishedkshe' dkthoughtkofkitkfirst.kAnkeveningkoutsidekwithkthekchildrenkwaskjustkthekthingks hekfeltkshekneeded. "HeksayskhekcankshowkNeilkhowktoktellkthekweatherkfromkthekhazekaroundkthekmoon, kandkmaybekpointkoutkthekNorthkStar,kthoughkhekadmitskhekisn'tktookgoodkwithkthe kconstellations.kKindkofkgetkthemkreadykforkthatkeclipsekthat'skcoming." "Whatkeclipse?"kHerkfatherkhadkalwayskporedkoverkthekalmanackandktoldkherkaboutk whatktokexpectkfromkthekheavens.kThekideakofkSpencerkdoingktheksamekthingk.k.k.k well,kshekjustkwasn'tkevenkgoingktokthin kaboutkit. "Don'tk now,"kBesskadmitted.k"Hekwaskgoingkonkandkonkaboutkatkleastkbeingkablekt okrecognizekCygnuskandkthekdipper,kandksortkofkapologizingkforknotk nowingkmore. kAndkthenkhekstartedkinkonkthatkpicnickthing." Livvyk newkthekheavenskaskwellkaskshek newkthekbac kofkherkhand.kOnksummerknight skshekwouldkliekonkthekgrasskwithkherkfatherkandkbrotherkandkstudyktheks ykandkw ishkonkstars.kHerkfondestkwish,kofkcourse,kalwayskhadkbeenkthatksomedaykshekandk Spencerkwouldkliekoutkinkakfieldkteachingkthekheavensktokchildrenkofktheirkown.k kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk "That'skridiculous,"ksheksaid,kputtingkdownkakrepairedkshirt.k"It'skakschoolknig ht.kTheykneedktheirksleep." "You'rekratherksnippykthiskmorning,kOlivia.kItkmightkhelpkyouktokgetksomekofktha tkangerkout.kYoukwantktoktellkmekaboutkwhatkyou'rekdoingkhere?" "I'mkgrowingkup,kBess.kNokmorekfoolingkmyself,knokmorekbeingkfooled.kIk nowkit's kankimposition.kIkplanktokearnkourk eepkandkpaykourkway.kYoukcankbeksurekofkthat ." BesskdriedkherkhandskonkthekdishragkandkturnedkaroundktokstudykLivvykaskifkshekh adkgrownkanotherkhead.k"Youkthin ingkthatkthiskiskakpermanentkthing?" Livvykdidn'tkneedktokconsider.k"Yes." "Livvy,"kBessksaidksoftly,kcomingktokthektablekandksettlingkinkakchairkclosekeno ughktokta ekherksister-in-law'skhand.k"Honey,kthiskiskakproblem.kIkcankbarelykma nagekwithkmykownkthree,kandkthey'rekbigkboys."kJosiekwentkafterkBess'sklace.k"Do n't,khoney,kIkcankhardlykreachk'emkoncekakdaykaskitkis." "I'llkta ekoverkyourkchores,kBess.kInkfact,kthings'llkbekevenkeasierkforkyoukwit hkuskhere.kAndkIkfigurekIkcankba ekandksellkmykstuffktokCharliekZephinktokearnke noughktokpaykyoukbac kforkourkfoodkuntilkIkcankthin kofksomethingkelse." "You'veklovedkthatkmankallkyourklife,kOliviakWilliamson.kIkwouldn'tkbekma ingksu chklong-rangekplanskifkIkwaskyou. Livvykpic edkupkJosie.kItkwasktimektokgetkonkwithkherkday,ktimektokgetkonkwithkh erklife.k"No,"ksheksaidkaskshekstood,kfeltkthekloosenesskofkherkboot,kandksatkag ain.k"Ikwaskinklovekwithksomebodykelse.kAtkeverykstagekofklovingkhim,kIkwaskinkl ovekwithksomeonekelse." Shekretiedkherklaceskandkloo edkaroundkthek itchen. "CankIkusekthosekcherries?"kshekas ed,kpointingktokthekbowlkatkthekedgekofkthekc ounter.k"Ikwantktokma ekaksamplekforkCharlie." Besskpattedkherkonkthekbac kandkpinchedkJosie'skchee .k"Ifkyou'llkma ektwo,"kshe kanswered. "You,kmykdear,karekonkakdiet.kI'llkma ekyouksomethingkthatkisn'tkpureklardkandks ugar." "ButkIkli eklardkandksugar,"kBesskwhined.k"Andkyourkcherrykpie," "Thin kofkmykcherrykpieskaskquarters,''kLivvyksaid,kimaginingkherselfkgettingkri chkonkherkba ingks ills. "Youkcan'tkeatkquarters,"kBessksaidkglumly,kma ingkaksadkfacekatkJosie.k"Cankyou ,kcutie?" ButkLivvykhadkmorektokworrykaboutkthankBess'skappetite.kAfterkrollingkupkherksle eves,kshekreachedkforkthekcherrieskandkbroughtkthekbowlktokthektable.k"Youkwantk tokhelpkme?"kshekas edkJosie,kwhoknoddedkexuberantly. "Allkright,kthen,"ksheksaid,kpushingkallkthoughtskofkSpencerkWilliamsonktokthekb ac kofkherkmind.kShekwouldkma ekthekbestkdarnkpieskCharliekZephinkhadkeverktaste

d.kShekwouldksellkakmillionkofkthem,kthisksummerkalone.kShekcouldkma eklittlekon eskforkthekfairgroundskandkpieskforktwokforkpicnics.kkk.kkk.kkk. "YoukwantktokhaveksupperkwithkUnclekSpencerkinkthekfieldktonight?"kshekas edkJos ie.kSheksupposedkshekcouldkma ekankextrakpie.kShekwouldn'tkwantktokcheatkthekchi ldren.kAndkitkwouldn'tkhurtktokremindkhimkwhatkhe'dklost. Itkwasn'tkakmatterkofkconceit,kbutkofkhonesty,kthatksetktheksmilekonkOlivia'skfa cekaskshekheadedkoffktoktownkwithkthekbestkcherrykpiekeverkproducedkinkDoorkCoun tyksnuglykrestingkinkthekbas etkthatkswungkfromkherkarm.kShe'dkwonkthekbluekribb onkatkthekcountykfairknearlykeverykyearksincekshekwaskeleven,kandkwomenkhadkeven kofferedktokpaykforkherksecretktoksuchkakshinykandkdeliciouskglaze. Shek newkbetterkthanktoktellkthem.kNotkonlykwouldkthatkletkeveryonekma ekpieskas kgoodkaskhers,kbutkthekfactkthatkshekusedksourkmil ,kandkthatkshe'dkdiscoveredkt hektric kbykaccident,kdidn'tkma ekherkpiesksoundkhalfkaskappealingkasktheykloo e d. Itkhadn'tkoccurredktokherkthatkMr.kMa eridgekmightkbekatkthekmercantile.kShekhad n'tkseenkhimksincektheykhadkallkcomekbac kinkMr.kZephin'skwagonktogether.kButkth erekhekwas,kakdar kbruisekpaintingkhiskchin,ksittingkonkakstoolkbykthekedgekofkt hekcounter,kintentlykwritingkwhatkappearedktokbekakletter.kSeeingkhimkwithkpenki nkhandkremindedkherkthatkshekwouldkhavektokwritektokJuliankandkletkhimk nowkthat kshekandkthekchildrenkwereknowkresidingkatkSacottekFarm.kMaybektherekwaskakchanc ekhekcouldksendkalongkaklittlekmoneykforkthekchildren'skup eep,knotkthatkshekwou ldkeverksuggestksuchkakthing. Itkpainedkherkevenktokconsiderkit,kbutkshekhadktokthin kofkRemykandkBess'skneeds .kAndktherekwasknokreasonkthatkSpencerkoughtktokbekmadektokpay.kTheykweren'tkhis kchildren,kafterkall.kAndktheykweren'tkreallykRemy'skproblem.kAfterkall,khekhadn 'tkagreedktokcarekforkthem.kNo,kthekchildrenkwerekherkresponsibilitykalone.kAndk whenkshekthoughtkaboutkit,kthatkwaskexactlykthekwaykshekwantedkit. "Mrs.kWilliamson!"kMr.kMa eridgeksaidkwhenkhekloo edkupkandkdiscoveredkherkstand ingkinkthekdoorway.kHekloo edkdownkatkthekletterkhekwaskwriting.k"Li ekspea ingk ofkthekdevil!kNot,kofkcourse,kthatkyoukarekanythingkbutkankangel.kAndkevenklovel ierkthankwhenkIksawkyouklast." "Olivia,"kEmmakZephinksaid,kcomingkoutkfromkthekbac kroomkwithkakstac kofkboxes. k"Ikdidn'tkhearkyoukcomekin.kOh,kandkhere'skthatkdarlingklittlekone.kWhat'skherk namekagain?" "ThatkonekmustkbekJosie,"kMr.kMa eridgekansweredkbeforekOliviakcouldkgetkthekwor dskout.kShekwaskstruc kspeechlesskbykEmma'skappearance.kUnlesskshekwaskmista en, kEmmakwaskwearingkrouge!kAndkherkhairkwaskdonekupkinksomekpuffed-outkstylekthatk loo edkli ekshekgotkherkheadkstuc kinkakpaperkwasps'knest. "Yes,"ksheksaid,knotkrememberingktellingkMr.kMa eridgekaboutkthekchildrenkonkthe irktrip,kbutkconvincedkshekmustkhave.kThektruthkwas,kshekdidn'tkrememberkmuchkab outkthektripkbeyondkchocolate-coveredkcherrieskandkakheadkthatkfeltkli ekakwoodp ec erkhadktriedktokma ekakhomekinkit.k"Josephina,kthiskiskMisskZephinkandkMr.kMa eridge." EmmakleanedkdownktowardkJosie,kwhokbac edkawaykinkterror.kDespitekherkgettingkco mfortablekwithkLivvy,kshekstillkwaskeasilykfrightenedkbykstrangers.kEvenkBess,kw hokwaskthekmostknaturalkofkmothers,ksetkJosiekonkedge.kEmmaksentkherkintokfitsko fkhysteria. "Childrenkusuallykli ekme,"kEmmakassuredkMr.kMa eridge.kTokJosiekshekheldkoutkak stringkofkroc kcandy.k"Here.kThiskshouldksweetenkyourkdisposition.kThat'skwhatkm ykmotherkalwaysksaidktokme.kNot,"ksheksaidkturningktokMr.kMa eridgekagain,k"that kitkeverkneededksweetening.kIkamkakverykcheerfulkperson.kIkalwayskhavekbeen." "Justkso,"khekagreed. "Notkaskcheerfulkaskyou'vekbeenktheklastktwokdays,"kCharliekZephinksaid,kappeari ngkfromkthekfarkcornerkofkthekstorekwherekhekmustkhavekbeenkrearrangingkolderkgo ods.kThekfrontkofkhiskapronkwaskcoveredkwithkdustkandkhekswipedkatkit,kgivingkhi skdaughterkakdissatisfiedkloo . "Mr.kZephin,"kOliviaksaid,kgladkthatkJosiekhadkquietedkandkwasknowksuc ingkhappi lykonEmma'skgift.k"I'vekcomektokdiscusskakpropositionkwithkyou."

Mr.kZephinksmiledkandkexchangedkakloo kwithkMr.kMa eridgekthatkmadekLivvykdecide dlykuncomfortable.k"Arekyoukpropositioningkme,kMrs.kWilliamson?"khekas ed,kappar entlykhavingkdifficultyk eepingkakstraightkface. "Youk nowkthatkIkhavekthekbestkcherrieskinkallkofkDoorkCountyk.k.k."kshekbegan,k butkCharliekandkMr.kMa eridge'sklaughterkstoppedkher.kShekloo edkcjuestioninglyk atkeachkman,kandktheyksoberedkquic ly.k"Well,kIksupposekBesskhaskthekbestkcherri es,kbutkIkk..." Theykwerekhavingktroublekmaintainingkanykdignitykatkall,kobviouslykenjoyingkthek privacykofktheirklittlekjo e.kOrdinarilykshekwouldkas kSpencerkwhenkshekgotkhome kwhatkinkthekworldkshekhadksaidkthatkwasksokfunny,kbutkthosekdayskwerekgone.kPer hapskshekcouldkas kRemy.kEmmakstoodkloo ingkfromkonekmanktokthekother,kapparentl ykaskbaffledkaskshe. "I'mksorry,"kMr.kZephinksaid,kwipingkhiskeyes.k"Somethingkwekwerektal ingkaboutk beforekjustkcamekoverkme.kYoukwerektellingkmekaboutkhowkgoodkyourkcherrieskare?" Thisktimekhekstruggledktok eepkakstraightkfacekandkhadktokbitekonkhisklipktokman agekit. "I'mkofferingkyoukmykcherries,"ksheksaid,kputtingkthekbas etkonkthekcounterkandk liftingkthekcornerskofktheknap inkinkwhichkthekpiekwaskwrapped.kMr.kMa eridgekvi rtuallykfellkoffkhiskstoolkand,kholdingkhisksides,kpassedkthroughkthekcurtainkin tokthekbac kroom.kCharliekhadkturnedkhiskbac konkherkandkwaskrightingkunsuccessf ullyktokgetkholdkofkhimself. "Dokyoukwantkaksamplekorknot?"kshekdemanded.kTwokgrownkmenkandktheykwerekguffawi ngkli eksix-year-oldskwhokhadkjustkdiscoveredkaknewkwordktheykweren'tksupposedkt ok now. "Ikdo"kcamekthekcho edkresponsekfromkbehindkthekcurtainkwherekMr.kMa eridgekwask obviouslykhavingkakgoodklaughkatkherkexpense. "Ikdon'tk nowkwhatkitkiskI'veksaidkthatkhaskyoukmenksokamused,"kLivvyksaid,kdoin gkherkbestkimitationkofkakdisappointedkschoolmarm,k"butkIkamkofferingkyoukthekch ancekofkaklifetime." Mr.kZephinkcouldn'tkma ekhisklipskstopkquivering.k"Ikdon'tkdoubtkthatkyoukare,"k hekagreed. "Mykcherrykgoodskarekthekbestkinktown,kprobablykinkthekwholekcounty,kandkI'mkoff eringktoksellkthemktokyouksokthatkyoukcankofferkthemktokthekpublic.kYouk nowktha tkifkpeoplek nowkthey'rekmine,ktherekisn'tkakpersonkinkMaplekStandkwhokwon'tkwan tkthem." Thatkseemedktokbektheklastkstraw.kCharlieksmashedkupkagainstkthekshelves,ksendin gkcannedkgoodskflyingkinkeverykdirection.kFromkthekbac kroomkitkwaskclearkthatkM r.kMa eridgekwaskhavingktheksamekfitskaskMr.kZephin. "Letkmekgetkthiskclear,"kEmmaksaid,kpointedlykignoringkherkfather.k"Youkwantkusk toksellkyourkpieskforkyoukherekinkthekstore?" "Andkmykpreserves,"kLivvykadded,kgratefulktokfindkakrationalkvoicekamidkthekhyst eria. "Andkthiskpiekiskaksample?"kEmmakfingeredkthekedgeskofkthekpiekonkthekcounter.kT hekfla ykcrustkbro ekoffkinkherkhand. "Yes,"kLivvyksaid. "HowkdoeskMr.kWilliamsonkfeelkaboutkthis,kOlivia?"kCharliekas ed,kfinallykgainin gkcontrolkoverkhisktongue.k"LastktimekIkas edkyouktokba eksomekofkthesekforkthek store,kthatkhusbandkofkyoursksaidkhekhadn'tkmarriedkyouksokthatkyoukcouldkfeedkh alfkofkMaplekStandkandktheykcouldkgokgetkthemselveskwiveskifktheykwantedkcherrie skofktheirkown. Akhowlkcamekfromkthekbehindkthekcurtain.kLivvykwaskgettingkakprettykgoodkideakab outkwhatktheksecretkwordkwaskandkwhatkitkmeant. "Mr.kWilliamsonkisknoklongerkakconcern,"ksheksaidkquitekseriously.kThenkshekadde d,kwithkallkthekbrazennesskshekcouldksummon,k"Mykcherrieskareknoklongerkhiskprob lem." Therekwaskakmomentkofkstunnedksilencekinkthekmercantile,kpunctuatedkonlykbykJosi e'sksuc ingksounds,kandkthenkaksomberkMr.kMa eridgekcamekoutkfromkthekstoreroom. k"Well,"kheksaidkloo ingkatkLivvykaskthoughkshekwerekaskappetizingkaskherkpies,k "I'dkli ektoksampleksome." Emmakloo edkatkMr.kMa eridgekandkthenkatkLivvykbeforekagreeingktokgetksoniekplat

es.k"I'vekankidea,"ksheksaid.k"Whykdon'tkWaylonkandkIkgokonkupstairskandkhavekso mekofkyourkpiekwithkourklunch.kPapakcanktendkthekstorekandkhavekakpiecekdownkher e.kThen,kifkwekli ekit,kwe'llkletkyouk now." "You'llkli ekit,"kLivvyksaid.kNokonekhadkeverkeatenkherkpiekandkbeenkdisappointe d.kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk "I'mksurekIkwill,"kMr.kMa eridgeksaid.k"Butkonlykakfractionkaskmuchkaskthekba er ." "Doesn'tkhekhavekakwaykwithkwords?"kEmmakas ed,kpic ingkupkthekpiekandkdirecting kMr.kMa eridgektokfollowkher. "Won'tkyoukjoinkus,kMrs.kWilliamson?"khekas ed.kEmmakturnedkandkshoo kherkhead,k signalingktokOliviakthatkshekshouldksaykno. Accordingly,kLivvyksaid,k"I'vekgotktokgetkthisklittlekonekhome,"kandkliftedkJosi ektokherkhip. "Ikcouldkcomekoutktokthekfarmkandkletkyouk nowkaboutkthekpies,"kCharlieksaid.k"T hatkwaykIkcouldkbeksurekthatkMr.kWilliamsonkiskinkagreement.kLastkthingkIkwantki skyourkhusbandkhoppingkmadkatkme." "I'mkbac katkSacottekFarm,kMr.kZephin,"ksheksaid,kraisingkherkchinkslightly.k"Yo ukcankcomekoutktherektokpic kupkthekpieskifkyoukli e.kI'llkbekba ingkthemkairkda y,kaskIk nowkyoukarekgoingktokwantkthem." "Olivia?"kEmmakas ed.k"Bac katkBesskandkRemy's?kWhy?" Shekopenedkherkmouth,kbutkinsteadkofkhearingkherkownkvoice,kshekwaskgratefulktok hearkWaylonkMa eridge's.k"I'mksurekthat'sknokone'skbusinesskbutkherkown,"kheksai dkgently,kaskifkhiskwordskwerekmeantktokbekaksoftkpatkonkherkbac . Emmakloo edkatkherksympathetically.k"Thenkyou'vekgivenkup?"kEmmaksaid,kandkblush edkfuriouslykatkhavingkutteredkherkthoughtskaloud. "Yes,"kLivvyksaid.k"IksupposekIkhave." k ChapterkSixteen InkthekfivekyearsksincekKirstenkandkthekchildrenkhadkdied,kSpencerkhadkbeenktokt hekcemeterykonlykwhenkhekhadktokattendkthekfuneralskofkothers.kHekhadkexercisedk greatkcarektokavoidkthekgraveskofkhiskwifekandkchildren,ksometimesksteppingkover kthekshortkfencekthatksurroundedkthekcemeterykinkhiskhastektokescape. Butkthiskdaykhekwal edkpurposefullyktowardkthekhighkmetalkarchwaykthatksignified kMaplekStand'skonlykburialkground,kgoingkoverkoncekagainkinkhiskheadkthekwordskh ekwantedktokutterktokhiskpreciouskfamily.kThekwordskhadkbeenkaklongktimekinkcomi ng.kInkfact,kSpencerkhadkneverkexpectedktoktellkKirstenkthatkhekwaskreturningkto kthekworldkofkthekliving,kwherekhekbelonged,kandkloc ingkherkandkthekchildrenkwi thinkaksacredkplacekinkhiskheartkwherekhekwouldkalwaysk eepkthemksafekbutksepara tekfromktheklifekthatknowkbec onedkhim. Kirstenkhadkalwayskli edkOlivia.kAnd,ktoo,kshekhadkli edklaughterkandklovekandke verythingkthatkOliviakhadktriedktokofferkhimkforktheklastkthreekyears.kHekwasn't ksee ingkKirsten'skapproval,kthoughkhekhadknokdoubtkthatkhekwouldkhavekreceivedk it. Hekwaskcomingktoksaykgood-bye. Whilekhekhadn'tkseenkthekgravesksincekthekburial,kevenkrefusingktokattendkthekpl acementkofkthekheadstoneskoutkofksomekridiculouskfearkthatkoncekthekstoneskwerek set,khiskfamilykwouldkbekevenkmorekpermanentlykdeadkthenktheykalreadykwere,kstil lkhek newkwherektheyklay.kAndkso,kseeingkaksmallkfigure,konlykslightlyklargektha nkPeter'sksize,k neelingkbyktheirkplotskstartledkhimksokbadlykthatkhekstoppedkin khisktrac skandkclosedkhiskeyes,ktryingktokblotkoutktheksight. ".k.k.kluc y.kIkmean,kIk nowkthatkyou'rekdead,kandkall,kandkitkmustkseemkrealkdu mbktokyou,kbutkI'dktradekplaceskwithkyoukinkakminutekifkIkcouldkhavekakpapakli e kyourskforkaklittlekwhile." Thekboykwaskpullingkoutkhandfulskofkgrasskaskhekspo e,kbutkSpencer'sklegskhadktu rnedktokgranitekandkhekcouldkdoknothingkbutklistenkandkwatch. "Iksawkthekbirdskyoukcarved.kThey'rekstillkupktherekinkyourkroom.kIt'skakniftykr

oom,kifkyoukcankcallkitkthat.kIksurekdokli ekthatkbedkyoukusedktoksleepkin." SpencerkwatchedkNeilkturnkslightlykandkbeginkwor konkMargaret'skgrave,kpullingkn otkclumpskofkgrass,kaskhekhadkthought,kbutkweeds,kpilingkthemkcarefullykbetweenk thektwoksmallkplots, "It'skmekagain,"kthekboyksaidkquietly.k"Yourkcousin.kIkthoughtkyou'dkwantktok no wkthatkJosie,kthat'skyourklittlekcousin,kremember?kWell,kshekborrowedkthekdollkf romkyourkbed,kbutkIkputkitkbac .kItkdidn'tkgetkdirtykorkanythingkandkshekwaskrea lkscaredkaboutkAuntkLiv.kSokwaskyourkpa.kNotkthatkhekdoesn'tkstillklovekyourkmak andkall,kbutkhekloveskAuntkLiv,ktoo,kandkshekgavekuskallkakfright. "Nowkwe'rekstayingkatkUnclekRemy's.kThat'skyourkunclekandkmine,ktoo.kI'mksleepin gkonktheksofakthere,kjustkli ekatkyourkplace.kTheklastktimekIkhadkakbedkofkmykow nkwaskbeforekmykmamakdied.kThere'sknothingkIkmindkaskmuchkaskbeingkprivyktokallk youkseeksleepingkinkthekparlor.kIkthin kmaybekyoukandkPeterkwerekluc yktokgokalo ngkwithkyourkma,ksokthatkshekcouldkstillkbekta ingkcarekofkyou,kandkall.kButkIkb etkyoukmisskyourkpak.k.k." Hekstoppedkandkbeganktokgatherkthekweedskinkhiskarms.kItkwaskclearkthatkhekhadkd onekKirsten'skgravekfirst,kandkhekwaskfinishedkwithkhiskwor kbutknotkhiskthought s. "Yourkownkbedkinkyourkownkhouse.kTokak idkli ekyoukitkprobablykdoesn'tksoundkli ekmuch,kbut " Thekweedskfellkfromkthekboy'skhandskaskhekloo edkup,kandkhekcringedkwhenkheksawk Spencerkstandingkclosekenoughktokhavekheardkhiskeverykword.kSpencerklic edkhiskl ips,ksearchingkforkthekrightkwordsktoksay,kandktastedkaksaltyktear. "Than kyou,"kheksaidkfromkdeepkwithinkakheartkfilledkwithkregret.k"IkguesskIksho uldkhavekseenktokthekweedskmyself." Neilkloweredkhiskshoulderskcautiously.k"Ikdon'tkmind." "Havekyoukdonekitkbefore?"kSpencerkas edkandksawkthekdefensivekstancekandkthekfe arkinkhisknephew'skeyes.k"MaybekIkowekyoukmorekthan skthankjustkforktoday." Thekboykstoodksilently,kthrowingkankeyektowardkPeter'skgravekaskifkhekexpectedkt hekdeadkboyktokta ekhiskpart. "Often?kIkdon'tkseektookmanykweeds.kI'dkguesskyoukprobablykhavektokcomekaboutkon cekakwee ktok eepkthemkloo ingksoknice." "About,"kthekboykadmitted,khiskvoicekbarelykabovekakwhisper. "Ifkyou'llkgivekmekakminutekalonekwithkthem,"kSpencerksaid,kgesturingkwithkhiskh eadktowardkthekclusterkofkheadstones,k"I'llkgivekyoukakridekbac kwhenkI'mkdone." "Ikcouldkputkthekweedskoverkinkthekpile,"kNeilksaid.k"Andkwaitkforkyoukthere."kH ekloo edkquestioninglykatkhiskuncle. "That'dkbekrealkgood,"kSpencerksaid,krunningkhiskhandkoverkthekboy'sktousledkhea d.k"Ikwon'tkbeklong." "Ta ekyourktime,"kthekboyksaid.k"I'llkwait."kHekhuddledkthekdirtykclumpskagainst khiskbodykand,kdroppingkandkpic ingkupkbuncheskatkregularkintervals,kmadekhiskwa yktokthekfarkcornerkofkthekcemetery. "Thekboykhadkitkaklittlekbac ward,"kheksaidkquietlyktokthekgroundkbeneathkwhichk hisklittlekfamilyklay.k"Hekdoeskthatkaklot.kButkthekfactkofkthekmatterkiskIkwask thekluc ykone,knotkyou.kIkgotktok nowkakloveksokfinekthatkIkthoughtkIkcouldkneve rk nowkitskli ekagain. "Ikthin kit'llkma ekyoukallkhappyktok nowkthatkIkwaskwrong.kJustkli ekwhenkyoukw erekhere,kIkhadkmykheadkinktheksandkandkdidn'tk nowkhowkluc ykIktrulykwas.kButkI 'vekgotkaksecondkchanceknow.kSokI'vekcomektoksaykgood-bye.kAllkthreekofkyoukwill kbekinkmykheartkforever.kInkallkIkdokandkallkIkam,kyoukwillkbekakpart.kButkLivvy ktaughtkmeksomethingkIkthoughtkI'dkneverk now. "I'vekgotkroomkinkmykheartkforkmorekthankjustkthekthreekofkyou.kI'vekgotkroomkfo rkLivvy,kandkNeil,kwhokyoukseemktokbekgettingktok now,kandkthatklittlekhellionkJ osie,kandkevenkMisskLouisa.kAndkI'llkhavekroomkforkwhoeverkelsekcomeskalong. "Iklovekyoukall." Hekstoodkbykthekgraveskanotherkminute,kreadingkthekmar erskforkthekfirstktime.kH isknamekwasketchedkinkgranitekabovekeachkofktheirkheads.kMargaret,kbelovedkdaugh terkofkSpencerkandkKirsten.kPeter,kbelovedksonkofkSpencerkandkKirsten.kKirstenkW illiamson,kbelovedkwifekofkSpencer,kbelovedkmotherkofkPeterkandkMargaret. Belovedktheykwere.kBelovedktheykwouldkalwayskbe.kTheykandkLivvykandktheklittlekb

oykwhokstoodkwaitingknextktokakpilekofkweedskandkwishingkforkakbedkofkhiskown. "Youkonkyourkwaykhome?"kSpencerkas edkNeilkaskhekbrushedkthekdirtkoffkthekboy'sk shirtkandkpulledkoutkakhan iektokcleankhiskface.kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk "IkwaskheadedkforkUnclekRemy's,"kthekboyksaidksadly. "Youkinkakrush?" "No,ksir,"kNeilkanswered,kandkloo edkexpectantlykatkhiskuncle. "IkgotksomekerrandsktokrunkandkIkcouldkusekaklittlekadvice,kifkyoukcank eepkakse cret." "I'mknotkoverlykfondkofksecrets,"kNeilkadmitted,k ic ingkthekgrasskwithkhiskwor kboots.kSpencerkwasksurprisedkhekworekthekheavykshoesktokschool,kbutksaidknothin gkaboutkthem. "Wouldn'tkthatkdependkonktheksurprise?"khekas ed. "Iksupposekitkwould." "Sokyou'llkcome?kI'llkdrivekyoukoutktokSacottekFarmkwhenkwe'rekdone,ko ay?" Atktheklumberyard,kSpencerkorderedkthekfinestkpinekthatkMr.kOstendkcarried.kHekw ouldkhavekli edktokusekakbetterkwood,kbutkthekpaintkwouldkhidekthek notskandkhis kcarvingskhopefullykwouldkma ekbeautifulkwhatkotherwisekmightkbekordinary.kHek e ptkhiskplankfromkNeilkforkthekmoment,kbutkitkbubbledkinsidekhimkli ekakgeyserkre adyktokblow. "Whatkarekyoukbuilding,kUnclekSpence?"kthekboykas edkasktheykmadektheirkwaykfrom ktheklumberyardktokthekmercantile. "Secret,"khekanswered,ktheksmilekonkhiskfaceksokwidekitkhurt. Atkthatkthekboykloo edksomewhatksullenksokSpencerkamendedkhiskwords.k"Akgoodksec ret.kAksecretkyou'rekboundktokli e." Neilkloo edkatkhimksuspiciously. "I'llkgivekyoukakhint.kI'mkbuildingkfourkofkthem,kandkonekiskmuchkbiggerkthankth ekotherkthree." HekcouldkseekNeilktryingktokcomekupkwithkthekanswer,kbutkonekwasn'tkpresentingki tself. "O ay.kOnekofkthemkwouldkholdktwicekaskmanykpeoplekaskthekotherkthree." Hek newkthekminutekthekpossibilitykoccurredktokNeil.kItkwaskwrittenkallkoverkhis khopefulkface,kbutkthekchildksquelchedkthekthoughtkaskquic lykaskitkhadkcome. "O ay,ko ay,"kSpencerksaid,keagerktokputkthekstarskbac kinkthekchild'skeyes.k"Gu esskwhatkI'mkbuyingkinkthekmercantile,kthen." Neilkshrugged.k"Nails?" Spencerknoddedkvehemently.k"And?" "Sandpaper?" Againkheknodded.k"And?" "Varnish?" "Well,kIkthoughtkIkmightkusekpaint.kWithkpaintkIkcouldkputkinksomekdetailskthatk wouldkta ekmekankawfulklongktimektokcarve.kNow,khere'skthekpartkwherekyoukcomeki n.kYoukrememberkIksaidkIkneededkyourkadvice?" "Uh-huh." "Butkbeforektas ,kyoukhavektokpromisekmekthatkAuntkLivkwillknotkhearkakwordkofkt his.kNotkakword." "Why?" "Why?"kItkwaskakgoodkquestion.kAndkthektruthkwaskthatkshe'dktryktokstopkhim.kBut koncekhekhadkthemkdone,koncekhekshowedkherkthemkandkshekunderstoodkwhatkshekandk thekchildrenkallkmeantktokhim,kandkwhatkitkwaskshekwaskthrowingkaway,khec ,kitkw ouldkonlykta ekaksecondkforkherktokcavekin.kAndkthenkhe'dksurelykwantkallkofkthe mkdonekandkwaiting.k"BecausekAuntkLivvykli esksurprises,kevenkifkyoukdon't." "Itkdidn'tksoundkli ekshekli edk'emkmuchklastknight,"kthekboykmumbled,kpic ingka tkakwoodksplinterkthatkrosekfromkthekrailing. "I'mksorrykyoukheard,"kSpencerksaid,kandktrulykmeantkthekwords.k"But,kli ekIktol dkyourkaunt,kI'mkgonnakfixkeverything.kNow,kcankyoukorkcan'tkyouk eepkaksecret?" Hiskcuriositykgotkthekbetterkofkhim.k"Ikcan,"kheksaidkwithkconviction. "AndkifkIktellkakfibkinkZephin's,kyoukwon'tkcallkmekonkit?" "Butkwhykwouldkyouktellkakfib?" Thekboykhadkmorekquestionskthankcornkhadk ernels.k"CausekAuntkLivkiskinkandkoutk ofkthiskstorekprettykregularkwithkherkeggskandkbutter,kandksomebodykmightkletkth

ekcatkoutkofkthekbag." Itksatisfiedkhim,kandkSpencerkheldkthekdoorkopenkandkletkthekboykwal kunderkhisk armkandkintokthekmercantile. "Mr.kWilliamson,"kCharliekZephinksaidkwithkakquiverkinkhiskvoice.k"SomethingkIkc ankdokforkyou?" "Herekforksomeknails,"kSpencerksaid,kloo ingkaroundkandkfindingkthatkfopkwhokhad kcomplimentedkhiskwife'skanatomyksittingkonkakstoolknearkthekcounter.kHiskjawksp ortedkakdeepkpurplekbruise,kSpencerknotedkwithksatisfaction,kandkhekwasktoyingkw ithksomekpiekthatksatkonkakdishkonkthekcounter. SpencerkignoredkhimkandktoldkZephinkwhatkhekneededkinktermskofkhardware.kThenkhe kleanedkclosektokNeilkandkas edkforkhiskadvicekonkpaintkcolors. "Somethingkappropriatekforkaklittlekgirlkandkanotherkforkakbigkgirl.kIkwaskthin ingkmaybekred?kAndkIkcouldkcarvekakheartkorktwokoutkinkthekcenter.kWhatkdokyoukt hin ?" "Red'skgood,"kNeilkagreed,kbutkSpencerknoticedkthatkinkhiskexcitementkNeil'skfee tkwerekrisingkandkfallingkwithinkthekconfineskofkbootskthatkSpencerkhadkguessedk allkalongkwerektookbigkforkhim. "Andkforkakboy?kAboutkyourkage,ksayk...kWhatkdokyoukthin kakboykli ekthatkwouldk li e?" "Blue,"kNeilksaidkwithoutkakmoment'skhesitation.k"Deep,kdeepkblue,kli ekLa ekMic higan.kAndkaksailboatkcarvedkoutkinkthekmiddle,kandkmaybeksomekwaves."kHekloo ed khopefullykatkhiskuncle. "AndkI'llkneedkakgallonkofkredkpaint,kanotherkgallonkofkblue,kandktwokgallonskof kpurekwhite,kifkyoukplease,kMr.kZephin." "Yea!"kNeilksaidksomewhatkloudly,kandkthenkloo edksheepishlykatkSpencer. "It'skallkright,kboy.kShoutkitkfromkthekrafterskwhenkyou'rekhappy.kWhatkdoeskyou rkAuntkBesskalwaysksay?kMa ekakjoyfulknoise?" "Ikthin kshekmeanskinkpraisekofkthekLord,"kNeilksaidkseriously. "Hec ."kSpencerklaughed.k"Ikdon'tkthin kthekLord'skallkthatkpic y." "That'llkbekfourkdollarskandkeighteenkcents,"kCharlieksaid,kfiguringkatkthekcoun terkwithkhiskpencil. Spencerkcamekforwardkandkgotkakgoodkloo katkwhatkstillkremainedkinkthekpankonkth ekcounter.kIfkthatkwasn'tkonekofkLivvy'skpieskthatkMa eridgekhadkhiskfingerkin,k Spencerkwouldkbekaksow'skunderbelly. Ma eridgekpushedkhiskfingerkaroundkinkthekgooeykfillingkuntilkhekfoundkakcherry. kThen,kredkjuicekdrippingkfromkhiskfingers,khekbroughtkthekcherrykupktowardkhisk mouth,ksmir ingkatkSpencerkaskhekdid. "Holdkit,kMa ebreath,"kheksaid,kgrabbingkhimkbykthekwrist.k"Isn'tkthatkankantkth ere?"kHektwistedkthekman'skhandkbac kuntilkMa eridgekhowled,kthenkhekflic edkthe kcherrykoffkthekman'skfinger.k"Iksurekdokthin kthatkwaskankant." Hekloo edkdownkatkwhatkwaskleftkofkthekpie.kThatkbrilliantkredkglaze,kthosekflec skofkfla ykcrust;ktherekwasknokdoubtkhiskwifekhadkmadekthatkpie.kAndkthekthough tkthatkshekhadkmadekitkforkMa eridgekdidn'tksitkwellkwithkhim,kdidn'tksitkwellka tkall. "Putkitkonkmyktab,"kSpencerksaidktokCharliekZephin.kHekpic edkupkthektinkwithkth ekremainskofkhiskwife'skpiekandkadded,k"This,ktoo." Ma eridgekloo edkatkthekmesskonkhiskhandskandkprunedkhiskprettykface.kSpencerksh otkhimkhiskmostkinnocent,kmostkirritatingksmile.kInkanswer,kMa eridgekstuc kthek lengthkofkhiskfingerkintokhiskmouthkandkslowlykwithdrewkit,ksuc ingkthekcherrykf illingkfromkitkwithkrelish. "Gottenkyourselfkintokakbitkofkakmess,"kSpencerksaid.k"IfkIkwerekyou,kI'dkwashkm ykhandskofkthekwholekthing." "There'llkbekmorekofkitktomorrow,"kZephinksaidkpointingkatktheknearlykemptykpiek tinkinkSpencer'skhandkaskMa eridgekleftkthekroomkholdingkhiskhandkawaykfromkhisk cleanksergeksuit. "Good,"kSpencerksaidktokZephinkthroughkgrittedkteeth.k"I'llkta ekthatkone,ktoo." "Oh,kI'dkexpectkthere'llkbekmorekthankone,"kCharlieksaidkroc ingkonkhiskheels. "Evenkbetter."kThenktokNeilkaskwellkaskCharliekheksaid,k"Andknotkakwordkofkthisk tokOlivia." TherekwerekworsekthingskthanklivingkonkOlivia'skcherrykpie.kAfterkKirstenkhadkdi

edkhe'dkbeenkleftktokfendkforkhimself,kandkevenkwithkthekoccasionalkmealkhekshar edkwithkBesskandkRemy,khek newkforkakcertainty,ktherekwerekaklotkworsekthingskth anklivingkonkLivvy'skpie. Livvykspentkthekentirekafternoonkba ingkpies,klisteningktoktheksoundskofkakbusyk household,kandkpretendingkthatkshekwaskhappy.kShekwaskbetterkatkma ingkpieskthan katkpretending,kandkitkwaskakgoodkthing,ktoo.kIfkshekhadktoklivekbykherkabilityk toklie,kshekandkthekchildrenkwouldkstarvektokdeath. NotksokwithkSpencer.kHekhadkcertainlykfooledkher.kShekhadkbelievedkinkherkheartk thatkhekwaskinkpain,kbutknever,knotkforkonekmoment,kdidkshekthin kthatkhekhadkwa ntedkherktokbekinktheksamek indkofkpainkhekwasksuffering.kNowkshek newkbetterkan dkshekwouldkneverkforgivekhisktric ery. Askthekdaykworekon,kherkangerkgrew,kaskdidkherkshame.kHerklifekwithkSpencerkhadk beenkaksham,kandkitkwaskover.kEveryktimekshekhadkletkhimkusekher,khadklainkbenea thkhimkwhilekhekraisedkherkgown,khadkbeenkaklie. Andkthekthoughtkofkwhatkitkcouldkhavekbeenkli ekallkthosektimeskhauntedkherkasks hekmovedkaboutkthek itchenkofkherkchildhood,kwhich,kitkseemed,kwouldkbecomekthek itchenkofkherkoldkage. Worsekstill,kitkwaskthekmemorykofkthatklastktimekhekhadkmadeklovektokherkandkthe k nowledgekthatkitkwaskjustkthat,ktheklastktime,kthatkhurtkmorekthankanythingkel se.kHekhadk nownkthekjoykhekcouldkhavekbroughtkher,kandkhekhadkgivenkherkaktaste kofkitkaskhiskpartingkgift.kSomethingkshekcouldkneverkforgetkasksheklaykalonekin kherkbedkforkthekrestkofkherklife.kWhatkmightkhavekbeen,kifkonlykhekhadkbeenkwil lingktoklovekher. ShekheardkthekfamiliarkwagonkpullingkupkthekruttedkpathktokSacottekFarm,kheardkt hekscreenkdoorkbangingkaskThom-TomkrankoutktokwelcomekSpencer,kheardkhiskgreetin gkringkoutkinkreturn,kandkfeltkthek notkinkherkstomachktwistkyetkanotherkturnkat ktheksoundkofkhiskvoice. Thektwokpieskinkthekovenkwereknearlykdone;kthreekmorekwerekcoolingkonkrac skinkt hekhotk itchen.kSweatktric ledkdownkbetweenkherkbreastskandkherkheartklodgedkink herkthroat.kIfkshekranknow,kthekpieskwouldkburn.kIfkshekranknow,kSpencerkwouldk nowkshekwaskrunningkfromkhim. Oh,kbutkifkshekstayed! Thek noc kstartledkher.k"Liv?kCankIkcomekin?"khekcalledkfromkbeyondkthekscreenkd oor. Shekcouldn'tkfindkherkvoice. "Liv?"khekcalledkagain.k"Youkstillkmad?" Shekwipedkherkcherry-stainedkhandskonkthekalreadykdirtykdishragkandkmarchedkpurp osefullykfromkthek itchenkuntilkshekstoodkfivekfeetkorksokfromkthekfrontkdoor.kT heklate-afternoonksunkwasklowkenoughkinktheks yktokturnkSpencerkWilliamsonkintok akblac ksilhouettekagainstkthekbrightness. "Thekchildrenkarekready,"ksheksaidkdully,kfindingkitkhardktokpushkthekwordskupkt hroughkakthroatkalreadykcloggedkwithktears. "Ikbroughtkyouksomething,"kheksaidksoftly,kreachingkforkthekdoorkhandlekaskheksp o e. "Ikdon'tkwantkanythingkfromkyou." Hekletkthekdoorkgo,kremainingkwherekhekwas,koutsidekofkherkhome,koutsidekofkherk life.k"GuesskIkgotkmykanswer.kI'llkjustkleavekitkherekonkthekporch,"kheksaid.kTh enkmorekloudly,kmoreksociably,khekadded,k"Sureksmellskgoodkaroundkhere.kThosekyo urkcherrykpieskIksmellkba ing?" Livvyksniffed.k"They'rekmykpieskyouksmellkburning,"ksheksaid,kracingktowardkthek itchen.kTherekwerekfiftykcents'kworthkofkpieskandkaklifetimekofkself-esteemkink thatkoven,kandkLivvykwasn'tkaboutktokwatchkeitherkgokupkinksmo e. Shekflungkopenkthekovenkdoorkandkakpuffkofksmo ekrosektokstingkherkeyes.kShekrea chedkforkthekpiekonkthekleft,kbutkbeforekshekcouldkgetkherkhandskonkitkshekwasky an edkawaykfromkbehind,kherkarmskpressedktokherksides. "Youkwantktokburnkthosekpreciouskhands,kyoukninny?"kSpencerkas ed. Shekloo edkdownkatkherkunprotectedkhandskandkunwelcomektearskfloodedkherkvision. kShekhadn'tkburnedkherselfkonkakstoveksincekshekwaskaklittlekgirl.kkThatkonektim

ekhadkbeenkenough.kAfterkthatkherksensibleksidekhadkalwayskreignedkinkthek itche n.kUntilknow. Now,kwhenkherkbac kwaskpressedkupkhardkagainstkSpencer'skchestkandkhiskbreathkwa skrufflingkherkhair,kherkcommonksensekseemedktokhavekta enkakwal kbehindktheksam ekoldkbarnkwhereka.youngkboykhadkstolenkak isskfromkakyoungkgirlksokmanykyearska go. "I'llkgetkthem,"khekoffered,kreleasingkherkandkgrabbingkaktowel.kBeforekshekcoul dkobject,kthektwokpiesksatkonkthekcounterkandkseveralkchildrenkstoodkinkthekdoor waykattractedkbyktheksmo ekandkthekcommotion.k"Notktookbad,kIkdon'tkthin ,"kSpen cerksaid.k"Theykdon'tkloo kruined,kdokthey?" Livvykloo edkatkthekblac enedktopskofkherkpreciouskpies,kpiesk nownkforktheirksh ine,ktheirkeyekappealkaskmuchkaskforktheirktaste.kAllkshekcouldkseekonkthekcount erkwaskwastedkflour,kwastedksugar,kandkwastedkcherries.k"They'rekruined,kallkrig ht,"ksheksaid. "Ikdon'tkthin kso,"khekargued,kaskifkhekhadkthekslightestk nowledgekaboutkpieskb eyondkstuffingkthemkinkhiskmouthkwithkneverksokmuchkaskakThiskiskgood,kLiv,korka kthan kyou.k"Ikthin ktheykcouldkbeksaved." "Youkwould,"ksheksaid,kunablektok eepkthekbitternesskoutkofkherkvoice.k"Butkwhen kakpiekiskruined,kit'skruined.kWhenksomething'skover,kSpencer,kit'skover." Hekloo edkfromkherktokthekpiekandkbac kagain.kHe'dkta enkherkmeaningkallkright,k andkshekwaskglad.kShekmightknotkbekablektokspea kherkmindkinkfrontkofkthekchildr en,kbutkhiskreadingkitkwaskgoodkenoughkforkher. "Ikcan'tksellkakpiekli ekthis,"ksheksaid,kthenkwishedkshekcouldkripkthektonguekf romkherkmouth.kItkwaskaknaturalkresponse.kAfterkall,khe'dkforbiddenkherkfromksel lingkherkcoo ing.kButkthatkwaskwhenkhekhadksomeksaykoverkwhatkshekdid.kItkwaskno klongerkhiskconcernkifkshekwasksellingkthesekpieskorkburyingkthemkinkthekyard.kS hekraisedkherkchinkandkloo edkatkhimkdefiantly,kdaringkhimktoktellkherkwhatktokd o. "Maybekifkyouksprin ledksomekofkthatksugarkthatkloo skli ekflourkoverkit,"kheksu ggested,ksurprisingkher.kBesideskhiskattemptktokbekhelpful,kitkwaskakgoodkidea.k "Bekakshamektokwasteksomethingkthatkcouldkbekwonderfulkwithkaklittlekbitkofkeffo rt." Askwellkaskhekcouldkreadkherkmind,kshekcouldkreadkhis.kShek newkhekwasn'tkjustkt hin ingkaboutkherkpies,kandkshekhadknokintentionkofkagreeing.k"No,"ksheksaid,klo o ingkatkthekpieskaskifktheykrevoltedkher.k"Youkmightkaskwellkta ekonekwithkyouk onkthisklittlekpartykofkyours.kKidskdon'tkhavekrealkhighkstandardskwhenkitkcomes ktokqualitykanyway." Hekloo edkwounded,kbutkhekdidn'tkargue.kJustkthan edkherkforkthekpiekandkcalledk outktokthekchildren,kevenkinvitingkRemy'skboysktokcomekalong. TossingkJosiekupkontokhiskshoulderkandkthenkwarningkherktokduc kthroughkthekdoor way,khekheadedkoutkofkthekhousekwithkNeilkopeningkdoorskandkLouisa,kreluctantlyk followingkakfewkfeetkbehind.kThom-Tomkcamekrunningkfromksomewhere,khavingkgotten kpermissionkfromkBessktokjoinkthem,kandkSpencerkloo edkakbitkli ekthekPiedkPiper kofkHamlinkaskhekwaltzedkoutkofkthekfrontkdoorkwithkherkfamilykfollowingkhim. "Betterknotkleavekthiskoutkinkthekheatktooklong,"khekyelledkfromkthekporchkbefor eksteppingkdownktokputkJosiekintokthekbac kofkthekwagonkandkwaitingkforkallkthek childrenktokclimbkin.k"Ikleftkyourkpresentkonkthekporch,"khekcalledkoutkbeforeks ettlingkhimselfkonkthekseat,kwithkNeilkclimbingkupkintokthekseatknextktokhim.kLi vvykwonderedkwhetherkSpencerkwaskawarekshekwaskwatchingkhimkthroughkthekwindow,k butkwhenkhekruffledkNeil'skhairkandkthenkhandedkhimkthekreinsktokCurlykGeorge,ks hekdecidedkheksurelykwas.kHe'dkneverkletkthekboykhandlekthekhorsekbefore,kandkit kwaskunli elykthatkoncektheykgotkbeyondkherkvisionkhekwaskli elyktokdokitknow. Shekwentkbac ktokthek itchen.kBesskhadkta enkadvantagekofkthekfactkthatkOliviakw asktherekandkhadkgonektoktownktokvisitkherksister.kShekwaskgladkherksister-in-la wkwaskgone,kbutkitkmeantksearchingkthroughkBess'skcupboardskuntilkshekcouldkloca tekthekconfectioner'sksugar.kAskshekwaitedkforkthekpiektokcoolkshekcleanedkthek itchenkwithkakvengeance.kThekfloorkshowedkevidencekofkhowkhardkitkwaskforkBesskt okgetkdownkonkherkhandskandk nees,kandkmonthskofkdirtkwerekembeddedkinkthekgroov eskbetweenkthekwoodenkslats. Remykcamekintokthek itchenkandknearlyktrippedkoverkher,kshoutingkandklettingkout

kaksmallkcursekaskhekcaughtkhimselfkbeforektumblingkdownkonktopkofkher. "Whatkinkthekhellkarekyoukdoing?"khekas ed.k"Penance?" Herkhandskachedkandkthek nuc leskwerekraw.kSlowlykshekgotktokherkfeetkandkarched kthek in skoutkofkherkbac .k"I'mkhelping,"ksheksaid,kmaybekaktriflekpitifully.k" ThekbestkIkcan." Hekloo edkatkherkandkballedkhiskfistskatkhisksides.k"IkwishkIkcouldk illkhim,"kh ekadmittedkquietly.k"Orkthatkhe'dkdiedkalongkwithkthekrestkofkhiskpreciouskfamil y." "Remy!"kThekslapkrangkoutkinkthekquietkofkthek itchenkandkhiskhandkwentkquic lyk tokhiskchee .k"Oh,kI'mksoksorry,"kOliviaksaidkwhenkshekrealizedkwhatkshekhadkdon e.kHittingktwokmenkinkaskmanykdays,kandkonekherkownkbrother!kWhatkdepthskhadktha tkhusbandkofkherskbroughtkherkto? Hekwavedkoffkherkapologykandkaskhekdidkthekloo kinkhiskeyeskbecamekonekofkundisg uisedkpity.k"It'skthatkway,kiskit?kStillkhopelesslykinklove?" "JustkbecausekIkdon'tkwishkdeadkakmankthatkwe'vek nownkallkourkliveskdoesn'tkmea nkthatkIkholdkhimkinkanykhigherkregardkthankanykotherkhumankbeing." "Andkthekbac kofkyourkhandktokme,kLivvy?kIfkI'dkwishedkEmmakorkCharliekZephinkde ad,kwouldkyoukhavekslappedkme?" Shekignoredkhimkandkputkfreshkwaterkinkherkbuc et,kthenkgotkbac kdownktokherk ne es.k"IksaidkIkwasksorry,"kshekmumbledkaskshekstartedkinkagainkonkthekfloor. "Whatkyoukare,kOlivia,kiskakfool.kI'mkgoingktoktownktokgetkBess.kYoukwannakcome? "kHekstoodkabovekher,kloo ingkdown,kextendingkonekhandktokhelpkherkrise. Sha ingkherkhead,kshekscrubbedkharderkatkthekdirtkshekimaginedkmustkstillklaykbe tweenkthekcrac s.kTheklightkwasktookpoorktokfindkit,kbutkshekscouredkallkthekhar derksincekshekcouldn'tkseekanykresult.kWhenkshekheardkRemykpullkaway,kshekstoppe d.kAllkthekscrubbingkinkthekworldkcouldn'tkseemktokerasekthekmemorykofkSpencer's kfacekwhenkshe'dkcomektokafterkherkfall.kItkcouldn'tkrubkoutktheknightkshekhadks pentkinkhiskarms,klaughing,kaching,kloving.kItkcouldn'tkwipekoutkthatkmomentkwhe nkshe'dkrealizedkthatkhekhadkwithheldkfromkherkthekverykthingkshekhadkwantedkmos tkinkthekworldkfromkhim.kWhatkshekhadkwanted,kGodkhelpkher,kevenkmorekthankhiskl ove. Shekrose,kwashedkup,kandkwaskjustksprin lingkpowderedksugarkonkherkburnedkpiekan dkadmiringkthekresultskwhenkshekheardktheksoundkofkakstranger'skwagonkcomingkupk thekpath.kFunnykhowkshekhadkcomektokrecognizektheksoundkofkthekwheelskandkriggin gkonkSpencer'skcartkandkthekclompkofkCurlykGeorge'skgait. Askshekglancedkoutkthek itchenkwindow,kshekcaughtkakglimpsekofkCharliekZephin'sk fancykrig.kSheksupposedkthatkCharliekhadkboughtkthekColumbuskAkGradekCanopykTopk Par kWagonkSurreykwithkthekhopekthatkthosekmust-have-the-latest-and-best-typeskw ouldkcrushkeachkotherkinkthekrushktokthekmercantilektokorderkonekofktheirkveryko wn.kOnlykthingkCharliekhadn'tkfiguredkonkwaskthatktherekwereknoklatest-and-bestk typeskinkMaplekStand.kAndkevenkifktherekwere,ktheykcouldn'tkaffordktokthrowkthei rkmoneykawaykonksomethingkaskfrivolouskaskakColumbuskcanopyksurreykwhenkakplaink oldkwagonkwouldkgetkthemkwherektheykwerekgoing.kHekwaskluc ykwhenkakcustomerkcam ekinkwithkcoldkhardkcashkratherkthankeggskorkbutterkorksomethingkelsektokbarter. Itkwasktookbad,ktoo,kforkCharliekZephin.kLivkhadkthekfeelingkCharliekwishedkhekc ouldkjustksellkthekplacekandkretirekoutktokhiskdaughterkCelia'skplacekinkGreenkB ay,kbutkhekhadkEmmaktokworrykabout.kZephin'skMercantilekwaskEmma'skdowry,ksoktok spea ,kandkwhilekitkwasn'tkakbustlingkmoneyma er,kitkwouldkalwaysk eepkakroofkov erkakfamily'skheadkandkfoodkinktheirkbellies. Shekwaskalreadykatkthekfrontkdoor,kholdingkitkopenkforkCharlie,kwhenkhekstoppedk thekcarriagekbykherkfrontkdoor.kSpea ingkofkdowries,kshekthought,kalongsidekChar lieksatkthatkWaylonkMa eridgekEmmaksokhadkherkheartksetkon. "Evening,kMrs.kWilliamson,"kCharlieksaid,ktippingkhiskhat. "Youkcomekforkmykpies,kCharliekZephin?"kshekas ed,kunablektok eepktheksmilekfrom kherkface.k"Ik newkyoukwould." "Mrs.kWilliamson,kI'llkta ek'emkaskfastkaskyoukcankba ek'em,"kheksaid,kexchangin gkthatksameksortkofkloo kwithkMr.kMa eridgekthatkhekhadkwhenkshekwaskatkthekstor e. "ThoughtkI'dkcankupksomekpreserves,kaskwell,"kshekoffered,khopingkthatkshekwasn' tkpressingkherkluc .

"I'llkta ekwhateverkyou'vekgot,"kCharlieksaid,kloo ingkaround.k"Wherekiskeveryon e?" "Aroundksomewheres,"kOliviaksaid,ksuddenlykuneasyktokbekentertainingktwokgentlem enkalone.kNotkthatkshekwaskentertaining,kandknotkthatkCharliekZephinkwaskanyone' skideakofkakgentlemankcaller.kButkthatkhandsomekmankalightingkfromkthekcarriage, khisktrouserskjustkaklittlektooksnug,khiskmustachekwaxedktokakpointk.k.k.knowkhe kwaskcertainlykseveralkwomen'skideakofkakgentlemankcallerkifkeverktherekwaskone. "Loo skli ekyoukbetterkgetkthiskrosekinksomekwaterkbeforekitkupskandkdies,"kChar lieksaid,kpic ingkupkthekflowerkthatklaykonkthekgliderkandkhandingkvitktokherkas khekwal edkpastkherkintokthekparlor.k"Howkmanykpieskyoukgotkreadykforkme?"khekas ed. Livvykloo edkatkthekrosekinkherkhandkandk newkthatkSpencerkhadkleftkitkforkherkt okletkherk nowkhekwaskloo ingkafterkherkgarden.kShe'dkmissedkthekopeningkofkfirs tkbudkofkthekseason.kAndktherekwasksokmuchkmorekshekwaskgoingktokmiss. Herkheartksan katkthekthought. Andkthenkshekstraightenedkandkbrushedkthekfoolishkthoughtkfromkherkmindkli eksok muchkmorekdirtkonkthek itchenkfloor.kBringingkherkownkrosektokherkaskakgift.kNow kwasn'tkthatkjustkli ekSpencerkWilliamson?kLi ekhe'dkservedkupkherkownkheartktok herkonkakplatterkandkthenksaid,kaskitklayktherekinkbloodykpieces,kthatkheklovedk herkandkweren'tktheykbothkhappyknow? "Lovelierkandklovelier,"kMr.kMa eridgeksaidkaskhektookpassedkherkinkthekenktrykw ay.k"Ikdon'tk nowkhowkyoukdokitkandkstillkturnkoutksuchkwonderfulkpies.kSeemskto kmekGodkgavekyoukmorekthankyourkshare,kMrs.kWilliamson.kOrkmaykIkcallkyoukOlivia ?" Hekwaskloo ingkherkoverkfromkheadktoktoe,kandkshekcouldn'tkrememberkwhenkshe'dkb eenkmorekakmess.kMr.kMa eridgekdidn'tkloo kmuchkbetterkhimself.kThekslightkbruis ekshekhadkseenkatkthekstorekloo edkworse.kInkfact,khiskjawkwaskswollenkratherkba dly,ktheks inkdiscoloredktokpurpleskandkblues,kandkhisksmilekwaskdecidedlyklopsi ded. "Whateverkhappenedktokyourkface?"kLivvykas edkhim,ktiltingkherkheadktokgetkakbet terkloo katkit. Mr.kMa eridgekwavedkawaykherkconcern.k"Akmisunderstanding,"kheksaidkaskifkaknear lykbro enkjawkwerekofknokconsequence.kLivvykguessedksomekiratekhusbandkhadkta en kexceptionktokallkthosekcomplimentskthekhandsomekengineerkseemedktokdolekoutktok allkthekladies.kLoo ingkdownkatkherkfeet,kbarekfromkthekheatkandkthekfloorkscrub bingkshekhadkbeenkdoing,khekas edkafterkherkan le. Withkherk neeskbentkinkankeffortktokma ekherkdresskcoverkherktoes,kshekanswered, k"It'skfine,"kfeelingkherselfkredden.k"Than kyoukforkas ing.kI'llkgetkyoukthosek pies,kMr.kZephin.kI'vekonlykfour,ksincekIkwasn'tksurekjustkhowkmanykyou'dkbekwan ting." Sheklic edkherklipsknervously,krealizedkthatkWaylonkMa eridgekwaskwatchingkher,k andkpulledkherktonguekquic lykbac kintokherkmouth.kHeksmiledkatkherkaskifktheykh adksharedkankintimateksecret.kShekfoundkherselfksmilingkbac koutkofkpoliteness,k wishingkshek newkwhatktheksecretkwas. "Four'skfine,"kCharlieksaid.k"Longkaskyoukcankma ekmeksomekmorektomorrow." "I'llkgetkthem,"ksheksaid,khurryingktokthek itchen,kwherekshektriedktokshovekher khot,kstic ykfeetkintokleatherkbootskthatkfoughtkherkeverykinchkofkthekway. "Appreciatekitkifkyou'dkhurry,"kCharliekshoutedkafterkshe'dkbeenkgonekakfewkminu tes.k"Emma'skwaitingkdinnerkforkus "Coming,"kshekcalledkbac kinkresponse,kandkwasksurprisedkwhenkshekloo edkupkandk foundkWaylonkMa eridgekinkthekdoorway.kHekputkakfingerktokhisklipsktokquietkher. "Nokhurry,"kheksaidkinkakwhisper.k"I'mknotktookanxiousktokgetkbac .kEspeciallykn ow." Shekfollowedktheklinekofkhiskeyeskandkrealizedkjustkhowkfarkupkherkdresskhekmust khavekbeenkablektokseekasksheksatkinkthekchair,ks irtskhi edktokforcekherkfootki ntokherkboot.k"Oh,kmy!"ksheksaid,kquic lykdroppingkthekfabrickandkrising,konekfo otkallkthekwaykintokakboot,kthekotherkatkakridiculouskpointkhalfwaykin,khalfwayk out. Draggingkthatkfoot,kshekhobbledkacrossktokherkpieskandkhandedktwoktokMa eridge,k whokseemedktokbekamusedkbykthekentireksituation.

"Haven'tkyouksomeksortkofkbas et?"khekas ed,kunablektok eepktheklaughterkoutkofk hiskvoice.k"Wekwouldn'tkwantkthemktokgetkruinedkbykroadkdust." Shekhadkhandedkhimkthekpieskaskifkhekwereksupposedktokholdkthemkinkhisklapkbac k toktown.kTherekwasknokdoubtkaboutkit. She'dkleftkmorekthankherkhusbandkbac katkthekfarm.kShe'dkleftkherkmind.kkkkkkkk k ChapterkSeventeen Whykwaskit,kSpencerkwondered,kaskhekheadedkCurlykGeorgekbac ktowardkSacottekFarm ,kakwagonloadkofksleepykchildrenksurroundingkhim,kthatkwhenkhekwaskmiserablekall kLivvykwantedkwasktokma ekhimkhappy,kandknowkthatkhekwaskhappy,kallkshekwantedkw asktokma ekhimkmiserable?kAndkshekhadn'tkevenkta enkaimkonkhittingkhimkwithkherk bestkshot.kHek newkLivvykSacottekWilliamsonkinsidekandkoutk.k.k.kthekthoughtkmad ekhimksmilek.k.k.kandkshekwasn'tkaboutktokletkhimkoffkeasy.kBut,kdammitkit,kshe' dklovedkhimkherkwholeklife. Couldkitkreallykbekthatkshe'dkfinallykstopped? Now? Nowkwhenkhekwaskfinallykreadyktokgivekherkallktheklovekakwomankli ekLivvykdeserv ed?kTokbuildkaklifekwithkherkthatkincludedkchildrenkandkwhateverkelsekshekmightk want?kAklifekthatkallowedkforkhopeskandkdreamskandkmemories?kWouldkshekdenykboth kofkthemkthat? Somewherekankowlkhootedkandkhekrealizedkitkwasklaterkthankhekthought.kWhykshould n'tkshekdenykhim?kThekironykwasktookmuchkforkhim.kHadn'tkallkthosekthingskhekwas kofferingkher,khopingktoksharekwithkher,kbeenkjustkthekthingskhekhimselfkhadkden iedkher? Thektruthkwas,khekmissedkherkinkhisklifekalmostkaskmuchkaskhekmissedkherkinkhisk bed,kandkhekrejoicedkatkthekfeelingkdespitekthekpain.kHekwaskalive.kAndkhekwaski nklove. SacottekFarm,kitsklampsklit,kappearedkinkthekdistance.kHekglancedkoverkhiskshoul derktokfindkfourkchildrenksprawledkoutkinkthekbedkofkthekwagon,kallksleepingkpea cefullykunderkthekpaleknightkcanopy.kHeklongedktokta ekthemkbac ktokhiskownkfarm ,klaykthemkinkbedskofktheirkown,kandkcrawlkinknextktokhiskwife. InsteadkhekslowedkGeorge'skpacektokakcrawlkandkdran kinktheksightkofkhiskwifekon kthekporchkglider,kroc ingkslowly,kthekglasskinkherkhandkpressedkagainstkherkche st. Herkhairkwaskpiledklooselykonkherkhead,kandkitkglistenedkinkthekyellowklightkofk theklantern,ktellingkhimkshekhadkwashedkitkandkitkwaskstillkwetkandknokdoubtksme lledkli eklilacs.kHowkmanyknightskhadkhekcursedkthatksmellkandkitskabilityktokdr awkhimkin?kHowkmanyknightskhadkhekrunkfromkitktokthekLuc ykCloverkorkanywherekel sekhekcouldkraisekakbottlekandkdownkakwish? Andkwhatkwouldkhekgiveknow,kjustktokbekallowedktoksmellkthatkfreshlykwashedkhair ,kletkitkslipkthroughkhiskfingers,ksuc kthekmoistnesskfromkitskends? "Evening,kLiv,"kheksaidkquietlykafterkGeorgekhadkcomektokakhaltkbyktheksteps. Herkbrowskcamekdown.k"Wherekare -" Hekgesturedkbehindkhimkandkputkakfingerktokhisklips.k"Allkasleep.kAmazingkwhatks omekfreshkairkandkaklittlekfood'llkdo." Shekcamektokthekwagonkandkloo edkoverkthekwoodenkslatskatkherkcharges.kThekstiff kshouldersksoftened,kthektightklinekofkherkmouthkeasedkintokaksmile.k"Louisa,kto o,kIksee." Heknodded.kMisskLouisakhadkbeenkstandoffishktokstart,kbutkhe'dkgivenkherkenoughk roomktokcomektokherkownkconclusionskaboutkjoiningkthekfun,kandkeventuallykshekha dkbecomekpartkofkthekcirclekonkthekblan etklisteningktokhiskghostkstories,kJosie konkherklap.kShe'dkevenkacceptedkakhand-upkwhenkthektimekhadkcomektokgetkbac kin tokthekwagon. "Cankwektal kakminute?"khekas ed,kleadingkLivvykbac kupktokthekporchkandkstandin gknearkherkaskshekresumedkherkseatkonkthekglider.k"Farm'skquiet,"kheksaid,kloo i ngkaround.k"Wherekiskeveryone?"

"RemykandkBesskturnedkinkearly,"ksheksaid,kandkevenkinkthekdimklightkhekcouldkse ekakblushkpaintkherkchee s.k"Henry'skoffkwithkJennykWatchellksomewheres,kandkPhi lipkpromisedkhe'dkbekhomekbeforekdar ,ksokIkexpectkhe'llkbekherekinkanotherkminu tekorktwokifkhek nowskwhat'skgoodkforkhim." "Besskallkright?"khekas ed,kwonderingkwhatkthekblushkwaskallkaboutkandksurprised ktokseekitkreturn. "I'dksaykso,"ksheksaid,kcraningkherknec ktokloo kupktowardkthekbedroomkwindowkth atksatkjustkabovekthekgliderkseat.k"Yes." Spencerkcouldn'tkhelpklaughingkatkherkdiscomfort.k"ButkIkthoughtkthekdoctorktold kher " Herkfacekshutkdownkli ekankoldkhousekpreparingkforkakstorm,kherkeyeskshuttered,k herkmouthktight.k"WekfoundkoutkinkMilwau eekthatktherekarekways,"ksheksaid,kmore kankaccusationkthankankexplanation. "NotkforkakgoodkCatholic,kLiv,"kheksaid,kloo ingkupkatkthekwindowkofkthekroomkwh erekakluc ykRemykwasklyingknextktokthekwomankhekloved. "Whatkaboutkyou?"kshekas ed.k"Whatkaboutkwhatkyoukdid?"kTherekhadkbeenkaktimekwh enkhekwaskalmostkaskreligiouskaskBess,kaktimekwhenkGod'skopinionkhadkmatteredkto khim. "Ikwaskalreadykinkhell,kLiv.kIkdidn'tkhavektokworrykaboutkearningkmykwaykin." Herkeyeskwidened,kbutksheksaidknothing. "We'llkputkitkbehindkus,"khekassuredkher,kignoringkthekslightksha ekofkherkheadk thatksentkdropletskofkwaterkoutkfromkherkhairkinkallkdirectionskonlyktokbekcaugh tkinktheklamplightkandkloo kli ekfirefliesksurroundingkherkface.k"You'rekverykbe autiful,"kheksaid,knotkevenkmeaningktokputkvoicektokhiskthoughts. ShekhadkthekbeautykofktheksouthernkBelgians,kthekWalloons,ktheykwerekcalled,kwho ktracedktheirkrootskbac ktokthekCeltskandkRomans.kItkwaskakbeautykthatkseemedkto kincreasekwithkage,kunli ekthekFlemings,kwhosekfairkblondkloc skfadedktokgraykea rlykli ektheirkGermankancestors. Shekgrimacedkatkthekcompliment,kdoubtingkhisksincerity,kandkhekcouldn'tkfaultkhe r.kAfterkall,kifkhe'dkeverktoldkherkbefore,kitkhadkbeenkinkthekthroeskofktheirkp assion,ksuchkaskitkwas.kHekdidn'tkthin khe'dkeverkbeenkspea ingkofkherkface. Andkwhatkakfacekitkwas.kSoft,kdar keyeskrimmedkwithklongkblac klasheskstudiedkhi mkwhilekhekexamined,kaskifkforkthekfirstktime,kthekbeautykthatkhadklainkbesidekh imkeveryknight,keatenkacrosskfromkhimkeverykday,kandkwor edkbesidekhimkwee kafte rkwee kforkthreeklongkyears.kHerks inkwasksil yksmooth,kli ekakchild's,kherkchee skheldkaktouchkofkcolorkthatkmadekhimkthin kofksecretskthatkshek eptkinsidekwit hkjustkaktelltalekblushktokletkhimk nowktheksecretskwerekaboutkhim.kHerknosekwas kstrong,kstraight,kno-nonsense.kButkherklips.kHerklipskwerekfullkandknokmatterkh owkshekseemedktoksetkherkmouth,khekreadkaksmilekthere. "Reallykbeautiful,"kheksaid,kmorektokhimselfkthankher.kHekmovedkcloserkandkpulle dkthekpic kfromkherkhair,ksettingkitktumblingkdownkinkakrush,kitskweightkbringin gkitktokherkwaist.k"It'llkneverkdrykallktiedkup,"khekexplained,krunningkhiskfing erskthroughkitkaskifkhekcaredkwhetherkitkeverkdriedkatkall,kinhalingktheklilacks centkhekwaskcountingkon. "I'dkbetterkgetkthekchildrenkin,"ksheksaid,kreachingktokfastenkupkthekhairkoncek again,ktwistingkitkandkthenkrealizingkthatkhekstillkheldkthekpic kinkhiskhands.k Shekturnedkherkpalmkup,kwaitingkpatientlykforkhimktokplacekthekfastenerkinkit. "Whatkwillkyoukgivekmekforkit?"khekas ed.k"Iskitkworthkak iss?" Shekletkthekhairkfallkoncekagainkandkshoo kherkhead.k"I'vekotherkclips,"ksheksai dkaskshekbrushedkpastkhimktokthekporchksteps. "Wait."kHekfollowedkher.kWhilekshekdidn'tkturnkaroundktokfacekhim,kshekdidkstand kstill,konekarmkonkthekcolumnkthatkrosektokthekporchkoverhang.kHekliftedkthekwet khairkoffkherkbac kandktwistedkit,knotkwell,kperhaps,kbutkcarefully,kandktriedkt okanchorkitkwithkthekpin.kHekbentkslightlyktokreachkherkshorterkframekandkfeltkh isk neeskwea enkwithktheknearnesskofkher. Afterkseveralkmomentskofkfumbling,kshekreachedkbac kandkguidedkhiskhandkuntilkth eykhad,ktogether,kfastenedkthekhairkoffkherknec .k"Yourkdresskiskdamp,"kheksaid, ktouchingkthekmoistkfabrickthatkclungktokherkbac . Slowlykshekturnedkinkhiskarmskandkherkeyeskglistenedkinktheklamplightkasksheksta redkatkhim.k"Whyknow?"kshekas ed,konektearkescapingkandkrunningkalonekdownkherkc

hee . "BecausekIkalmostklostkyou,"khekadmitted,kreachingkoutktokwipekthektearkbutkstop pingkwhenkshekshoo kherkhead. "Notkalmost,kSpencer."kkkkkkkk "Mama?"kAksoftkvoice,kthic kwithksleep,kcamekfromkthekdar nesskofkthekwagon. "Louisa,"kSpencerktoldkLivvykinkakwhisper.k"Shekmustkbekdreaming." "Mama?"kshekcriedkagain,klouderkthisktime. "I'mkhere,"kLivvyksaid,krushingktoktheksidekofkthekbuc -boardkandkreachingkoutka khandktokrubkthekchild'skbac .k"I'mkhere." Shekstiffenedkaskhekcamekupkbehindkher,kthekstarchkbac kinkherkstance,kherkanger kstrengtheningkherkresolve. "I'llkcarrykthemkinkforkyou,"khekoffered.k"Justktellkmekwherekyoukwantkthemktokg o." Herkanswerkwaskaklongktimekinkcoming.kLongkenoughktokgivekSpencerkhope.kButkthen kshekliftedkJosiekinkherkarmskandkcradledkthekchildkagainstkher.k"LouisakandkJos iekareksharingkmykoldkroom,"kshekwhispered. Stupidkaskitkwas,khekwaskgladkLivvykhadn'tkmovedkbac kinktherekherself.kItkmadek himkthin kthatkmaybekallkthiskwaskonlyktemporarykandksomeday,ksomedayksoon,khe'd khavekhiskfamilykbac . HekslippedkhiskarmskbeneathkLouisakandkliftedkherkeasilykfromkthekwagon.kShekwas ksurprisinglyklightkforkakchildkthatkseemedksokheavilykburdened. "Ikdon'tk now,kOlivia.kIkjustkdon'tk now,"kBessksaidkasktheykpreparedkbrea fastk theknextkmorning.k"ThekGoodkBoo ksayskthatkakwomankshouldkcleavektokherkhusband. kThatkDr.kNapheys'skboo ksayskthatklyingkwithkyourkhusbandkwithoutkthekprospectk ofkchildrenkiskaksinfulkactkworthykonlykofkpaid-forkwomen.kThekdoctorksayskifkIk don'tkta ekprecautions,kI'mkgonnakhavekthreekmotherlesskboys." "Ikthought,"kLivvyksaidkaskquietlykaskshekcould,knotk nowingkwhokmightkburstkthr oughkthek itchenkdoorkatkanykmoment,k"thatkthekmatterkwasksettledklastknight.kAn dkRemyksurelykloo edkli ekcoc -of-the-wal kthiskmorningk.k.k." "It'skdifferentkforkakman,kOlivia.kAkmankfeelskthekneedkinkhiskdrawers,kwhilekak woman'skgottakfeelkitkinkherkheart.kAndkwithoutkthekpossibilitykofkakbaby,kIkdon 'tkfeelktheksamekway."kBesskflippedkthekpanca eskonktheks illetkinkfrontkofkherk andkcarriedkitkwithkherkawaykfromkthekstovekandkoverktokthekdoorway.k"Notkthatki tkdidn'tkfeelkgood,"ksheksaidktokLivvykbeforekopeningkthekdoorkwithkherkhipkandk yellingkforkthekchildrenktokmoseyktheirkbodiesktokthek itchenkforkbrea fast.k"I' dkbeklyingkifkIksaidkitkdidn'tk.k.k.kandkneater.kLord,kLiv,ksokmuchkneater,kthou ghkIkdon'tksupposekRemykthoughtkso."kShekgiggledkli ekakschoolgirlkandkcoveredkh erkmouth. Childrenkcamekpoundingkdownkthekstairs,krunningkfromkeveryknoo kandkcrannykofkth ekhousekatktheksoundskofkbrea fastkbeingkserved,kandkLivvykwaskgratefulktheirkco nversationkhadktokend.kNextkthingkshek newkBesskwouldkbekas ingkherkaboutkthekma rriagekbedksheksharedkwithkSpencer. Shekcouldkstillkfeelkhiskbreathkagainstkherknec kaskhe'dkattemptedktokcoilkherkh airktheknightkbefore.kAfterkthey'dkgottenkallkthekchildrenkinktheirkvariouskbeds ,khekhadksaidkthekstrangestkthing.kHe'dklainkNeilkdownkonkthekcouchkandkcoveredk thekboykwithkaklightkblan et.kYourskiskthekfirst,khe'dksaid.kDeepkbluekaskthekoc ean.kJustkwaitkaklittleklonger,kson. Whenkshe'dkas edkhimkwhatkinkthekworldkhekmeant,khe'dkcuppedkherkchinkandktoldkh erkthatkifkhekhadktokhavekpatience,ksokdidkshe.kAndkthenkhe'dk issedkherknosekan dkas edkhowkshekfeltkaboutkbluebirdskofkallkthings. "Lord,kThom-Tom,"kPhilipksaidkangrily.k"Iktoldkyouktokleavekthatkinkmykdresser.k Youkgotknokbusinesskgoingkthroughkmykthingskinkthekfirstkplace,kbutklettingkthat kpass,kIktoldkyoukIkdidn'tkwantkitkleavingkmykroom." LivvykturnedkaroundktokseekwhatkofkPhilip'skmanyktreasureskThom-Tomkhadkbroughtk tokthektable,kandkhopedkwhateverkitkwaskwasn'tkalive. "Wow!kLetkmekseekit,"kNeilksaid.k"Where'dkyoukgetkitkfrom,kanyways?" "That'skakpistol!"kLivvyksaid,kstunnedktokseekitkpassedkfromkPhilipktokThom-Tomk tokNeil.kHerkbrotherkhadkownedkakriflekaskakboy,kandkshe'dkevenkusedkitkoncekork

twice,kbutkakpistol?kShekdidn'tkevenk nowkankadultkwhokownedkone.kEvenktheksight kofkitkunnervedkher.k"Putkitkdownkthiskinstant,"kshekordered. Neilkloo edkupkatkherksheepishlykandkplacedkthekgunkdownkontokthekbrea fastktabl e.kImmediatelykJosiekreachedkforkit. "No!"kLivvykshoutedkwhilekBess'skchubbykhandkquic lykreachedkdownkandkpluc edkth ekgunkfromkJosie'skgrasp. "It'sknotkloaded,"kPhilipksaid,krollingkhiskeyeskatkthekwomen.k"Dokyoukthin kI'd kbringkakloadedkgunkintokthiskhouse?kIfkMamakdidn'tkshootkmekwithkit,kPapakproba blykwould." "Whatkgood'skakgunkwithoutkbullets?"kLouisakas ed,kthekusualkdisdainkinkherkvoic e. "It'skgoodkforktrading,"kPhilipkansweredkaskifknokonekeverkunderstoodkwhatkhekwa skabout,kdespitekhiskmanykeffortsktokeducatekthem.k"Akgunkmightkbekworthkakboatk toksomeone." "Notkwithoutkbullets,"kLouisakcorrected. "Ikcouldkgetkbullets,"kPhilipksaidkwhilekLivvykandkBesskjustkstoodkby,keyeskwide ,kmouthskwider,kandklistenedktokhimkexplainkthekfinekartkofkbartering. Whenkhekhadkfinished,kBessksmac edkhimkratherksoundlykonkthekleftksidekofkhiskhe ad.kk"Youkuntradekthiskgunktoday,kPhilipkSacotte,korkI'llkboxkyourkotherkearksok askyoukwon'tkbekablektokhearkanotherkofferkforkakwee .''kShekopenedkthekhighestk cabinetkinkthek itchenkand,kstandingkonkherktoes,kplacedkthekgunkonkthekshelfkin kit.k"Untilkthen,kitkstayskupkherekoutkofkanyone'skreach." "I'mktradingkitkSaturday,"kPhilipksaid. "Today,"khiskmotherksaidkinkherkdon't-even-botherkvoice. "I'mkwor ingkatkZephin'sktoday.kAndktomorrow.kAndkFridaykI'mkseeingkoldkmankYost kaboutkhiskboat.kIt'skgotktokbekSaturday,kMa." Besskrolledkherkeyes.k"Didkyoukeverkseeksuchkakhousehold?"kshekas edkLivvy. "Ikstillkdon'tkseekwho'dkwantkakgunkwithoutkbullets,"kLouisaksaid.k"It'skli ekth atkstupidkbi ekyoukgotkwithoutkthektires." "Doesn'tkanyonekaroundkhereklistenktokme?"kPhilipkas ed,kexasperated.k"Youkdon't kwantkakbi ekwithknokwheels,kandkIkdon'tkwantkakbi ekwithknokwheels,kbutksomeone kwithktwokwheelsksurekdoes.kAndkthenkyouktradekthemkforksomethingkyoukdokwant.kW hykdoesn'tkanybodykbutkmekseemktokunderstandkthat?" Livyykchec edkthektimekandkherdedkthekchildrenkoutkthekdoor.kIfkshekhurriedkshek couldkhavekakhalf-dozenkpieskmadekbeforekdinner.kShekcouldkbringkthosektokZephin 's,kgetkakcreditktowardkmoreksupplies afterkall,kshekcouldn'tk eepkusingkBess'skfl ourkandklardkandksugar andkgetkanotherkhalf-dozenkdonekbeforeksuppertime.kCharliek hadksaidkhekwantedkaskmanykaskshekcouldkba e,kandkshekwasn'tkaboutktokgivekhimkt imektokchangekhiskmind. Byknoonkshekwaskonkherkwayktoktown,kthekloadedkbas etkweighingkdownkherkarm,kher ktroubleskweighingkdownkherkheart.kJosiekprancedkalongkbesidekher,ksinging,kjabb ering,kandkstoppingktokpic keverykthirdkweedkandkpresentkitktokLivvykli eksomekh othousekflower.kAtkthekratekthektwokofkthemkmoved,kLivvy'skhopeskofksixkmorekpie skwerekdwindlingkrapidlyktokthree. "Inkyoukgo,"kLivvyksaid,kholdingkthekdoorkopenkandklettingkJosiekwal kinkbeneath kherkarm.k"Andkmindkyoukloo kwithkyourkeyeskandknotkwithkyourkhands." Josie'sknoseksquinchedkandkherktopklipkliftedktokrevealkakrowkofktinykwhitekteet h.k"Huh?" "Noktouching." Josiekputkherkhandskbehindkherkbac kandknoddedksolemnly.kLivvykdidn'tkbelievekfo rkonekmomentkthekchildkwouldkremainkthatkwayklong,kbutkeveryksecondkwaskanotherk smallkvictory. "MuchkaskI'dkenjoykstayingkandkchattingkwithkyou,kMisskEmma,"kshekheardkakman'sk voiceksay,k"Ikreallykmustkbekonkmykway,kI'vekseveralksiteskIkmustksurveykifkI'mk tokreportktokmyksuperiorskanytimeksoon.'' Thekman'skbac kwasktokLivvy,kbutkshekdidn'tkneedktokseekWaylonkMa eridge'skfacek tokidentifykthekvoice.kIfkhekwasn'tkdistinctivekenoughkonkhiskown,kandkinkthatkc itykdandyksuitkheksurelykwas,kthekloo konkEmma'skfacekwouldkcertainlykhavekgiven khimkaway. "Morning,kEmma,"ksheksaid,kakbitkapologetically.kShekhatedktokinterruptkthekcoup

le,kbutkitkwaskthatkorkeavesdrop,kwhichkshekdisli edkevenkmore.k"Morning,kMr.kMa eridge.kI'vekgotksomekmorekpieskandkI'mkinkneedkofksomekmoreksupplies,kaskwell. " "Why,kMrs.kWilliamson,"kMr.kMa eridgeksaid,ktwirlingkonkhiskheelktokfacekher.kHi skgazektraveledkfromkherkheadktokherktoeskandkbac kagain.k"Aren'tkyoukjustkakpic ture?"kHekshoo khiskheadkaskifkhekcouldn'tkbelievekhowklovelykshekloo ed.kItkwas knearlykconvincingkenoughkforkherktokforgetkshekwaskwearingkherkoldkbluekdress,k thekpartskthatkJosiekcouldkreachkcoveredkinkcherry-juicekhandprints,kthekbodicek sportingkonlykaklittleklesskflourkthankthekcrustskofkherkpies. "Akpicture?"kEmmaksaid,kstudyingkLivvykwithkaksomewhatkmorekcriticalkeye.k"Ofkwh at?" ''Why,kofkakdisaster."kLivvyklaughed.kIfkshekhadn'tk nownkbetter,kshe'dkhavekswo rnkthatkEmmakwaskjealouskofkMr.kMa eridge'skattentions.k"Ikloo kli ekaktornadokh itkSacottekFarmkandkIkcouldn'tkgetktokthekcellarkinktime!" "Thenkyou'rekstillkoutkthere?"kEmmakas ed.kTherekwaskakfrownkbeneathkthekmustach ekshekhadkapparentlyktriedkunsuccessfullyktokbleach.kLittlekredkpimpleskjoinedkt hekshortkblac khairs,kandkLivyykhadktokpullkherkeyeskfromkEmma'skmouthkbeforekan sweringkher. "Iksuspectkit'skpermanent,"kshekadmittedksoftly,ksearchingkthekstorekforkJosieks okthatkshekdidn'tkhavektokloo katkthekpitykinkEmma'skeyes. "Thekmankthatkletskakwomankli ekyoukgetkawaykiskthekmankthekLordkhimselfkhaskbra ndedkakfool,"kWaylonkMa eridgeksaid,ksha ingkhiskhead.k"Whatkakgayktimekwekhadko nkthekwaykbac kfromkMilwau ee.kAndknowkyoukmustkbekrac edkwithkloneliness."kHekc amektowardkher,ktoo kthekbas etkfromkherkhand,kandkputkitkonkthekcounter.kJosiek waskcomparingktwokragkdollskquietly,kandkLivvykallowedkherselfktokbekledktokthek stoolkthatkstoodkbykthekcashkregister. Josiekbeganktokma ekherkwaykdownkthekaisle,kLivvyknoticingkforkthekfirstktimekho wkmanykdelicatekitemskwerekdisplayedkwithinkakchild'skreach.k"Josie,kdon't "kshekb egankasktheklittlekgirlkpic edkupkthekwaxli ekballkandkbroughtkitktokherkmouth. "Eech,"ktheklittlekgirlkyelledkatkthektastekofktheksoap,kflingingkthekballkaway. Horrorkfrozekallkthreekadultskasklampkafterklampkwentkdownkli ekakrowkofkchildre n'skbloc s.kWithkthekfallkofkeachkglasskchimney,kJosie'skeyeskgrewkwider,kherkli ttlekmouthkstretchedkintokaklargerkO.kGlasskshatteredkandktin ledktokthekfloor,k soundingknotkunli ektheksilverkcoinskitkwouldkta ektokpaykforkthekdamagektheklit tlekgirlkhadkcaused.kEvenkifkshekcouldkba ekthemkall,kjustkhowkmanykpieskcouldkC harliekZephinksell? Whenktheklastklanternkhitkthekfloor,kWaylonkMa eridgekcrunchedkthroughkthekdebri skandkpluc edkupkJosie,kcarryingkherkgingerlyktokLivvy,kthekgirlktookstunnedktok object. "Arekyoukallkright?"kLivvykas ed,kloo ingkherkoverktokma eksurekthatknokshardsko fkglasskhadkflownkinkherkdirection.k"Youkaren'tkhurt,karekyou?" Theklittlekgirlkshoo kherkheadkandksuc edkherkbottomklipkintokherkmouth.kLi ekLi vvy,kshekwaskfightingkthektearskthatkwerekinevitable.kLivvyklostkthekbattlekfirs t,khidingkherkfacekwithkonekhandkandksobbingkintokherkpalm. "There,kthere,"kMr.kMa eridgeksaid.k"It'llkbekallkright."kSeveralkhandskpattedkh erkbac .kShekcouldkswearkonekofkthemkwasklittlekJosie's. "Ikshouldkbekcomfortingkyou,"ksheksaidktokthekchild.k"SomekmotherkIkam.kHowkever kamkIkgoingktokpaykforkthis?"kshekas ed,ksweepingkthekscenekwithkherkhand. Emmakloo edklonginglykatkWaylon.k"YoukcouldkstartkatkSacottekFarm,"ksheksuggeste d. "Mykthoughtskexactly,"khekagreed.k"Inkfact,kperhapskIkshouldkaccompanykMisskOliv iakhome."kHekchuc edkJosiekunderkherkchin.k"Wouldkyoukli ekakridekinkakfancykwag on?"kJosiekloo edkatkthekmanksuspciously,kalmostkaskifkshekwerektryingktokplacek him,kandkthenkshruggedkinkagreement. "Oh,kyes!"kEmmaksaid.k"Wekcouldkta ekthemkhomekandkthenkta ekonekofkLivvy'skpies koutkbykthekla ekandkhavekakpicnic." "Akpicnickiskakwonderfulkidea,"kMr.kMa eridgekagreed.k"Ikbetkyou'dkli ekthat,"kh eksaidktokJosie,kwipingkthektearskthatkstillkdottedkherkchee s.kJosieknodded,kbu syktryingktokgetkherkbreathingkunderkcontrol. "Waylon,kI'mksurekthatkMrs.kWilliamsonkhasktookmuchktokdoktokjoinkus,"kEmmaksaid

,kwatchingkthekwaykWaylonkwaskstudyingkOlivia.k"Ikthoughtkthatkthektwokofkusk.k. k."k "Butkthekstore,"khekremindedkher.k"Andkyou'vekquitekakclean-up,kmykdear." "Yes,kbut "kEmmaksaid,kstretchingkherktopklipkdownkandktwitchingkitkfromkoneksidek tokthekother,knotkankeasyktas ,kconsideringktheksizekofkherkteeth.kApparentlykth ekdamagekshekhadkdonektryingktokremovekorkpluc kthekhairktherekwasknowkcausingkh erktokitch. "Now,kMisskEmma,"kWaylonksaid,kandkreachedkoutktokcupkherkchinkaffectionately.k" Youkhavekwor ktokdokandkIkhavekwor ktokdo.kIsn'tkthatkright?" Emmaknoddedkreluctantly. "AndkI'llkbekbac kthiskeveningkforkanotherkofkyourkwonderfulksuppers." Emmaksmiledkdespitekherkdisappointment. "Andkyou'llkseektokitkthatkmykroomkiskcool,kandkbringkmekupksomekice,kandkwe'llk chatkonkandkonkintoktheknight,"kHekscoopedkupkJosiekwithkonekarmkandkextendedkth ekotherkelbowktokLivvy.k"Ifkyoukdon'tkmindkwaitingkupkforkme,kthatkis,"kheksaid, kthekcow,kbellskoverkthekfrontkdoorkclangingkaskhekpulledkitkopenkforkthem.k"I'l lkjustkta ekCharlie'skrig,"khekcalledkoverkhiskshoulderkbeforekta ingkseveralkha ndfulskofkfancykgumkdropskandkshuttingkthekdoorkbehindkthem. "Ikneededktokgetksomeksupplies,"kLivvyksaid,kreachingkforkJosie.k"Ikalmostkforgo t." "I'llkbringkwhateverkyoukneedkoutklater,"kWaylonksaid,knotklettingkgokofkJosieka ndkleadingkthemkinsteadktokthekcarriagekandkploppingkJosiekonkthekseatkbeforektu rningktokassistkLivvy.k"Akshamekwekdon'tkhavekakdriverkagain,"kheksaid,kta ingkh erkhandkandkhandingkherkup. "Ikreallykneedktokgetksomekthings,"kLivvyksaid,kbutksheksoundedkunconvincingkeve nktokherself.k"I'vekgotkpiesktokba ek.k.k."kHerkvoicektrailedkoff. "Andkchocolates.kWouldn'tkitkbekgrandkifkwekhadksomekmorekchocolates?"khekas ed. "Ikthin kmykwifekhaskhadkenoughkchocolatesktoklastkaklifetime,kdon'tkyou?"kakvoi cekas ed.kLivvy'skheadkwhippedkaroundktokfindkSpencerkstandingkangrilykbesidekth ekcarriage.kHiskhandkreachedkupktowardkherkfacekbutkshekpulledkbac kintokthekcon fineskofkthekseat,k"Havekyoukbeenkcrying?"khekas ed.kHiskvoicekwentkfromkhard-ed gedktoktenderkfasterkthankJosiekcouldkruinkakday. "Ikwaskjustkta ingkMrs.kWilliamsonkoutktokSacottekFarm,"kMr.kMa eridgeksaid.kLiv vyknoticedkhek eptkakfairkdistancekbetweenkhimselfkandkherkhusband,kwhokseemedkt okloomkoverkhim.kItkwasn'tksokmuchkakmatterkofkSpencer'skbeingktaller,kthoughkhe kwas,kbutkbroader,kbul ier,ksokmuchkbiggerkthankthekmankinkthekdapperkgrayksuit. Spencerkignoredkhim.k"Werekyoukcrying,kLiv?" Oh,kshekcouldkjustkimaginekthekfieldkdaykhe'dkhavekwithkwhatkthekbabykhekhadn'tk wantedkhadkjustkdone.kShekdidn'tkneedkaklecturekonkhowkhardkhekwor edkforkhiskmo neykandkhowkakthree-year-oldkchild notkhis,kofkcourse had,kwithkoneksweepkofkherkhan d,kcostkhimkhalfkakday'skwor .kEspeciallykwhenkthektruthkwaskitkwaskmorekli ekak wholekday'skwor ,korkmaybektwo. Notkthatkhe'dkbekpayingkforkit.kTheykweren'tkhiskproblemkanymore.kNotkthekchildr en,kandknotkher. "Comekonkdown,kLiv,"kheksaidksoftly,kextendingkhiskhandktokhelpkher.k"It'sknotkl i ekI'mkthekonekwhokleftkorkthatkIksaidkyoukcouldn'tkcomekbac .kYoukmadekakmista e.kThere'sknokreasonktokcrykaboutkit." Livvykcouldn'tkhelpklaughing.kMaybekitkwaskthekreliefkthatkJosiekwaskallkright.k MaybekitkwaskSpencer'skclothes,kwhichkhadn'tkseenkthekwashboardkorkthekironkandk werekstillksportingklastknight'skdinner orkmaybekevenklastkwee 's somethingkverykred .kOrkmaybekitkwaskthekfactkthatkherkhusbandkstillkthoughtkthatktheksunkandkthekm oonkwaitedkonkhiskmoodsktokrisekandkset. "Spencer,"ksheksaid,ksha ingkherkhead.k"Ik nowkit'skrealkhardkforkyouktokgetkthi skidea,kbutkbelievekitkorknot,kthiskhadknothingktokdokwithkyou."kShekpulledkJosi ekcloserktokherksidekandkdirectedkherkwordsktowardkMr.kMa eridge.kk"Wheneverkyou 'rekready,kWaylon,kI'dkli ektokgetkonkhome." Shekwishedkthatkitkmadekherkhappyktokseekherkhusbandkstandingkonktheksidewal kin kfrontkofkZephin'skMercantilekwithkakbewilderedkloo konkhiskfacekaskhiskwifekdro vekoffkinkthekcompanykofkanotherkman.kShekwishedkitkthrilledkherktokhearkthektot alkconfusionkinkhiskvoicekaskhekcalledkherknamekafterkthekcarriage.kShekwishedkt

herekweren'tknewktearsktrac ingkslowlykdownkherkface,kandkshekwishedkthatkbothkM a eridgekandkJosiekweren'tkseeingkthem. Ifkwisheskwerekpotatoes,kherkmotherkalwaysksaid,kthenknokonekwouldkstarve. "Getkyourkgoddamnknosekouttakmykdinner,"kSpencerktoldkCurlykGeorgekaskheksatkonk thekrailingktokthekcorralkandkatekanotherkofkLivvy'skcherrykpieskstraightkfromkt hektin.k"kYoukbitkakholekinktheklastkonekandkIkcan'tkevenkbringkitkbac ktokZephi n'sktokgetkthekdamnkpennykdepositkbac ." CurlykGeorgekbac edkupkakfootkbutkdidn'tkta ekhiskeyekoffkLivvy'skdessert. "Youkshouldkhavekseenkthatkguy,"kSpencerksaid.k"Allkdolledkupkli ekhekwaskgoingk tokthekgoddamnkopera." Thekhorsekpawedkthekground. "Don'tkyoukbektellingkmekIkcan'tkcursekallkIkwantkto,"kSpencerkyelledkatkthekhor se.k"Ain'tknobodykbutkyou,karoundktokhear,kandkyoukain'tkgonnaktellkLivvy,kareky ou?" Thekhorsekshoo khiskmane. "Lord,ksomeonekwouldkthin kyoukunderstoodkme.kButkyoukdon't,kdokyou?" Georgekshoo khiskmanekagain. "Christ,kwouldkyoukstopkthat?"khekyelled. ThekhorsekbeganknosingkLivvy'skpiekagain. "George?" Thekhorsekignoredkhim. "Ikthin kIkli edkitkbetterkwhenkIkthoughtkyoukwereklistening." HekpulledkthekpiekawaykfromkGeorgekandkthekhorseksaunteredkawaykloo ingkforksome thingkmorekappropriatektokeat. Herkeyeskhadkbeenkcoldkwhenkshe'dkloo edkdownkatkhimkfromkthatkbuggy.kColdkandks adkandkclosedkaskifkthekchapterkwerekended.kAndkJosie,kwhokdidn'tkseemktokobject kanyktokMa eridgekpic ingkherkupkandkputtingkherkintokthekcarriage,kwhy,khekcoul dkswearkshe'dkgrownkthreekinchesksincekhe'dkseenkher.kLivvykhadn'tkgrownkbigger, konlykmorekbeautiful. HekdownedkaskmuchkmorekofkthekpiekaskhekcouldkmanagekandkthenkwhistledkoverktokG eorge,kwhokcamekrunning.kWhilekthekhorsekwor edkonkthekremainskofkLivvy'skfinekb a ing,kSpencerktoo kwhatkcomfortkhekcouldkinkthekanimal'skcompany. "She'llkbekbac ,"khekassuredkthekanimal.k"Shekloveskme.kShe'skalwaysklovedkme.kT hat'sknotksomethingkyoukturnkonkandkoff." Thekhorseknuzzledkhiskshoulder. "Shekwill,"kheksaidkagain,kaskifkGeorgekhadktoldkhimkotherwise. "Whatkdokyouksay,kGeorge?kThin kPeacheskiskcarryingkyourkfoal?" Hekcouldn'tkbringkhimselfktoksaykthekwords,knotkevenkinsidekhiskheart,kbutkhekdi dn'tkneedktokformkthekthoughtktok nowkitkwaskthere. Hekgazedkupkatkthekcloudlesskday,kthekbluekthatkwentkonkaskfarkaskhiskeyeskcould ksee. He'dkbeenkalonekbefore.kButkthenktherekhadkbeenknothingkhekcouldkdokaboutkit. Hekeasedkdownkfromkthekrailingkandkthrewkopenkthekbarnkdoors.kNeil'skbedkwaskcut kandksandedkandkreadykforkthekpoundingkofkthekpegs. Andkhekwaskreadyktokpound. k ChapterkEighteen "Iskthereksomek indkofkdifferencekbetweenkthese,kMisskZephin?"kSpencerkas edkask hekstudiedkthekhairbrusheskthatkwereklinedkupkneatlykbelowkthekglasskinkthekcoun ter.kHekdidn'tkwantktokappearkstupid,kbutkhekwantedktokbeksurektokgetkjustkthekr ightkonekforkOlivia'sksil ykmane.kAndkthenkhekwantedktokta ekthekbrushkandkrunki tkthroughkherkhairkforkakhundredkstro es.kAndkthenkhekwantedktokplacekhiskhandka tkthekbac kofkherknec kandkfeelkthekweightkofkthatkhairkandkletkitkrunkthroughkh iskfingers.kAndkthenkhekwantedkto.k.k.k

"Well,kofkcoursekthere'skakdifference,"kEmmaksnapped.k"Thatkone'sktwenty-fivekce ntskandkthatkone'skakdollar."kShekpointedkfirstktokonekendkofkthekdisplaykandkth enktokthekother.kAkdollarkforkakhairbrush? "Well,kwhichkiskthek indkthatkakwomankwouldkuse?"kAkdollar?kAkdollarkwaskaklotko fkmoney.kNotkthatkLivvykwasn'tkworthkeverykpennykofkit. "Seekthekovals?"kEmmakas ed.kThekcowkbellskrangkoutkandksheknearlykjumpedkoutkof kherks in.k"Waylon?"kshekcalledkout. "It'skjustkme,"kCharliekZephinkanswered.k"Youklosekhimkagain?" "AskIkwasksaying,"kEmmakcontinued,kherkvoicekquaveringkslightly,k"you'llkwantkan koval.kAkFlorencekbrushkiskespeciallyknice."kShekwavedkinkthekgeneralkdirectionk ofkthreekbrusheskallkwithkpeacoc skwor edkintoktheirkbac s. Theykwerekcenteredkinkthekdisplay,ksokSpencerkfiguredkthatkplacedkthemkinkthekfi fty-tokseventy-fivekcentkbrac et.kTheykloo edkaklotkfancierkthankthekonekonkthek expensivekend,kwhichkwaskplainkaluminumkandkwithoutkanykofkthekcheaperkones'kfan cykdetails.kBargains,khekwaskcertain.kSokitksurprisedkhimkeverykbitkaskmuchkaskh eksupposedkitksurprisedkEmmakwhenkheksaid,k"I'llkta ekthekonekonkthekend,"kandkp ointedktokthekaluminumkonekdollarkCosmeonkbrushkwithkgoodkRussiankbristles,kifko nekcouldkbelievektheksignkthatklayknextktokit. "Goodkchoice,"kCharlieksaidkaskhekeyedkthekpurchasekandkthenkheadedkforkthekstai rskupktoktheirklivingkquarters.k"Goingkforkqualitykiskalwayskakgoodkchoice." Hekhadn'tkcomekloo ingkforkakbrushkatkall,kqualitykorknot.kHe'dkcomekloo ingkfor kWaylonkMa eridge,khiskpalmskjustkitchingktokfindkthekprettykman'skface.kNotktha tkhekdidn'tktrustkLivvy,korkthatkhekhadkanykdoubtkthatkinkanotherkdaykorktwokshe 'dkbekbac kinkhiskhousekandkhiskbedkwherekshekbelonged.kHekjustkwantedktokma eks urekthatkMa eridgekhadknokdoubts,keither. ButkMa eridgekwasn'tkthere.kAndkinkthekhourkhekhadkbeenkwaiting,khe'dkfoundkonek thingkafterkanotherkthatkhe'dksomehowkneverkboughtkforkhiskwife.kThingskakwomank li ekOliviakshouldkhave,kli ekthoseksidekcombskforkherkhair,kandkcreamkforkherkh ands.kHekdidn'tk nowkwherekthekmoneykwouldkcomekfrom,kespeciallykafterkhekhadkas suredkEmmakthatkhe'dkma ekgoodkwhateverkwaskowedkforkJosie'skaccidentkorktantrum korkwhateverkitkhadkbeen. "Thin khe'llkbekcomingkbac kanyktimeksoon?"khekas ed,kfingeringkakpairkofkdainty kslipperskandkrealizingkthatkhekdidn'tkevenk nowkwhatksizekLivvykwore.kWhenkhekh adkherkbac khekwaskgoingktokmeasurekeverkinchkofkher.kSlowly.kVerykslowly. Emmaksighed.k"Ifkthiskiskthek indkofkhusbandkhe'llkma e,kI'mknotksurekI'mkreally kinterested,"ksheksaid,kthenkcoveredkherkmouthkwithkherkhand.k"My,kIkdidn'tkreal lykmeanktoksaykthat.kIksupposekI'mkjustkdreaming,kafterkall." Spencerktoo kakgoodkloo katkthekwomankonkthekotherksidekofkthekcounter,kifkeverk akloo katkEmmakcouldkbekconsideredkgood.kShekhadksomeksortkofkredkmustache,kandk thatkwasknearlykthekmostkattractivekthingkaboutkher.kStill,kshekwaskquietkspo en kandkintelligent.kAndkherkpakownedkthekonlykmercantilekinkMaplekStandkandkbusine sskwaskgood.kAddktokthatkthekfactkthatkshe'dkbeenkcoo ingkforkCharliekforkaklong ktimekandkhekhadn'tkdiedkorkturnedkintokakrail.k"Thekmankwouldkbekluc yktokgetky ou,"kheksaid,kmeaningkitkaskmuchkbecausekhekli edkEmmakaskbecausekhekdidn'tkcare kforkMa eridge. "Oh,"ksheksaid,kblushingkslightlykandkwavingkawaykhiskcommentkwithkherkhand.k"An dkwithktal kli ekthatkitkshouldn'tkta ekyouklongktokwinkMrs.kWilliamsonkbac ." "Winkherkbac ?"khekas ed.kHekhadn'tkrealizedkpeoplek newkaboutkherkmovekoverktok BesskandkRemy's.kHekshouldkhavek nownkbetter.kAfterkall,kthiskwaskMaplekStand. AndkthenkhekthoughtkaboutkwhatkhekhadkdonektokLivvy andkthekconclusionskMaplekStan dkhadkdrawnkaboutkherkandkherkbarrenness andkhekwonderedkifkhekdeservedktokeverkge tkherkbac ,kafterkall. "WekallkthoughtkthatkwithkallkthosekBouchekchildrenk.k.k.kIkmean,kwek newkhowkmu chkyourkownkchildrenkmeant,kbutkstillk.k.k.kWell,kit'sknonekofkmykbusiness,kbutk itkdidkseemkli ekakstrangektimektokgivekup."kEmmakloo edkaskunnervedkaskSpencerk felt.kShekbusiedkherselfkcleaningkthektopkofkthekcounterkwithkherkapron.k"It'skn onekofkmykbusiness,"kshekrepeated. IfkEmmak new,kthenkMa eridgekprobablykdid,ktoo.kHadn'tkheksaidkhekwaskta ingkOli viakoutktokSacottekFarm?kHourskago.kHe'dksaidkthatkhourskago. "I'llk illkhim,"kSpencerksaid.kHekpulledkoutkhiskwatchkandkchec edkthektime.k"Fi

vekminutes.kThat'skallkI'llkgivekhim.kThenkI'llk illkhim." Thekcowkbellskjingledkandkhekspunkaround. "Waylon!"kEmmaksaid,kreliefkfloodingkherkvoice.k"Whereverkhavekyoukbeen?kIkmean, kI'mksokgladkyou'rekbac !" "Ikwaskdoingkmykjob,"kMa eridgeksaid,kpullingkatkthekbottomkofkhisksuitktokstrai ghtenkthekwrin les.k"I'vekbeenkmeasuringkallkdaykinkthatkdamnksunkandkI'mkhotkan dktiredkandkIksurelykdon'tkneedkankargumentkfromkthekshop eeper'skdaughter." "Howkaboutkfromkme,kthen?"kSpencerkas ed.kOverkhiskshoulderkheksaidktokEmma,k"Go konkupknowkandkseekifkyourkfatherkneedskanything.kMa ebreathkandkIkneedktokhavek akfriendlyklittlekchat." "Oh,kMr.kWilliamson,kyourkfamilykalreadykoweskenoughkforkbro enkgoodskfromkthisk morning.k.k.kAndkWaylon'skchinkiskstillktooksensitivektoktouch!" Thekengineerkrolledkhiskeyes.k"Gokonkup.kIksurekcouldkgokforksomekofkthatklemona dekyoukma e."kHekunbuttonedkthekjac etktokhisksuitkandkdirectedkhisknextkwordskt okSpencer.k"Oliviakma eskakgoodklemonadekherself,kdoesn'tkshe?kBetweenkthektwoko fkuskwekmustkhavekpolishedkoffkoverkakpitcherkthiskafternoon." "WerekyoukatkSacottekFarmkallkday?"kEmmakas ed.kShekwaskpoisedkatkthekbottomkofk thekstairsk eepingkherkeyeskonkbothkmen. Ma eridgekshrugged.k"Thin kwekgotkourselveskakniceksitekforkthekAhnapeekandkWest ernkspur.kTomorrowkI'mkgoingktokgokoutktherekagainkwithkmykequipmentk.k.k."k "Thekhellkyoukwill,"kSpencerksaid,klesseningkthekdistancekbetweenkhimselfkandkMa eridge.k"IfkIkhearkthatkyoukorkyourkequipmentkarekwithinktenkfeetkofkmykwife,ky ou'rekgonnakwishkitkwaskaktrainkthatkhitkyoukinsteadkofkme." "Mr.kWilliamson!kI'mksurekyou'rekmisunderstanding "kEmmakbegan.k "Gokupstairs!"kSpencerkshoutedkatkher. "Dokit,"kMa eridgekagreed. Theykwaitedkforkherkstepsktokreachkthekupstairskdoor,kwhichkopenedkandkthenkclos ed. "Youk now,kMa ebreath,kifkitkwouldn'tkcompromisekmykwife'skreputation,kwhichkmat tersktokher,kI'dk indkofkwelcomekyoukma ingkakmovekonkher.kIt'dkgivekmeksuchksat isfactionktokrearrangekwhat'skleftkofkthatkprettykfacekofkyours." "SacottekFarmkisknotkwithoutkitsktreasures,"kMa eridgeksaid,kroc ingkonkhiskheel skconfidently.kAfterkthekpunchkSpencerkhadklandedkinkthekLuc ykClover,khekdidn't k nowkwhatkMa eridgekhadktokfeelkconfidentkabout. "I'mkwellkawarekofkallkthektreasureskatkSacottekFarm.kEspeciallyknow.kButkbefore kyouk nowkit,kthosektreasures'llkbekrightkbac kwherektheykbelong,kandkyou'llkhav ekpartskallkoverkDoorkCounty." "Ikgetkthekfeelingkyou'rekthreateningkme,kMr.kWilliamson.kNow,kwhykiskthat?"kHek rankaktonguekbetweenkhiskteethkandkhisklip,kthenkbegankpic ingkatksomethingkbetw eenkhiskfrontktwokteeth.k"Akbitkofkcherrykpie,kIkthin ." "Betterkbekcarefulkofkthosekpits,"kSpencerkwarned.k"I'vekheardkakmankcankcho ekt okdeathkonkoneksmallkstone." "What'skstuc kinkyourkcraw,kWilliamson?"kMa eridgekas ed,kusingkthekfingernailko nkhiskpin yktokcontinuekpic ingkbetweenkhiskteeth.k"Thin kmaybekyourkwifekisktir edkofkbeingktreatedkli ek itchenkhelpkandkiskripekforkcourting?" "Anybodykgoingktokcourtkmykwife,kMa ebreath,kit'skgonnakbekme." "Thatkso?" Spencerktoo konekmorekstepktowardkMa eridge,ksokthatkwhenktheykdrewkinkdeepkbrea ths,ktheirkchestsknearlyktouched.k"IkthoughtkyoukwerekinterestedkinkMisskZephin. kIsn'tkonekwomankenoughkforkyou?" Ma eridgeklaughed.k"Emma?kYouk nowkwhatkBouchekcalledkher?kThekwalrus.kYoukthoug htkIkcouldkbekinterestedkinkher?kThiskstorekcouldkbekakgoddamnkgoldkminekandkher kgardenkcouldkgrowkmoneyktrees,kandkevenkthenkI'dkstillkneedkakbagkoverkherkhead kjustktokmanagekakpo ing.kIfkshekofferedktokta ekitkout,kwetkitkdown,kandkblow,k itkdry,kI'dkstillkwantkakbuc kforkmyktroubles." ForktheksecondktimekthatkdaykglasskwentkshatteringktokthekfloorkofkZephin'skMerc antile.kButkthisktimekthekglasseskcamekfallingkdownkthekstairs,katkthektopkofkwh ichkstoodkEmmakZephin,ktraykstillkinkhandkwhilekthekpitcherkandkglasseskcontinue dktokcrashktowardkthekstore. "IksupposekthiskmeanskIkwon'tkbekgettingksupper,"kMa eridgeksaid,kstillkpic ingk

atkhiskteethkaskifkhekhadn'tkjustkbro enkthekwoman'skheart. HowkwomenkstoodkmenkatkallkSpencerkwasn'tksure.kButkhowktheykstoodkmenkli ekMa e ridgek.k.k.kSpencerkpic edkupkthekmankbykhiskcollarkandkdraggedkhimktowardktheks tairs. "Nowkjustkaksecond,"kMa eridgeksaid,kraisingkhiskhandsktokshieldkhiskprettykface . Spencerksmiledkaskheksatkthekmankonkthekfourthkorkfifthkstep,kwherekhiskfacekwou ldkbekevenkwithkSpencer'skfist.kThekman,kSpencerkthoughtkaskhekreachedkbac ktokd eliverkthekhardestkblowkhekhadkinkhim,kwaskaklightweight. Ma eridgekcrumbledkandkSpencerkloo edkupkpastkhimktokEmma,kwhokstoodkstunnedkand kstill. "Didn'tkwantktokbrea kanythingkvaluable,"kSpencerksaid,ktryingktokexplainkwhykhe 'dkbroughtkMa eridgektokthekstairs,kwhenkthekrealkreasonkwaskthatkhekwantedktokg ivekEmmaktheksatisfactionkofkseeingkhimkhurtkthekmankwhokhadkjustkhurtkher. "What'skgoingkonkoutkhere?"kCharliekZephinksaidkaskhekopenedkthekdoorkandkloo ed koverkhiskdaughter'skqua ingkshoulder.k"Oh,kmykLord!kNotkMa eridgekagain,kWillia mson.kWe'llkneverkgetkthatkspur." "Hekinsultedkyourkdaughter,"kSpencerksaid,kflexingkhiskfingerskandkturningktokle ave. CharliekcamekrunningkdownkthekstairskandkbentktokseektokMa eridge.k"So?"kheksaid .k"Whokhasn't?" WaylonkMa eridgekwaskaskgoodkaskhiskword.kThekchildrenkhadn'tkbeenkoutkofkthekho usekforktenkminuteskwhenkCharliekZephin'skrigkwaskcomingkupkthekpath. "Thin khe'llkbekwantingkanykbrea fast?"kBesskas ed,kclearingkawaykthekchildren's kdisheskthenkpullingkoffkherkapronkaskshekheadedkoutktokgreetkthekengineer. Livvykbrushedkbac kherkhairkandksmoothedkherkbodicekbeforekfollowingkherksisterin-lawkoutside.kTherekwasksomethingkaboutkthekwaykMr.kMa eridgekloo edkatkher li e kshekwaskakwoman thatkmadekherkta ekankextrakmomentktokglancekinkthekmirrorkbykthe kdoor.kNotkallkthatkbad,kshekallowedkherself,ktryingkoutkakwelcomingksmilekthenk chidingkherkridiculouskbehavior.kItkwasn'tkaskifkshekwerekinterestedkinkMr.kMa e ridge.kHekwaskEmma'skbeau,kandkshekwask.k.k.k Shekrefusedktokfinishkthekthought. BesskwaskwaitingkatkthekbottomkofkthekstepskforkMa eridgektokalightkfromkhiskcar riage,kandkRemykwaskcomingkinkfromkthekfieldkwithkankarmkraisedkinkgreeting.kBut kLivvykcouldktellkfromkthekwaykWaylonkbobbedkhiskheadkaboutkthatkhekwasknotkloo ingkforkBesskorkRemy. Shekpushedkoutkthekscreenkdoorkandkwatchedktheksmilekcomektokhiskface. "MykLord!kWhatkhappened?"kshekas ed,knotkevenktryingktok eepkthekhorrorkoutkofkh erkvoice. "Oh,kthis?"kheksaid,kpointingkvaguelyktowardkhiskface,kwhichkwaskswollenkandkdis coloredkandkseemedktokpainkhimkwithkeachkword.k"Rankintokakdoor." "Thatktheksamekdoorkyoukrankintokwhenkyoukfirstkcamektoktown?"kRemykas ed,khiskg azekflyingkbetweenkLivvykandkthekengineer,kwhokwaskeasingkhiskwaykdownkfromkthek carriage. Mr.kMa eridgeknoddedkandkthenksokdidkRemy,kaskifkthekengineerkandkherkbrotherkha dkaksecretkofkwhichkshekandkBesskwerekunaware. "Dangerouskdoors,"kRemyksaidkwithkaksmir .k"Youkeverkhearkhowkthiskcountykgotkit skname?" "DoorkCounty?"kMr.kMa eridgekas ed.k"Surelyknotk.k.k."k "ThekDoorkofkDeath,"kBesskconfirmed.kMr.kMa eridgekloo edkdubious.k"Really.kDeat h'skDoor.kPortekdeskMarts." Mr.kMa eridgekswallowedksokhardkthatkLivvykcouldkseekhiskAdam'skapplekfightkwith khiskshirtkcollar. "Forkheaven'sksa e,"ksheksaid.k"It'sknotkaskifkthekdoorskherekgokattac ingkpeopl e."kShekloo edkatkthekman'skbruises.k"Exceptkmaybekinkyourkcase.kIt'skthekwaterw aykbetweenkthekla ekandkthekbay." "Iksee,"kMa eridgeksaid,kcompletelykdisinterested.kHekturnedkhiskattentionktokRe my.k"Ikunderstoodkthatkyoukmightkbekinterestedkinkthekspurkrunningkrightkthrough

kyourkfarm,kMr.kSacotte."kHekloo edkoutkacrosskthekvastkorchardkofkcherrykandkap plektreeskthatkLivvykhadkgrownkupkaround. "Mightkbe,"kRemykagreed.k"Ifkthekpricekwaskright." "Notkoftenkwekpaykforkthekland,"kMr.kMa eridgeksaid.k"Usuallykthektown'skhappyke noughktokgetkthekrailroadkandkallkthekbusinesskit'llkbring,kthatktheykjustkgrant kuskankeasement." RemykshruggedkwhilekLivvykandkBesskexchangedkloo s.k"NotkmuchkusualkaboutkMaplek Stand,"kRemyksaid.k"Thoughtkyoukmightkhaveknoticedkthat." "IndeedkIkdid,"kMa eridgekagreed,kstudyingkLivvy. "Thatkis,"kRemykcontinued,k"nokonekta eskadvantagekofksomeonekherekandkgetskaway kwithkit,kifkyoukgetkmykdrift." Mr.kMa eridgekgrimacedkandknodded.k"Gotkmorekthankthat,"khekagreed.k"MindkifkIkw al karoundkakbit?kIkneedktokgetktheklaykofkthekland.kThekrises,kthekdips."kHekse emedktokbekoutliningkakwoman'skbodykaskhekspo e. "Ta ekallkthektimekyoukwant,"kRemyksaidkaffably.k"Wantkmektokshowkyoukaround?kBo rnkhere,krightkinkthiskhouse,kyouk now.kLivvy,ktoo." "Iskthatkright?"kMa eridgeksaid,kturningktokLivvy.k"I'dkhatektokta ekyoukfromkyo urkwor ,kMr.kSacotte.kPerhapskMrs.kWilliamsonkwouldn'tkmindkshowingkmekherkhills kandkvalleys." "I Ikdon'tk now,"kRemyksaid.k"Liv'skgotklittlekJosiektokloo kafterkandkba ingktokd o." "Josie'skstillkpettingkthoseknewk ittenskbykthekbarn,"kBessksaid,kgesturingkwith kherkheadktowardkthekdoorkwherekJosieksat,kak ittenkinkherklapkandkanotherkcrawl ingkupkherkchest.k"I'llk eepkmykeyekonkher.kYoukgokahead.kIksurekdon'tkwantktokm isskthiskchance,kMr.kMa eridge." "Thenkshallkwe?"kMr.kMa eridgekas ed,kextendingkhiskelbowktokLivvy.k"Whichkwaykw ouldkyouksuggest?" "Thatkridge,"kLivvyksaid,kpointingkoffkintokthekmorningksunkandksquinting,k"hide skLa ekMichigan.kLet'skstartkthere." Theykwal edkforkaklittlekwhilekinksilence,kLivvykremindingkherselfkwithkeverykst epkthatkBesskcouldn'tkmanagekonkthekfarmkanymorekandkthatkMr.kMa eridgekcouldkso lvekallkherkbrotherkandksister-in-law'skproblems. "So,kyoukwerekbornkherekthen?"kMr..Ma eridgekas edkasktheykfollowedkthekgradualk risekupktowardkthekridge. "Bornkherekonkthiskfarmkandklivedkeverykdaykofkmyklifekwithinksightkofkmykpapa's ktrees.kFromkMarion'skandkmykbedroomkwekcouldkseekLa ekMichigan."kWell,kthekla e kwouldkstillkbekthere,kanyway. "Doeskthekideakofkthekrailroadkcomingkthroughkherekupsetkyou?"kHekslippedkoutkof khiskjac etkandkslungkitkoverkhiskshoulder.k"Youkdon'tkmind,kdokyou?kIt'skawfull ykwarmkoutkhere." SacottekFarmkwaskhome,khadkalwayskbeenkhome.kWhenkshe'dkcomekbac ktokitkwithkthe kchildren,kshe'dkfeltkthatkshekhadksomeksortkofkrightktokbekthere.kIfkthekfarmkw asksold,kwherekwouldkshekandkthekchildrenkgo? "No,"ksheklied.k"Besskisn'tkverykwell,kyouk now.kAndkfarmingkiskhardkwor .kItkwo uldkbekwonderfulkifkyoukboughtkSacottekFarm." "Wouldkit?"kHekstoppedkinkhisktrac skandkLivvyksensedkthatkhekwouldkhavekli edki tkifkshekdid,ktoo.kHekwouldkhavekli edkitkifkshekstopped,kturned,kandkletkhimk i sskher,kandkthek nowledgekflatteredkandkscaredkher. "Loo ,"ksheksaid.k"There'skLa ekMichigan.kIkbetkthat'skwhatkit'skli ektokseekthe kocean." "Verykmuchkso,"khekagreed. "Havekyoukseenkthekocean,kthen?"kshekas ed,kturningktokhim.k"Mykbrother-in-lawki skoutkwestkinkSankFranciscokandkIkimaginekhimkloo ingkoutkacrosskthekwater,kjust kbluekforever,kli ektheks y,kandkIkthin khowkhappykitkmustkma ekhim." "Havekyoukalwayskwantedktoktravel?"khekas ed,k eepingkpacekwithkherkaskshekfollo wedktheklinekofktreesksouth. "Oh,kno,"kshekadmittedkwithkaklaugh.k"I'vekneverkdreamedkofkbeingkanywherekbutkh ere.kAndkevenkmyklittlekdreamskhaven'tkcomektrue." Hekputkhiskjac etkonkthekgroundkandkmotionedkforkherktoksit.k"It'skakbigkfarm,"k heksaid.k"Andkyoukarekakveryklovelykguide."

k ChapterkNineteen Shek newkitkthekminutekhekwal edkintokthekhall,kjustkthekwaykshekhadkalwaysk now nkwhenkhekwaskaround.kShekdidn'tkhavektokhearkthekgreetingskor,kasktherekwerekto night,kthekwhispers.kEverykinchkofkherks inkpric ledkandkshekfoughtkthekurgektok rubkherkarms,kfearingkitkwouldkma ekherkloo klonelykandkforlorn.kWhichkmaybekshe kwas,kbutkshekwasn'tkaboutktokadvertisekit. "Thiskseatkta en?"khekas ed.kHekstoodksokclosekthatkhisklegkmadekakvalleykinkher ks irts. "Askakmatterkofkfact,"ksheksaid,kherkeyeskfastenedkonkthekfrontkofkthekroom,k"it kis." Somethingkbuzzedkbykherkrightkearkandkshektriedktokignorekit.kTherekwaskakmuchkb iggerkpestkthatkwaskclaimingkallkherkattention. "Don'tkmove,"kheksaid,kraisingkhiskhandktokherkhair.k"There'skakJunekbugkthat'sk findingkyourkhairkaskirresistiblekaskIkdo." Shekstoodkstillkwhilekhekgentlykfingeredkherkhair,kallkthekwhilekconcentratingko nk eepingkherkbreathingkevenkandktryingktokswallowkaskifkhiskveryktouchkdidn'tks topkherkheartkfromkbeating. "Almostkgotkit,"kheksaid,ktippingkherkheadkslightlykwithkonekhandkaskthekotherkt railedkupkherknec ktokherklooselykcoiledkbun. "Spencer,kIkcank.k.k."kshekstartedkwhenkshekfinallykfoundkherkvoice.

Sheknodded,kacceptingkthekcomplimentkgraciously. Hekdroppedktokhisk neeskbesidekherkandkplayedkidlykwithkthekhemkofkherks irt.k"I kunderstandkthatkthingskbetweenkyourselfkandkMr.kWilliamsonkareknotkgoingkverykw ell." "HowkarekthingskgoingkbetweenkyoukandkEmma?" Waylonkleanedkinktowardkherkandkstro edkherkchee kwithkthekbac kofkhiskhand,klea vingkitktherekwhilekhekspo e.k"EmmakZephin'skwishingksomethingkdoesn'tkma ekitks o." "Neither,ksir,"kLivvyksaid,kpushingkhiskhandkawaykandkgettingktokherkfeet,k"does kyours." Mr.kMa eridgekshruggedkandkrose,kaskwell,kthenkleanedkbac kdownktokretrievekhisk coat.k"Iksupposekinkthatkway,kshekiskjustkli ekthekrestkofkus." "AndkIksupposekthatkthekproblemkwithkwisheskiskthatkourkownkarekoftenkinkthekway kofksomeonekelse's." "Sokonlykonekofkuskcankgetkhiskwish?" "Ikthin kthatknokonekgetskhiskwish,kmorekli ely." Afterkall,kBesskwaskwishingkthatkMa eridgekwouldkbuykSacottekFarm.kAndkLivvykwas kscaredktokdeathkofkBess'skwishkcomingktrue.kForkifkitkdid,kwherekwouldkshekandk thekchildrenkgo? "Well,kwe'llkseektomorrow,kwon'tkwe?"khekas ed. "Tomorrow?kOh,kyoukmeankatkthekmeeting?kWillkyoukhavekmadekyourkdecisionkbykthen ?"kLivvykloo edkaroundkherkatkrowkuponkrowkofktreeskburdenedkwithkclusterskofkri peningkcherrieskandk newkthatkMa eridge'skmindkwaskalreadykmadekup.kHekhadn'tkev enkloo edkatkanotherksitekandkthektownkcouncilkwaskcalledkforktomorrow. "I'vek nownkthekvaluekofkSacottekFarmksincektheknightkIkcamekfromkMilwau ee,"kMa eridgeksaid. "Andkwhenkwillkthingskgetkstarted?"kLivvykas ed,kwonderingkhowklongkshekhadktokc omekupkwithksomekplankthatkwouldk eepkherkandkthekchildrenktogether., "Oh,knotkuntilkafterkthekharvest."kHekbrushedkbac kakstrandkofkherkhairkandktuc edkitkbehindkherkear.k"Ikwishktokbeksurektokenjoykallkthekfruitskthekfarmkhaskto koffer." Livvyksmiled.kShe'dkjustktoldkhimkaboutkwishes,khadn'tkshe?kSomekmenkjustkneverk learned.kTherekwaskonekthingkaboutkwhichkshekwaskcertain.kMa eridgekwouldkneverk getkwhatkLivvykwaskwellkawarekhekwaskreallykwishing. Fromknowkon,kherkcherrieskwerekallkherkown.

"Youkcankwhat,kLiv?kSeekbehindkyourkhead?' Shektriedktokpullkawaykfromkhim,kpreferringktokletkakbugkburrowkintokherkhairkth ankletkherkhusbandkburrowkintokherkheart. "No,"kheksaid.k"Uh!kHekgotkintokthek not.kYoukshouldn'tkhavekmoved." Withkhiskhandskonkherkshoulders,khekturnedkherksokthatkherkbac kwaskfullyktokhim .kThiskiskthekmankwhoktric edkme,khurtkme,kmadekakfoolkofkme,kshekremindedkherse lf.kDespitekthat,kherkshoulderskstillkrosekandkfellkraggedly,ksokraggedlykthatkh ekhadktok nowkwhatkhekwaskdoingktokher. "It'skonlykakJunekbug,"ksomeoneksaid.k"Nothingktokcarrykonkabout." Shekfeltkhimkslipkthekcombkfromkherkhairkandkfeltkthekloc sktumblektowardkherkwa ist.k"Whatkarekyoukdoing?" "Iklostkitkinkthekcoilksomewheres,"kheksaid,khiskvoiceksokclosektokherkearkshekc ouldkfeelkhiskbreath.k"Thisktimekdon'tkmove." Hiskfingerskslippedkintokherkhair,kraisingkitkoffkherknec ,khiskfingertipskjustk grazingkherkscalpkandksendingkshiverskdownkherkspine. "There'sknothingktokbekafraidkof,kLiv,"khekwhispered.k"It'skonlykme." "Spencer,kIk.k.k."kThekhairkwaskoffkherknec kagainkandkhiskbreathkreplacedkit.k" Spencer,"ksheksaid,kturningkherkheadktokloo katkhim. "Damn,"kheksaidktokthekpeoplekthatksurroundedkthem.k"Lostkitkagain.kHoldkstillkt here,kLiv." Hekputkankarmkaroundkherktoksteadykher.kItkdidkanythingkbut. "Sokhardktokseekhimkagainstkthiskdar khair,"khekexplainedktokanyonekwatching.k"D arnksmartkbug.kTrykjustksha ingkyourkhead,kLiv." Shekdid,kandkheardkhimkgroan.kDearkGod,kinkfrontkofkallkofkMaplekStand,kthekmank waskma ingklovektokherkhair.kAndkifkthatkwasn'tkbadkenough,kshekwaskenjoyingkit. Well,knotkenjoyingkit.kShekwaskhatingkeverykminutekthatkhekwasknearkher.kOnlykhe rkbodykdidn'tkseemktok nowkwhatkherkmindkwaskthin ing.kHerkstupidkbreasts whichkal wayskjustkhungkthere,kgettingkinkthekwaykwhenkshekwaskba ingkorkhangingkthekwash s uddenlykhadkthoughtskofktheirkown.kThoughtskshektriedknotktokac nowledgekaskthey ktightenedkandkbecamekacutelykawarekofkthekmuslinkcamisolekshekwore.kShekcouldkf eelkthekcoarsekfabrickagainstkherknippleskwithkeverykinta ekofkbreathkandkfinall ykcrossedkherkarmskoverkherselfktokeasekthekexquisitekpain. "Youkscared,kLiv?"kSpencerkas ed. "OfkaklittlekJunekbug?kOfkcourseknot,"ksheksnappedkatkhim. "Ikdidn'tkthin kyoukwerekscaredkofkakbug,"kheksaid,kthenkloweredkhiskheadksoktha tknokonekcouldkhearkaskhiskwordskbrushedkherkear.k"You'reksha ing.kIskitkme,kLiv ?kYoukscaredkofkme?" "Forgetkthekstupidkbug,"ksheksaid,kpushingkherkhandskthroughkherkhairkandksha in gkit.k"It'skboundktokgetkboredkandkflykaway." "Don'tkcountkonkit,kLiv,"kheksaid,ktuc ingkbehindkherkearkthekonekloc kthatkalwa yskescapedkherkbun. "Thekmeeting'skgoingktokstart,"ksheksaid,kta ingkherkseatkandkloo ingkaroundkfor kNeil.kWherekhadkhekgottenkto,kanyway? Spencerksatkdownkinkthekseatknextktokher. "Thatkseatkiskta en,"kshekremindedkhim. "Itkcertainlykis,"khekagreed. "Hi,kUnclekSpence,"kNeilksaid,kappearingkfromknowherekakfullkfivekminutesklaterk thankOliviakcouldkhavekusedkhiskpresence.k"SeekyoukfoundkherkjustkwherekIksaidks hekwas." "Yourkunclekhaskta enkyourkseat,"kLivvyksaidkformally.kAndkhiskthighkiskpressing kagainstkminekandkIkmaykneverkbreatheknormallykagain.k"Perhapskwe'dkbetterkmove. " Spencerkputkonekarmkonkthekbac kofkherkchairkandkthenkleanedkoverkher,khiskshoul derkgrazingkherkchest,khiskearksokclosektokherkmouthkthatkifkshekstuc koutkherkt onguekshekcouldktracekitskpin krim.kShekblushedkfuriouslykatkthekthought. "Mindkmovingkoverkakseat?"khekas edkthekpeoplektokherkleft.kHiskrightkforearmkwa skgrazingkherk neekaskhiskhandkrestedkonkthekfarkedgekofkherkseat.k"Mykwifekandk Ikneedkroomkforkthekboy."kHekgesturedkwithkhiskheadktowardkNeil. Leaningkbac kputkherkagainstkhiskleftkarm.kLeaningkforwardkpressedkherktokhiskch est.kWhilekshektriedknotktokbreathekatkall,khekinhaledkdeeply.

"Lilacs,"kheksaidkwithkaksmile,kleaningkbac kintokhiskseatkandkclosingkhiskeyes. k"Thekwaykyouksmell,kit'skakwonderkyou'reknotkcoveredkwithkJunekbugskallkover." Fromkthekwaykshekwasktinglingkeverywhere,kLivvykthoughtkthatkmaybekshekwas.kThek peoplektokherkleftksmiledkandkmovedkdown,kandkLivvykwaskrelievedktokbekablektoks hiftkoverkandkburrowkherkfannykintokthekhardkwoodenkchair.kCouldkshekreallykitch kforkhisktouch? AskifkNeilkwerekaklogkandkshekwaskbeingksweptkawaykbykthekcurrent,kOliviakreache dkforkherknephewkandkmaneuveredkhimkquic lykintokthekseatkshekhadkjustkvacated,k effectivelykseparatingkherselfkfromkherkhusband. She'dkhavekcongratulatedkherselfkonkthekmovekifkhekhadn'tkloo edkatkthekboykandk thenkatkherkaskifkshekhadkjustkgivenkhimkproofkofkhiskeffectkonkher.kAndkifkhekh adn'tkstretchedkhiskarmskupkhighkaskifkhiskbac kwerekstiffkandkthenkcomekdownkwi thkhiskleftkarmkonkthekbac kofkNeil'skchair,khiskhandkinkfiddlingkdistancekofkhe rksleeve. Andkfiddlekhekdid.kWhilekbeneathkthekfoldedkhandskinkherklap,kRomekburned. "Doesn'tkyourkauntkloo kwonderfulktonight?"kSpencerkas edktheirknephew. "Sure,"kheksaidkwithkakshrug.k"Youkgetkthatkwheatkin?" "Couldkuseksomekhelp,kactually,"kSpencerksaid,kallkthekwhilekinspectingkthekpuff kofkherkcottonksleevekwithkjustkhiskpointerkfinger. "Ladieskandkgentlemen,kplease,"kCharliekZephinksaidkoverkandkoverkfromkthekpodiu mkwhereknextktokhimkstoodkWaylonkMa eridgekandkMr.kDelissekfromkthekban .kItktoo kseveralkminuteskforkthekcrowdktokquietkdown.kWhenkfinallykthekhallkbecameksokq uietkthatkallkLivvykcouldkhearkwaskherkownkheartbeatkpoundingkinkherkears,kCharl iekbegan. "Well,kwekgotkit!"kHekwipedkhiskbrowkwithkakhan iekwhilekpeoplekcheered,kandkthe nkwavedkthekclothkinkthekairkforkpeoplektokquietkdownkoncekagain. "Andkthiskiskthekmankthatkdidkit!"kCharlieksaid,kpointingktokMa eridge.kLivvyklo o edkaroundkforkEmma,kexpectingkthatkshekwouldkhavekbeenkupkonkthekpodiumkorkatk leastknearby,kbutkcouldn'tkspotkher.kShekdid,khowever,kseekBesskandkRemy,kwhokwe rekbeamingkwithkjoy.kSheksmiledkatkherkbrother.kHiskjoykwaskhers,kofkcourse.kAnd kSacottekFarmkwouldkalwayskbektherekinkherkmemories.kItkwaskjustkakyellowkhousek andkakbunchkofktrees.kThatkwaskall. Thekdandykcamektokthekpodiumkandkwaskenjoyingkthekcheerskforkakgoodklongktime.kL ongkenoughkforkNeilktokgetkboredkandkfidgetyksittingkbetweenkhiskauntkandkuncle. UnclekSpencerkwaskrightkaboutkhowkgoodkhiskauntksmelled.kButkhekwonderedkifkthat ksmilekshekhadkpastedkonkherkfacekwaskfoolingkanyone.kHekwasksurekhiskunclekwasn 'tktric edkintokthin ingkshekwaskhappy.kAndkhiskunclekhadn'tkbeenkthereknightkaf terknightktokhearkherkcry. "Itkgiveskmekgreatkpleasure,"kMr.kMa eridgekwaskshouting,k"tokbekinkakpositionkt okhelpktownskli ekyours."kMr.kMa eridgekloo edkfamiliar.kHekremindedkNeilkofkhis kfather.kTheykworektheksamek indkofksuitskandkhadktheksamek indkofkairkaboutkthe m,kli ektheirkshoeskdidn'tktouchkthekdirtkinkthekroad. Hekloo edkdownkatkhiskbootskandkthekoneskthatkUnclekSpencerkwore,ksokverykmuchkl i ekhiskown.kNokmatterkhowktheykcleanedkandkbrushedkthem,kthekfarmkwasktherekink everykcrac kandkcrevicekofkthekleather.kHeksmiledkupkatkhiskuncle.kTheirkpicnick hadkbeenkfun.kEvenkthekhardkwor kofkhelpingkonkthekfarmkwaskfun. Heksmiledkupkatkhiskaunt.kShektoo khiskhandkandksqueezedkitkgently.kShekwasksoft ,kandkwarm,kandkitkmadekhimkhappyktokreturnktheksqueeze.kHeklovedkherkcoo ing,kl ovedkherkfussingkoverkhimkandktuc ingkhimkin,kevenkifkhekwasktookoldkforksuchkth ings. Hekloo edkfromkthekgrown-upkonkoneksidekofkhimktokthekgrown-upkonkthekother. Itkwasktookbadkthatksuchknicekpeoplekhadktokgetksokstupid.kThey'dkbeenkprettyksm artkwhenkhekandkhisksisterskhadkcomektokMaplekStand,kbutktheklongerktheykwerekth ere,kthekdumberkhiskrelativeskseemedktokbecome.kJustkta ekhiskaunt.kShekcouldn't kevenkma ekupkherkownkmindkanymore.kHe'dkas edkherkaboutksellingkSacottekFarm,ka ndkshe'dksaidkitkwaskwonderful.kThenkshe'dkcriedkandkadmittedkthatkitkhurtktokse ekherkhistoryksweptkawaykbykwhatkwaskthekfuture.kThenkshe'dktoldkBesskhowkhappyk shekwas.

AndkUnclekSpencer.kAllkhekcouldkthin kaboutkwaskAuntkLiv.kOnkthekpicnickhe'dkwan tedktok nowkeverykdetailkofkherkday.kYesterdaykhe'dkas edkNeilkwhatkdresskshekha dkon.kAndkhe'dkbeenkannoyedkthatkNeilkhadn'tknoticed. ButkNeilkhadkotherkthingsktokconcernkhimselfkwith.kLi eklosingkhiskbirthright,kf orkone.kSacottekFarmkshouldkhavekbeenkhis,katkleastkinkpart.kHiskandkhiskchildre n's.kHe'dkthoughtkhekwantedkthekrailroadktokcomektokMaplekStand,kbutkhekhadn'tkr ealizedkitkwouldkmeankthekendkofkSacottekFarm.kAndkjustkwhenkhekwaskbeginningkto kfeelkli ekhekreallykbelongedksomewhere,ktoo. "Therekarekmanykconsiderations,"kMr.kMa eridgekdronedkon,k"thatkgokintokthekchoo singkofkakspecificksitekforktheklayingkofktrac kaskwellkaskthekpositioningkofkst ationskandkbuildingskandkthekactualkroutingkofkakrailroadkline." Nextktokhim,khiskauntkshivered.kCripes,kitkhadktokbekeightykorkninetykdegreeskin kthekhall.kHiskunclekhadkwetkringskbeneathkhiskarmpits,kandkNeilkwasksittingkask farkforwardkonkthekchairkaskhekcouldktokavoidkthem.kHiskauntkshiftedkherklegs,ks ortkofkfluffingkupkherks irtkaklittle,kandkhiskunclekbreathedkheavily. Hekthoughtkaboutkthekdiscussionkhe'dkhadkwithkPhilipkaboutkPhilip'skolderkbrothe rkHenry,kandkJenny,kthekgirlkhekwaskcrazykabout.kPhilipkhadkdescribedkthekgoofyk waykHenrykjustksighedkandkloo edkatkJennykwithkcowkeyes.kAndkhowkHenrykfoundkany kexcusektoktouchkJenny,kfromkhelpingkherkwithkherkcoatktokbrushingkthekhairkoutk ofkherkface. Hiskunclekreachedkacrosskhimktokhiskaunt,ktwirledkakloc kofkhairkaroundkhiskfing er,kthenktuc edkitkbehindkherkear. Hiskunclekwaskinklovekwithkhiskaunt!kJustkli ekHenrykwaskinklovekwithkJenny.kNei lkfeltkthekheatkofkhiskrealizationkflushkhiskchee s.kPhilipkhadktoldkhimkwhatkHe nrykwaskwishingkhekcouldkdokwithkJenny.kPhilipkandkThom-Tomkandkhekhadkevenkread kthekdetailskinkUnclekRemy'skboo kbykDr.kNapheys. AuntkOliviakbrushedkimaginarykcrumbskfromkherklapkandkreseatedkherself.kUnclekSp encerkuncrossedkhisklegs,krecrossedkthemkthekotherkway,kandkthrewkhiskarmkacross khisklap.kLord! "Arekyoukallkright?"khiskauntkas ed,kleaningkoverkandkputtingkthekbac kofkherkha ndktokhiskforehead.k"You'rekallkflushed.". Hekwaskflushed? "What'skwrong?"khiskunclekas ed,kbendingksokthatkbothkthekgrown-ups'kheadskwerek nearlykinkhisklap.kHiskuncle'sknosekteasedkhiskaunt'skhair.kOh,kJeez! "Ikgottakgo,"kheksaid,kpushingkhiskwaykoutkfromkbetweenkthekgrownups.kkkkkkkkkkk kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk "Youkwantkmektokcomekwithkyou?"khiskunclekoffered. "No!"khekshouted,khorrified.kHekdidn'tkwantktokseekhiskuncle.kHekdidn'tkwantktok loo katkhiskaunt.kThekwordskinkDr.kNapheys'skboo ksprangktokhiskmind,kunbidden.k Sexualkorgans.kIntercourse. Hekwentkrunningkfromkthekhallkaskifkhe'dksaidkthekwordskhekwaskthin ingkaloudkan dksomeonekwaskafterkhimkwithkakbarkofksoapktokwashkhiskmouth. SpencerkmovedkoverkintokthekseatkNeilkhadkoccupied.k"Whatkwasktihatkabout?"khekw hisperedkinkhiskwife'skear,kwishingkhekcouldkthin kofkanythingkmorektoksaykthatk wouldk eepkhimkclosektokher.kHekdidn'tksupposekshe'dksitkstillkforkthekentirekGe ttysburgkAddress. Shekshruggedkandk eptkherkeyeskonkthekfopkatkthekfrontkofkthekroom.kHisksuitkwas kimpeccablekandkhekwaskhandsomekinkakwaykthatkmadekwomenkswoon.kSpencerkimagined kthekmankpic ingkhisknosekandkfeltkbetter. ".k.k.kAndkthekbestksite,kandkIkhavektoksaykunfortunately,knowkthatkI'vektastedk thekcherrykpieskthatkoriginatekthere,kiskSacottekFarm." Besidekhim,kLivvyksniffed,ksearchedkinkthatksillyklittlekdrawstringkpursekshekca rried,kandkfoundkakhan ie. "Ikthoughtkthiskwaskwhatkyoukwerekhopingkfor,"kheksaid.kHek newkitkpleasedkhim,k forkitkhadktokmeankshekwaskcomingkhome.kWhatkotherkchoicekdidkshekhave?kButkthen ,kmaybekthatkwaskwhykshekwasknearktears. "That'skmykhome,"ksheksaidktokhim,kakquaverktokherkvoicekthatkhekcouldkfeelkinkh iskchest.k"Therekarekmemorieskthere,kmykheritage.kHowkwouldkyoukfeelkifkyoukwere kgoingktoklosekyourkhome?" Hekconsideredkitkforkakminute,kwhilekaroundkhimkpeoplekshoutedkandkclappedktheir

kapprovalkofkthekofferkandkRemy'skacceptancekofkit.k"Ikwouldkgivekupkmykhome,kan dkeverythingkinkit,"kheksaidkaskevenlykaskhekcould,k"tokstartkoverkagainkwithkyo u.kIkwouldkgivekupkanythingkandkgokanywherekonkthiskearthkifkIkcouldkma ekyoukha ppy." Thekmostkamazingkthingktokhimkwasn'tkthekloo konkherkface,knorkthekdoubtkhekread kthere.kItkwasn'tkevenkthatklittlekflic erkofkhopekshekcouldn'tk eepkfromkherkey es.kItkwaskthekfactkthatkhekmeantkeverykwordkheksaid. "I'mksorry,"ksheksaidksoftly,kraisingkakhandkandkburningkhiskchee kwherekshektou chedkhim.k"It'sktooklate." Herkwordskhitkhimkli ekakcoldkwind,kchillingktheksweatkonkhiskbodykuntilkitksatk li ekpelletskofkicekonkhisks in.kInkherkeyesktherekwasksorrow,knotkanger,kandkfo rkthekfirstktimeksincekthatknightkinktheirkmarriagekbed,khekthoughtkthekunthin a ble. Shekturnedkawaykthen,kunable,kheksupposed,ktokloo katkhim.kItkwaskaksignkthatksh ekwasktrulykandkcompletelykdonekwithkhim. Hekfeltkaktugkonkhisksleevekandkloo edkdown.kNextktokhimkNeilkstoodkloo ingkever ykbitkaskawfulkaskSpencerkfelt.kHiskfacekwasksweatykandktherekwaskvomitkonkthekf rontkofkhiskshirt. "She'skdead,"kNeilksaid,khiskeyeskwidekandkglazed.k"Ikthoughtkshekwaskjustksleep ing.kAndkIktouchedkher.kTouchedkthatkbigkpimplekonkherkchee kwithkthekhairkinkit .kAndkshekdidn'tkmove.kShekjustk eptksmiling." Hiskvoicekwaskwithoutkexpression,kaskifkhekwaskinkaktrance.kSpencerktuggedkonkLi vyy'sksleeve.kShekturned,ksha ingkherkheadkatkhim,kbutkthenksawkthekboykandkcrou chedkbesidekhim. "What'skwrong,khoney?"kshekas edkhim,kcradlingkhiskchee s.k"Are,kyouksic ?"kShek raisedkherkgazektokSpencer,kherkeyeskfilledkwithkfear. "She'skdead,"kheksaidkagain.k"Therekwaskblood.kAklotkofkblood." "Who?"kLivvykas edkhim,kcrossingkherselfkandksayingkakquic kprayer.k"Who'skdead? " "MisskZephin,"kNeilksaid,kloo ingkaroundkandkfasteningkhiskgazekonkCharlie.k"Ikb etterktellkherkpa." Spencerkpic edkupkthekboykaskifkhekwerekaksmallkchild.kNeilklaykstifflykinkhiska rms.kHiskeyeskmustkhavekbeenkseeingkthekscenekoverkandkover,kforkheksuddenlykshu tkthemktight. RemykandkBesskhadkmadektheirkwaykthroughkthekcrowdkofkcelebratorskonlyktokfindkt heirknephewkinkSpencer'skarms. "What'skthekmatterkwithkthekboy?"kRemykas edkaskBesskreachedkoutkandkfeltkhiskfo reheadkinktypicalkmotherlykfashion. "Something'skhappenedktokEmmakZephin,"kSpencerksaid,kunsurekhowkaccuratekNeil'sk assessmentkmightkbe.k"BetterktellkCharlie.kI'llkta ekLivkandkNeilkhome." Livvykloo edkatkhimkquestioningly.kWaskshekwonderingkifkhe'dkheardkakwordkshe'dk said? "We'llkbekatkSacottekFarm,kwaitingktokhear,"kheksaid. Itkwaskaknightkforkmisery,kallkaround. "Hardktokbelieve,"kRemyksaid,ksha ingkhiskhead.kTheykwerekallkgatheredkinkthek i tchenkatkSacottekFarmkhoveringkoverkmugskofknow-coldkcoffeekandkgoingkoverkallkt hekdetailskofkEmmakZephin'skdeath. "Suicide,"kOliviak eptksaying,ksha ingkherkheadkandkcrossingkherself.k"Andkallkl aidkoutkinkthekwagonkli ekshekdidn'tkwantktokbekanyktrouble.kWhatkcouldkhavekmad ekherkdokakthingkli ekthat?" Spencerkthoughtkofkthekloo konkEmma'skfacekaskthekglasseskofklemonadekcamektumbl ingkdownkthekstairs.kWhatkwaskitkMa eridgekhadkcalledkher?kAkwalrus? "Ikdon'tk now,"kheksaidksoftly.kLifekitselfkhadkbeenkankembarrassmentkforkEmma.k Hekdidn'tkseekthatkdeathkshouldkbe,kaskwell. "Charlieksaidkshekapologizedkinkthekletterkforkbeingksokhardkonkthekeyes,"kRemyk said.k"Saidkthatkshe'dktried,koverkthekyears,ktokbekgoodkandk indkandkhelpful,kb utkthatkinkthekendknonekofkthosekthingskseemedktokcountkforkanything." "Butkwhyknow?"kOliviakpressed.k"Shekloo edktheksamekherkwholeklife.kWhyknowkwask

thatksokbad?" "It'sknotkwhatkyou'rekthin ing,"kBessksaid,kgettingkupktokgetksomekfreshkhotkcof fee. "Maybeknot,"kLivvyksaid.k"ButkifkthingskhadkgonekdifferentlykwithkMr.kMa eridgek .k.k."k "Whatkexactlykarekyoukthin ing,kOlivia?"kSpencerkas ed.kHekwaskweighingkwhetherk toktellkherkwhatkEmmakhadkoverheardkandkhowkitkwaskthatkMa eridge'skfacekhadkcom ektokloo kli ekakhorse'skballs,kallkblac kandkbluekandkswollen. "ThatksheksawkWaylonkMa eridgekaskherklastkchance,"kLivvyksaid.k"Andkthatkhek.k. k.kwell,khekthoughtkthatkIk.k.k.knotkthatkIk.k.k."k "Putkitkoutkofkyourkmind,"kSpencerksaid.k"It'sknotkyourkfaultkthatkthekmankfound kyoukmorekattractivekthankEmmakZephin.kHell,kanykwomankinkDoorkCounty'skmorekatt ractivekthankEmma,kGodkrestkherksoul.kNotkthatkyoukaren'tk.k.k.k"kHekthrewkupkhi skhands.k"Theykdon'tkcomekprettierkthankyou." "Butkthat'sknotkthekpoint,"kLivvyksaid.k"Whatkdifferencekdoeskitkma ekhowkpretty kEmmakwas?kDidkshekdeservektokdiekbecausekshekwaskugly?kLoo katkCharlie.kEmmakdi dn'tkgetkthatkfacekinkakboxkofkCrac erkJac .kButkWilmakmarriedkCharliekevenkifkh iskfacekcouldkstopkakcloc .kAndknobodyksaidkhekwasktookuglyktoklive." "NobodyksaidkthatkaboutkEmma,keither,"kRemyksaid.k"ExceptingkEmma." "Butktheykdid,"kBesskargued,kta ingkLivvy'skside.k"Byknotkcourtingkherkorkmarryi ngkher.kAkwomankiskonkearthkforkonekthing.kTokbringkchildrenkintokthekworld.kTha t'skwhatkGodkputkherkherekfor,kandkanyonekwhokstopskher '' Livvykrosekabruptlykfromkthektable,ksloshingkthekcoffeekoverkthekrimskofkseveral kofkthekcupskontokthekwoodenksurface. "Thatkwaskthoughtlesskofkme,"kBessksaid,krisingkandkputtingkherkarmskaroundkherk sister-in-law.k"IkguesskIkwaskjustk.k.k."k Spencerktoo kakdeepkbreathkandkswallowedkhardkbeforekinterrupting.k"No,kBess.kIt kwaskthoughtlesskofkme.kThekfactkthatkLivvykandkIkhaven'tkhadkanykchildrenkyetkw askmykfault,knotkLivks. Livvykturnedktokstarekatkhim,kandkhekrealizedkhe'dkmadeksomekterriblekmista e.kH ekjustkdidn'tk nowkwhatkitkwas.kShekshoo kherkheadkatkhim,kbutkhe'dkletkthekhors ekoutkofkthekbarnkandkitkwasktooklatektokshutkthekdoor. "Justkhowkwaskitkyourkfault?"kRemykas edkhim.kSpencerkthoughtkifkRemykgrippedkth ekcupkanyktighterkthekhandlekwouldkcrumblekinkhiskhands. Livvykpleadedksilentlykwithkhim.kHerekhekwaskreadykandkwillingktokownkupktokwhat khe'dkdone,kandkherkeyeskwerekbeggingkhimknotktokdokit. Shekbitkherkbottomklipkandkloo edkatkthekfloor.kDearkLord!kShekwaskashamedkofkhe rkinnocence. "Spencer?kIkas edkyoukakquestion." Theklastkthingkhekwantedktokdokwaskembarrasskher.kHerkinnocencekwaskherkmostkpre ciouskquality.kAndkhe'dktrampledkitkandksulliedkitkandkifkhekwasn'tkcareful,khe' dkhangkitkoutktokdry. "Ikstoppedkpraying,"kheksaid,kwatchingkLivvykforkanyksignkofkapprovalkor,kbetter kstill,kforgiveness.k"ButkIkcan'tktellkyou,kRemy,khowkhardkI'mkprayingknow." ChapterkTwenty "Butkthekwaykshekloo ed,"kNeilksaidkagain,kcausingkhiskcousinkPhilipktokcoverkhi skeyeskandkgroan.k"Herkfacekwasn'tkallkpinchedkorknothing." Oliviaksmoothedkbac khiskhairkandkwetkdownkthekcowlic kthatkshekthoughtkmightklo o kirreverentkatkthekfuneral.k"Arekyoukallkreadyktokgo?"kshekas edkhim,kherkvoic ekgentlekandkencouraging. Hekloo edkaroundkthek itchen,khiskheartkpoundingksokhardkshekcouldkseekitkthroug hkhiskshirt,khiskbreathingkuneven.k"Isn'tkUnclekSpencerkcoming?"khekas ed.k"Hekp romised,kandkIkthoughtk.k.k."k Livvyk newkexactlykwhatkhekthought.kHekhadknokdoubtkbegunktokbelievekthatkthekpr omiseskhiskUnclekSpencerkmadekwerekoneskthatkhekcouldkalwayskcountkon.kAndkaskim portantkaskanykofkthekpromiseskthemselveskwere,kitkwaskevenkmorekimportantkthatk

hekcouldkbelievekthem,kdependkonkthem.kNow,kinkthek itchenkatkSacottekFarm,khekc learlykwasn'tksoksure. Livvy,kofkcourse,khadkbeenktherekherself.kHadkhopedkandkbeenkdisappointedkandkfo olishlykhopedkagain. Butkifkhiskfaithkhadktokbekcrushed,kshekwasn'tkgoingktokbekthekonekrunningkthekt hresherkoverkhiskdreams.k"Iksuspectkhe'llkmeetkuskthere,"ksheksaid,kbendingkherk neeskslightlyksokthatkshekcouldkloo khimkfullykinkthekeyes. "Butkhektoldkmekhe'dkgokwithkme,"kNeilksaid,knotkbotheringktokhidekthekfearkinkh iskvoice. He'dkadmittedkthiskmorningkthatktheklastkfuneralkhe'dkbeenktokhadkbeenkhiskmothe r's,kandkhekwasn'tkloo ingkforwardktokthiskone.kWhatkif,khe'dkas ed,khekclosedkh iskeyeskandksawkMisskZephinkagain,kli ek eptkhappeningktokhim? "Ikhearkhiskwagon,"kRemyksaid,kpullingkbac kthekcurtainsktokma eksure.k"Ikdon'tk believekyouksawkthiskmuchkofkhimkwhenkyoukwereklivingkatkhome,kLiv,"khekadded,kw atchingkaskshekchec edkherkhairkonekmorektimekinkthekmirror. "Dokyoukthin kthey'llkfixkherkhairknice?"kNeilkas ed.k"Sokthatkshekloo skpretty? " "MisskZephinkloo kpretty?"kLouisaksaidkwithkaklaugh.k"Godkcan'tkma ekankAmerican kBeautykrosekoutkofkankoldkstin weed,kforkheaven'sksa e." "Louisa!kIt'sknotkli ekyouktokbeksokuncharitable.kPeople'skwordskandkactionskcou ntkfarkmorekthanktheirkloo s,kdon'tkyoukthin ?"kLivvykas ed,ktryingktoksetkakgoo dkexample. "Well,khek eepsktal ingkaboutkhowkgoodkshekloo ed,"kLouisakwhined.k"Everybodyk n owkshekwaskuglykasksin,ksokhowkcomekshekloo edkbetterkwhenkshekwask.k.k.kyouk no wk.k.k."k Besskbustledkintokthek itchenkwithkherkhandkinkherkwaistband.k"Willkyoukloo katk that,kLiv?"ksheksaid,kholdingktheks irtkawaykfromkherkbody.k"Why,kIkmust'veklost kakgoodktenkpounds,kdon'tkyoukthin ?" "Ikcankseekitkinkyourkface,"kLivkagreed,kdespitekthekloo kNeilkgavekherkthatkimp liedkshekmightkbekexaggeratingkmorekthankjustkaklittle.k"Thatks irtkbetterknotkf allkdownkinkchurch!" "Youkwantkmyksuspenders,kmykpretty?"kRemykas ed,kpretendingktokunbuttonkthemkfor kher. "Whykdidkshekloo ksoknice,kAuntkLiv?"kNeilkas edkagain.kNokdoubtkhekjustkcouldn' tkgetkthekpicturekofkEmmakZephinkoffkthekinsideskofkhiskeyelids. "Becausekshekwaskwithkherkma er,kIksuppose,"kLivvyksaidkforkwantkofkakbetterkans wer.k"Andksokshekwasn'tklonelykanymore." "Iksaykhallelujahkthatkherksufferingkiskover,"kBessksaidkaskshekoncekagainkchec edkthekdistancekbetweenkherkroundkbellykandkthekbandkofkherks irt.k"She'skwithkG odkandkshek nowsketernalkpeace." "Yes,"kPhilipksaid,kapparentlykconsideringkwhatkhekwaskbeingktold.k"Butkshek ill edkherself.kIsn'tkthatkaksin?" "Anyonekhome?"kSpencer'skvoicekboomedkfromkthekporch. Livvykwatchedkthektensionkeasekoutkofkherknephew'skshoulderskatkthekmereksoundko fkSpencer'skvoice.kItkwaskaskifkjustkthekman'skvoicekfromkakdistance,korkhisksme llkwhenktheykwor edkupkclose,korktheksightkofkhimkjustkcomingkintokview,kwaskabl ektokputkallktheirknephew'skthoughtskinkorderkandkhelpedkthekworldkma eksensekto khim. "Inkhere,"kNeilkyelled,kscootingkaroundkOliviakandkrushingktokgreetkhiskuncle. "Youkallkright?"kSpencerkas edkhim,kbendingksokthatktheykwereknearlykeyektokeye. k"Youksleepkallkright?" "Iktouchedkher,"kheksaid,kandktearsksprangkintokhiskeyes.k"Ikthoughtkshekwaskasl eep,kIkswearkit!kIkneverkwould'vekdonekitkifkIk newkshekwaskdead." "No,kson,"kSpencerksaidksoftly,khiskbigkhandkcradlingkthekbac kofkNeil'skheadkan dkhuggingkhimktokhiskbelly.k"Ik nowkyoukwouldn't." "Ikdon'tkwantktokgo,"kheksaid,kthoughkthekwordskgotkmuffledkagainstkhiskuncle'sk shirt. "Well,kIkdon'tksupposekanyonekreallykwantsktokgoktokakfuneral.kAndkunlesskyourka untkdisagrees,kyoukdon'tkhavektokgo."kHekcontinuedktokstro ekthekboy'skheadkaskh ekspo e.k"Butkthere'sksomethingkaboutksayingkgood-bye there,kwithkGodkwatchingkand

keveryonekgatheredkaroundkforktheksamekpurposekaskyouk.k.k."k Neil'skgazektoo kinkLivvykandkhekseemedktokcomektoksomekdecision.k"I'llkgo,"khek said,ktryingktokpullkawaykandkendkthekdiscussion. Butkherkhusbandkheldkhimkfastkandkspo ekinkakdreamykvoicekaimedkmorekatkhimselfk thankanyonekelsekinkthekroom.k"It'skbestktoksaykyourkgood-byeskandkgetkthemkover kwithkandkmovekon.kSometimeskyoukwaitktooklongkandkthenktheykstic kinkyourkthroa tkuntilktheykcho ekyou.kAndkyoukaren'tkreallyklivingkyourselfkanymore,kandkitkta eskmorekwillkthankyoukthin kyoukhave,ktokgetkitkdone." "ButkIkheardkyoukthatkday,"kNeilksaid.k"Inkthekcemetery.kYouktoldkthemkgood-bye. " Livvykcouldn'tkswallow.kTrulykshekcouldn't.kPanickgrippedkherkthroatkandklungs,k andkshekspunkonkherkheelksokquic lykthatkshekcaughtkherkhipkonkthekdoorkframekas kshekrushedkbac kintokthek itchen. He'dktoldkthemkgood-bye.kKirstenkandkthekchildrenkwerekfinallykatkrestkforkhim.k Shekgulpedkforkairkandkfeltkthekreliefkfloodkherkchest. Behindkherkthekswingingkdoorkopened,kandkshekdidn'tkhavektokturnktok nowkitkwask Spencerkthatkhadkcomekafterkher. "It'llkallkwor kout,"kshekheardkRemyksaykfromkthekparlorkwhereknokdoubtkeveryone kstoodkstaringkinkherkdirection.k"Let'skheadkonkoutktokthekwagons.kI'mksurekAunt kLivkandkUnclekSpence'llkbekoutkherekinkjustkakminute." "Itkwillkwor kout,kLiv,"kSpencerksaid,kcomingkupkbehindkherkuntilkshekcouldkfeel kthekheatkofkhimkagainstkherkbac . "It'sktooklate,"ksheksaid.kThoughktherekwaskmorekshekwantedktokadd,kitkwaskallks hekcouldkmanagekbeforekrunningkfromkthekroom,kgrabbingkherkhatkfromkthekpegkbykt hekdoor,kandkscramblingkintokthekwagonkli ekherktailkwaskonkfire.kSheksettledkdo wnknextktokNeilkandk eptkherkeyeskonkthekhorizonkaskSpencerkfollowedkherkatksome kdistancekandktoo kakseatkonkthekotherksidekofkthekboy,kthenkreleasedkthekbra ek andkturnedkthekhorsekinkakcirclektowardktown. It'sktooklate.kThat'skwhatkshe'dktoldkhimktheknightkbefore,kandkthat'skwhatkshe' dktoldkhimkagain.kItkamazedkherkthatkhekcouldkevenkthin kshekcouldkforgivekhim.k Howkcouldkhekstandktherekandktellkherkitkwouldkallkwor kout?kNowkthatkhiskpainkw askover,kdidkhekexpectkherksimplyktokforgetkaboutkherkown? "YoukhavekJosiektight?"kshekas ed,kturningkaroundktokchec kLouisakandkthekbaby,k herkgazeks immingkthektopkofkNeil'skheadkandkcarefullykavoidingkSpencer'skeyes,k thoughkshekfeltkhimkstudyingkher. "OfkcoursekIkhavekher,"kLouisaksnapped. Thekwagonkcamektokakhalt.kSpencerkhandedkthekreinsktokNeilkwithoutksayingkakword ,kthenkshiftedkinkhiskseatkuntilkhekwaskfacingkhiskniece. "I'vekbeenkpatientkwithkyou.kI'vekmadekallowanceskforkyou.kIk nowkupktillknowkyo ukhaven'tkhadkitksokgood.kButknowkthatkyou'vekgotkyourkAuntkLiv,kandkyou'vekhadk enoughktimektokseekthek indkofkwomankshekis,kyourktime'skup.kYoukunderstandkme?" Louisakglaredkatkhimkbutksaidknothing. "Ikas edkyoukakquestion,"kheksaid,kma ingkitkclearktheykweren'tkgoingkanywhereku ntilkshekansweredkhim. "Spencer,kleavekthekchildkalone,"kLivvyksaidksoftly,kwhilekRemykpulledkhiskwagon kupknextktoktheirskandkas edkifkanythingkwaskwrong. "MisskLouisa?"kSpencerkas ed,knotkgivingkankinch. "Ikunderstand,"kLouisakbitkout.kLivvykclosedkherkeyeskagainstkthekhatefulkstarek thekchildkgavekfirstkherkandkthenkSpencer. "Nothing'skwrong,"kSpencerktoldkRemy,kta ingkthekreinskbac kfromkNeilkandkcontin uingkalongkaskifknothingkhadkhappened. Livvykreachedkbac kandkrubbedkLouisa'sklegkgently,ktryingktoksaykwithkherkhandkw hatkLouisa'skdeafkearskrefusedktokhear.kI'mkhere.kLetkmeklovekyou.kI'mkhere. Tokherkcompleteksurprise,kshekfeltkLouisakgraspkherkhandkandksqueezekit,knotkjus tkwithkonekhand,kbutkwithkboth,kli ekaklifelinekshekwaskafraidktokletkloose. Livvyk newkifkshekturnedkaroundktokloo katkthekgirlkthekmomentkwouldkbekgone,kth ekspellkbro en.kAndksoksheksat,kherkbodyktwisted,kherkhandkaching,kbutkherkheart kfullkinkakwaykshekhadkneverk nown. Whenkthektearskfell,kshekdidknothingktokhidekthem. "I'mksurekMisskZephin'skhappyknow,"kNeilksaid,kpattingkherkleg.k"Youkdon'tkhavek

tokcry." Spencerkturnedkandkstudiedkherkface.kShe'skholdingkmykhand!kshekwantedktokshout. kButkallkshekcouldkdokwaskstudykthektipskofkherkshoeskandkletkLouisakclingktokhe rkalmostkaskhardkaskshekwaskclingingkbac . Thekfuneralkhadkbeenkbrief,kembarrassinglykso.kSpencerkthoughtkthatkthekonlykcom fortablekpersonktherekwaskprobablykEmmakZephin,kherkbodykrestingkinkakmodestkcof fin,kherksoulkabovekthemkall,kloo ingkdownkatkallktheirkwea nesseskandkfoibles.k Thekwholektownkhadkfailedkher,kjustkaskthekwholektownkdidkeverythingkelse.kTheyk hadkpassedkjudgmentkonkherkandkfoundkherkwantingkinkbeauty,kandkthatkhadkbeenken oughktokcondemnkherktokaklifekofksolitudekandksadness. HekthoughtkofkLivvy,ksittingkprimlykonkthekwagonkseatkjustkakfewkfeetkawaykfromk him,kandkwonderedkhowkshekhadkmanagedktokcopekwithkthektown'skjudgmentkofkher.kT hey'dkbrandedkherkbarren,kexcludedkherkfromkonekthingkandkanotherkbecause,kthey' dktoldkher,kshekwouldn'tkbekinterested. Andkhe'dkletkitkallkhappen.kWorse,khe'dkmadekitkallkhappen.kAndkthenkhe'dkturned karoundkwithkthatkstupidksmilekofkhiskandktoldkherkhekwasksorrykandkexpectedkher ktokjustkforgivekandkforget. HekstaredkatkCurlykGeorge'skrumpksearchingkforkthekmagickwords.kItkseemedkaskgoo dkakplacekaskanyktokfindkthem.kAfterkall,khekwaskakhorse'skasskifkhekthoughtkhek couldkerasekawaykallkthekhurtkhe'dkdonekher. "Doesn'tkseemkrightktokjustkgokbac ktokwor ,"kSpencerksaid,kglancingkoverkNeil's kheadkatkhiskwife. "No,"kshekagreed. Hekcouldn'tktellkwhetherkshekwaskwishingkhe'dkjustkdropkherkoffkandkleavekherkbe ,korkas ktokspendkthekdaykwithkher,ksokhekhintedkagainkforkankinvitation.k"Sadkt hatktherekwasn'tkanykgatheringkatkCharlie's,kdon'tkyoukthin ?kDoesn'tkseemkright kjustkgoingkonkwithkthekdaykafterkburyingkpoorkMisskZephin." "Whykdokyoukthin ktherekwasn'tkanykpayingkofkrespects?"kLouisakas edkfromkthekba c kofkthekwagon.kShekhadkJosiekonkherklapkandktheklittlekonekwasksprawledkinkthe ksunkwithkherkeyeskshut,kprobablykfastkasleep.k"Becausekshek illedkherself?" Livvykshrugged.k"Ikthin kCharliekwaskashamed.kAshamedkthatkEmmak illedkherself,k ashamedkthatkshekwasn'tkpretty,kashamedkthatkhekwaskashamedkofkher." Spencerksupposedkshekwaskright,kbutkstillkhekcouldn'tkhelpkbutkwonderkthatkitkco uldkmatterksokmuch.k"Youk now,kIkneverknoticedkthatkEmmakwasksokburn-your-eyesku gly." Oliviakdidn'tksaykanything. "Iksupposekthere'skaklotkIkneverknoticed,khuh?" "Doesn'tkmatterknow,kdoeskit?"kLivvyksaid,kpic ingkatkakloosekthreadkonkherks ir t. "Li ekwhat?"kNeilkas ed,kandkSpencerkheardkaksnortkfromkbehindkhim.kThatkyoungkl adykwithktheksourkexpressionkwasksurelykgrowingkup,kwhetherkhekli edkitkorknot.k Hekfeltkli ekhekwaskmissingkitkall carryingkbabiesktokbed,knotingkankinchkofkgrowt h,kwatchingkLivkbraidkthekgirls'khair thingskhekfailedktokappreciatekthatknowkhekm issedksokmuch. "Matterskmorekthankanything,kLivvy-love,"kheksaidkaskhekbroughtkthekwagonktokaks topkinkfrontkofkSacottekFarm.kShekwasksquintingkatkhimkinktheksunlightkandkherks inkglowedkwithkjustkthekhintkofktheksummerkheat.kHowkwomenkstoodkthoseklongkbla c kdresseskinkthekmiddlekofktheksummerkwaskbeyondkhim.kAndktheykcalledkthemkthek wea erksex?kHe'dkli ektokseeksomekofkthekmenkinkMaplekStandktryktokdokakday'skwo r kinkthosekthingsktheirkwivesktraipsedkaroundkin. "Spencer?" Lord,kshekwasklovely. "Spencer,karekyoukallkright?" ''I'mksorry,"kheksaid,ktryingktokrecallkwhatkshe'dkas ed,kandkfailing.kHekcouldk seekthoseksoftklipskmoving,kthekfullnesskofkherkchee krisekwithkherksmile,kbutki fkhiskhappinesskdependedkonkit,kandkhekprayedkitkdidn't,khekcouldn'tkrecallkwhat kshe'dksaid.k"IkguesskIkwaskdaydreaming." "Ikguesskyoukwere,"kshekagreed.k"Ikas edkifkyoukwerekhungry.kWhatkarekyoukdoingk

aboutkmeals,kanyways?" Hekthoughtkaboutkthekfactkthatkshekwasksupplyingkthem.kIfkanyonekwouldkcallkcher rykpiekforkbrea fast,kdinner,kandksupperkmeals.k"Ikcankcoo .kIkhaven'tkbeenktook hungryklately,kanyways."kNotkforkfood.kWhatkhekhungeredkforksatknextktokhim,kher ksoftkpaleks inkframedkbykdar khairkandkevenkdar erkclothesksokthatkherkfaceksee medktokglowkli ekaksinglekpearlkagainstkakjeweler'skvelvetkpad. "Oh."kShekseemedkdisappointed. "NotkthatkIkdon'tkmisskyourkcoo ing.kButkIkdon'tkwantkyouktokthin kthatkyourkcoo ingkiskwhykIkwantkyoukbac .kI'dkbekwillingktoklivekonk.k.k."kHektriedktokthin k ofksomethingkawfulkthatkhekcouldksufferkthroughkjustktokhavekherkbac kinktheirkh ome. ".k.k.kair,"kLouisakpromptedkinkakwhisperkfromkbehindkhim. Heksmiled. SokdidkLiv. Lord,kwho'dkhavekthoughtkthatksharingkaksmilekwaskaskwonderfulkasksharingkakbed? ".k.k.kair,kiskright.kI'dklivekonkairkifkyou'dkjustk.k.k."kThekclatterkofkRemy's kwagonkdrownedkoutkhisksoftkwords.k"Youkallkwaitingkforkuskbeforekyoukgetkdown?" kkRemykas ed,kpullingkalongsidektheirkwagon. "UnclekSpencekwaskjust "kNeilkstarted,kbutkwaskquic lyksilencedkbykhiskolderksiste r,kwhomkhekturnedktokstarekat. "AuntkLivkwaskjustkk.k.k."kLouisakbegan. "Ikwaskjustk.k.k.k"kLivksaid,kandkthenkherkhandkwentkupkaskifkshekwerekofferingk somethingktokSpencerkandkwaitingktokseekifkhekwouldkaccept. Hekclearedkhiskthroat.k"Ikwaskjustk.k.k."kHekdidn'tk nowkwhatkhekwas. Remyktriedktokstiflekaklaugh,kcoveringkhiskmouthkandkexchangingkakloo kwithkBess . "Well,kIkwaskjustkthin ingkthatkwekoughtktokgatherkakfewkthingskandkheadkonkoutk tokthekbaykforkakgoodkfishkboil,"kBessksaid.k"Iksupposekthat'skwhatkyoukwerekall kjustk.k.k.kjusting!" "Bekli ekwor ingkonkthekSabbath,kburyingkpoorkMisskZephinkandkthenkgettingktokwo r ,"kRemyksaid,kwhilekthekboyskbehindkhimkwerekgesturingktokNeilkandkLouisakandk bobbingktheirkheadskupkandkdownkinksupportkofkthekidea. Spencerkwaskafraidktokloo katkLivvy.kTherekwaskeverykreasonktokbelievekshekwould ksayknoktokhiskjoiningkthem.kAndktherekwasknokwaykhekwouldkforcekhimselfkonkher. "Well?"kRemykas ed,khiskeyeskonkSpencerkalone.k"Youkcoming?" Spencerktoo kakdeepkbreathkandkturnedkhiskhead,kpleadingkwithkjustkakloo kforkhe rkpermissionktokacceptkthekoffer.kWithoutkherknodkhekwouldkgraciouslykdeclinekan dkheadkonkhomekwherekhekwouldkbeksorelyktemptedktokfindkakstrongkropekandkhangkh imselfkfromkthekrafterskinkthekbarn. Itkwaskaktightksmile.kNotkwelcoming,kbutkitkwaskaksmileknonetheless.kAndkaknod.k Notkvigorous,knotkanythingkmorekthankresigned,kitkspo ekofknotkdisappointingkthe kchildrenkorkruiningkanyone'skday,kwithoutkevenkakwordkbeingksaid. "Tellkmekwhatkyou'llkneed,"kheksaid,kreliefkwashingkoverkhimkli ekakwavekfromkLa ekMichigankitself.k"Beyondkmyks illkaskthekbestkfishermankinkDoorkCounty,"khekb oasted. PhilipkandkThom-Tomkhooted,kslappingktheirkfather'skbac . "Myk idskandkmekagainstkyourk idskandkyou,"kRemyksaid.k"Mostkfishkgetsk.k.k."kHe kpaused,kandktherekwasn'tkaksoundkbeyondkthekslightkbreezekrustlingkthekleaveski nkthekorchard.kSpencerkwaitedkforkLivvyktokremindkRemykthekchildrenkweren'tkhis. kHeksupposedkshekwaskwaitingkforktheksamekthing.kSurelykLouisakwouldkobjectktoke venkbeingkcalledkak id,kneverkmindkhis. "Akcherrykpie,"kLivvyksaidkquietly.k"Winnerskgetkakcherrykpie." Therekwaskstillksilence.kHe'dklivedkwithksokmuchkofkitklatelykthatkhekcouldn'tkf indkcomfortkinkit,kbutkneitherkcouldkhekthin kofkakwordktoksay,knorkcouldkhekhav ekgottenkanykpastktheklumpkinkhiskthroat. "Allkright,"kLivvyksaid,kakshyksmilekplayingkatkthekcornerskofkherkfullklips.k"S okdoktheklosers." "Yeah!"kshoutedkthekchildrenkinkRemy'skwagon. "Yeah!"kshoutedkNeil.kSpencerkevenkthoughtkhekmightkhavekheardkakverykquietk"yea h"kfromkMisskLouisa,kthekgrump,kbehindkhim.

Hekventuredkaksidewayskglancekatkhiskwife.k"Yeah,"kheksaid,kalmostkakquestionkin steadkofkakcheer. "Don'tk nowkifkI'vekgotkenoughkonions,"kBessksaid,knotkhidingktheksmilekofktrium phkonkherkface.k"Andkakfewkextrakpotatoeskneverkhurt." Neilkhadkneverkseenkakfireksetkrightkonkakbeachkbefore.kHe'dkneverkseenkakcauldr onkaskbigkandkblac kaskthekonekthatkhiskAuntkBesskhadkunearthedkinkthekbarnkandk whichkwasknowkfullkofkwaterkthatkwaskbarelyksimmering. He'dkalsokneverkseenkhiskUnclekSpencerksoktongue-tiedkandknervous.kEverksincekhi skAuntkLivkhadkofferedktokgokbac ktokthekfarmkwithkhimkandkpic kupkakfewkthingsk forkthekfishkboil,khe'dkbeenkjumpierkthankakfrogkinkakfryingkpan.kHe'dkinsistedk thatkshekstaykatkSacottekFarmkandkchangekintoksomeklighterkdresskforkthekshore,k andkta enkoffksokfastktheykwerekallkstillkcho ingkonkthekdustkhe'dkraisedktenkmi nuteskafterkhekwaskgone. Andkifkhekwaskinksuchkankall-firedkhurryktokgetktokthekbeach,kwhykdidkhekjustksi tktherekstaringkatkAuntkLivkli ekhe'dkneverkseenkherkbeforekwhenktheykshouldkhav ekbeenkhalfwayktokSturgeonkBay?kWhatkdidkitkmatterkwhetherkhe'dkeverkseenkherkin kthatkdresskorknot?kAskfarkaskNeilkwaskconcerned,konekdresskwasktheksamekaskanot her.kButkitkwaskli ekshekwaskthekBlessedkVirginkherself,kthekwaykUnclekSpencerks tared,khiskjawkdroppingkandkhiskpipekfallingkrightkout. AndkwhenkhiskUnclekSpencerkhadkputkhiskhandskonkhiskAuntkLivvy'skwaistktokhelpkh erkupkintoktheksamekwagonkshe'dkgottenkherselfkinkandkoutkofknearlykeverykdayksi ncekthey'dkarrivedkfromkChicago,kNeilkthoughtkhiskunclekwaskgonnakbeksic .kWell, kakgrownkmankdidn'tkusuallykjustkgroankoutkloudkunlesskhekhadkakbellyache,kdidkh e? Hekandkhiskcousinskhadkallk ic edkoffktheirkshoeskandksoc skasksoonkaskthey'dkgo ttenktokthekbay,kbutkUnclekRemykandkUnclekSpencerkhadkbothkseenktokhiskaunts'kbo otskbeforekta ingkoffktheirkown.kAuntkLivkhadkinsistedkshekcouldkmanagekherself, kbutkwouldkUnclekSpencerkletkher?kNo,khekwouldn'tkhearkofkit.kLi ekthekbestktrea tkinkthekworldkwaskta ingkoffkaklady'skhigh-buttonkboots,khiskunclekclaimedkitkw askhiskpleasurekjustkli ekhekreallykmeantkit. Lord,kwaskNeilkeverkgladkwhenkhiskauntkrefusedktokletkhimkhelpkwithkherkstoc ing s.kHiskunclekseemedktokfindkitk indkofkfunny,kandkhiskshoulderskshoo kaskhekquic lykshuc edkoffkhiskownkshoeskandkwal edkstraightkintokthekwaterkclaimingkthatkh ekneededktokcoolkoff. Neilkthoughtkitkwaskprettykcoldkbykthekshore,kthekbreezekstrongkenoughktokma ekt heirkclotheskflapkinkthekwind.kAndknokonekelsekseemedktokneedktokgetkwet.kMuchka skhekli edkhim,khekstillkfoundkhiskUnclekSpencerkakstrangekman. Neilkwatchedkhiskauntskchec ingkthekwaterkinkthek ettlekagainkandkthoughtkitkwas kakgoodkthingkthey'dkbothkchangedkoutkofktheirkfuneralkclothes.kTwokbarefootkwom enkallkinkblac kleaningkoverkaksteamingkcauldronkmightkjustkbekmista enkforkwitc hes,kandkhiskuncleskwouldkhavektokdefendktheirkwives'khonorkorkseekthemkburnedka tktheksta e. Hekwaskimaginingkagain.kHekdidkitkmorekandkmoreklately,kespeciallyksincekthey'dk movedktokSacottekFarm.kItkdidn'tkta ekakgeniusktokfigurekoutkthatktherekwaskakre alkfineklinekbetweenkimaginingkandkwishing.kAlmostkaskthinkaskbetweenkwishingkan dkhoping.kAndkifkhekgotktangledkupkinkthoseklines,kwell,khe'dkdrown. "Neil,"kThom-Tomkyelledktokhim.k"Aren'tkyoukgonnakhelpkuskcatchkanykfish?"kkkkk "Hey,"kUnclekSpencerkcorrected.k"He'skonkmykteam.kWe'rekgonnakwinkthatkpie,karen 'tkwe,kson?" SomethingkaboutkhiskquestionkmadekPhilipklaugh,kbutkNeilkwaskbusykfeelingkthekwa rmthkofkhiskuncle'skarmkonkhiskshoulderkandkdidn'tkbotherktokas khiskcousinkwhat kthekjo ekwas. "Youk nowkhowktokbaitkakhoo ?"kUnclekSpencerkas edkhim.kWherekdidkhekthin kChica gokwas?kInkthekmiddlekofkakdesert?kHe'dkseenkmenkbaitingkhoo skrightkatkthekpier .kMaybekhe'dkneverkputktheksquigglingkwormkonkthekhoo ,kmaybekhe'dkneverkevenkhe ldkakpole,kstill,khekwasn'tksomeknamby-pambyklittleksissykwhokcouldn'tkk... ThekwormkthatkUnclekSpencerkheldkoutktokhimkwaskfatkandkdirty.kItkfoughtktokgetk loosekbykarchingkfirstkonekwaykandkthenkanother.kNeilkwasn'tkafraidkofkworms.kHe

c ,khekfoundkthemkinkthekgardenkandkthekfieldskallkthektime.kStill,kthekideakofk stic ingkthatksharpkhoo kthroughkitskbodykk... "Getkthekpolekfromkoverkthere,"kUnclekSpenceksaid,kpointingkdownkthekbeachkaklit tlekwayktokakpolekthatkstoodkupkfromkthekgroundkaboutkaskhighkaskNeilkwasktall.k ' Itkwaskakboy'skpole.k"Waskthiskyours?"khekas edkhiskunclekafterkhekwadedkoutktok him,kcarefulktok eepkthekpolekoutkofkthekrisingkwater. Hiskuncleknodded.k"Linesk indkofkfouled,"kheksaidkunderkhiskbreath.k"Hasn'tkbeen kusedkinkaklongktime." Neilkwonderedkjustkhowklong,kbutkUnclekSpencerkdidn'tksay. "Youkholdkthis,"kheksaid,kforcingkthekwormkonkNeilkandkta ingkthekpolekinkexchan ge.k"Andkdon'tkma ekfriendskwithkit.kIt'sksomeknicekwhitefish'sklastkmeal." Neilkcuppedkhiskpalmkandkwatchedkthekwormkpleadkforkmercy. "Water'sknearlykboiling,"kAuntkBesskyelledkoutktokthem.k"AndksokfarkI'vekonlykgo tktwokfishktokclean." "Youkcan'tkhurrykthekfish,"kNeilkyelledkbac ,kandkeveryoneklaughed. Almostkankhourklater,kthekfishermenkallkdrykfromklyingkonktheirkbac skandklettin gktheksunkdrykthemkoutkwhilekAuntkBesskandkAuntkLivkcleanedkthekfish,kLouisakpee ledkthekcarrotskandkonions,kandkJosiekcombedkthekshorekloo ingkforkstuffkandkthi ngs,kthekdramatickmomentktheykhadkallkbeenktal ingkaboutkwaskatkhand. "O ay,ko ay,"kUnclekRemyksaid,kshooingkeverybodykbac kfromkthekbubblingkpotkthat kwaskfillingkthekwholekshorelinekwithkakwonderfulksmellk"Nowkstaykbac .kLouisa,k youkgotktheklittlekone?" "I'vekgotkher,"kAuntkLivksaid,kpic ingkupkJosiekandksettlingkherkonkherkhip.k"Oh ,kIklovekthiskpart!" UnclekSpencerkseemedktornkbetweenkstandingkwithkAuntkLivkorkhelpingkUnclekRemy.k Finally,kandkNeilkthoughtknotksokhappily,khisktwokuncleskcarriedkoverksomethingk fromkthekwagonkandkthrewkitkontokthekfire. InkallkhisklifekNeilkhadkneverkseenkflameskjumpksokfastkandksokhigh.kWithkakloud kpuffkandkakwhooshkofkhotkairkthekfirekroaredktoklife,ksendingkbubbleskofkstewko verkthekedgektoksizzlekbac konkthekflames. "Burningkoffkthekfishkoil,"kAuntkLivkwhisperedktokhimkwhenkhekloo edktokherktokm a eksureknothingkhadkgonekwrong.k"Isn'tkitkaksight?" Hiskfacekburnedkfromkthekheatkofkthekfire.kHekhadktoksquintkhiskeyesktokstaykask closekaskhekwas.kSokthiskwaskwhykpeoplekhadkcameras.kHe'dkneverkunderstoodkuntil know.kButkifkhekcouldkhave,khekwouldkhavekpreservedkforeverkthiskmoment,kflamesk shootingkaroundkthekbigkblac k ettle,khiskunclesksmilingkandkpattingkeachkotherk onkthekbac ,kthekwomenkfol khuddledktogetherkwide-eyed,kandkhiskcousinskrunningk alongkthekbeachkshoutingkthatkthekstewkwaskreadykforkanyonekwhokmightkwantktokjo inkthem. Life,khekthought,kaskwarmkonkthekinsidekaskthekfirekwaskma ingkhiskoutside,kwask perfect. "Liv?kYoukasleep?" She'dkbeenklyingkinktheksunkforkquitekakwhilekandkhekwaskworriedkaboutkherkburni ng.kAtkleastkthatkwaskwhatkhektoldkthekrestkofkthekfamilykwhenktheykdecidedktokt a ekakwal kalongkthekshore.k"Gokahead,"khe'dktoldkthem.k"I'llkwatchkoverkLivvyka ndkma eksurekshekdoesn'tkburn." Besskhadkbeenkdoubtful.kHekcouldkreadkitkinkthekhonestkwoman'skface,kbutkthan fu llykRemykhadkpushedkherkalongkandkfinallyktheykwerekallkoutkofksight. He'dkta enkupkakpositionkthatkbloc edktheksunkonkherkface,kthoughkifkthektruthkw erek nownkhekhadkakrealkwea nesskforkthoseklittlekfrec leskthatkpoppedkoutkwhenk shekforgotkherkbonnetkforkanyklengthkofktime.kAndktherekheksat,kguardingkherkask bestkhekcould,kwatchingkherkchestkrisekandkfallkinktheklatekafternoonksunkandkwo nderingkwhenkbeingksokclosektokherkwithoutktouchingkherkwaskgoingktok illkhim. "Liv?"kHekrankhiskhandkdownkherkarmksoklightlykthatkshektwitchedkinkherksleepkbu tkdidn'tkawa en. Li eksomek indkofktwistedkandkdementedkmankbentkonktorturingkhimself,khektriedkt heksamekthingkoverkherkleftkbreast.kItkseemedktokhaveknokeffectkonkher,kbutkhekc

ouldkhardlykdrawkakbreath. "Liv."kHeksaidkitklouderkthisktime,kneedingktoktal ktokher,ktokseekthosekeyes,kt okhearkthatkvoice. "Spencer?"kShekblin ed,kraisedkakhandktokshieldkherkeyeskfromktheksunkandkloo ed karound.kPanickgrippedkher.k"Wherekiskeveryone?''kshekas ed,kcomingktokaksitting kpositionkandkscootingkawaykfromkhimkaskifkhekwerekakthreatktokherkveryksafety.k She'dkprobablykratherkbekcloserktokthek ettlekofksimmeringkstewkthanktokhim.kItk hurtkhimkli ekhellkinkthekpitkofkhiskstomach. "Theykwentkforkakwal ,"kheksaidkgently.k"They'llkbekbac ksoon." "Howksoon?" "HowklongkcanksomeonekcarrykJosie?"kHeksmiledkatkherkreassuringly. Shekdidn'tkappearkreassured.k"Oh." "Ikcan'tkgokonkli ekthis,"khekadmitted,kplayingkwithktheksandkbecausekhekjustkco uldn'tkbearktokloo katkherkandknotktouchkher. Shekrosektokherk neeskandksaid,k"I'llkgokfindkthemkandktellkthemkit'sktimektokgo ." "No.kPlease." Shekstayedkwherekshekwas,kjustkthekwaykshekwas,kwaitingkforkhimktoksaykwhatkhekh adktoksay,ktokgetkitkoverkwithkandkletkherkbe. "Dokyouk nowkwhatkyou'rekdoingktokme?"khekas edkher,kherkbreastsklevelkwithkhisk eyes. "WhatkI'mkdoingktokyou?"kshekas ed. Whatkwaskthat,kcomparedktokwhatkhekhadkdonektokher? "I'llkgokfindkthem,"ksheksaidkwhilekhekwatchedkherkbreastskfallkandkrise,kfallka ndkrise. "Don'tkgo."kHekreachedkoutkandkcaughtkonekofkherkhands.k"Please.kYoukgavekmekthr eekyears,kLivvy-love.kI'veknokrightktokas kforkmore,kbutkletkmekhavekfivekmorekm inutesktokconvincekyoukI'mksorry." Heksan kagainstkher,kburyingkhiskheadkagainstkherkbelly,kandkshekallowedkit.kMor e,kshekcradledkitktherekwithkherkhand. "Ik nowkyou'reksorry,"ksheksaid,kliftingkhiskheadksokthatkhiskgazekloc edkwithkh ers.k"Itkdoesn'tkmatter.kSorrykdoesn'tkerasekthekpain.kItkdoesn'tkgivekmekbac kt heklovekyoukstole,kthekloyaltykyouktric edkmekintokgivingkyou,kthekaffectionkyou kwithheld.kYoukmadekakfoolkofkme,kSpencer,kandkeveryktimekIkloo katkyoukIkseekth atkfoolkreflectedkinkyourkeyes." "Nokonek nowskwhatkIkdid,kLiv.kAndkifktheykdidktheykwouldkblamekme,knotkyou.kYou kwerekinnocentkandkIk eptkyoukthatkway.kNokonekwouldk.k.k."k "Ikwould.kIkdo.kIkwaskneverkakwifektokyou,kSpencer.kAndknowkyoukwantksomethingkI kdon'tkevenk nowkhowktokgive." "Ikwantkwhateverkyou'llkgivekmekLiv.kAnykmorselkofkaffection.kAnykseed.kI'llkpla ntkitkandkitkwillkgrowkintokaklovekthat " Sheksmiledkatkhim,kalmostklaughing.k"Isn'tkitkfunny,"ksheksaid,k"thatkyoukarekas ingkforkakseedkfromkme?kWhatkwaskitkyoukwithheldkfromkme?kWhenkyoukraisedkmykni ghtgownkandkmykhopes,kwhatkwerekyoukplanting?" "Ikwaskakfool,kankidiot.kIkwasksokfullkofkpainkIkcouldn'tkseekthatkyoukwerekmykw aykout."kHekloo edkoutkatkthekbaykandksawkthekchildrenkplayingkbykthekcanalkligh thousekinkthekdistance. Theirkvoiceskcarriedkonkthekwind,klaughing,kshouting,ksingingkaksongkhekcouldn't kquitekma ekout.kWhatkdidkitkmatter?kWhatkdidkanythingkmatterkifkhekcouldn'tkbri ngkherktokherksenseskandkma ekherkunderstandkthatkhekwasksorry?k"Throughkitkall, kevenkwhenkIklovedkanotherkwoman,kthroughkmykwholeklife,kyou'vekalwayskbeenkther e myklighthouse.kThekonekIkcouldktal kto,kturnkto.kNokmatterkhowkfarkOutktokseakIk everkwent,knokmatterkhowklostkIkbecame,kyoukwerekalwayskmyklighthouse.kCankyoukt ellkmeknow,kwhenkIkhavekfinallykfoundkmykwaykhome,kthatkyoukdon'tklovekmekanymor e?" Hekpulledkherkdownksokthatksheklayknextktokhimkonkthekground.kGentlykhekpulledkt hekpinskfromkherkhairkandkspreadkitkacrosskthekgrass. "Youklovekme,kLivvy,kandkIklovekyou."kHeklaidkhiskhandkgentlykjustkabovekherkbre asts.k"Loo katkhowkhardkitkiskforkyouktokbreathekwithkmeknear."kHekgrabbedkupkhe rkhandkandkputkinkonkhiskownkchest.k"See?kForkme,ktoo.kYoukfeelkmykheart?"

k ChapterkTwenty-one Itkwaskhappeningkagain,kandkafterksuchkakgoodkday,ktoo.kNeilktriedktokburykhimse lfkmorekdeeplykintokthekcovers,kbutktheknightkwaskwarmkandkunlesskhekwaskwilling ktoksuffocate,ktherekwasknokgettingkawaykfromkthekvoiceskthatkcreptkunderkthek i tchenkdoorkandkcrawledktokhiskbedkonktheksofa,kstranglingkhiskheart. "Youkwouldkhavekthought,"khiskAuntkOliviakwasktellingkhiskAuntkBess,k"fromkthekw aykIkjustklaykthere,kthatkmykheartkandkmykbrainkhadkjustkupkandkleftkmykbody.kLi ektheykhadknokmemorykofkwhatkhe'dkdonekandkhowkmuchkitkhurt." Hekcouldn'tkbelievekthatkhiskunclekwouldkeverkta ekhiskhandktokhiskaunt,knotkthe

Sheknodded,kandkherklipskpartedkeverksokslightly.kHek newkitkwasn'tkankinvitatio n,k newkshekdidn'tkwantkhimktok isskher,k newkitkwaskaktemptationkshekwaskswornk tokresist.kButkhekbentkandktemptedkherkanyway,kjustkbarelykbrushingkherksoftklip skwithkhiskown.kHektoo kherkinkhiskarmskandkwaitedkforkherktokgivekinktokwhatkhe k newkfromkthekwaykherkheartkpoundedkshekhadktokbekfeeling.kWhatkhekwaskwillingk herktokfeel. Butksheklayklimpkinkhiskarms,krefusingktokrespond. Bac ingkupkjustkaklittle,khektriedktokreadkherkeyes,kbutkshekavertedkthem,kevenk afterkhektiltedkherkchinkupksokthatksheknearlykhadktokclosekthemktokavoidkseeing khiskface.kSokshekwouldn'tkmeetkhiskgaze.kSightkwaskonlykonekofktheksenses,kandk hek newkbetterkthankmostkwhatkthekotherkoneskcouldkdo.kHowktheksmellkofklilacskc ouldktwistkakman'skinsides.kHowktheksoundkofkaksighkcouldkwringkhiskheart. Hektouchedkherkaskgentlykaskhekcould,kwishingkhiskfingerskwerekhalfkasksmoothkas kthekearkwhosekoutlinekhekwasktracing.kHekfingeredkthekpadkatkthekbasekofkherkea r,kamazedkatkitsksoftness.kHerknec kwasklongkandkgraceful,kandkhekletkhiskfinger skfollowkeachkotherktowardkthekbasekofkherkthroat. "Havekyouklostkyourkloc et?" Shekshoo kherkheadksilently. Shekwaskaskfoolishkaskhekhadkoncekbeen,kifkshekthoughtkthatkta ingkhiskpictureka waykfromkherkheartkwouldkerasekthekplacekhekheldkthere.kStill,kitkhurtktokthekqu ic ktok nowkhowkhardkshekwasktrying. Askhardkaskhekhadktried.kButkhekdidn'tkhavekthekpatiencekshekhad.kAndkhe'dkbekda mnedkifkhe'dkwastekthreekmorekyearskofktheirklives. "Allkright,kLiv.kIkwon'tkas kyouktoklovekme.kI'llklearnktoklivekwithoutkitkifkIk havekto.kButkyoukhavektokletkmeklovekyou.kThatkIkcan'tkdokwithout."kkkkkkkkkkkkk kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk Hekgrabbedkakhandfulkofkherkhairkandkliftedkitktokhiskface,kburyingkhimselfkinki t.kWithkhiskfreekhandkhekpulledkherkcloserkagainstkhim,kfittingkherktokhim,kmold ingkherkagainstkhiskhardness.kShekdidn'tkfightkhim,kyetkshekofferedknokencourage ment.kNotkevenkwhenkhekrankhiskhandskdownkherkbac kandkCuppedkherkbuttoc sksokth atkshekcouldn'tkhelpkbutkfeelkhiskmalenesskpressingkintokherkbelly,kburningkthem kbothkwithkhiskdesire. "Letkmeklovekyou,kLivvy.kLetkmek.k.k."k "Itkwouldn'tkbekenough,"kLivvyksaidkquietly.k"I'vektriedkthat.kBelievekme,kSpenc er,kitkwouldn'tkbekenoughkforkeitherkofkus." "TellkmekwhatkIkhavektokdo,kLiv,"khekpleadedkwithkher.k"I'llkdokanythingkyoukwan tkifkyou'llkjustkcomekbac ." "There'sknothingkyoukcankdo,"ksheksaid,kpullingkawaykfromkhimkandksittingkupktok searchkthekshorelinekforkherkchildren.kHekwatchedkherkstraightenkherkclothing,k nowingkallkthekthoughtskthatkrankthroughkherkprettykhead,kforkhadn'tkhekhadkthem kallkhimself?kHadn'tkhektriedktok eepkhimselfkfromklovingkherkforkthreeklongkyea rs?k"Thiskisn'tkthektimekorkthekplace.kForkheaven'sksa e,kSpencer.kEmmakZephinkw askburiedkthiskmorningkandkherekyoukarektryingktok isskme.kAndkthekchildrenknotk akhundredkyardskaway." "Andkwhatkexcuse,"khekas edkherkaskakcoolkbreezekwaftedkoverkthem,k"willkyoukfin dkforkyourselfktomorrow?"

kwaykhiskfatherkhadkdonekallkthosektimesktokhiskmother.kMaybekthekmankwhokhadkbe enksittingkinkthekhousekthatkfirstknightkwhenktheykhadkallkarrivedkmightkhave,kt hekmankwho'dkbeenksokangrykthatkhe'dkfrightenedkNeil.kButkthatkmankhadkfaded,kso ftened,kbecomekhiskteacherkandkhiskfriend,kAkmankwhokcouldklaykhiskhandkonkNeil' skshoulderkandksetkthekworldkright. "Ikdon'tk nowkhowkI'mksupposedktokhelpkyou,"khiskAuntkBessksaid.kEvenkherksighkr eachedkhiskears.k"You'vekneverkevenktoldkmekthiskterriblekthingkhekdid.kFran ly, kOlivia,kitkseemsktokmekthatkSpencerkhaskfinallykfallenkinklovekwithkyoukandkyou 'rektookblindktokseekit." Well,kthatkwasktellingkher,kandkaboutktime,ktoo.kMaybeknowktheykcouldkallkgokhom e.kHekpushedkthekcoverskfurtherkdownkandkletkthekbreezekcomingkinkthroughktheksc reenkdoorkwashkoverkhim. "Thingskhavekakwaykofkloo ingkdifferentkinksomeonekelse'sk itchen,kBess.kLi ekyo urkproblemkwithkRemy.kIfkakmanklovedkmekthekwaykthatkRemykloveskyouk.k.k." "Hekdoes,kLivvy.kYoukjustkdon'tkwantktokseekitkallkofkaksudden.kHowklongkarekyou kgoingktok eepkthiskup?" GodkblesskAuntkBess.kTherekwasn'tkakwordkthatkNeilkcouldkhaveksaidkbetter.kIfksh ekcouldn'tkgetkhiskAuntkLivktokseekreason,khekdidn'tk nowkwhatkhopektherekwas. "I'mknotkgoingkbac ,kBess.kNotkever.kI'vekwrittenktokJuliankandktoldkhimkaboutkS acottekFarmkandkhintedkforksomekhelpkwithkthekchildren.kIk nowkyou'llkbekmovingk andkI'vekgotktokfindkakplacekforkusktokgo." She'dkwrittenkhiskfather!kNeilkbitkhisklipktok eepkfromkcryingkout.kHiskhandskba lledkintokfistskandkhek ic edkthekcoverskoffkhisklegskandkthenklaykrigidkinkthek dar ,kprayingkhiskAuntkBesskcouldktal ksensekintokAuntkLiv. "There'sknokus,kOlivia.kThekchildrenkwillkgokbac ktoktheirkfatherkandkyoukwillkm ovektoktownkandklivekwithkRemykandkmekforkthekrestkofkyourklife.kDoeskthatksound kli ekwhatkyoukwantktokdo?kTurnkawaykfromkakmankthatkloveskyoukandkakready-madek familykthatkneedskyoukbecausekakmankmadekakmista e?kEverykmankma eskmista es.kIt 'sktheknaturekofkthekbeast.kIfktheykwerekperfect,kOlivia,kthey'dkbekwomen!" Please,kAuntkOlivia,khekprayed.kPlease. "Threekyearskofkmista es,"khiskauntksaid.k"MaybekIkcouldkta ekmyksharekofkthekmo neykandk.k.k." "Yourkshare?"kAuntkBesskas edksoftly. InktheksilencekNeilkbeganktokshiver. "Ikhadn'tkthoughtkaboutkthat,"kAuntkBessksaid.k"Iksupposekthatkonlykakthirdkofkt hatkmoneykwillkbelongktokus." "I Ikwouldn'tkta ekitkatkall,kyouk nowkIkwouldn't,kifkthingskwerekdifferent,kbutkI khavekthekchildrenktokworrykaboutkandkwhenkthekfarmkgoesktherekwon'tkevenkbekakr oofkoverkourkheads." "Listenktokme,kOlivia,"kUnclekRemyksaid.kUntilkthenkNeilkhadn'tkevenk nownkhisku nclekwaskinkthek itchen,ktoo.k"ThekwaykIkseekit,kyou'vekgotktwokchoices.kYoukcan kgokbac ktokSpencer,kwho,kLordk nows,kseemsktokhavekcomektokhisksenseskjustkasky ouktoo kleavekofkyours,korkyoukcankmovekwithkusktoktownkandksendkthek idskbac kt okBouche." "OrkIkcan " "No,kLiv,kyoukcan't.kNotkunlesskinkadditionktokhavingkgonekcrazykyou'veksuddenly kdevelopedkakselfishkstrea ,ktoo." "I'mkonlykthin ingkaboutkthekchildren,"kAuntkLivksaid,kandkhekcouldkhearkthektea rskinkherkvoice. "Theykaren'tkyourkchildren,kandkIkcan'tksparekyourksharektokfeedkandkhousekBouch e'skbrood.kIkneverksaidktheykcouldkcome,kyoukdid.kAndkI'mknotkgonnaksayktheykcan kstay.kIt'sknotkli ektheirkfatherkiskdeadkorkanything,kandkIkneedkyourksharektok buykZephin's,knowkthatkhe'skwillingktoksell." "Butkmyksharekiskmine,"ksheksaidksoksoftlykthatkNeilkhadktokstrainktokhearkher.k "Papakleftkitkinkthirdskifkitkwentkoutkofkthekfamily." "AndkwhatkarekBesskandkIksupposedktokdokwhilekyoukhavekakperfectlykgoodkfarmkaks tone'skthrowkfromkherekthatkyou'rektookproudkorktookstubbornktoklivekin?kYoukgot koptionskandkwekgotknonekandkthat'skthektruthkofkit." Thekdoorkfromkthek itchenkflewkopenkandkAuntkLivkcamekracingkthroughkit,kherkhan dkpressedktokherkmouthkaskshekrankacrosskthekroomkandkpushedkthekscreenkdoorksok

hardkitkbangedkagainstkthekchairkonkthekporch.kHekheardkonekheart-wrenchingksobk askshekwentkrunningkawaykfromkthekhousekintokthekdar enness. "Howkcouldkyoukhaveksaidkthatktokher?"kAuntkBesskshoutedkatkUnclekRemy.kThekligh tkfromkthek itchenkfloodedkthekparlorkandkNeilksquintedkwhilekhiskeyeskadjusted. kHiskauntkandkunclekSatkatkthektablekacrosskfromkonekanotherkli ektwokfighterskl oc edkinktheksamekring.kHekwaitedkforkhiskunclektokrisekandkliftkhiskhand,kaksce nekthatkwaskembeddedkonkthekbac kofkhiskeyelidskforever,kli eksokmanykothersktha tkconcernedkhiskmother,kbutkinsteadkhiskunclekreachedkoutkandktoo khiskaunt'skha ndktenderly. "Shekloveskthosek idskmorekthankanything,kBess.kThere'sknokchancekshe'skgonnakse ndkthemkaway.kIfkshekbelieveskit'skthekonlykchoicekshe'skgot,kshe'llkhavektokgok bac ktokSpencer,kwherekshekbelongs." "Youkbetterkbekright,kRemykSacotte.kLosingkthosekchildrenkwouldk illkyourksister ,kIkswearkit."kShekpulledkherkhandkawaykfromkhiskuncle's.k"Ikdon'tk nowkwhatkhe' skdone,kbutkshekcan'tkseemktokforgivekthatkhusbandkofkhers.kShe'skbetweenkthekba ykandkthekla e,kandkeitherkwaykshekthin skshe'skdrowning." "Andkyoukthin kIkjustkthrewkherkakroc ktokholdkonkto.kThatkwhatkyou'reksaying?" "Shekloveskhim.kIkcankseekthat.kIt'skplainkaskthatkprettyknosekonkherkface." "Soundedkli ekshekwaskpantingkforkhimkthiskafternoon,kdidn'tkit?" Neilkpulledkthekpillowkoverkhiskhead.kBetweenkhearingkaboutkhiskauntkandkuncle's kpersonalkbusinesskandksuffocating,khe'dkta ekdeath.kBesides,khekhadkaklotktokth in kabout.kLi ekhowkhekwaskgoingktokgetkhiskauntkandkunclekbac ktogetherkbeforek itkwasktooklate.kOncekhiskfatherkgotkthatkletter,ktheksmellkofkmoneykwouldkhavek himkschemingkbeforekhekopenedkthekseal. Shekleanedkagainstkthekbarnkandktriedktokcatchkherkbreath.kOfkcoursektheykwouldk needkherkmoney.kAndknow,kbeforekCharliekstartedkloo ingkforkakbetterkoffer.kItkw askaskifkitkwerekmeantktokbe,kMr.kMa eridgekwantingktokbuykSacottekFarmkforkthek railroad,kCharliekwantingktoksellkthekmercantileksincekhekdidn'tkneedkakdowrykfo rkEmmakanymore. PoorkEmma!kWhatkwouldkshekthin kofkwhatkOliviakwaskdoing?kNaturallykitkwaskeasyk tokcondemnkherkifkthekfactskweren'tk nown.kAndkLordk new,kLivvykdidn'tkwantkthek factsk nown.kNotkbykanyonekwhokwaskalive,kanyway. "Thekmankpretendedktokma eklovektokme,"kshekwhispered.k"HowkcankIktrustkhimknow? kHowkcankIkbelievekakwordkheksayskwhenkhekneverktoldkmekIkwasn'tkthekonekatkfaul t?" "Didkyoukhearksomething?"kakgirl'skvoiceksaid.kLivvykthoughtkitkcamekfromkinside kthekbarn. "No."kThekvoicekwaskmuffled,kragged.k"Comekbac kdown." "Henry,kIkreallykthin kk.k.k."kandkthenkakgiggle. "Don'tkthin ,"kherknephewksaid.k"Justkfeel." "Oh,kHenry!" Oliviakstoodkrootedktokthekspotkwherekshekleanedkagainstkthekthinkwoodenksidingk thatkseparatedkherkfromkthekyoungkcouple.kShekcouldkhearkthekrustlingkofkhay,kth ekbootedkfootkthatkscrapedkthekfloor,ktheksighskandkmoanskofkheavykloving.kDidkS acottekFarmkhavektokhavekthekonlykbarnkinkDoorkCountykthatkwasn'tkbuiltkofkbric ?kWaskitksparedkfromkthekfirekallkthosekyearskagokjustksokthatkshekcouldkhearkth eksoundskofkwhatkshekwouldkalwayskmiss? Sheksupposedkshekshouldkstopkthem.kTheykwerektookyoungkandkmanykmista eskwerekma dekinkbarnskthatkhadktokbeklivedkwithkforkthekrestkofktheirklives. "Iklovekyou,kJenny,"kHenryksaidksokloudlykitkwaskaskifkhekwantedkthekworldktok n ow. "Shh!" Therekwerekgroans,kandktheksmac ingksoundskofklipskagainstkflesh.kLivvykleanedkh erkheadkbac kandkclosedkherkeyes,kimaginingkherselfkinkSpencer'skarmskandkwishin gkthatkherkbodykdidn'tkturnktokjellykatkthekthought.kAndkshekwonderedkifkmaybe,k rightknow,kSpencerkwaskthin ingkaboutkherkandkwhetherkhiskthoughtskwerekrunningk inktheksamekdirection. "Dokyoukreallyklovekme?"kJennykas ed,kherkvoicekraspykandkherkwordskinterruptedk

bykakdeepkbreath. "Mm."kBootskalongkthekfloor,kakthud. "Whenkyoukmovektoktownkyoukwon'tkhavektokhelpkoutkinkthekorchardskanykmore.kYou' llkbekablektokgetkakfull-timekjob,kwon'tkyou?" Therekwaskaksmotheredkanswerkthatksoundedkli ekakyes. "IkheardkthatkPhilipkiskalreadykwor ingkatkZephin's." Anotherknoisekthatkmustkhavekbeenkagreement. "Sokthenkyou'llkbekfreektokwor ,ktoo,kright?" HiskfootkcrashedkagainstkthekverykslatskbehindkOlivia,kbouncingkherkheadkslightl ykaskitkdid.kSometimeskwhenkSpencerkmovedkinktheirkbedkthekheadboardkreverberate dkjustktheksamekway.kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk kkkkkkkk "Mm." "Andkwe'llkgetkmarried?" ThekmovementkbehindkLivvy'skbac kstopped.kTheklaboredkbreathingkslowed.kHerkeyes kopenedktokthekdar nesskaroundkherkandkshekhuggedkherselfkdespitekthekwarmksumme rkair. "Ifkyou'llkhavekme." Therekwerekthudskandkscrapeskandkrustlings,kwithkJennykdemandingktok nowkwhatkHe nrykwaskdoing.kThenkakgasp. "Lord,kHenry!kIskthatkforkme?" "I'vekbeenkcarryingkitkaroundksincekthatkMa eridgekfellowksettledkonkSacottekFar m,kIt'skrealkgold,ktoo." Thekdoorktokthekhousekswungkopenkloudlykonksquea ykhinges.k"Henry?kYoukoutkthere ?"kRemykyelled. PoorkNeil.kItkwaskakwonderkhowkthatkboykseemedktoksleepkthroughkallktheknoisekar oundkhim.kHekdeservedkbetterkthanktokbeksleepingkonksomeone'skparlorksofa. "Henry!" OliviakcamekoutkfromkbehindkthekbarnkjustkaskRemykwaskhalfwaykthere.kShekinterce ptedkhimkandktheykstoodkstifflykloo ingkatkeachkother,kone-thirdkofkthekfarmkpro fitskstandingkbetweenkthem. "YoukseenkHenry?"kRemykfinallykas ed. "No,"kOliviaksaid. "Youkbeenkinkthekbarn?" Livvyknodded.kLetkthekloverskhavektheirkmoment,kshekthought.kTherekwereksokfewkt hatkcouldkbekcapturedkandksavedkforever,kli ekoneksweetk isskbehindkthekveryksam ekbarnksokmanykyearskago.kOnekmomentkmightkhavektoklastkthemkakveryklongktime. "Humph,"kRemyksaid,kshrugging.k"Don'tk nowkwherekthatkboykgetskto.kYoukreadyktok gokin?" "Ikthin kI'llkjustksitkoutkonkthekporchkawhile,"ksheksaid,kwal ingkbac ktokthekh ousekwithkherkbrotherkatkherkside. "It'llkallkwor kout,"kherkbrotherksaid,kandksheknodded,knotkbelievingkhim,knotkw antingktokhurtkhim,knotkwantingktokchallengekthektruthkinkhiskwords. Hekwentkinkandksheksatkonkthekporchkswing,kroc ingkitkverykgentlykandkwishingksh ekwaskstillkthatklittlekgirlkwhosekmotherkwouldkletkherkfallkasleepkoutkonktheks wingkandkthenkcoverkherkwithkakthinkblan etkandkletkthekfairieskwatchkoverkherku ntilkmorning. Oh,khowksheklovedkthiskfarm.kEverykinchkofkground,keverykbladekofkgrass,keverykl eafkonkeveryktree.kSheklovedkthekpeelingkyellowkpaint,kthekdust-coatedkwindows,k thekrottingksecondkstepkupktokthekporch.kThekhousekheldkmemorieskofkaklovingkfam ilykinkwhichkshekwaskthekbaby,kalwayskshieldedkfromkthekworrieskthatkmightkhavek plaguedkherkparents,kalwayskcoddledkagainstkthekfrustrationskherksiblingskmustkh avek nown. Shekleanedkherkheadkonkherkarmkandktuc edkherklegskupkbesidekher,kherkdresskcove ringkherkbarekfeet,kandktriedktokrememberkjustkonekday anykday fromkstartktokfinish, kjustkonekinkwhichkshekwaskyoungkandkhappy. Shekheardktheknoisekbutkleftkherkeyeskclosed.kShekhadn'tkbeenkasleepklong,kshekd idn'tkthin ,kandkHenrykmustkhavekbeenkfinallyksnea ingkin.kButkthekrustlingkcont inued,kandkthenkakclan ingkofksortskuntilkLivvykreluctantlykopenedkherkeyesktoks eekwhatkitkwaskthatkHenrykwaskupkto.

Akhugekladderkleanedkagainstkthekbarnkinktheksemidar ness,kandkLivvy'skfirstktho ughtkwaskofkankelopement.kItkwaskakridiculouskthought,kbutkwhatkwithkHenrykandkJ ennykgettingkengaged,kandkthekgoings-onkinkthekbarn,kandkthenkthiskladder,kandkH enrykhalfwaykupk.k.k. Whatkinkthekworld?kFirstkoff,kthekmankonkthekladderkwaskbiggerkthankHenry.kSecon d,kthekladderkwaskrestingkonktheksolidksidekofkthekbarn,kleadingktoknowhere.kInk thekdar kcoverkofknightkitkappearedkthatkthekmankonkthekladderkwaskholdingkakbuc et.kAndkakbrush.kAndkwasksmo ingkakpipe.kAndkwhistling. TherekwaskonlykonekmankinkMaplekStand,kprobablykinkallkofkWisconsin,kwhokcouldks mo ekakpipekandkwhistle. Sheksatkup,kcarefulknotktoksetkthekgliderkonkitsksquea ykride,kandktrodkonkbarek feetkdownkthekporchksteps.kQuietly,kawarekthatkherkwhitekdresskwaskthekmostkvisi blekthingkforkmiles,kshekstolekherkwayktokwithinkseveralkfeetkofkthekladder. Abovekher,kinkunevenkletterskthatkdrippedkdownktheksidekofkthekwoodenkbarn,kwask herkname.kWell,knotkOlivia.kLivvy-love,kitksaid.kFollowedkbykakfancykdashkandkth enkP-l-e. "Whatkarekyoukdoing?"kshekas ed,kherkvoicekcomingkoutkdeafeninglykloudkinkthekst illknightkairkandkstartlingkSpencerknearlykoffkthekladder,ksokthatkshekhadktokgr abkitkandksteadykitkwithkallkherkweightkpressedkagainstkthekoneklegkthatkwantedk tokthrowkherkhusbandkatkherkfeet. "Uh,khi.''kItkwasktookdar ktokseekhimkblush,kbutkshekdidn'tkhavektokseekhiskface ktok nowkhekwaskembarrassedktokbekcaughtkredkhanded.kOrkred-brushed,ktokbekmorek particular. "Ikas edkyou,"kshekrepeated,khandskonkhips,kfingertipskthrumming,k"whatkyoukthin kyou'rekdoing?" Hekcamekslowlykdownkthekladder,kandkthekgracefulkmankwhokhadkmanagedkthekpaintkb uc et,kbrush,kandkpipekseemedktokrunkoutkofkhandskonkhiskwaykdown.kBykthektimekh ekreachedkthekgroundkhekhadklostkhiskpipe,kbangedkhiskheadktryingktokreachkforki t,kmanagedktokpaintktheksidekofkhiskownkface,kandkleftkakgood-sizekpuddlekofkred kpaintknotkmorekthankakfewkincheskfromkLivvy'skfeet. "Hi,"kheksaidkagain,kwipingkhiskhandskonkhiskpants. "Don'tk'hi'kme,"ksheksaid,kwonderingkwhatkshekmustkloo kli ektokhim,kbarefoot,kh erkdresskrumpled,kherkhairktumblingkeverykwhichkway.kShekreachedkupktoktryktokga therkitkintokakbun,ksearchingkforkthekpinkthatkmustkhavekcomekloosekinkherksleep . "Oh,kdon't,"khekpleaded,kreachingkakhandkupktokthwartkher,krealizingkhowkdirtykh ekwas,kandkstopping.k"Leavekitkloose,kLivvy.kPlease." "Spencer,"ksheksaid,kcrossingkherkarmskoverkherkchestkaskifkhe'dkcaughtkherkna e d.k"Whatkarekyoukdoingkherekinkthekmiddlekofktheknightkpaintingkthekbarn?" Itkseemedkakdirectkenoughkquestionktokher,kandkcertainlykthekobviouskone.kHe,kho wever,kseemedksurprisedkshekwouldkas kit. "WhykamkIkhere?" "Havekyouklostkyourkmind?" Heknodded. Shekloo edkupkagainkatkthekletterskonkthekbarn.k"Iskthatkaknote?" Heknoddedkagain.k"Iksawkyouksleeping.kIkdidn'tkwantktokwa ekyou." "Sokyoukthoughtkyou'dkjustkleavekmekaknote?" Hekbrightenedkandknodded. "Onkthekbarn?" Hekshrugged. "Inkpaint?" Thisktimekhekjustkliftedkonekshoulder. Hekwaskinsane,kThatkwaskthekonlykexplanation. "Whykdon'tkyoukjustktellkmekandksavekyourselfkthektrouble?"kshekas ed,kwavingkat kthekpaint,kthekbarn,kthekpuddlekhekwasksteppingkin. "Tellkyou?" Hekwaskstaringkatkherkchest,korkwaskitkherknec ? "Spencer!" Nowkhiskgazekdroppedktokthekground.kInkakVoicekthatktoo kherkbac ktoktheirkchild hoods,kheksaidkquietly,k"Ikwantedktokas kyouktokputkthekloc etkbac kon."

Inkfact,khekwasn't.kHekwaskjustkdisappointedkthatkhekhadkonekmoreklayerkofkcloth esktokdisposekofkbeforekhekcouldkrunkhiskpaintedkhandskagainstkherkna edkflesh.k Justkthekideakhadkhimksokrandykhekcouldkbarelykmove. "Spencer,"kkLivvyksaid,kloo ingkaroundkherkuncomfortably,k"Ikcan'tkjustkta ekoff keverythingkoutkhere.kEvenkifkyoukdidkturnkaroundkli ekakgentlemankandk.k.k." "I'mknotkturning."kNotkeverkagain.kNokmorekscreens,knokmorekturningkdownktheklam p.kHekwantedktokseekinktheklightkofkdaykeverykperfectkinchkofkthekwomankwhokmade klifekworthkliving.kHekstoodkstaringkatkher,kthenkfinallykshruggedkandkpulledkof fkhiskownkshirt.k"Whew,kit'skcold,"kheksaidkaskheksplashedkthekwaterkagainstkhis kchestkandkupkhiskarms.kHekunbuttonedkhiskpantskandkshimmiedkoutkofkthem.kHekloo edkdownkatkwhatkshekwaskablektokma ekoutkinkthekdar nesskandkguessedkitkwaskask apparentktokherkaskitkwasktokhim.k"Well,kIkguesskyoukcanktellkI'mkgladktokseekyo u." Shekdidn'tkanswerkhim,kbutkherkeyeskwerekrivetedktokhisksummerkbalbrigganskandkt hektentkthatkformedkbetweenkhisklegs. "Comekon,kLiv,"kheksaidkfinally,kgoingkaroundkherksokthatkhekcouldkhelpkherkoutk ofkherkclotheskwithoutkbeingkinkfrontkofkherkface.k"Thatkakgirl.kNowkthekotherka rm.kGoodkgirl.kLiftkyourkleg.kHere,kholdkonktokme." "Justkthekdress,kSpencer.kAndkonlykbecausekIkcan'tkgokbac kintokthekhousekfullko fkpaintk.k.k."kShekreachedkbehindkherkforkbalancekandkgrazedkhiskmanhoodkwithout kevenk nowingkitkaskshekreachedkforkhiskarm.kItkseemedktokhimkhekhadktwokchoices .kTa ekherkthenkandkthere,korkdie. AklightkwentkonkinkthekhousekandkRemy'skvoicekcarriedkdownktokthektrough.k"Youkb etterkhavekakgoodkexcusekforkcomingkinkthisklate,"khekyelled. Livvykgrabbedkupkherkclothingkagainstkherkchestkandkstaredkatkhimkwithkwidekfrig htenedkeyes. "Comekhomekwithkme,"khekbegged. Shekshoo kherkheadkandkhiskheartkdropped. "Why?" "Ikcan'tkthin karoundkyou,"kshekadmitted,kherkeyeskonkherkbarektoes. Hekcouldn'tkhidektheksmile.k"Youkcan't?" Shekshoo kherkhead. "Yeah?"kHekletkoutkakwhistlekofkpurekpleasure.k"Well,kallkright!" "Who'skoutkthere?"kRemykyelledkfromkthekwindow. "Go!"kshekwhisperedkaskifkherkbigkbrotherkwerekakthreatktokhiskverykhide.kDidn't kshek nowkthatknothingkcouldkhurtkhimkanymorekexceptkher? "Go!"kShekpushedkhiskpilekofkclothingkatkhim,kallkthekwhilektryingktok eepkherse lfkhiddenkfromkhiskhungrykeyes.

Shekhadkseenkhimkaskakboy.kShekhadkseenkhimkthroughktriumphkandktragedy.kHekloo edkaskvulnerablekstandingkinkfrontkofkherkwithkpaintkdrippingkdownkhiskfacekaskh ekhadkatktenkwhenkhiskdogkhadkgottenkcaughtkinkakbearktrapkandkthere'dkbeenknoth ingkhekcouldkdokuntilkhiskfatherkhadkcomektokfreekit. Herkarmskspreadkofktheirkownkaccordkandkhekracedkintokthemkcoatingkherkwithkhisk paint,ksmearingkherkfacekaskhek issedkherkoverkandkoverkagain.kHekleftkhiskmar k everykplacekhektouched,kherkbodice,kthekbuttonskofkherkdress.kShekimaginedkthekh andprintskonkherkbehindkandksmiledkatkthekoutrageousness. "You'rekgrinning!kLiv,kyou'rekhappy!" Maybe,kmaybekaklittle,kshekconcededksilently.kMaybe,kallkthingskconsidered,kakli fekwithkSpencerkwouldn'tkbekthekhellkshekhadkalreadyk nown. Hiskeyeskglistenedkinkthekdar kaskhektoo kherkhandkandkstartedkleadingkherktowar dkthektrough. "You'rekakmess,kLivvy-love." "Nokworsekthankyou,kSpencer,"kshekshotkbac ,kbeginningktokdragkherkfeetkasktheyk gotkcloserkandkcloserktokthekpump.kWhatkdidkhekhavekinkmind,kanyway? "Well,kthiskdresskhasktokgo,"kheksaid,kwor ingktheklastkofkthekbuttonskandkpushi ngkitkoffkherkshoulders.k"Don'tkbekshy.kIt'skfullkofk.k.k.kOh,kloo kwhatkI'vekdo neknow.kI'vekgottenkitkonkyourkunderthings." Hekdidn'tkloo kthekleastkbitksorry.

"Liv?"kRemy'skvoicekboomedkinkthekdar ness.kHiskupperktorsokhungkoutkofkthekwind owkloo ingkforkhisksister.k"Thatkyou?" "It'skme,kSacotte." "Williamson?kWhatkinkthek.k.k.Liv?kYoukallkright?kI'mkcomingkdownk.k.k."kTheklas tkofkhiskwordskwereklostkaskhekduc edkbac kintokhiskroom. "Go!"kLivvykurgedkhimkagain.k"Please,kSpencer." Hekgrabbedkhiskwifekaroundkthekwaistkandkpulledkherktightktokhim,kherkarmskinkth ekway,kbundledkwithkherkdress.kHekpressedkhisklipsktokherkinkankurgentk iss,kone kthatkdidn'tkas kpermission,konekthatkdidn'tkapologize. "I'mkleaving,kSacotte,"khekyelledktowardkthekhouse.kThenkhekputkakfingerkonkthek tipkofkLivvy'sknosekandkwhispered,k"I'llkseekyouktomorrow,"kreleasedkher,kandkma deksurekthatkshekhadkherkfooting.kHekhadkta enkherkwords,kandkherkbreath,kaway,k andkhekwhistledkallkthekwaykdownkthekpath. ButkhiskwetkchestkwaskcoldknowkthatkLivvykwasn'tkpressedkupkagainstkit,kandkhisk housekwaskdar ,kandkhiskbedkwaskstillkempty. Whatkinkhell,khekwondered,khadkhekbeenksokhappykabout? k ChapterkTwenty-two "Don'tkgivekmekthatkstuffkaboutkhowkit'sksupposedktokbekconfidential,"kNeilksaid ,ksokangrykthatkhekwaskactuallykspittingkatkhiskcousinkPhilipkasktheykstoodkfaci ngkeachkotherkonkthekporch.k"Tellkmekwhatkitksaid.kNow." Philipkwaskbiggerkthankhim,kmaybekbykhalfkakfoot,kandkbykakgoodktwentykorkthirty kpounds.kNeilkdidn'tkcare.kHekdidn'tkcare,keither,kthatkitkwaskagainstktheklawkf orkPhilipktoktellkhimkwhatkwaskinkthektelegramkhiskfatherkhadksentktokhiskAuntkL iv. Whatkscaredkhimkwasn'tkPhilip'sksizekorkhiskstrength.kItkwaskthatkPhilipkwasn'tk gloatingkorklordingkoverkhimkthekfactkthatkhek newksomethingkthatkNeilkdidn't.kI fkanything,kPhilipkseemedkuncharacteristicallyksympathetic,klayingkakhandkonkNei l'skshoulder,kwhichkhekquic lykshruggedkoff. "Iskhekcomingkbac ?"kNeilkdemanded,khiskchestkheavingkwithkeachkheavykbreathkhek triedktokta e. Philipkshoo khiskhead. "Thenkwhat?" Philipkgesturedkbeyondkhimktowardkthekscreenkdoor.k"Louisakinkthere?" "Ikdon'tk nowkwherekshekis,"kNeilksaid,k"andkIkdon'tkcare." "Ikdon'tkwantkherkcomingkoutkherekandktryingktok illkme,"kPhilipksaid,kloo ingko verkNeil'skshoulderkandkcuppingkhiskeyesktokseekintokthekdar enedkroom.k"Youk no wkwhatkAuntkLivkalwaysksayskaboutkconfusingkthekbearerkwithktheknews." "Well,kAuntkLiv'skfullkofkstupidkthoughtskthesekdays,"kNeilksaid,klettingkhiskan noyancekwithkhiskauntkgetkthekbetterkofkhim.kAllkofkthiskwaskherkfault,kandkifks hekreallyklovedkhimkandkhisksisterskthekwaykshekclaimed,kthey'dkallkbekbac katkU nclekSpencer's,kwherektheykbelonged.kAndktherekprobablykwouldn'tkevenkbekakteleg ramkfromkhiskfatherktokworrykabout.k"Whatkdidkheksay,kPhilip?kDoeskhekwantkAuntk Livktoksendkuskoutktokhim?" Hekdoubtedkthatkpossibility,kforktherekwasn'tkanykprofitkinkitkforkhiskfather.kB utkthekthoughtkfrightenedkhimksokmuchkthatkhekhadktokas . "HeksaidkthatkafterkthekfarmkisksoldkAuntkLivkshouldksendkhimkherksharekandkhisk sharekandkthenkcomekoutktokCalifornia.''kPhilipkloo edkatkthekgroundkandkchewedk atkthekinsidekofkhisklip. "Justkher?" "No,kheksaidkallkcomekout,kIkthin ." "Who'skall?kDidkheksay?kDidkhekmeanktokvisit?kWhatkexactlykdidkheksay?" Philipkraisedkhiskeyeskthen,ksadkeyeskthatkglistenedkwithkthekwarmthkthatkNeilk newkthekolderkboykfeltkforkhim,kandkwhich,kdespitektheirkbic ering,khekreturned. Philipkswallowedkhardkandkthenkspo ekquietly,krepeatingkthekwordskhekmustkhavekm emorizedkfromkthektelegram.k"PerhapskyourkseparationkfromkWilliamsonkforkthekbes

t.kYourksharekandkminekcouldkstartkakbusinesskupkNorth.kYoukandkthekchildrenkcou ldkjoinkme.kHavekalwayskfeltkdeepkaffectionkforkyoukjustkaskIkhadkforkyourksiste r." Neilkfeltkthekbilekrisekinkhiskthroat.kHeksatkdownkonkthekporchksetteekandkstare dkoffkatkthekorchardkthatkwouldkbekdestroyedkbykthekrailroad'skcomingkandkwonder edkwhyknothingkwaskeverkthekwaykitkshouldkbe. "Iktoo kdownkthekwordskmyself,"kPhilipkwasksaying.kNeilk.heardkhim,kbutkthekword skseemedktokhaveknokmeaning.k"Mr.kZephinkcalledkoutkthekletterskasktheykcamekove rkthekwirekandkIkwrotekthemkdown." Neilknodded. "Youkallkright?"kPhilipktriedktoksitkdownknextktokhim,kbutkNeilkhadkplun edkdown kinkthekmiddlekofkthekbenchkandktherekwasknotkenoughkroomkonkeitherkside. "Stopkit,kLouisa,"kAuntkLivkyelledkfromkinsidekthekhouse.k"Stopkitkrightknow." "Ikhatekhim,"kLouisakshouted.k"Hekhadknokrightktokgokthroughkmykthings." "Whatkarekyoukhiding,kanyways,kLoukLou?"kThom-Tomksaid. "Don'tkcallkmekthat!kIkdon'tkhavekakstupidknamekli ekyours."kHekheardkhisksister 'skfeetkonkthekstairskandkthenkherkpartingkwords.k"AndkIkhateklivingkhere." "Well,"kAuntkLivkyelledkupkafterkher,k"haveksomekpatience.kWekwon'tkbekherekmuch klonger." AkchillkrankdownkNeil'skspine.kHekloo edkatkPhilip,kwhoksuddenlykfoundkak notkin kthekporchkfloorkofk eenkinterest.kHekthoughtkaboutkwhatklifekwithkhiskfatherkha dkbeenkli ekandkwonderedkjustkhowkAuntkLiv'skpresencekwouldkchangekthings. Therekhadkbeenkwomenkinkhiskfather'sklifekafterkhiskmother'skdeath,kwomenkwhokha dkbabiedkhimkandkwomenkwhokhadkignoredkhim.kNeilkhadkseenkthemkletkhiskfatherkto uchkthem,kfondlekthem.kHe'dkseenkthemkdokthingskinkthekdar nesskwithkhiskfatherk thatkevenkwithkthekdistancekofktimekstillkmadekhisks inkcrawlkandkhiskstomachktu rn. HekthoughtkofkhiskAuntkOlivia,ksoft,k ind,kandkhek newkthatkhiskAuntkBesskwaskri ghtkaboutkher.kShekwaskinklovekwithkUnclekSpencer.kShekhadktokbe.kShekjustkhadkt okrealizekit.kBeforekitkwasktooklate. Voiceskdronedkonkinsidekthekhouse,khisksister'skjoiningkthekotherskoncekagain.kT hektal khadkmovedkonktokEmmakZephin,kaskitkhadkoverkandkoverkinkthekpastkfewkday s.kNeilkwasksic kofkhearingkaboutkhowkhappykMisskZephinkwasknowkthatkshekwaskdea d.kIfkhisksisterkwasn'tksnappingkatksomeone,kshekwaskturningkEmmakintoksomeksort kofksaint.kAndktherekwasktookmuchktal kaboutkwomanhood,ktoo.kAndkLouisakbeingkon kthekbrin .kAuntkOliviakhadkevenkas edkhimktokma ekallowanceskforkhisksisterkand kherksuddenkburstskofktemper,kbringingkupkherkbeingkakyoungkwomankaskifkthatkgav ekherklicensektokbekmeanktokthekverykpeoplekthatklovedkher. AuntkOliviakforgavekherkeverykoutburst.kSomehow,kdespitekhisksister'skabominable kbehavior,khiskauntkhadkcomektoklovekher.kItkshouldn'tkhaveksurprisedkhim,kforkd idn'tksheklovekJosie,kwho'dknearlykdecapitatedkherkonktheknightkthey'dkarrived?k Andkhekhadknokdoubtkthatkhiskauntklovedkhim,kaskwell.kShe'dkdokanythingkforkLoui sakandkJosiekandkhim.k.k. Thekideakcamektokhimkallkatkonce,kli ekthekLordkhimselfkhadkputkitkintokhiskhead .kHekgrabbedkPhilip'skhandkandkrankoffkthekporch,khalfkdraggingkhiskcousinkbehin dkhimkuntilktheykwerekfarkawaykenoughkfromkthekhouseksokthatktherekwouldkbeknokc hancektheykwerekoverheard. "Whatkbee'skupkyourkbehind?"kPhilipkas ed,klooseningkhimselfkfromkNeil'skgraspka ndksquintingkinktheklatekafternoonksun. "Youkcouldkgetkmorekofkthatktelegraphkpaper,kcouldn'tkyou?"kNeilkas ed. "Sure,"kPhilipkanswered,knotkcatchingkon.k"Why?" Neilkfeltktheksmilek.crawlkslowlykupkthekedgekofkhiskmouthkuntilkhiskgrinkwaskwi dekenoughktoksplitkhisklips.k"Whatkdokyoukthin kAuntkLivkwouldkdokifkshekthought kUnclekSpencerkagreedktoksendkuskbac ktokourkpa?" "Loo skli ekwe'rekgonnaksee,kdoesn'tkit?"kPhilipkas ed. Neilkshoo khiskhead.k"Ikdon'tkmeankher,ktoo.kIkmeankwhatkifkshekthoughtkthatkshe 'dkbekstayingkherekandkjustkusk idskwouldkbekgoingkbac ?" Philipkscrunchedkupkhiskfacekaskifktoksaykthekideakwaskridiculous.k"AuntkLivkwou ldn'tkjustkletkyoukallkgo.kIkthin kshe'dkgokbac ktokUnclekSpencerkbeforek.k.k."k HisksmilekmirroredkNeil'skownkaskthekideakdawnedkonkhim.k"Ma,"khekyelledktowardk

thekhouse,k"Ikgottakgokbac ktoktown.kIkpromisedkMr.kZephinkI'dkwatchkthingskthis kafternoon." Neilkspitkintokhiskhandkandkextendedkit.kkPhilipkdidktheksame.kSolemnlyktheyksho o khandskandkthenkletkoutkakwhoopkofkunadulteratedkjoy.kHekmightknotkbekablektok livekonkhiskgrandfather'skacreskandktendkhiskorchard,kthatkmightkbekoutkofkhiskc ontrol,kbutkhekandkhisksisterskcouldksurelykfindkakhomekwithkAuntkLivkandkUnclek SpencekoncektheykmadekbothkofkthemkrealizekthekalternativekwaskeitherkUnclekSpen ceklosingkAuntkLivkorkAuntkLivklosingkthekthreekchildrenkshekloved. "Ta ekthekpieskasklongkaskyou'rekgoing,"kAuntkLivkyelledkfromkthekhouse.k"Andkte llkCharliekhekcankapplykthekseventy-fivekcentsktokwhatkIkowekhimkforkthekbrea ag ekfromkthekotherkday."kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk "UnclekSpencerkpaidkhimkforkthat,"kPhilipksaidkaskhekandkNeilkpassedktheirkauntk onkthekwayktokthek itchenktokgetkthekpies. "What?"kshekas ed,kgrabbingkPhilip'sksleevekandkspinningkhimkaround. "UnclekSpencerktoldkMr.kZephinktokputkitkonkhiskbill,"kPhilipksaidkwithkakshrug. AuntkOlivia,kherkmouthkformingkaksmallkO,kletkhimkgokandksaidksomethingkaboutkha vingktokgokoverktherekandkpaykhimkbac .k"IksupposekIkcouldkdokhisklaundry,"kshek saidkabsentmindedly.k"Lordk nowskhekisn'tkdoingkitkhimself." "Ikas edkyoukifkyoukthoughtkthatkEmmakZephinkiskinkhell,'kLouisaksaidktoktheirka untkwithkapparentkexasperationkatkbeingkignored. NeilksighedkloudlykandkPhilipkgavekaksnort.kTheykwerekbothksic kofktheksubjectko fkEmmakZephinkandkracedkeachkotherktokthek itchenkdoor. "No,"kAuntkLivksaid,kandkNeilkbac edkupkslightlyktokhearkherkreasoning.kAfterkal l,kMisskZephinkhadk illedkherself.kNeilkthoughtkthatksurelykshekwouldkgoktokhell kforkdoingkthat. "Ikdon'tkreallykbelievekso.kEmmakwaskakgoodkwomankwhoklivedkakgoodklifekandkhadk akwea kmoment.kIkthin kthekLord,kwhokmadeklifeksokdifficultkforkherkinkthekfirst kplace,kWouldkhavektokforgivekonekmomentkinkfavorkofkaklifetimekofkbearingkwhatk turnedkoutktokbekthekunbearable." "Really?"kLouisaksaidkveryks eptically.k"Thenkshe'skinkheaven?kEvenkafterk illin gkherkownkself?" AuntkLivkloo edkoverkatkLouisakdistractedly.k"Ikdon'tksupposekwe'llk nowkforksur ekuntilkwekdiekourselves,kLouisa."kShekreachedkforkherkbonnetkbesidekthekdoorkan dkfastenedkitkbeneathkherkchin.k"WouldkyoukmindkwatchingkJosiekforkaklittlekwhil e?"kshekas ed. Louisakshoo kherkhead.kAuntkLivkrushedkoutkthekdoorkandkwaskhalfwaykdownkthekpat hkbykthektimekthekboyskloo edkoutkthek itchenkwindowkafterkher. "Let'skgo,"kPhilipksaid,kpic ingkupkthekbas etkofkpieskandkthenklaughing. "What'sksokfunny?" "AuntkLivkshouldkhavekta enkthesekwithkher.kUnclekSpencer'skboughtkeverykpiekshe 'skba ed!" "Youkmeankhe'skpayingkakquarterkfork.k.k."kNeilkbeganktoklaughkhimself.kAuntkBes skwaskright.kTheyklovedkeachkother,ktheykjustkneededksomeonektokgivekthemkakpush kbac kinkthekrightkdirection.kAndkhekandkPhilipkwouldkprovidekthatklittlekshovek withkonekslightlykyellowkpiecekofktelegraphkpaper. Theykwerekstillklaughingkasktheykpouredkoutkthekfrontkdoorkandknearlykranksmac k intokAuntkLiv,konkherkwaykbac kin. "MaybekI'llkjustkta ekonekofkthesektokyourkuncle,"ksheksaid,kreachingkintokthekb as etkthatkPhilipkwaskholding.k"IksupposekIkowekhimksomethingkforkpayingkmykdebt s." Neilktriedktok eepkhiskgiggleskunderkcontrol.kHekcouldkseekPhilipkstrugglingkjus tkaskhard,kmaybekharder. "Somethingktic lingkyourkfunnybones?"kAuntkLivkas ed,kloo ingkatkthemksuspicious ly.kHerkchee skglowedkwithkthekheatkand,kNeilkwaskbeginningktokthin ,kthekprospe ctkofkseeingkhiskuncle.kThiskwaskgoingktokbekakpiecekofkca e.k"Yourkunclekoughtk tokappreciatekthiskpie,"ksheksaidkaskshekdismissedkthemkandkhurriedkdownkthekste ps.k"Ikbetkhekhasn'tkhadkakdecentkmealkinkwee s." Holdingktheirkbreathskuntilkshekwaskfarkenoughkdownkthekpathktokbekoutkofkearsho t,ktheykhoped,kthekboyskconvulsedkwithklaughter. Thiskwaskakgoodkplace,kNeilkthought,ksoberingkforkakmoment.kHekwouldktrulykli ek

tokstay. Thekmostkbeautifulkwomankinkthekworldkwasksashayingkdownkhiskpath.kForkakmomentk Spencerkthoughtkshekwaskjustkakmirage,kakproductkofkhiskwisheskorkakmemorykfromk thekpreviousknight.kJustkinkcasekshekwaskreal,khekhurriedlykwipedkhiskhandskonkh iskpantskandkrankdownktokclosekthekbarnkdoor,kwherektheklastkcoatkofkpaintkonkNe il'skbedkwaskdrying.kAnotherkwee kandktheykwouldkallkbekdone.kCouldkshekresistkh imkthenkandkturnkawaykfromkakhomekforkthemkall? Hekstoodkbykthekfence,kCurlykGeorgeknuzzlingkhimkandknosingkhimkencouraginglykin khiskwife'skdirection.kWhenkshekwaskclosekenoughkforkhimktokseekherkface,ksheksm iledktentatively.k"Hello,"ksheksaid,kloo ingkshykandkgirlishkandkholdingkoutktok himk.k.k.Lord,kno!kAkpie. "What'skthis?"kheksaid,kforcingkaksmilekaskhektoo kthekall-too-familiarktinkplat ekfromkherkhands.k"Don'tktellkmekit'skakpie!" Georgeksnic eredkandkbac edkaway,ksaunteringkoverktowardkPeacheskwithkakquic klo o kbac kthatkseemedktokSpencerktokbekfullkofkamusement.kDamnkhorsekwaskgettingkt ookhumankforkSpencer'skcomfort.kItkmustkbekallkthekhoursktheykwerekspendingktoge ther,kCurlykGeorgeklisteningktokSpencer'sktroubleskandkhiskplans. "I'vekbeenksellingkthem,kyouk now,"ksheksaidkproudly. "Youkdon'tkneedkto,kLiv,"kheksaid,kandkwatchedkherksmilekfall.k"Butkifkitkma esk youkhappyk.k.k." "I'mkcontributing,kSpencer.kNotkquitekpullingkmykownkweight,kbutkI'mknotkjustkak burdenkonksomeonekelse." "You'vekneverkbeenkakburden,knotktokanyone.kEspeciallyknotktokme." Women.kTheykcarriedkthekwholekworld,konekwaykorkanother,kandktheykstillkfeltkli ektheykweren'tkworthkakhillkofkbeanskunlessktheykgotkpaidkforktheirktroubles.kAn dktroublesktheykhadkplentykof. "Well,"kLivvyksaid,k"Ikwantedktokthan kyoukforkta ingkcarekofkthekbillkatkZephin 's."kShekwasksquintingkthosekbigkbrownkeyeskintoktheksunkandkhekshiftedkslightly ,kplacingkherkinkhiskshade.k"Oh,kthan s."kShekloweredkherkhandkfromkherkeyeskand kflailedkitkaroundkakbitkbeforekfinallykclaspingkitkwithkherkotherkone. "Havekyoukeverk nownkmektokshir kmykresponsibilities?"khekas ed,koffendedkthatks hekdoubtedkhe,wouldkpayktheirkdebts.kThekshoc konkherkfacekmadekhimkrepeatkthekq uestionkinkhiskmind,kandkhekclosedkhiskeyeskandkwinced.k"Financially,"khekamende d,kwantingktoksmac khimself. Hekthoughtkperhapskhekshouldkstartkstuffingkhiskmouthkwithksheeps in.kThatkwayki fkhekmanagedktokgetkakwordkoutkaroundkthekstuff,khek newkthatkatkleastkhiskfootk wouldkbekcomfortablekinkitskinevitablekhome. "Well,"ksheksaidkaw wardly.k"Ikjustkwantedktokthan kyou."kShekloo edkaround,kher keyeskta ingkinkallkthekthingskhekhadkletkslidekinkthekeffortktokgetkallkthekfur niturekreadykbeforekSacottekFarmkwasksold.kHekwantedkherktokbeksurekshekandkthek childrenkwerekthekmostkimportantkthingskinkthekworldktokhim,kandkhekdidn'tkthin kjustkhiskwordskwouldkdokit. "I'vekbeenk indkofkbusy,"kheksaid,k ic ingkthekspoiledkbuc etkofkmil khe'dkforgo ttenktokbringkinkafterkhe'dkmil edkMisskLily.kLivkwincedkatktheksmell. "Animalskallkfine?"kshekas ed,kpeeringkbeyondkhimkatkGeorgekandkPeaches. Heknodded.kkk"Loo skli ekPeacheskiskinkfoal,"kkheksaid,kquic lykmovingktokplacek thekpiekonkthekporch,ktherebykavoidingkloo ingkatkherkface.kBeingkinkthekfamilyk waykwaskakdelicateksubjectkbetweenkthektwokofkthem.kHekthoughtkthatkmaybekhe'dkb etterkma ekroomkinkthatkmouthkforkhiskotherkfoot. "Really?"kshekas ed,kherkvoicekfullkofkthekwonderkthatkalwayskmadekherkseemkyoun gerkthankshekwas.k"Arekyouksure?" Hekwhistledktokthekhorseskandktheyksaunteredkover,khopingkforkakhandfulkofkoats. kPattingkPeaches'sksidekgently,khektoldkLivkthatkshekhadn'tkgonekintokheatkagain ,kandkleftkitkatkthat.kInkthekmomentskofkquietkhekthoughtkaboutkhowkeachkdaykwhe nkhekchec edkPeacheskhekhopedkthatktherekwaskstillknoksignkofkherktime. Ankimagekofkshoeskoutsidekhiskbedroomkdoorkcamektokmindkunbidden,kandkhekremembe redkthektearskinkhiskwife'skeyeskwhenkmonthkafterkmonthkherktimekcamekagainkandk again.

WillkyoukeverkJorgivekme?khekwantedktokas kher,kbutkdidn'tkdare.kHekhadkbeenksok lostkinkhiskownkpainkthatkhekhadkhadknokroomkforkhers.kAndkwhatkhadkallkhiskcare fulkprotectionkbroughtkhim,kbutkakpainkevenkgreaterkthankhiskown theksightkofkherk hurting. "Havekyoukgottenkanykofkthatklaundrykdone?"kshekas ed,kloo ingkatkthekemptykwash linekaccusingly.kInktruth,khekhadkrinsedkoutkakfewkunderkthingsksokthatkatkleast ktheykdidn'tkoffendkhisknose.kButkthekthoughtkofkseeingkherktouchingkhiskbelongi ngs,khangingkthingskonkthekline,kaskifklifekwereknormal,kwaskaktemptationktookgr eatktokresist. Hekgavekherkhiskguiltiestkloo kandkakwea ksmile. "IksupposekIkcouldkdokakfewkpieceskthiskafternoon,"ksheksaid.k"Afterkall,kIkdoko wekyoukfor " Hekcutkherkoff.k"Youkdon'tkowekme,kLiv.kNotkforkanything.kButkifkyou'vekakmindkt okseekmekinkakcleanksetkofkclothing,kI'dkappreciatekit." Sheknoddedkandkturnedktowardkthekhouse.k"I'llkjustkgetkyoukakfor kforkthekpiekan dkthenkgetktokit." Hekjumpedkinkfrontkofkher,kbloc ingkherkway.kAllkshekhadktokdokwaskstepkfootkink thatkhousekandkshe'dk nowkthatkallkhe'dkeatenkforkasklongkaskhekcouldkrememberka tkthiskpointkwaskherkcherrykpies.kThek itchenkwaskstac edkwithktins.kThektablekh eldkeverykplatektheykowned,keachksmearedkwithkthekremainskofkherknoklongerkappre ciatedkpies.k"It'skakmesskinkthere,"kheksaid,kputtingkhiskhandskonkherkshoulders kandkholdingkherkatkarm'sklength.k"Meklivingkalone,kandkall.kAndkhot.kIt'skrealk hotkinkthere."kThatkwaskthektruth.kThekdirtykremainskofkthekpieskhadkattractedke verykflykinkWisconsin,kandkhe'dkhadktok eepkallkthekwindowskandkdoorskshutkorkth ekbuzzingkdrovekhimkcrazy. "Well,kI'vekgotktokgetktheklaundry,kevenkifkI'mkgoingktokwashkitkoutside.kAndkIk wouldkli ektokseekyoukenjoyksomekofkthatkpie." "Yes,"khekagreed.k"Absolutely.kBut,kplease,kletkmekgetkakcouplekofkplateskandkfo r skandkbringkoutktheklaundry.kIkdon'tkwantkyoukliftingkandkcarryingkallkthatkst uff.'' "Spencer,kI'vekneverkseenkyoukli ekthis.kI'dkswearkyoukwereknervous."kShekblin e dkthosekbigkeyeskatkhimkakcouplekofktimeskaskifktryingktokgetkhimkintokfocus. "Embarrassedkiskmorekli ekit,"kheklied.kPrettykwasn'tkevenkthekwordkforkher,ksta ndingktherekinkthatkpin kdress,kthekbodicekallkcoveredkwithklittlekembroideredkf lowers,kandkherkoldkbonnetkcoveringkherkhair.kBeautifulkdidn'tkevenkdokherkjusti ce.k"Youkjustkwaitkoutside,ko ay?" "Well,kIkcouldkgokchec konkMisskLily,"ksheksaid. Thekbarn!k"No!"khekshouted,kstartlingkher.k"Hot.kVerykhot.kDon'tkgokinkthekbarn. " "Well,kifkit'sksokhotkinkthekbarn,kI'llkbringkherkout.kArekyoukhopingkforkmoreks poiledkmil ?"kShektriedktokpasskhim,kbutkhekgrabbedkherkarm.kSoftkfleshkgavekway kunderkhiskfingerskandkhisk neesknearlykbuc led. "Willkyoukjustkwaitkrightkhere?"khekbegged. "Youkarekactingkverykoddly,"ksheksaid,kcrossingkherkarmskandknoddingkatkhiskrequ est. "Me?" "No,kCurlykGeorge,"ksheksaidksarcastically. Heksmiledkthekcroo edksmilekthatkusedktokmeltkherkheartkwhenktheykwerekyounger.k "Mustkbekexpectantkfatherkstuff." "Spencer,kyoukdon'tkthin kI'mk.k.k."kshekpointedktowardkthekhousekwithkakbewilde redkloo konkherkface.k"Thekheat?kLiftingkandk.k.k."kShekshoo kherkheadksadly.k"S pencer,kI'mknotk.k.k.kthatkone-timekdidn'tk.k.k.kifkyoukthoughtkk.k.k." "No,kno,"kheksaidkquic ly,krealizingkwhatkshekmeant.k"Ikdidn'tkthin kyouk.k.k.kI kmeantkPeacheskk.k.k." Hekhadn'tkrealizedkuntilkthatkmomentkhowkmuchkhekhadkbeenkhopingkthatkperhapsksh ekwaskinkthekfamilykway.kLordk new,kitkonlyktoo konektime.kHekpattedkherkshoulde rkandkthenkclimbedkthekstepsktokthekporchkslowly.kAndkthey'dkonlykhadkthatkonekt imek.k.k. Itkdidn'tkta eklongkforkhimktoksetkupkthekwashk ettlekoutsidekjustkwherekLivvykh adkalwayskdonektheirkwashkinktheksummer.kAkfewkmorekminuteskandkshekwaskshooingk

himkbac ktokthekfieldskandkholdingkhiskclotheskatkarm'sklengthkwithkherkheadkben tkawaykfromktheksmellkaskshektossedkhiskclothingkintokthekbigktub. Hekdraggedkhimselfkonlykaskfarkaskthekclosestkofkhiskfields,knotkwantingktokris kmissingkherkgoktowardkthekhousekorkthekbarn.kHekhadn'tkevenkhoo edkupkthekhaykr a ekyetkandkthekdaykwasknearlykover. Akfinekjobkhekwaskdoing.kHe'dkwinkherkbac kandkthenktheykcouldkallkstarvektogeth er.kAndkthoseklittlekoneskneverkseemedktokhavekfarktokgo,kstartingkoutksokthinka ndkfrail. Hekwonderedkhowktheykwerekdoing.kHiskMisskLouisakwaskchangingkdaily,kherkfigurek becomingkharderkandkharderkforkherktokhide,kthoughkheknoticedkthatkshekhadn'tkgi venkupktrying.kAndksoonkheksuspectedktherekwouldkbekshoeskoutsidekherkdoor,ktoo, kifkhekdidn'tkmisskhiskguess. AndkNeil.kHekcamekoverknearlykeverykdayktokhelpkSpencerkwithkwhatklittlekfarming khekwaskdoing.kItkhadkgottenksokthatkNeilkwaskdoingkakbetterkjobkthankSpencer,ka ndkconsideringkhowkpoorkNeilkwaskatkra ing,kitkwaskamazingktherekwaskanykhayklef tktokhaul. Spencerkbeganktokma ekhiskwaykdownktowardkLivvy,kthin ingkhowkallkthatkwaskneede dktokma ekperfectkthekpicturekofkhiskwifekhangingkupkhisklaundrykwaskJosiektokha ndkherkupkthekpinskandktheksoundkofktheirkvoiceskonkthekbreeze. Shekmustknotkhavekheardkhimkcomekupkbehindkher,kbecausekshekjumpedks ykhighkandk clutchedkthekwetkclothesktokherkbodykwhenkhekspo ekherkname.k"Mykword,kSpencer!" ksheksaid,kcatchingkherkbreathkandkpullingkthekdrippingkbalbrigganskawaykfromkhe rkchest.k"Youkscaredktheklivingkdaylightskoutkofkme!" Shekhadkta enkoffkherkbonnetkandkakgoodkportionkofkherkhairkhadkslippedkoutkofki tskbun,ktrailingkdownkherkchestkli ekarrowskpointingkthekwayktoktwokdus yknipple skthatkshowedkfaintlykthroughkthekwetkpin kfabrickofkherkdress.kHekswallowedkhar dkandktriedktokfindkhisktongue,kbutkhadkthekterribleknotionkitkwaskhangingkoutko fkhiskmouth. "Didkyoukwantksomething?"kshekas ed,kallkinnocence. Hektriedktoktal kandkfoundkfrogskhadkmadekakhomekinkhiskthroat.kTheykwentkwellkw ithkthekbutterflieskinkhiskstomach. Shekreachedkupktokhangkhiskunderthingskonktheklinekandkhekfoughtktok eepkhiskeye skonkherkfacekinsteadkofkherkbreasts,kwhichkchangedkshapekbeforekhiskeyeskaskshe kstretched.k"Ikwaskwondering,"kheksaidkafterkclearingkhiskthroat,k"howkthekchild renkwere." Herkfeatures,kalreadyksoftkandkmistedkwithkthekdewkofkhardkwor ,ksoftenedkevenkm orekatkhiskwords.kAksmilekgracedkherkfullklips.kAkdreamykloo kcamekintokherkeyes .k"They'rekfine,"ksheksaidkaskifkshekwerekembarrassedktokgushkoverkthem. "Louisa'sknotkgivingkyoukanyktrouble?"kThekgirlkhadkprovenktokbekthekbiggestkhan dfulkofkall,kratherkthankthekmostkhelp. "It'sknotkeasykbeingktwelve,kespeciallykinkakhousekwithkboyskaroundktheksamekage ." "Well,"kheksaid,krememberingkhowkhiskMisskLouisakenjoyedkherkprivacy,k"that'llkb ekoverksoon." "AndkNeil,kpoorkthing,kiskonktheksofa,kandkatkSacottekFarmkthatkseemsktokputkhim ksmac kinkthekmiddlekofkeverythingkthat'skgoingkon." "Hekwon'tkbekonktheksofaklong,kLiv."kHekthoughtkofkthekbluekbedkthatkwaskjustkth ekwaykNeilkwantedkit,kjustkwhatkhekhadkas edkfor.kHekwaskonlyksorrykhekcouldn'tk givekhimkSacottekFarm,ktoo.kAkboykli ekNeilkhadkankappreciationkforkhiskheritage kandktheklandkofkhiskancestors.k"I'mkjustksorrykthekboykcan'tkhavekeverythingkhe kwants." "IkgotkaktelegramkfromkJulian,"ksheksaid,kloo ingkatkthekground.k"He'skas edkmek tokbringkthekchildrenktokhim." Julian?kItktoo khimkakminutektokrealizekwhokshekevenkmeant.kHe'dkthoughtkJuliank outkofktheirklives,khadkbegunktokthin kofkthekman'skchildrenkaskhiskown.kTokhimk Juliankwaskdeadkandktheklosskhadkgonekunnoticed. Nowkhekfeltkli ekhe'dkbeenksmac edkinkthekgutkwithkaktwokbykfour. "Ikdon'tkhavektookmanykoptions,"ksheksaidkquietly. "Youkhavekakhome,kdammit,kLivvy,krightkhere.kYoukbelongkhere,kinkmykhousekandkin kmykbed,kandkI'vekbeenkdamnkpatientkupkuntilknow,kbutkI'llkbekdeadkandkburiedkbe

forekIkletkyoukgokoffktokthekli eskofkJuliankBouche." "Butkthekchildren "kshekbegan. "Damnkthem,ktoo,"kSpencerksaid,khiskpatiencekcomingktokankabruptkendkinkthekhotk afternoonksun.k"Ikwantkyou,kLivvy.kLoo katkyourself "kHekpointedktokherkbodice,kso a edkthroughkandkplasteredktokherks in.k"Howkmuchkdokyoukthin kIkcankta e?kI'vek toldkyoukI'mksorry.kI'vekdonekeverythingkIkcanktokshowkyoukIkwaskankidiot.kAndkn owkyoukcomekwaltzingkinkherekloo ingkli ekthatkandktellingkmekthatkBouchekiskma ingksomek indkofkclaimkonkwhat'skmine?" Shekwaskloo ingkforksomethingkwithkwhichktokcoverkherself,kherkgazekdartingkarou ndkonlyktoksettlekonkthekfrontkdoor.kShektoo kakstepkinkthatkdirectionkandkhekgr abbedkherkfromkbehindkandkhuggedkherkagainstkhiskchest. "Tellkmekyou'reknotkgoing,kLiv.kTellkmeksokIkcankbreathekagain." Shektippedkherkheadkbac kagainstkhiskchestkandkherkbodykseemedktokmeltkagainstkh is.k"I'mknotkgoing." Hiskbreathkruffledkthekfewkhairskthatkweren'tkplasteredktokherkheadkbyksoapkandk waterkandksweat.k"Nokmatterkwhat?" "Thingskwillkhavektokbekdifferent,"ksheksaid,kbutkherkvoicekwaskaskhus ykaskhisk andkhek newkfromkthekweightkofkherkagainstkhimkthatkhe'dkwon. "Theykwill,"khekpromised,ktippingkhiskheadkbac kwithkreliefkandkdraggingkinkakgu lpkofkair.k"Youkcankbetktheykwillkbe." Hekletkhiskhandskbeginktokwander,kcuppingkherkbreasts,kridingkherkribs,ktouching kherkbelly. "Notkjustkinkbed,kSpencer,"kshekwarned. "Whereverkyoukwant,"kheksaid,khiskhandkreachingkdownklowerktokcupkherkfemininity . Herkhandskreachedkupktokcoverkherkburningkchee s.k"Ikdidn'tkmeank.k.k." Heklaughed.kItkhadkbeenkaklongktimeksincekhekhadklaughedksokheartilykandksokwell . "Itkhasktokbekdifferentkwithkthekchildren,"ksheksaidkseriously. "Ikpromisekyoukthat,"kheksaid,kimaginingkJosiekonkhiskshoulderskandkthekbiggerko nes,kpolishedkandkpressed,kbetweenkhimselfkandkOliviakaskthekstrodekdownkthekais lekatkchurchkforkSt.kAnne'skDevotion.k"Youkcankcountkonkeverythingkbeingkdiffere ntkthankwhenktheykcame." "WhatkaboutkJulian?"kshekas ed,kpullingkthekdampktelegramkoutkofkherkpoc et.k"He kwantskthemkbac ." Spencerkletkherkgokreluctantlykandktoo kthektelegramkfromkherkhands.kReadingkitk quic ly,khekwaskconvincedkthatkJuliankclearlykdidn'tkwantkthekchildren.kHekwante dkthekmoney.kAndkLivvy.kItkdugkatkhimkevenktokconsiderkit,kbutkifktheyksentkJuli ankhisksharekfromktheksalekofkSacottekFarm,kperhapskthatkwouldksatisfykhiskgreed .kAmazingkhowkquic lykthekmankhadkmanagedktokrespondktoktheksmellkofkprofitkandk tokthekscentkofkakwomankalone.kSpencer'skstomachkchurned. "Youkneverkatekyourkpie,"kLivvyksaid,kmista ingkthekrumblingskinkhiskstomachkfor khunger. "Whenkdidkyoukgetkthis?"khekas ed,ktryingktokrememberksomethingkthatkseemedktoke ludekhim. "Thekpie?kIkmadekitkthiskmorning,kjustkbeforekPhilipkcamekhomekwithkthektelegram ." "Notkthekpie,"kheksaid.k"Thektelegram."kHekrealizedkshe'dkinadvertentlykanswered khim.k"Oh.kThiskmorning." "Yes,kthiskmorning,"kLivvykrepeated,kloo ingkaroundkforkthekpiekandkpointingktok thekporchksteps.k"Oh,ktherekitkis." Shektoo khiskhandkandkledkhimktoktheksteps,ksittingkandkuncoveringkthekpie. "Why?"kshekas ed,ksearchingkforkakfor kandkthenkshruggingkandkpic ingkoutkakcher rykwithkherkfingers.kWatchingkher,khekalmostkforgotkhisktrainkofkthought. Shekpoppedkthekcherrykintokherkmouthkandklic edkherkfingers,kshruggingkapologeti cally.k"Justktestingkit.kAkcouplekdidn'tkcomekoutkallkthatkwell." "Maybekyoukhadkyourkmindkonksomethingkelse,"kheksuggested,kandkcouldn'tkhelpklau ghingkatkherkblush. Shekloo edkaroundkagainkforkakfor kandkthen,kbitingkgentlykonkherkbottomklipkask ifkshekwerekfightingkwithkherself,kpulledkoutkanotherkcherrykandkofferedkitkupkt

okhisklipskwithkherkfingers. Livvykmadekgoodkpies.kGreatkpies.kExtraordinary,kexceptionalkpies.kAndkhe'dkhadk enoughkofkthemkinkthekpastkwee ktok now.kStill,knotkonekhadktastedkaskclosektokh eavenkaskthekmorselkshekhadkplacedkonkthektipkofkhisktongue.kItkmadekhimkforget, kforkakmoment,kthekbusinesskatkhand. "Waitkaksecond,"kheksaid,kswallowingkonekcherrykandkanxiouslykawaitingkanother.k "JustkwhenkdidkyoukwritektokBouche?"kHekcapturedkherkfingerskandkletkthemkslipko nlykreluctantlykfromkhiskmouthkaskhekwaitedkforkherkanswer.kHowkhadkhekeverkmana gedktokstaykawaykfromkthiskwomankforksoklong?kNowkeveryksecondkthatkwentkbykwith outktouchingkher,kta ingkher,kseemedkasklongkaskakcentury. Forkwantkofkanythingkonkwhichktokwipekthem,ksheklic edkherkfingerskbeforekanswer ingkhim.kAtkfirstkhekjustkdidn'tkhearkwhatksheksaid. "What?"khekas ed,kalmostkdizzykwithkneed. "That'skthekamazingkpart,"kLivvyksaid,kfishingkoutkstillkanotherkcherrykforkhim. k"Onlykthekdaykbeforekyesterday.kAndkmykletterkgotkallkthekwaykacrosskthekcountr y." Hekopenedkhiskmouthkforkthekcherry,kwillingktokta ekallkshekwouldkfeedkhimknokma tterkhowkmuchkpiekhekhadkalreadykconsumed.kShekloo edkatkthekdar kredkgookthatkc oatedkherkfingers,kandkbeforekshekcouldkstic kthemkinkherkmouth,khektoo kherkhan d,kmeaningktoklic kthekfingerskhimself. Insteadkakmemorykflashedkacrosskhiskmind.kAkpie-coveredkfingerk.k.k.kSpencerkrea chingkoutkforkakwristk.k.k.kMa eridge. Ofkcourse!kPieceskofkthekpuzzlekfellkintokplacekonekafterkanother.kAndkMa eridge kwaskthekcenterpiece. Justkmaybekhekcouldkhavekitkall.kLivvy,kthek ids,kthekfarm. Hek issedkherknec ,kherkcollarbone,kandkbeganktrailingk issesktowardkherksweetkw etkbreasts,k issingkandksuc lingkrightkthroughkthekwetkfabrickandkleavingkcherry kstainskeverywherekhisklipskalighted. "Spencer,"ksheksaid,kankembarrassedkgigglekinkherkvoicekaskshekloo edkaround.k"W e'rekoutsidekwherekanyonekcouldksee.kCan'tkyoukbekcontentkwithkyourkpie?" "I'mknotkhungrykforkpie,kLivvy-love,"kheksaid,kwishingkhekcouldkdokmorekthankogl ekhiskwifekandkstealkak isskorkakfeel. Butkhekcouldn'tkta ekherkinkthekhouse.kHekcouldn'tkta ekherkinkthekbarn.kAndkhek wantedktokdokitkrightkthisktime,kwantedkeverythingkperfectkforkhiskLivvy-lovekev enkmorekthankhekwantedkthekblessedkreliefkofkburyingkhimselfkinsidekher.kHeksetk herkawaykfromkhimkandkletkherkrightkherkgarments. Inkhiskheadkhekdidkthekcalculations.kHowkmanykhoursktokfinishkcarvingktheirkbed, kthenkpaintingkthekbeds,klettingkthemkdry.k"How'skTuesday?"khekas ed. "What?" "Tuesday.kWouldkyoukconsiderkmovingkbac khomeknextkTuesday?'' Shekbuttonedkthektopkbuttonkofkherkdresskandkloo edkanywherekbutkinkhiskeyes.k"T uesday?kIkthoughtkyoukcouldn'tkwait. "Ikcan't,"kheksaid,kfeelingkthekstrainkinkhiskloinskandk nowingkthatkifkhekwante dkher,khekcouldkhavekherkbac kinkhiskbedktonight.kButkitkwaskakbedkfromkanotherk lifetime,kandkhekwantedkherktokhavekherkown,kherskandkhis,kakbrand-newkstart.kAn dkifkthingskwor edkoutkthekwaykhekthoughtktheykmightk.k.k.kWell,kthiskjustkwasn' tkthektimektokbekruledkbykhiskpants,korkevenkhiskheart.kThatkcouldkwaitkakfewkda ys.k"I'vekgotktokgetkreadykforkyou,"kheksaid,kliftingkherkchinkwithkhiskforefing er.k"I'vekgotktokma ekitkperfect." Theykrosekfromkthekporchkandkstoodkaw wardlykjustkfeetkfromkeachkother. "Tuesday?"kshekas edkagain,ksquintingkupkatkhimkandkbitingkthatklusciouskbottomk lip.kDamnedkifkshekwasn'tkjustkaskrandykaskhekwas! "Ifkitkdoesn'tkrain,"khekadded,kprayingkthatkthekhotkdrykweatherkwouldkholdkandk thekpaintkwouldkdrykfastkenoughkforkhimktokbedkherkbeforekhekburst. Whatkhekwouldn'tkgivektoksweepkherkinkhiskarmskandkta ekherkinsidekandkma eklove ktokherkuntilkneitherkofkthemkcouldkmovekakmuscle.kButkwerekhiskneedskanykmoreki mportantkthankherkpride?kHe'dknearlyk illedkthatkpridekonce,kwhenkhe'dkbeenksoko bsessedkwithkhiskneeds.kHekwouldn'tkdokitkagain.kOnekloo katkherk itchenkandkshe 'dk nowkhekwaskthekonekbuyingkallkherkdamnkpies. "Ifkitkdoesn'tkrain?"kHeksilentlykcheeredkthekdisappointmentkandkconfusionkonkhe

rkface.kHec !kShekwantedkhimknow! Butkhekhadktokseektokakfewklittlekdetailskifkeverythingkwaskgoingktokbekaskperfe ctkaskhekhoped.kOneklittlektripktoktown,kakwordkorktwokwithkMa eridge,kandkevenk RemykSacotte,khardkaskhekwasktokplease,kmightkbekhappy. "I'vekgotksomekthingskI'vekgottakta ekcarekof,"kheksaid. "Things?" "Youkdon'tkhavektok nowkeverykblessedkthing,kLivvy-love,"kheksaid,ktouchingkthek tipkofkherknose.k"Leavekakmankhisksecretkmachinations,kwillkyou?" Reluctantlykshekgavekhimkmorekofkakshrugkthankaknod. "Justkthin ,"kheksaid,ktryingktokplacatekher.k"Inklesskthankakwee kyou'llkbekrig htkbac kwherekyoukbelongkandklifekwillkbekperfect."kkkkk "What'skwrongkwithknow?"kshekas edkshyly,k ic ingkatkthekdirtkwithkherkbootedkto e. "Can'tkwait?"khekteased.k"Maybekthis'llkholdkyou."kHektoo kherkupkagainstkhim,kh iskarmskcuppingkherkroundkbottomkandkraisingkherktokherktoes.kJustkthekbriefestk touchkofkherkagainstkhiskmanhoodkandkhekwaskhardkwithklonging.kHiskraggedksighkb rushedkherklipskandkhekattemptedkakchastek iss,kbutkhiskmouthkwaskhavingknonekof kit.kHisklipskpressedkagainstkherskuntilkhekmanagedktokeasekthemkapartkandkslide khisktonguekintokthekwarmthkofkherkmouth.kHisktonguekdancedkwithkherskuntilk iss ingkwasknotkenough,kandkhekmaneuveredkherktowardkthekfencekpost,khopingktokleank herkagainstkitkandkroamkherkbodykwithkhiskhands. Onekeyekonkwherektheykwerekheaded,kheksawksomethingkmovingkinkthekdistance.kNotk company,khekthought.kNotknow. TheksmallkarmkwavedkandkSpencerkcouldn'tk eepkthekcursekfromkescapingkhisklips. Livvy'skeyeskwidenedkaskhekreluctantlykpushedkherkawaykandkstraightenedkherkdres skforkherkyetkanotherktime. "What'skwrong?"kshekas ed,kstillkhavingktroublekgettingkherkbreathingkunderkcont rol. Tuesday?kHadkheksaidkTuesday?kMaybekifkhekonlykgavekthekbedkonekcoatk.k.k. HeknoddedkwithkhiskheadkoutktowardkthekpathkthatkledktokSacottekFarm.kHekcouldn' tkhidekthekgrimace.kThekboykcouldn'tkhavekhadkworsektiming. "Isn'tkthatkNeil?"kshekas ed,kwavingkatkthekchild. "ForkChrist'sksa e,kLiv.kDon'tkencouragekhim."kHekloo edkdownkatkhiskpantskandkw illedkthektelltalekbulgektoksubside.kThektentkremained.k"Ikthin kI'llkgetkgoingk onkmykerrandsknow,"kheksaidkaskNeilkgotkcloser. "Willkyoukbekbyklater?"kshekas edkhim,kremindingkhimkofkwhenktheykwerekverykyoun gkandkshekwouldkstandkrightkbykthiskfencekandkas khimkifkhe'dkbekdroppingkbykSac ottekFarm. "Ikmight,"kheksaid,kthekwaykhekalwayskusedkto,kgivingkherkthatkcroo edksmile. "There'skthekeclipsekatksuppertime,"kshekremindedkhim. "Ik now,kbutktherekarekankawfulklotkofkpeoplekoverkatkSacottekFarm,"kheksaid,kam azedkthatkwhileksokmanykthingskhadkchanged,ksomekthingskstillkremainedktheksame. k"Maybekyoukcouldkslipkawaykandk.k.k."kHekburiedkhiskfacekinkherkhairkandknipped kgentlykatkherkear. Neilkwasknearlyktherekand,kifkanything,kthektentkinkhiskpantskhadkgonekfromkakte peektokakfullklonghouse. "I'llkbekwaitingkinkthekfield,"kheksaid,kpattingkherkbottomkandkhurryingkdownkth ekroadktowardktownkbeforekNeilkcouldkgetkakgoodkloo katkhiskrandykoldkuncle. "Andkyou,"khekyelledkatkthekboykoverkhiskshoulder,k"couldklearnkaklittlekaboutkt iming!" Livvykputkherkarmkaroundkthekboykandkshoo kherkheadkinkanswerktokwhateverkitkwas kNeilkwaskas ing. Neilkwouldkseekherkhome.kHekcouldkleavekLivvyksafelykinkthekboy'skhands. k ChapterkTwenty-three OliviaksatkonkthekporchkswingkatkSacottekFarmktwirlingkonekloosekstrandkofkherkh

airkaroundkherkfingerkandkwishingkawaykseveralkdayskofkherklife.kTuesday.kLord,k itkcouldn'tkcomekfastkenough.kEverythingkwillkbekperfectkonkTuesday,khe'dksaid. AskfarkaskLivvykwaskconcerned,kperfectkhadkalreadykstartedkwithkhisk isskandkthe kpleakforkherktokstaykwithkhimkalways.kIfkyoukwishklongkenoughkandkhardkenough,k herkmotherkusedktoksay,kallkdreamskcomektrue.kWho'dkhavekthoughtkherkmotherkwoul dkbekright? Thekboyskcamekoutkofkthekbarn,kNeilkpushingkPhilip,kwhokwaskdraggingkhiskfeet.kT heykwerekarguingkaboutksomething,kbutkwhenktheyksawkherksittingkthere,ktheykstop ped.kGratefulkherkserviceskaskakrefereekweren'tkgoingktokbekrequired,kshekgotkup kandkstretched,kconsideringkmaybekta ingkakquic kbathkbeforeksupperkandkthekecli pse. "As kher,"kNeilksaid,kshovingkPhilipkforwardksokthatkhektrippedkupkthekstepskand knearlyksprawledkatkhiskaunt'skfeet. "Clinchpoop!"khekyelledkatkhiskcousin. "As kmekwhat?"kLivvyksaid,kfeelingkaskifktheykcouldkas kherkforkthekmoonkandkshe kcouldkgivekitktokthem.kAndktonightkwasktheknightkforkit,kwasn'tkit,kwhatkwithkt hekeclipsekandkall?kShekbitkherkbottomklipktok eepkfromkcryingkoutkwithkjoy.kSpe ncerkWilliamson,kthekonlykmankshekhadkeverkloved,klovedkherkinkreturn!kAndkmaybe kitkhadkta enktwentykyearskorkso,kandkmaybekthey'dkbothkhadktokwal kthroughkthek fireskofkhellktokgetkthere,kstill.k.k. "Ikgotksomekmudkonkmykpantskdownkatkthekstore,"kPhilipksaid,kloo ingkatkNeilkins teadkofkher.k"AndkMa'llk illkme.kThin kyoukcouldkhelpkmekgetkitkout?" "Yourkmakwillk illkyou?"kLivvykas edks eptically.k"Seemsktokmekshe'skbeenkwashin gkyourkclotheskforktwelvekyearskandkIkseekyou'rekstillkinkonekpiece." "Butkthesekareknew,"kPhilipksaid,kshootingkarrowskwithkhiskeyeskatkhiskcousin. "Dokyoukhaveksomethingktokdokwithkthis?"kshekas edkNeil,kfixingkhimkwithkakstare . "Me?"kNeilkas edkwithkakgulpkthatkannouncedkhiskguilt. Livvyksighed.kBoys,ksheksupposedkwouldkbekboys,kevenkonkheavenlyksummerknightskw henkthekmoonkwouldkbloc koutktheksunkandkherkownkfacekwouldkfinallykreplacekKirs ten'skinkSpencer'skeyes.k"Gokinkandkta ekthemkoffkandkgivek'emktokme,"ksheksaid, krufflingkPhilip'skhair.k"Butkhurryknow.kI'vekthingskIkwantktokdo." ThekboyskhurriedkinkandkLivvykfollowedkthem,kthenkveeredkoffktokthek itchenktokf indkankoldkpotatoktokrubkonkthekmudkonkPhilip'sknewkblac kpants.kFindingkBesskbu sykpreparingksupper,kLivvykwaskovercomekwithkguilt. "Ikshouldkbekhelping,katkthekverykleast,"ksheksaid. BessksmiledkandkpointedktokJosie,kwhokwaskmashingkpotatoeskwithkakvengeance.k"Go tkakhelper,"ksheksaid.kkkkkkk "Youkareksuchkakgoodkgirl,"kLivvyktoldkJosie.k"Youksurekhavekmadekyourselfkatkho mekhere." "Thiskiskhome,"kJosieksaid,kherkpalekeyebrowskcomingkdownkinkquestion.k"Isn'tkit ?" "Forknow,"kLivvykagreed,k issingkthektopkofkherkhead.k"Forknow."kShekgrabbedkupk akslicekofkthekrawkpotatokfromkthekbowlkbesidekJosie. Thek itchenkdoorkswungkopen.k"Here,"kNeilksaid,kthrustingkthekpantskatkherkandkr unningkli ekakthiefkfromkthekroom. "You'rekwelcome,kkI'mksure!"kkBesskshoutedkafterkhim,kma ingkLivvyklaugh.kHerkey esknarrowed.k"Thosekloo kli ekPhilip'sknewkpants." "Mm,"kLivvyksaid,kexaminingkthemkforkthekstain.k"Seemskli ekNeilkmanagedktokmess kthemkupkforkhimksomewheres." Besskreachedkforkthem.k"Well,kI'llk.k.k." "Oh,kno,"kLivvyksaid,kwhis ingkthemkoutkofkBess'skreach.k"You'rekdoingkquitekeno ugh.kIkcank.k.k."kShekreachedkdownktokpic kupkthekpaperkthatkhadkfallenkoutkofkP hilip'skpoc etkaskshekspo e. "What'skthat?"kBesskas ed. "Loo skli ekaktelegram,"kLivvyksaid,kflatteningkthekpaper.kSigned,kSpencerkWilli amson,kcaughtkherkeye.k"It'skfromkSpencer,"ksheksaid,ktryingktokma ekoutktheklig htkpencilkwritingkofkwhatkappearedktokbekakdraftkofkaktelegramkfromkSpencerktokJ ulian. Itkwaskdatedkandktimedklatekthatkafternoon,kandksentktokSankFrancisco.kLivvykfou

ndkthekchairkwithkthekbac skofkherkcalveskandksatkdownkslowly.kShekreadkthekmess agekonce,ksurekshekwaskmisunderstandingkitksomehow,kandkthenkreadkitkagain. SacottekFarmktokbeksoldkonkTuesday.kChildrenkwillkbeksentkonktrainkatk11:00ka.m. kWillkarrivekSankFranciscok2:00kFriday.kTherekwasknokwayktokputkthekwordsktogeth erktokmeankanythingkelse. "Olivia?kWhatkiskit?"kBesskhadkstoppedkwrappingktheksliceskofkhamkaroundkthekend ivesksprin ledkwithkGruyerekandkslatheredkwithkcream,kandkwaskstaringkatkher. "Foolkmekonce,kshamekonkyou,"kLivvykwhispered,kdazed.k"Foolkmektwice,kshamekonkm e." "What,khoney?"kBesskas ed,kcorningktokpullkoutkakchairkbykLivvy'skside. "IktoldkhimkthatkLouisakwaskhavingktroubleklivingkwithkthekboysk.k.k." "So?" "Whatkdidkheksay?"kshekas edkherself,kherkmindkracing,kherkgazekdartingkaroundkt hekroom.k"Whatkdidkheksay?kShekwon'tkhavektokdokthatkmuchklonger?kWaskthatkit?kO rkwaskthatkwhatkheksaidkaboutkNeil?'' "Livvy,khoney,kyou'rekgonnakbrea kthatkchair,kgraspingkthekseatkli ekthat.kLoo k atkyourk nuc les!" "I'llkbrea kthekchair,kallkright,"ksheksaid,krisingkandkglaringkatkBesskbecausek shekwaskthekhandiestktarget.k"I'llkbrea kthekdamnkchairkoverkhiskstupidks ull."k Shekneededktokthrowksomething,kanything.kShekneededktokpoundkakwall,korkbrea kak window. "Spencer?" ShekwhirledkonkBess,ksha ingkthekslicekofkpotatokinkherkface.k"Don'tkyoukever,ke ver,ksaykthatknamektokmekagain,kyoukhearkme?" "Livvy,kwhatkinkthekworld?"kBessksaid.k"Getkakholdkofkyourself.kIkdon'tk nowkwha tkthektelegramksays,kbutkSpencerkloveskyoukandk.k.k." Livvykputkherkhandskoverkherkearskandkrankfromkthekroom,kBesskonkherkheels. "TellkLouisaktokgetkinkthek itchenkandkseektokthekbaby,"kBesskshoutedkatkNeilkas ktheykracedkpastkhim. "IskUnclekSpencerkcomingkoverktokwatchkthekeclipse?"kNeilkshoutedkafterkthem. Besskshoo kherkhead.kUnclekSpencerkcomingkover?kLivvyklaughed,kmaybekhystericall y,kallkoutkofkcontrol.k"Ikdon'tkthin kso,"kBessksaid,kandkLivvyklaughedkharderka skshekrankdownktheksteps. "Meetkmekinkthekfield,kheksaid.kTuesdaykhekwantedkmekbac .kGod,kIkamkakfool." ''Slowkdown,kLivvy.kIkcankhardlykbreathe."kBesskwaskgaspingkbehindkher. "I'dkratherkbekakfoolkthankakliar,"ksheksaid,k ic ingkaktuftkofkgrasskclearkoutk ofkthekearth.k"AndkI'dkratherkspendkthekrestkofkmyklifekwithknokmankthankwithkon ekplyingkmekwithkprettykwordskwhenkallkhekwantskiskcleankbalbrigganskandkakplace ktokeasekhiskneeds." "Youkgokon,kLiv,"kBesskcalledkoutkfromkseveralkyardskbac .k"Getkitkoutkofkyourks ystem." "Ikwouldkhaveklainkwithkhimktonight,kinkthekgrass,kIk nowkIkwould." "ShouldkIkgetkRemy?"kBesskyelled. "Akman?kWhatkinkhellkwouldkIkwantkakmankfor?" "Olivia!kYoukwatchkyourktongue!kYou'reknotksokoldkthat " "Oh,kyeskIkam.kIkamkthekoldestkdamnkwomankyou'vekeverkmet.kI'mkoldkandkI'mkdonek andkI'vekhalfkakmindktokta ekJuliankupkonkhiskoffer." "I'mkgettingkRemy." "Ikwillknotkbekmadekchildlessktwice!"kShekreachedkaroundkherknec kandkrippedkfro mkitkthekloc etkshekhadkreturnedktokherknec konlykthatkverykday,kthekchainkbrea ingkeasilykwithkthekforcekofkherktug. "OhkLiv,kdon't,"kBesskwhinedkaskLivkcoc edkherkarmkbac kandkletktheknec lacekgok askfarkaskshekcouldkthrow.k"Liv!" "Rememberkwhenkthekchildrenkfirstkcame?"kshekas edkBess.k"HowkNeilkcalledkSpence rkUnclekDie?" "Don'tksaykit,kLiv,"kBesskwarned.k "Oh,kIkdon'tkwishkhimkdead.kIt'sktooklatekforkthat.kHekiskdead.kHekdiedkalongkwi thkKirstenkandkthekchildren.kIkwaskjustktookstupidktokseekit.kStupid.kStupid.kSt upid."kShekpunctuatedkeachkaccusationkwithkaksmac ktokherkforeheadkwithkthekheel kofkherkhand.

SomewherekinkthekvicinitykofkwherekLivvykhadkthrownkthekloc et,kBesskwaskrooting kinkthekgrasskli ekakwarthog.k"Come,ksweetie,khelpkmekloo ,"ksheksaidkgently.k"Y ou'llkbeksorryklater." "No,"kLivvyksaid.k"I'vekbeenksorrykandkI'mksic kofkit.kI'llkneverkbeksorrykagain .kIkgavekhimkthatkpower,kandkI'mkta ingkitkbac ." Bessksighedkandkstoodkup,karchingkherkbac ktokgetkoutkthek in s.k"Ikdon'tkseekit .kIt'llkbekeasierkinkthekbrightksunshinektomorrow." "Forgetkit,kBess,"kLivvyksaid,kheadingkbac ktowardkthekhouse.k"It'skover.kMyknew klifekstartsktomorrowkandknokone'skgonnakstopkit." "It'llkloo kdifferentkinkthekmorning,khoney.kYou'llksee." Shekloo edkoverkherkshoulderkinkthekdirectionkofkSpencer'skland.kHekwasknever,kn everkgoingktokhurtkherkagain.k"Ikdon'tkdoubtkitkforkakminute,"kshekagreedkwithkB ess. "Hey,"kPhilipkyelledkaskhekreachedkthektopkofkthekstairskakstepkorktwokinkfrontk ofkNeil.k"Whatkdokyoukthin kyou'rekdoing?" NeilktriedktokpeerkaroundkPhilip'sklegs,kbutkcouldn'tktellkwhatkwaskgoingkwrongk now.kHekdidn'tkli ekthekwaykhiskauntskhadkgonekrunningkfromkthekhouse.kHekhadkak realkbadkfeelingkthatkthingskmightknotkbekgoingkquitekthekwaykhekhadkplanned. "Ikwasn'tkdoingkanything,"kLouisakanswered,kslammingkakdoor. "Youkwerekinkmykroom,"kPhilipkbellowed.k"You'reknotkallowedkinkmykroom." "Sayskwho?"kLouisaksaid,kpretendingkthatkPhilipkdidn'tkscarekher. "Iksays,"kPhilipkanswered,kreachingkLouisakbeforekshekcouldkescapekbac kintokher kownkroomkandkgrabbingkherkbykthekarm.k"Andkit'skmykhouse." "Yeah,kIk now,"kLouisaksaidkmoreksoftlykthankNeilkwouldkhavekexpected.k"So?" "Sokyoukcan'tkgokinkmykroom.kI'vekgotkthings,kprivatekthings."kHekloo edkatkNeil kaskifkNeilkcouldkdoksomethingktokhelpkhim.kIfkhekhadn'tk"borrowed"kthatkboo kby kDr.kNaphreys,khekwouldn'tkhavektokworrykaboutkNeil'sksisterknosingkaroundkinkhi skroom. "Yeah,"ksheksaid,ksmilingkatkhim.k"Iksawkthemkall." "I'mktelling,"khekyelled,kturningktokgokdownktheksteps. "Gokahead,"kLouisakyelledkafterkhim.k"AndkI'llktellkwhatkyou'vekgot." ThekfrontkdoorkslammedkandkPhilipkloweredkhiskvoice.k"TellkandkI'llktellkeveryon ekatkschoolkyou'vekstartedkyourkmonthly." Louisakturnedkthreekshadeskofkred,kandkNeilksupposedkthatkhiskchee s,ktoo,kmustk havekpin ened.kButkwhatkwaskgoingkonkbetweenkLouisakandkPhilipkpaledkwhenkAuntkL ivkstompedkupkthekstepskli ekshekwaskgoingktokwar. Shekstaredkatkthekthreekofkthem,kherkhandskonkherkhips,kherkchestkrisingkandkfal lingkli ekshe'dkrunkakmile. "Where'skJosie?kWho'skwatchingkher?" "She'skinkthek itchen,kIkguess,"kLouisaksaidkwithkakshrug. "Youkguess?"khiskauntkscreamed,kherkvoicekcrac ing.k"Youkguess?" Louisakbac edkawaykslightly,kshrin ingkfromkherkaunt'skrage,kandktheykallkexchan gedkglanceskaskAuntkLivkturnedkandkwentkrunningkdownkthekstairskcallingktokJosie ktokreassurekherselfkthatkthekbabykwaskallkright. "Ikcan'tkbelievekyoukjustkleftkher,"kPhilipksaid. "Oh,kli ekyou'vekeverkwatchedkakthree-year-old,"kLouisakcomplained. Neilkhardlykpaidkattentionktoktheirkbic ering.kHiskauntkwasn'tkreactingkquitekth ekwaykhekhadkplanned.kAndkhowkwaskshekgoingktokbegkSpencerktokta ekherkbac kifkh ekwasn'tkevenkcomingkoverktokwatchkthekeclipse?kAksic kfeelingkswirledkinkhiskst omachkandkcrawledkupkhisktorsoktowardkhiskhead.kHekdidn'tkthin khekcouldkfeelkso kcoldkinkJuly. "You'llkbeksorry,"kLouisaksaid,k"tal ingktokmekli ekthat." "It'skstarting,"kUnclekRemykshoutedkintokthekhouse.k"Getkyourkbac kporcheskoutkh ereknow." "You'reknotksupposedktokloo katktheksun,"kThom-Tomksaid,kstrollingkoutkofkLouisa kandkJosie'skroomkfanningkhimselfkwithkakcompositionkboo . "Oh,kmykGod!"kLouisakshouted,kblanchingkandkgrabbingkafterkThom-Tomkandkthekboo kli ekakcircuskjuggler.

Philipkcaughtkherks irtskandkshekcouldn'tkma ekanykprogresskexceptktokscreamkask ifkshekwerekbeingkattac edkbykbanshees. "Youkstopkthatkthiskminute,"kAuntkBesskyelledkfromkthekfootkofkthekstairs.k"Supp er'skonkthektable.kGetkdownkherekandkwashkup." "Youkcoming?"kUnclekRemykyelled,kbangingkonkthekscreenkdoorkwithkhiskfist. "No,ktheykain'tkcoming,"kAuntkBesskyelledkbac . "Butkthey'rekmissingkit." "Ikdon'tkcare,"kBessksaid,kbeginningktokclimbkthekstairs,kthreateningly.k"Whatki nkblazesk.k.k.?" "Givekitktokme,"kLouisakdemandedkofkThom-Tom,kwhokflippedkherkthekboo kandkthenk rankpastkeveryonekandkdownkthekstairskpassingkhiskmotherkandkpattingkherkgentlyk onkherkshoulder. "They'reksuchkbabies,"kheksaidktokhiskmotherkandkthenkyelledktowardkthekdoor,k"I 'mkcoming,kPa." "Ikhatekyoukall,"kLouisaksaid,kpullingkherkdresskfromkPhilip'skclutcheskandkstal ingkoffktokherkroom. "Downstairs,kyoungklady,"kAuntkBessksaid.k"Now.kAndkyouktoo,kboys." Whenkeveryonekhadkbeenkserved,kUnclekRemykinstructedkthemktokta ektheirkplatesko utside.k"We'llksitkonkthekporchkandkwatchkthiskmiraclekofknature." "Youkwantkakmiracle?"kAuntkBesskshoutedkatkUnclekRemy.k"Akmiraclekwouldkbekanyth ingkgoodkcomingkoutkofkyourkstupidkplan."kNeilkexpectedkherktokturnkandkpointkat khim,kbutkshekdidn't.kApparentlykhekwasn'tkthekonlykonekwithkakstupidkplan. "Andkuntilkitkwor skoutkforkyourksister,kdon'tkplankonkanykfavorskfromkme,kifkyo uk nowkwhatkIkmean!" Neilkthoughtkhekdid,kespeciallykfromkthekshoc edkloo konkUnclekRemy'skface. Justkasktheykwerekonktheirkwaykoutkofkthek itchen,keachkofkthemkcarryingktheirkp lateskandkgrumblingkatkeachkother,kHenrykcamekthroughkthekfrontkdoor.kAnyonekwou ldkhavekthoughtkthatkhekhadkbeenktherekforkallkthekfighting,kwhatkwithktheklifejust-smac ed-me-between-the-eyeballskloo konkhiskface. "Wherekthekhec khavekyoukbeen?"kUnclekRemykshouted. AuntkBesskbalancedkthekplatekshekwaskcarryingkinkonekhandkandkbashedkthekbac kof kUnclekRemy'skheadkatkhiskwords. "Don'tkyoukusekthatklanguagekinkmykhouse,"kshekyelled. UnclekRemykglaredkatkherkandksteppedkdeliberatelykthroughkthekopenkdoorwaykontok thekporch.k"Wherekthekhec khavekyoukbeen?"kheksaidkagain,kdaringkAuntkBessktokcl aimkthekporchkwaskstillkinkherkhouse. Henrykloo edkdownkatkhiskshoeskaskifkhekwerekgatheringkhiskcourage,kthenktoo kak deepkbreathkandkloo edkhiskfatherkinkthekeye.k"I'mkmarryingkJennykonkSunday,"khe ksaid.k"Andkwe'llkbekmovingkinkwithkherkfol s." Therekwasktotalksilence,kandkthenkUnclekRemyksaid,k"Thekhellkyoukare,"kandkAuntk Besskjustkgaspedkandkcoveredkherkmouth. "IkthoughtkyoukwerekgonnakgetkmarriedkatkChristmas,"kPhilipksaid. Henrykseemedktokbekcleaningkhiskteethkwithkhisktongue.kFinally,khiskeyeskavoidin gkeveryone's,kheksaid,k"Wekcan'tkwait." "Oh,kmykGod,knotkagain,"kAuntkBesskwhispered.k"Li ekfather,kli ekson." AuntkLivvy'skeyeskgotkbiggerkthankNeilkhadkeverkseenkthemkgetkaskshekstaredkatkA untkBesskandkUnclekRemykandkherkplatekclatteredktokthekground,kpeaskandkpotatoes kflyingkeverywhere,kspotskofkthemkclingingktokherkbarekfeet. "Can'tkwait?"kUnclekRemyksaid,kslappingkhisksonkwithkenoughkforcektokstaggerkhim .kHenry'skeyeskwateredkbutkhekstoodkthere,kandkNeilkthoughtkthatkhekloo edkquite kthekgrownkman. AuntkLivvyktriedktoksayksomething,kbutknokwordskcamekoutkandkshekpushedkherkwayk pastkeveryonekandkloo edktokbekgoingktowardkthekbarn. "Gokafterkher,"kUnclekRemyksaidktokAuntkBess,krubbingkhiskreddenedkpalmkonkhiskp antskandktryingktokpretendkthatkitkdidn'tkhurt. "Liv?"kAuntkBesskcalled,kunsurekwhatktokdo. AuntkLivvykshoo kherkheadkandkputkupkherkhand.k"Justkletkmekbe,"ksheksaid,kbarel ykloudkenoughkforkthemktokhear.kThenkshekwal edkintokthekbarnkandkclosedkthekdoo

r. "Whenkdoeskthekmiraclekhappen?"kJosiekas edkwhenkeveryonekjustkstoodktherekstari ngkatkHenry'skchee kandkwatchingkitkturnkredderkandkredder. "Gokbac kinside,"kAuntkBessksaidksoftly,knudgingkthekbabykandkLouisakandkThom-To mkthroughkthekdoor.k"Therekisn'tkgoingktokbekanykmiraclektonight." Spencerklaykbac konkthekgrasskinkthekmeadow,kchewingkonkaklongkstal kofkhaykandk everyknowkandkthenkglancingkatktheksettingksunkas,klittlekbyklittle,kthekmoonkto o kakbitekoutkofkit.kMostlykhek eptkhiskeyekonkthekpathkbetweenkhiskplacekandkSa cottekFarm,kimaginingkLivvykgettingkthekchildrenkallksettledkandkthenksnea ingko ffktokmeetkhim. Inksomekwayskhekwishedkhekcouldkjoinkthemkall,kbutkhekandkLivkneededkthisktimeka lone.kEveryktimekhekgotkwithinktenkfeetkofkher,khiskdesirekraisedkakflagkinkhisk pants.kEvenkthin ingkaboutkherkhadkankeffectkonkhim. Hekclosedkhiskeyesktokblotkoutktheksunkandkthoughtkaboutkwhatkakgoodkdaykitkhadk been.kNotkjustkgood.kGreat.kWonderful.kHekyawnedkwidelykandkfeltkhimselfkdriftin gkcloserktoksleep.kJustkwonderful? No,khekthought,ksmilingkandkenjoyingktheklastkstrainskofktheksunkasktheykplayedk onkhiskface,kmiraculous. k ChapterkTwenty-four Oliviakhadknokideakhowklongkshe'dkcriedkbeforekshe'dkfinallykfallenkasleepkinkth ekbarn.kShekonlyk newkthatkatksomekpointksomeonekhadkcomekinkandkthrownkakblan e tkoverkher,kandkthatknowkitkwasktimektokgetkupkandkgetkonkwithkherklife.kTherekw erekchildrenktokgetkoffktokschool,kpiesktokbekba ed,kbelongingsktokbekpac ed Sacot tekFarmkwouldksoonklivekjustkinkherkmemory andktherekwasknoktimekforksheddingktear skorkdryingkthem. Pullingkhaykfromkherkhairkaskshekmadekherkwayktokthekhouse,kshekthrustkbac kherk shoulderskandktriedktokfindkthekbrightkfacekshekmadekitkherkbusinessktokpresentk tokthekworld.kInksomekways,kshektoldkherself,kitkwaskallkforkthekbest.kInkallkli elihoodkshekcouldkneverkhavekforgivenkSpencerkforkwhatkhe'dkdonektokherkinkthei rkbed,kevenkifkitkwasktruekthatkshekdidklovekhim alwayskdid,kand,ksheksupposed,ksh a ingkherkheadkatktheknotion,kalwayskwould. No,kshekforcedkherselfktokcounter.kLovekgrewksidekbyksidekwithktrust,kli ektwokv ineskintertwined.kAndkdeceptionkandkindifferencekhadkgrownkli ekweedskamongkthem ,kcho ingkoutkanythingkgoodkthatkcouldkhavekgrownkbetweenkthektwokofkthem.kJustk askwellktokbekdonekwithkitkaltogether. Maybektherekwasksomethingkwrongkwithkherkthatkeveryonekshek newkliedktokher.kBes skandkRemykhadkneededktokgetkmarriedkandkshe'dkneverk nown.kOfkcourse,kshe'dkbee nktenkatkthektime,kbutkinkallkthekinterveningkyearsksomeonekmightkhavekseenkfitk toktellkher,knotkleavekherktokbekaskshoc edkaskthekchildrenkatkBess'skadmission. kMaybekshekshouldkconsiderkJulian'skofferkonekmorektime.kHekwasn'tkanykmorekdish onestkthankeverykotherkadultkshek new.kWaterkunderkthekbridge,kallkofkit.kTimekt okstartkfreshkwithkLouisakandkNeilkandkJosiekandkputkthekrestkofkitkaside. Sheksawktokherkneedskandkwashedkupkandkatkthekpump,kstillksearchingkforkherkillu siveksmile.kBykthektimekshekgotktokthekhouse,kshe'dkabandonedkhopekforkaksmileka ndkwouldkhaveksettledkforkanythingkshortkofkakgrimacekcompletekwithkgrittedkteet h. "Up,"ksheksaidktokNeil,kwigglingkthekboy'sktoeskbeneathktheklightksheetkthatkcov eredkhim.kItkwaskbadkenoughkthatkhekhadktoksleepkonksomeone'sksofakinkthekparlor .kComekTuesdayknight,kwherekinkthekworldkwouldkhekbeksleeping?kThekdealkforkZeph in'skwaskdone.kRemykhadksignedkallkthekpaperskthekdaykbefore.kAndkLivvyksupposed ktherekwouldkbeknokroomkabovekthekstorekforkfourkextrakhumankbeings,kevenkifkone kwaskonlykthreekfeetktall. Allkshek new,kwithkakcertaintyksokfinalkthatkherkverykboneskrangkwithkthektruthk

ofkit,kwaskthatkthosekthreekchildrenkwereknotkgoingktokbektornkfromkherkbykherkh usband,kbyktheirkfather,korkbykthekthreatkofkpovertykloomingkoverkherkhead. Neilkrubbedkhiskeyeskandkblin edkatkher.k"Theykwouldn'tkletkmekseekyouklastknigh t,"kheksaid.k"UnclekRemykstoodkinkfrontkofkthekdoorkli eksomekbigkshe-wolfkwaska fterkhiskchic ens." "Well,kI'mkhereknow,"ksheksaid,kchec ingkthekcloc konkthekwallkandkrealizingktha tkitkwaskgettingklate.k"Andkall'skrightkwithkthekworld.kSokrise,kyoungkman,kandk shine."kShekforcedkaksmile.kItkwasn'tksokhardkafterkallkwhenkshekloo edkatktheks weetkfacekstudyingkherkown.k"We'llkbekjustkfine,"kshekreassuredkhim. "WhatkaboutkUnclekSpence?"kNeilkas ed,ksittingkupknowkandkgettingkhiskbearings. Anykmankwhokcouldkresistksuchkherokworship,ksuchkunselfishkdevotion,kdidn'tkdese rvekakboykli ekNeilkinkhisklife,kandkLivvykwaskglad yes,kglad thatkSpencerkwouldn'tk getktoksharekthiskchild'sklife.kWhy,kSpencerkwasn'tkworthykofkwal ingkbehindkthe ksamekplow,khoeingktheksamekrow,kmuc ingktheksamekstall. "Getkreadykforkschoolknow,"kshektoldkhimkgently.k"I'vekgotktokgetkyourksistersku p." "AuntkLiv?"kNeilkcalledkafterkherkplaintively.k"There'sksomethingkIkhavektoktell kyou." Shekturned,kherkfootkonkthekbottomkstep,kandkloo edkatkhimkencouragingly.kSometh ingkinkhiskvoicekmadekherkexpectkthatkhekwouldkadmitkthatkheklovedkher,kandkshek waitedkpatientlykwhilekhekswallowedkandkbitkatkhisklip.kBoyskandkmen thekwordklove kjustkseemedktokstic kinktheirkthroats.kNeedkandkwantkcamekoutkloudkandkclear,kb utklove?k"Yes?"kshekprompted. "Ifkyoukdoksomethingkyoukthin kwillkgokonekway thatkis,kifkyoukdoksomethingkthatky oukmeanktokbekgoodk.k.k.ktokturnkoutkgood,kandkthen,kwell,kitkmightknotk.k.k.kDo kyoukthin kthatkGod,korkanyone,k nowskthatkifkyoukdidn'tkmeankforkitktok.k.k."kk kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk Livvykglancedkagainkatkthekcloc .kItkwasktooklatekforktheoreticalkdiscussions.k" Haven'tkyoukeverkheardkthatkthekroadktokhellkiskpavedkwithkgoodkintentions?"kshe kas ed.k"Bestktokstaykoutkofkotherkpeople'skbusiness,kyoungkman.kYou'vekquiteken oughkonkyourkplatekjustkhandlingkyourkown.kDoeskthatkanswerkyourkquestions?" Hekseemedktokbekconsideringkherkadvice,ksokshekheadedkupkthekstairsktokwa ekupkL ouisakandkJosie.kThekbabyklayktherekwithklongklasheskrestingklightlykonkchubbykc hee s,kthekpicturekofkinnocence.kTokLivvy'sksurprise,kLouisa'skbedkwaskalreadykm ade.kWell,kthiskwaskakfirst.kLouisakupkandkreadykwithoutktheirkusualkargumentkov erkwhetherkshekbelongedkinkschoolkorknot. "Upkandkatk'em,ksweetie,"ksheksaid,kplacingkaklightk isskonkjosie'skforehead.k"G okta ekcarekofkyourkbusinesskandkthenkcomekfindkmekinkthek itchen." GroggilykJosiekreachedkupkandkputkherkarmskaroundkLivvy'sknec ,kgivingkherkaksqu eeze.kTheklittlekgirl'skbodykwasksweatykwithksleepkandksmelledkli ekyeastkandkso apkandkheat.kLivyykbreathedkinkdeeplykandkrubbedkthekchild'skbac kthroughkherkmu slinkgown. "Whosekgirlkarekyou?"kshekas ed,krevelingkinkthekmoment. Josiekbac edkawaykslightly,kthenkpointedkaksmallkstubbykfingerkatkLivvy'skchest. k"Yours,"ksheksaidksimply,kaskifkthekquestionkwerekakfoolishkone. Livvykblin edkbac ktearskthatkfoughtktokloosekthemselveskfromkwaterykeyes.k"Mine ,"ksheksaid,kherkvoicekhoarsekandkuneven.k"Allkmine." JosieksquirmedkandkLivvykletkgokofkher,krosekandkgavektheklittlekgirlkakhandkup. "Offkyoukgo,"ksheksaid,kwipingkatkherkchee kwithkthekcornerkofkherkdress.k"Andki fkyoukrunkintokyourksister,ktellkherkI'mkverykproudkofkherkforkgettingkherselfku pkandkout." Josiekbobbedkherkheadkandkthenkscamperedkfromkthekroomkwithoutkloo ingkbac .kLiv vykfollowedkherkandkpassedkPhilipkinkthekhall.k"Louisakinkthere?"khekas edkangri ly. Sheksighed.k"Whatknow?" "Shekhasksomethingkthat'skmine,"kheksaid,kthenkshoutedkoverkherkshoulderkinkthek directionkofkthekgirl'skroom.k"AndkIkwantkthemkbac .kNow!" "She'sknotkthere,"kLivvyksaid,konekhandkonkPhilip'skchest.k"Getkreadykforkschool .kYoukcankthreatenkherkatkbrea fastkifkyoukli e." PhilipkwentkoffkinkakhuffkandkLivvykhurriedkdownktokthek itchen,kanxiousktokseek

tokbrea fastkbeforekBesskmanagedktokgetkeverythingkdonekwithoutkher.kIfktheykwer ekgoingktoklivektoktogetherkawhileklonger andkLordk new,kitkappearedkthatksomehowk theykwouldkhavekto shekwaskgoingktokhavektokcarrykherkownkweight,kandkthatkofkthek children. Naturally,kkkBesskkwaskkalreadykkatkkthekkkstove.kkk"Morning,klovey,"kBessksaidk withoutkturningkaround.k"Youkallkrightkthiskmorning?" "Justkperfect,"kLivvyksaid,krollingkherkeyeskbehindkBess'skbac .k"Everythingkisk justkpeachyk een."kItkfeltkoddktokta ekherkplaceknextktokthekwomankshekthoughtks hek newksokwellkandkfindkshekdidn'tkreallyk nowkherkatkall. "Youkdon'tkloo ksokgood,"kBessksaidkaskifknothingkbetweenkthemkhadkchanged. What?kDidkshekhavekeyeskinkthekbac kofkherkhead,kli ekherkchildrenkclaimed? "O ay,"kLivkadmittedkwithkakshrug.k"Notksokpeachyk een."kShekdidn'tkhavekanykdes irektokdiscusskitkwithkthiskstrangerkinkBess'skclothing.k"YoukseenkLouisa?" "Notekonkthektable,"kBessksaid.k"Thatkgirlkiskakstrangeklittlekone." Livvykpulledkthekbaconkfromkthekiceboxkandkslicedkit,kputkitkinkthekpankonekpiec ekatkaktime,kturnedkthekfirekupkslightly,kandkthenkwipedkherkhands.k"Aknote,khuh ?kWherekcouldkshekbekoffktoksokearly?kIt'sknotkli ekherktokgetktokschoolkbeforek Mr.kLangfofdkiskringingkhiskbell."kShekloo edkoverkatkthektablekexpectingktokfin dkakscribbledknote,kbutkinsteadktherekwaskakfinekbluekenvelopekwithkthekwordskAu ntkLivkwrittenkinkLouisa'skneatestkscript. Shekdidn'tkli ekthekloo skofkitkatkall. "Youkseekherkbeforekshekleft?"kLivvykas ed. "Uh-uh,"kBessksaid.k"Youkgonnakseektokthiskbacon?" "Inkakminute,"kLivvyksaid,kandkflippedkoverkthekenvelopekwithoutkpic ingkitkup.k "It'sksealed." "Thekbacon,kLiv?" Livvyktouchedkthekenvelopekaskifkshekcouldkdivinekthekmessagekwithoutkopeningkit .kAknotekli ekthatkcouldn'tkbekgoodknews.kAknotekli ekthatkdidn'tksaykseekyoukla ter. Shekwaskbeingkridiculous. "Wherekiskshe?"kPhilipkdemanded,kburstingkthroughkthekswingingkdoor. "Shekloveskus,"kThom-Tomksaid,kcomingkinkbehindkhiskbrotherkandknearlykdroolingk thekwordklove.k"Saysksokinkthatkjournalkofkhers." "Bacon'skburning,"kBessksaidkmatter-of-factly. "Whatkjournal?"kLivvykas ed. "Oh,"kThom-Tomksaidkwithkgreatkauthority.k"Shekwriteskeverythingkinkthisklittlek boo .kYoukshouldkseek.k.k." Hekstoppedkwhenkhekcaughtkthekglarekhiskmotherkwaskgivingkhim. "Itkfellkopen,"khekswore,khiskeyeskwidekwithkfeignedkinnocence.k"Ikjustksawkakfe wkwords.kSaidksheklovedkAuntkLivkandkUnclekSpencerkandksomekstuffkaboutkmissingk them." Withkakdreadkthatk nottedkherkstomach,kLivvykopenedkthekpale-bluekenvelopekandkp ulledkoutkthekletter. DearkAuntkLiv Ikthoughtkthatkyouklovedkme.kIkwaskwrong,kIkguess,kbutkIk nowkthatky oukdoklovekJosie,ksokI'mkbeggingkyou,kwithkmyklastkwords,kthatkyoukdon'tksendkhe rkbac ktokourkfather.kIkwillkmisskyoukbutkI'llkbekwaitingkforkyoukonkthekotherks idekwherekIkwon'tkbeklonelykanymore.kLove,kLouisa. "Thekotherkside?"kLivvykwhispered.k"Oh,kLordkinkheaven,kno!" "Whatkiskit?"kBesskas ed,kgrabbingktheknotekfromkLivvy'skhandkandkreadingkitkalo ud. Philipkfellkintokakchair.k"Shektoo kthekbullets,"kheksaid,kputtingkhiskhandktokh iskhead.kThen,kseeingkhiskmother'skhorror-stric enkface,khekaddedkquic ly,k"Ikhi dkthemkinkmyktopkdrawer.kIkdidn'tkthin kanybodykwaskgoingktokk.k.k." Thekgunkwaskgone.kLivvykstoodkonkherktiptoeskandkfeltkforkitkinkthekcabinetkwher ekBesskhadkputkitkforksafe eeping.kFindingknothing,kshekdraggedkoverkakchairkand kstoodkonkit.kStillknothing. "Oh,kno,"ksheksaid,ksha ingkherkheadkandknearlykleapingkfromkthekchair.k"No,kno, kno.kThiskcan'tkhappen,"kshekshouted,krunningkforkthekdoor.

Thekscreenkdoorkstoppedkhalfway,ksmac ingkintoksomethingkhard. "Whoa,"kSpencerksaid,kholdingkhiskheadkandkreelingkslightlykfromkthekblow.k"You' rekaklittleklate.kIkwaitedkthekwholekdamnknightkinkthekfield." "She'skgone,"kLivvyksaid,kcho ingkonkherktears.k"Louisa she'skgonekandkshektoo kth ekgun."kShekwaskrunningkdownkthekpath,kbutkwhenkshekgotktokthekfor ,kshekstopped ,knotk nowingkwhichkwayktokturn. Spencerkrankafterkher,kspinningkherkaroundkandkdemandingktok nowkwhatkinkthekhel lkshekwasktal ing,kabout. Askquic lykaskshekcould,kbetweenksobskandkgulpskandkfalsekstartskinkonekdirectio nkandkchec ingkthekbarn,kshekrelatedktheknote,kthekmissingkbullets,kendingkwithk Thom-Tom'skrevelationskfromkLouisa'skdiary. "Thiskway,"kheksaid,krunningktowardkhiskfarmkandkthenkcuttingkacrosskthekfieldkt oktheksmallkpond.k"Secretkspot,"khekshoutedkoverkhiskshoulder.k"Boo .kThatkday." kAllkhiskwordskwerekinterruptedkbykgulpskforkairkaskhekran,kputtingkmorekandkmor ekdistancekbetweenkthemkwithkhisklongklegs.kPhilipkpassedkher.kNeil,kaskwell. Herksidekachedkwithkeachkstepkandkshekclutchedkitkaskshekran,kignoringkthekburni ngkinkherkthroatkandkchest.kPebbleskcutkatkherkbarekfeet,kbranchesklaykinkwaitks tubbingkmorekthankonektoe.kNonekofkitkmattered.kIfkanything,kanything,khappenedk tokLouisa,kLivvykwouldkneverkforgivekherself.kChildrenkwerekaksacredktrust,kandk somehowkshekhadkfailed.kShekhadkletksomethingkthreatenkherkchild. Herkchild. Maybekshekhadn'tkgivenkbirthktokthem,kbutkthosekchildrenkwerekensconcedkinkherkh eartkandkherkwombkasksurelykaskifktheykhadkbegunkthere. Andkifksomethingkhappenedktokonekofkthem,kitkwouldn'tkjustkripkakpiecekoutkofkth atkheartkbutktearkitkasunder,kneverktokbekwholekagain. Akshotkrangkout,ksettingkthekechoeskringingkandkdrowningkoutktheksoundskofktheir kfeetkhittingkthekground,ktheirklungsksuc ingkthekair,ktheirkheartskbeatingkagai nstktheirkbreastbones. Itktoo kakmomentkforkthemktokstop,kforkthekstillnessktokenvelopkthemkandkleavekt hemkinksilencekaskifknotkakonekofkthemkwaskbreathing,knotkakheartkwaskbeating. "Youkwaitkhere,"kSpencerkordered,kturningkandkfixingkallkofkthemkwithkhiskstare. Livvykdidn'tkbotherktokargue,kdidn'tksha ekherkhead,kdidn'tkpushkhimkoutkofkherk way.kShekjustkwentkaroundkhimkandkcontinuedkthroughkthekundergrowth,klettingksom ekdistantkmemorykfromkherkyouthkguidekherktowardkthekpond.kHowkfittingkthatkthis kdaughterkofkherkheartkshouldkhaveksoughtkoutktheksamekhidingkplacektokhealkherk hurts. "There!"kSpencerksaid,khiskvoicekjustkabovekakwhisper,khiskarmkoutstretchedkover kherkshoulderkandkpointingktowardkLouisa,kwhokstoodkcryingksilentlykbyktheksmall kpond,kherkhandkpressedkagainstkherkmouth. Livvykcrossedkherselfkandkshutkherkeyes,kmumblingkakquic kthan kyouktokthekLord, kbeforekrunningkintokthektinykclearingkandkstoppingkaw wardlykjustkakfewkfeetkfr omkLouisa. "Youkscaredkus" Livvyksaid,kherkvoicekakmerekhushkonkthekwind "halfktokdeath." "Where'skthekgun?"kSpencerkdidn'tkhesitatektokgokstraightktokthekgirl,kputkhiskh andkonkherkshoulder,kturnkherkintokhim,kandkhugkherktokhiskchestkaskifktherekhad kneverkbeenkanythingkbutklovekbetweenkthem, "Ikdroppedkit,"kLouisaksaidkbetweenksobs.k"Andkitkwentkoff.kIkwaskneverksokscare dkinkmyklife." "Thenkyoukdidn'tk.k.k.k?"kSpencerksaid,kleaningkbac kandktippingkupkthekgirl'skc hin. Shekkshoo kherkhead.kkk"Ikcouldn't."kkkShekkstiffenedkandkpulledkawaykfromkSpenc er,kglaringkatkhim.k"ButkIkwon'tkgokbac .kYoukcan'tkma ekme.kI'llkrunkaway." Livvyksteppedkforward,kpettingkLouisa'sksoftksil ykhair.k"Ikwouldkneverkletkyouk gokbac ,kdon'tkyouk nowkthat?'' "ButkUnclekSpencerk.k.k.kthektelegramk.k.k."kshekstarted,kherkwordskmuffledkagai nstkhiskchest. "UnclekSpencerkbekdamned,"kLivvyksaid,kpryingkthekgirlkoutkofkhiskarmskwhilekhek stoodktherekwithkakshoc edkloo konkhiskface.k"Iksaidkyoukaren'tkgoingkbac ,kandk youkwillknot,knokmatterkwhatkUnclekSpencerkwants." "Arekyoukcrazy?"kSpencerkshouted,kloo ingkfromkonekofkthemktokthekotherkandkthen

ksettlingkonkLivvy.k"Sendkthemkbac ktokBouche?kDon'tkyoukthin khe'skdonekenoughk tokthem?" Therekwerektearskinkhiskeyes,kbutkLivvykwasn'tkgoingktokbekta enkinkagain.kHiskp lanskhadknearlykcostkLouisa'sklife.k"Comekon,"ksheksaidktokLouisa,kherkarmktight lykaroundkher.k"We'llkgokbac khomeknow." "Wait,"kSpencerkcalledkafterkthem.kOutkofkthekcornerkofkherkeyeksheksawkhimkbend kandkpic kupkthekgun,kthenktosskitkmorekthankhalfwaykacrosskthekpond.kTheykheard kthekplun kaskitkhitkthekwaterkandkshekandkLouisakturnedkatktheksound. Therekwaskaktearkma ingkitskwaykdownkSpencer'skchee .k"WhatkdidkIkdo?kWhat'skhap peningkhere?" "Philipkbroughtkhomekthektelegramklastknight,"kLivvykSaid.k"Wek nowkwhatkyoukwer ekplanning,kbutkitkwon'tkhappen.kIkwon'tkgivekthemkup." "ButkIkthoughtkitkwaskwhatkyoukwanted.kYouksaidkyoukhatedktokseekSacottekFarmkso ld.kItkmadeksuchkgoodksense.kIkbuykthekmercantilekfromkZephihkandktradekitkforkS acottekFarm.kThekrailroad'llkgokrightkthroughkmykfailingkfieldskwhilekwe'rekbusy kpic ingkcherrieskatkSacottekFarm.kIt'skallkarrangedkwithkMa ebreath.kIsn'tkthat kwhatkyoukwanted?" Shekstaredkatkhimktryingktokma eksensekofkwhatkhekwasksayingkaboutkthekfarm.k"Bu tkSacottekFarm'llkbeksold.kAndkwhykwouldkIkwantkthekfarmkwithoutkthekchildren?"k kshekas ed.k"WhykwouldkIkwantk.k.k.kOh,kwhatkdifferencekdoeskitkma e?kDidkyoukth in kmykfamilykfarmkwouldkma ekupkforkmykfamily?" "Livvy,"kheksaid,kstayingkherkwithkonekhandkwhilektouchingkLouisakgentlykwithkth ekother.k"Louisa.kIklovekyou.kIklovekyoukall.kIkthoughtkIkwaskma ingkyoukallkhap py." Hekloo edksokconfused,ksoklost,kitkwaskhardktokbelievekthatkhekhadkreallykplanne dktoksendkthekchildrenkaway.k"Weksawkthektelegram,"ksheksaid. "Andkitkdidn'tkma ekyoukhappy?" "Happy?"kshekshouted.k"Ma ekmekhappy?kSendingkthekchildrenkbac kwasksupposedktok ma ekmekhappy?" "Whoksaidkanythingkaboutksendingkthekchildrenkbac ?" ByknowkPhilipkandkNeilkhadkshownkup,kandkNeilkfellktokhisk neeskhuggingkhimselfk untilkfinallykhekbeganktokretchkinkthekgrass. "Youkdid,"kLivvyksaidktokSpencerkaskshekleanedkoverkNeil,kholdingkbac kthekhairk offkhiskforeheadkandkpressingkakcoolkhandktokthekbac kofkhisknec .k"She'skallkri ght,"kshektoldkthekboy.k"It'skallkoverknow." "Me?"kSpencerkas ed,kfishingkforkakhan iekandkleaningkoverktokwipekthekboy'skmou th.k"Youkthin kIkwantedktoksendkthekchildrenkbac ?kItkwaskyoukwhoksaidkthatkBouc hekwantedkyouktokbringkthemkout.kYoukwerekthekonekconsideringkit,knotkme.kIkmade kyoukpromiseknotkto.kForktheklovekofkGod,kOlivia.kI'vekalreadyklostktwokofkmykch ildren.kDokyoukthin kforkaksecondkI'dkbekwillingktokletkanykmorekofkmykchildrenk go?" Neil'skheavingkwaskthekonlyksoundkonkthekmeadowkwherektheykallkstood.k"Mykfault, "kheksaid,kgaggingkandkcoughingkandkthrowingkupkhiskinsides.k"Allkmykfault." "Andkmine,"kPhilipksaidksoftly. Slowly,kreluctantly,kPhilipkpulledkfromkhiskpoc etkseveralkyellowkpieceskofkpape r,kakdifferentkmessagekscribbledkonkeachkonekaskifkhekhadkbeenkpracticingksendin gkaktelegram. Livvykcoveredkherkmouthkwithkherkhand.k"Butkwhy?"kwaskallkshekcouldkmanagektokge tkoutkbeforekshekfellktokherk nees,kpic ingkatkthekpaperskandkhandingkthemkupkto kSpencer,konekafterkanotherkafterkanother. "Wekthought "kPhilipkstarted. "Ifkyoukthoughtkyou'dklosekusk.k.k."kNeilkadded,khiskvoiceksha ingksokmuchkhekwa skhardktokunderstand. "Maksaidkyouklovedkeachkother,"kPhilipkexplained,ksha ingkhiskownkhead. "Ikdon'tk now,"kNeilkadmittedkwea ly.k"Itkseemedksoksimplekwhenkwekstarted.kIkth oughtkyou'dkgokas kUnclekSpencerktokta ekyoukbac kandk.k.k." "We'reksorry,"kPhilipksaid.k"We'rekso,ksoksorry." "Dokyoukrealize,"kSpencerkwhispered,kpainkrawkandkna edkinkhiskvoice,kloo ingkat kLouisakwithknothingkbutkpureklovekinkhiskeyes,k"whatkyoukmightkhavekdone?" Louisakstoodkoffktokthekside,kwatchingkfaceskandkloo ingkunsure.kButkwhenkSpence

rkopenedkhiskarmskandkmotionedktokher,kshekhurledkherselfkagainstkhimkandkburrow edkintokhiskchest. Neilknodded,kandkgaggedkagain. "Sokyoukdidn'tkmeanktoksendkthemkbac ?"kLivvykas ed,kthektentativekbeginningskof kaksmilekbrea ingkacrosskherkface. "Oh,kGod,kLiv!"kHekshoo khiskhead.k"Never." "Butkyouksentkaktelegram.kTokwho?" Spencerkjawktightened.k"Itkwasksupposedktokbekaksurprise,"kheksaid,kgloweringkat kNeil. LivvyktriedktokputktogetherkthekthingskSpencerkhadksaidkaboutkSacottekFarmkandkZ ephin'skandktokfigurekoutkwhatkitkallkhadktokdokwithkWaylonkMa eridge.kButkitkdi dn'tkmatter.kNonekofkitkmattered. OliviakWilliamsonkhadkitkall. "Youkcank eepkyourksecret,"ksheksaid,ktearskstreamingksokfreelykdownkherkfacekth atktheykwerekwettingkherkbodicekandkma ingkherkhiccup.k"Iktrustkyou." k ChapterkTwenty-five OnkSunday,kSpencerkpic edkhiskfamilykupkatkSacottekFarmkforkchurchkandkHenry'skw edding,kwhichkwouldkfollowkthekservice.kHekhadkscouredkhisks inktokbeksurekthatk therekwasknoktelltalektracekofkpaintkthatkwouldkgivekhiskveryklastksecretkaway,k butkthekhourskofksandingkandkcarvingkandkpaintingkhadkta enktheirktollkandkhiskh andskcouldkbarelykgripkthekwagonkreins. HekhadkpromisedkherkperfectionkonkTuesday,kandkcomekhellkorkhighkwater,khekwould kdeliver.kIfkeverkhekhadktokseekdisappointmentkcloudkOlivia'skeyeskagain,khekwan tedktokbeksurekhekwaskthekonektokliftkit,knotkthekonektokputkitkthere. Theykwerekwaitingkonkthekporch,khiskgirlskallkdec edkoutkinktheirkSundaykfinery; kNeilkinkaksuitkthatksokcloselykresembledkhiskownkhekhadktoksmile.kLivvykshonekt here,kthekbeaconkofklovekandkfaithkhekwouldkbekcomingkhomektokforkthekrestkofkhi sklife.kSurroundingkthemkwerekstac skofkcrateskwaitingktokbekmovedktokZephin'skM ercantile,ksoonktokbekrenamedkSacottekandkSons. Withoutkevenkwaitingkforkthekwagonktokcomektokakfullkstop,kNeilkbeganktokclimbku pkontokthekseatknextktokSpencer,khopingktokdrivekoldkCurlykGeorgektoktown. "Holdkthese,kson,"kSpencerksaid,kthenkjumpedkdownktokassistkthekgirlskintokthekb ac kofkthekwagon.kJosiekwasksoftkinkhiskarms,kandkherk issk noc edkhiskglassesko ffk ilter.kLouisakwasksoft,ktoo,kinkherkownkway,knoklongerkstiffkandkunyieldingk inkhiskarms. Butknothingkfeltkasksoftktokhiskscrapedk nuc leskaskhiskLivvy-love'skchee ,kwhic hkhekbarelykgrazedkaskheksoughtktoktuc kankerrantktendrilkbehindkherkear. "Oh,kJeez,"kheksaid,khiskeyeskclosed,khiskbalanceksuddenlykinkjeopardy.kHektoo k akdeepkbreathktoksteadykhimself.kInsteadkofkstemmingkthekrisingktide,kitkonlykma dekthingskworse.k"Lilacs.kIkshouldkhavek nown.kLivvy-love,kyou'llkbekthekdeathko fkme,kforksure." Hisk neeskwerekbuc ling. "It'skjustktwokmorekdays,kSpence."kHiskgoddesskinkakwhitekblousekwithkakpiecekof klacekthatkendedkjustkabovekthekbreastskhekwaskitchingktoktouchkreachedkupkandks tro edkhiskchee .kStrugglingktokswallow,khekwaskalmostkembarrassedkbykthekeffect kherkfacekhadkonkhim.kJustkloo ingkatktheklovekinkherkeyeskbroughtkhimkclosektok tears.k"Youkgotkakgoodkshave,"ksheksaid,ksmilingkupkatkhim. "Werekyoukalwayskthiskbeautiful?" "Oh,kI'mkhardlykthat,"ksheksaid,kdismissingkhiskcomplimentkwithkherkhandkaskifkh ekhadkutteredksheerkfoolishness.kItkhadkta enkhimklongkenoughktokseekherkstrengt h,kherkwarmth,kherkearthiness,kaskbeautykthatkwouldkendurekwhateverklifekmightkc hosektokthrowktheirkway.kIfkitktoo khimkthekrestkofktheirklivesktokconvincekher, ksokbekit. "Ifkeverktherekwerekeyeskthatklovely,"kheksaid,kloo ingkdeeplykintokthemkandk no wingkifkhekgotktokseekthemkeverykdaykforkthekrestkofkhisklifekitkwouldn'tkbekoft

enkorklongkenough,k"I'vekneverkseenkthem." "Spencer!"ksheksaid,kclearlykflusteredkbykhiskattention,kthekforthrightkwaykhekw askstaring,kthekwordskhekhadkwaitedksoklongktoksay. "Dokyouk nowkwhykthey'reksokbeautiful?kBecausekIkcankseekyourklovekinkthem,kLiv. kYourklovekandkmaybekevenkyourktrust." "We'rekgoingktokmisskthekwedding,"kLouisakcomplainedktokNeilkinkthekwagon.k"Andk I'vekneverkbeenktokone." "We'rekcoming,"kLivvyktoldkher,kta ingkthekarmkSpencerkofferedkandkliftingkherkg oodkdresskupkoffkthekground.kAsksoonkasktheykhadksomekextrakmoneykhekwaskgoingkt okta ekherktokSturgeonkBaykandkbuykherksomekfancykclothes.kAkwomankaskprettykask Livvy,khekthought,kandkthenkchangedkhiskmindkmidstream.kAkwomankaskprettykaskLiv vykdidn'tkneedkfancykclothes.kHerkbeautykwasn'tkdimmedkbykmuslinknorkenhancedkby klace.kHekwatchedkasksheksettledkherselfkinkthekwagonkandkloo edkaroundkherkatkh erkfamily.kPerhapskitkwasklovekthatkmadekhiskwifekbeautiful,kforkshekwasksurelyk surroundedkbykitkandkhadkneverkloo edkmorekradiant. Thekservicekwaskinterminable,kbutksokhadkeverykmomentkbeenksincekshekandkSpencer khadkagreedktokwaitkuntilkTuesdayktokbegin,koncekagain,ktheirklifekaskhusbandkan dkwife. Inkchurch,kshe'dkpositionedkJosiekbetweenkthem,khopingkthatkthekchildkwouldkcool kthekheatkshe'dkfeltkwhenkherklegkhadkbeenkpressedkagainstkSpencer'skinkthekwago nkwhilekNeilkdrovekthemktokchurch.kSpencer,kapparentlykonektokenjoyktorture,khad kta enkthekchildkontokhisklapkandkscootedkcloserktokLivvy,kwithkthekwea kexcusek ofksharingkherkprayerkboo . Hiskbreathkfannedkherkhair,kseepedkeasilykthroughktheklacekinsertkinkherksheerkb atistekblouse,kheatedkherkeverywherekitktouched.kAndkseveralkplaceskitkdidn't.kI nktwokdayskshekwouldkbekbac kinkSpencer'skhousekandkhiskbed,kandkwhilekshe'dkmis skSacottekFarm,knokpiecekofklandkcouldkholdkakcandlektokthekpiecekofkherksoul-kt hatkSpencerkpossessed. Inkherkheartkofkhearts,kwherekherkhopeskandkdreamskhadkforksoklongkbeenkburied,k shekthoughtkshek newkwhatkSpencer'sksecretkwas.kHe'dkalmostkgivenkitkawaykbykthe kpondkthatkdaykwhenkshe'dknearlykhadktoklearnkthekhardkwaykjustkwhatklosingkakch ildkcouldkdoktokakparent'skheartkandkmindkandksoul.kButkevenkifkhekhadn'tkmanage dktoksavekforkherkaksmallkpiecekofkSacottekFarm thekpart,ksheksupposed,kthatkabutt edkhiskland shekcouldklivekwithkthekdisappointment. Whatkshekcouldn'tklivekwithoutkwerekallkthekpeoplekaroundkherkwhokwereknowkallkc omingktoktheirkfeetkforkthekjoiningkinkholykwedloc kofkherkseventeen-year-oldkne phew,kHenrykCharleskSacotte,kandkprettyklittlekJennykWachtell.kSpencerkplacedkJo sie'sktinykfeetkonkthekpewkandkguidedkherktowardkLouisa,kwhosekarmkwentkaroundkh erkeasily.kThenkhektwistedkLivvykslightlykandkpulledkherktokhimksokthatkherkbac krestedkagainstkhiskbroad,khardkchest. "Ikdon'tksupposekthey'dkfallkforkthekbugkinkyourkhairkagain,khuh?''khekwhispered ,kandkhadktokstiflekaklaughkwhenkshekturnedkherkshoc edkfacekaroundktokhim. "AndkIkthoughtkIkcouldktrustkyou,"kshekchided,kpretendingktokbekangry. "Trustkmektoklovekyou,kLivvy.kAlways." Herkanswerkwasktokleankbac kagainstkhim,krubbingkthekbac kofkherkheadkgentlykaga instkhiskchest.kThekeffectkwaskimmediate,kandkhekcouldktellkfromkherksuddenkjump kthatkshekwaskawarekofkhiskdesire. "Don'tkmove,"khekwhisperedkinkherkleftkear.k"Orkitkcouldkprovekawfullykembarrass ing." Obedientlykshekstayedkexactlykwherekshekwas,kdrivingkhimkwildkeveryktimekshekask muchkaskshiftedkherkweight. FatherkMartinkas edkifktherekwerekanykobjectionsktokthekmarriagekandkthenkgotkdo wnktokthekIkdos. Spencerkleanedkdownkslightlykand,kalongkwithkHenry,ksaidkthatkhekdid.kApparently kshekli edkthatkbecausekshekreachedkbac kandksqueezedkonekofkhisksorekhands,kand kpainfulkaskitkwas,khekdidn'tkthin khe'dkeverkfeltkanythingkaskreassuringkasktha tkfirmkhandkwithinkhiskown. Thatkis,kuntilksheksuddenlyktwirledkinkhiskarms,kherks irtkslowlykfollowingkher,

kandksaid,k"Ikdo,"kalongkwithkJenny,kthenkraisedkherklipsktokletkhimk isskhiskbr ide. "Tuesdaykbekdamned,"khekmuttered,kwishingkhekcouldkfinallykdokjustkoncekwhatkhek figuredkhisknephewkandkJennykwouldkbekdoingkallknight. Thekweddingkwaskaklovelykaffair,kjenny'skparentskapparentlyksokrelievedkatkHenry 'skeagernessktokdokrightkbyktheirkdaughterkthatktheykinvitedkthekwholekofkMaplek Standktoksharekinktheirkhappiness.kSpencerkspo ektokHenrykprivatelykandkthenktol dkLivvykthatkhekhadkmadekarrangementsktokgivekHenrykandkJennyktheirkweddingkpres entkon whenkelse? Tuesday. WaylonkMa eridge,kwho,kLivvykhadn'tkseenksincekEmma'skfuneral,kstoppedkinktokwis hktheknewlykwedskwellkandkhavekakprivatekmomentkwithkSpencer.kShekhadknokideakwh atkthektwokmenkcouldkpossiblykhavektoksayktokonekanother,kbutkSpencerkseemedkmor ekthanksatisfiedkwhenkthekconversationkendedkandkMa eridgekhadkbeenkshownktokthe kdoor. MerelykwavingkatkLivvykandkgivingkherkaksmilekonkhiskway,kSpencerkwentkdirectlyk fromkMr.kMa eridgektokRemy.kLivvykhadkonlykmadekitkhalfwaykacrosskthekroomktokjo inkthemkwhenkherkbrotherkletkoutkakyelpkandkcalledkforkmorekbeer. Justkaskshekreachedkthem,kshekheardkSpencerksay,k"Shekdoesn'tk nowkyet." Whateverkitkwas,kitkhadkmadekRemykhappykaskakclam,kandkhekbeamedkatkherkrightkal ongkwithkherkhusband.kAndksuddenlykitkdidn'tkmatterkanymorekwhatkshekdidn'tk now ,konlykwhatkshekdid thatkSpencerkWilliamsonklovedkher,klovedkherkaskdeeplykandkask fullykaskshekhadkalwaysklovedkhim. "Yourkhusbandkisktopkshelf,kLivvy.kTopkshelf,"kRemykboomed,kslappingkSpencerkonk thekbac .k"He'skonekfinekman.kIkgottakfindkBess.kBess?kBess!"kHekrankoff,kbeerko nkhisklipskandkhiskwifekonkhiskmind. "Whatkma eskyouksuchkakfinekman,kSpencerkWilliamson?"kshekas ed,knotkdoubtingkhe rkbrother'skassessmentkforkakminute.k"Howkcomekyou'rektopkshelf?" Hekwaskdeterminedktokwait.kThenkhekandkLivvykcouldkstartkover,kfreshkandknew,kin kthekhomekshekcherished,konklandkthatkwouldkonekdaykbekwor edkbykNeilkaskwellkas kanyksonskthatkhekandkLivvykmightkhave.kAndkdaughters,kdaughterskweren'tkoutkofk thekquestion,keither. Butksheksmelledksokgood. Andkherkeyeskwerekshining. Andkherkpulsekwaskracingkjustkaskfastkaskhis. "Shit,"kheksaid,kandkthenkcoveredkhiskmouth.k"Sorry.kCouldkyoukwaitkhere,kjustko nekminute?"khekas ed,kstartingktokleave,kcomingkbac kforkakquic k iss,kandkstart ingktokleavekagain.kHekcouldkjustk ic khimself.kDidn'tkhekhavekanykself-restrain t?kCouldn'tkhekwaitkjustkakmatterkofkhours?kHerktonguekcamekoutkandkmoistenedkhe rktopklip.kHekcouldn't.k"Justkonekminute,ko ay?" Sheknoddedkandkhekbentkdownkandkwhis edkupkJosie,kwhokhadkbeenkclingingktokLivvy 'sks irts,kta ingkthekbabykwithkhim.kItktoo khimkonlykakmomentktokspotkBess,know kdancingkthektwo-stepkwithkRemy,kandktokbeksurekthatkherkhusbandkhadkfilledkherk inkonkthekplan.kWheezingkfromkthekexertion,kshekcamekandklaidkakbigk isskonkhisk forehead,kherkbright-redkchee skmoistkwhenktheykcamekinkcontactkwithkhisks in. "Youkthin kyoukcouldkta ekthek idskhomekwithkyou?''khekas ed,kaksmallkpartkofkhi mkwishingkthatkBesskwouldkrefusekandkhekwouldkbekforcedktokwaitkuntilkTuesdaykto ktellkLivvy;kakmorekpersonal,kmorekimmediatekpartkprayingkshekwouldksaykyes.kWhi ch,kofkcourse,kshekdid. "You'rekakfinekman,kSpencerkWilliamson,"kRemyksaidkagain,kthisktimekpic ingkupkJ osiekandkgivingkherkaktwirl.k"Ikdon'tkcarekwhatkanybodyksayskaboutkyou!"kHekthre wkhiskheadkbac kandklaughedkheartilykatkhiskownkjo e. "Listenktokme,"kSpencerksaid,ktryingktokquietkthekmankdown.k"It'skaksecret,kreme mber?" Remykputkhiskfingersktokhisklips.k"Yeah,kYeah.kAksecret."

Dus kwaskfallingkwhenktheykpulledkupktokthekfarmhouse.kCurlykGeorgeknic eredkatk Peaches,kwhokstoodkjustkonkthekotherksidekofkthekfence.kThekchic enskcac ledkask thoughktheykrecognizedkLivvy.kMisskLilykmooedklongkandklow. OnkthekporchkwerekpileskofkpiektinskSpencerkhadkwashedkoutkbeforekthekwedding.kL ivvykloo edkfirstkatkthemkandkthenkatkhimkaccusingly.kHekcouldkhaveksmac edkhims elfkforkleavingkthemkthere,kbutkhe'dkneverkexpectedktokbringkherkhome. "Ikcouldn'tkletkyouksharekyourkcherries,kLiv,"kheksaid,ksoundingkpathetickevenkt okhimself. "Youkboughtkallkthosekpies?"kTherekwaskutterkdisbeliefkinkherkeyes,kbutkatkhiskn od,kthekopenkmouthkofksurprisekturnedkintokakwidekgrin.k"Youkdid?" "You'reknotkmad?" "No,"ksheksaid,ksha ingkherkhead.k"I'mktouched." Women!kHe'dkneverkunderstandkthem,kbutkhe'dkneverkgivekupktryingkwhenkitkcamekto khiskwife. "Youkwantktokgetkdown?" Shekliftedkakshoulderkandksaid,k"Ikguess." "Nokrush,"kheksaid,ksittingkwithkhiskhandskinkhisklapkandkhiskheartkinkhiskthroa t.kBesidekhim,kdespitekthekwarmknight,kshekshivered.k"Youkcold?" Shekshoo kherkhead,kbutkhekslippedkoutkofkhiskjac etkandkplacedkitkoverkherkshou lderskanyway.kShekloo edkli ekaknewly-wed,kfrightenedkandkeagerkallkatktheksamek time.kAndkevenkmorekpressingkthankhiskneedktoksatisfykher notktokmentionkhimself was khiskneedktokreassurekherkthatkshekwasksafekwithkhim.kHerkheartkwasksafekinkhisk eeping. "Niceknight,"kheksaid,kleaningkbac kandkcrossingkhiskan les.kShekloo edkatkhimks uspiciously.k"Don'tkyoukthin ?"k, "Oh,kyes,"kshekagreed,kherkheadkbobbingkwithkenthusiasmkaskifkeitherkonekofkthem kcaredkaboutkthekweather. "Smellskgood,ktoo,"kheksaid.kkHekinhaledksokdeeplykhekcouldkalmostktastekherkonk hisktongue,kfeelkherkcreepkintokhisklungs butkthenkthatkwasn'tkallkthatkfarkfromkh iskheart,kwherekshekalreadykresided. "Mykroses,"ksheksaid,kgesturingkoverkherkshoulder. "Smellskmorekli eklilacsktokme."kHekreachedkoutkandktouchedkthekpinkthatkheldkhe rkhairktightlyktoktheknapekofkherknec .k"Allkright?"khekas ed,kpullingkgentlykon kthekpin. Shekgavekthektiniestklittleknodkandkturnedksokthatkhekcouldkreachkitkeasily.kAsk herkhairkcamektumblingkdownksheksaidksomething,kbutkthekbloodkthrummingkinkhiskh eadkdrownedkoutkthekwords. "Spencer?" Hekhadkakhandfulkofkherkhairkheldkupktokhisknose,kandkitkwaskdoingkwhatkitkalway skdidktokhim.kHiskbreathingkwaskmorekraggedkthankhekwouldkhavekli ed.k"Hm?" "Whykarekmykroseskallkballedkup?" "Youkdok nowkwe'rekmoving,kdon'tkyou?" "Moving?" "Thiskisn'tkthekwaykIkwaskgoingktoktellkyou.kSee,kitkwaskallksupposedktokhappenk onkTuesdayk.k.k." Shekcrossedkherkhandskoverkherkchest.k"Whatkwas?" Thekmoonkwaskrising,kshiningkonkherks inkandkdancingkinkherkeyes,kandkshekwaskcl osekandkthekfuturekwaskjustkaroundkthekcornerkandkhekcouldn'tkhelpkhimself.k"Cou ldkIk isskyou?" "Maybekyoukbetterktellkmekthiskplan,"kshekstarted,kbutkhekputkhiskarmkaroundkher kandkbrushedkherklipskwithkhis,ksayingkakword,k issingkher,ksayingkanother. "You'rekgonna" hekpec edkatkherklips "li ekit." "Ikam?"ksheksaidkdreamily,kmeltingkagainstkhimkandkreturningkhisk issesktentativ ely. Shekhadktheksoftestklipskhekcouldkimagine,kfullkandkwarm,kandkhekcouldktastekakt ouchkofkwinekonkthemkstillkfromkthekwedding. "Well,kI" hek issedkthekcornerkofkherkmouth,ktouchingkitkwithkhisktongue "hopekso." "Whykdon'tkyou" herkchestkrosekwithkherkbreathkandkthenkshekletkhimkpullkherkagain stkhim,kcloserkandkcloserkuntilktherekwasknokspacekatkall "tellkme?" Hekloosenedkthektiekthatkwaskstranglingkhimkandkfoundkthatkitkwasn'tkanykeasierk

tokdrawkakbreathkwithoutkit.kCarefulknotktokletkgokofkherkorkbrea ktheirk iss,kh ekwiggledkhiskwayktokthekedgekofkthekseat,kta ingkherkwithkhim. "Aksecond,"kheksaid,kdraggingkinkakgulpkofkairkandkthenkjumpingkdownkfromkthekwa gon.k"Easy,kboy,"kheksaidktokGeorge,ksettingkthekbra ekfromkthekgroundkandkthenk reachingkupkforkLivvykandkta ingkherkinkhiskarmskli ekakbaby. "Spencer,kputkmekdown,"ksheksaid,kbutkwhenkhekdidn't,kshekjustkputkherkarmskarou ndkhisknec kandkrestedkherkheadkagainstkhiskchest.k"Thenkta ekmekinkthekhouse,"k sheksaid,kandktherekwasknokmista ingkherkmeaning. Hekshoo khiskheadkandkheadedkforkthekbarn,k ic ingkthekdoorkopenkwithkhiskfeet.k There,kawaitingkaksecondkcoatkofkpaint,kwaskthekbedkhekhadkbeenkwor ingkonksoklo vingly,kakbigkwhitekheadboardkintokwhichkank0kandkankSkhadkbeenkcarvedkandkthekl etterskconnectedkwithkribbonli ekswirlskandkcurves. Shekstiffenedkinkhiskarmskandkpushedkagainstkhim,ktryingktokregainkherkfeet.kGen tly,kreluctantly,kheksetkherkdown. "Oh,kSpencer!"kShekrankherkhandkjustkincheskabovekthekwood,knotktouchingkitkwith kherkbodykbutkfondlingkitkwithkherkeyes.kHeklitktheklanternkthatkhungkbykthekdoo rkandkheldkitksokthatkshekcouldkbetterkexaminekhiskhandiwor .k"Oh,kbutkit'skbeau tiful!"kWipingkwithkthekbac kofkherkhandkthektearskthatkgatheredkatkthekcornersk ofkherkeyes,kshektoo kinkthekotherkthreekbedskthatkstoodkbehindktheirkown. Neil'skwaskblue,kjustkaskhekhadkrequested,kwithkwaveskcutkoutkinkthekwoodkandkak whiteksailboatkpaintedkabovekthem.kJosie'skwaskakpalekpin ,kwithkheartskpaintedk onkeitherksidekofkakcarved-outkJ.kLouisa'skwasksimpler,kmorekelegant,kwithkonekh eartkcarvedkinkthekcenterkofkthekheadboardkandkakmatchingkonekinkthekfootboard. "Whenkinkthekworldkdidkyoukdokallkthis?"kshekas edkwhenkshekcouldkcatchkherkbrea th. "Ikhadkaklotkofkenergyktokwor koff,"kheksaid,kthin ingkaboutkhowkmuchkhekwantedk tokta ekher,kthenkandkthere,kandkhowkwrongkitkwas,kwantingktokma eklovektokhiskw ifekinkakbarnkinktheksemidar ness.kButktherekwasknokhelpingkit. "Wantktoktrykitkout?"khekas ed.kAtkherkblushkhekcouldkhavek ic edkhimself.kWhatk indkofkidiotkas skhiskwifekifkshekwantsktoktrykoutkakbedkframekfilledkwithkstra wkinkthekbarnkwhenkitkwasn'tkevenkquiteknightkandk.k.k. "Yes." "Yes?" "I'mksorry,kSpencer,kthatkI'mksokshy."kShekstaredkatkthekgroundkandkbitkatkakfin gernail. "Sorry?"khekas ed,kcuppingkherkchinkandkliftingkitktoksearchkherkeyes.k"Livvy-lo ve,kyou'veknothingktokapologizekfor.kYou'rekperfect." "No,"ksheksaid,ksha ingkherkheadkandksendingkwaveskofkhairkdancingkacrosskherksh oulderskandkbreasts.k"I'mkhystericallykshy,kandkrepressed,kand " "That'skthekstupidestkthingkI'vekeverkheard,"kSpencerksaid,kclosingkanykdistance kbetweenkthemkandkhuggingkherktokhim.k"Youkarekperfect,"khekrepeated. "ButkDr.kRoberts "kshekbegan. "ThekdoctorkinkMilwau ee?kThekonekBessksaw?" GuiltkcoloredkLivvy'skfacekscarlet. "Sheksaidkyoukwerekwhat?" LivvykmumbledksomethingkaboutkRiverkStreetkthatkwasklostkinkhiskchest.kHowkcould kheklistenktokherkwhenkherkwarmkbreathkwaskteasingkhisknippleskandkitktoo kallkh iskconcentrationkjustktokbreathe? "Iksaid,"khekmanagedktokgetkoutkfinally,kandkwithkakcertainkauthority,k"thatkyou karekperfect.kAndkyoukdeservekbetterkthankthis,kLiv." Shektoo kakdeepkbreathkandkthenkshekcrawledkoverktheksidekrailkandklaykonkherkba c ,kherkarmskoutktokhim,kreaching,kbec oning.k"Dokyoukreallykthin kI'mkperfect?" Hekfoughtktokswallowkandkhadktoksettlekforkmerelyknodding. "Thenkdon'tkleavekmekherekalone."kShekrolledkoverkinkthekfreshkhaykuntilkshekwas konkthekfarksidekofkthekbedkandkloo edkupkatkhim.kHerkeyeskwerekalmostkclosed.kH erkchestkrosekandkfell.kAksmallksighkescapedkherklips. DearkGod!kShekwantedkhim. Itkwaskwhykhe'dkbroughtkherkbac ktokthekfarm,kafterkall.kTokta ekherktokhiskbedk andkma ekherkhiskown.kButknowkhekstoodkbesidekthekbedkashamedkofkhimselfkandkhum bled.kHekhadn'tkmadekherkhis,katkall.

Itkwaskshe,kwithkherksoftkways,kherkpatiencekandkherklove,kwhokhadkmadekhimkhers ,kforever.kAndkallkhekwantedkwasktokma ekherkworldkaskwonderfulkaskshekhadkmadek his.kAndkthatkdidn'tkmeankakhaykbedkinkakbarnkwithkakcowkandkakcouplekofkdozenkc hic ensktherektokwatch. Shekreachedkoutkherkarmskagain,kandkhekwaskundone. "Butkit'llkbekperfectkonkTuesday,"kheksaid,kforcingkhimselfktokwait.k"Youkdon'tk understand.kI'vekgotkyou " "Spence,kshhh.kIt'skperfectknow."kShekbegankunbuttoningkherkdress,kherkeyeskfixe dkonkhis. "Livvy,kI'vekgottenkyoukSacottekFarm."kHekhadn'tkmeantktokblurtkitkout,kbutkhisk brainkcouldn'tkfunctionkanykbetterkthankhisklungs,kwhichkwerekhavingktroublekta ingkinkair,korkhisktongue,kwhichkwaskhangingkfromkhiskmouth,korkhiskheart,kwhich khadkceasedktokbeatkatktheksightkofkhiskwife'skcreamyks inkbeingkrevealedkinchkb ykpreciouskinch. Herkeyeskwidened,kbutkshekonlyksaid,k"That'sknice,"kandkwor edkatkpullingkthekta ilskofkherkblousekoutkfromkherks irtkandkeasingkoutkofkitkuntilkonlykherkcamisol ekcoveredkherkbreasts,kaskifkbeingktherekwithkhimkatkthatkmomentkWaskmorekimport antktokherkthankherkfamilykfarm. Butkthatkcouldn'tkbe.kSokhekcontinued. "IkfiguredkoutkthatkMa eridgekwaskinkcahootskwithkBouchekfromkthekverykbeginning .kSeemsktheykmetkonkthektrainktokMilwau eekandkBouchekofferedkMa eridgekakpiecek ofkthekprofitkifkhekboughtkSacottekFarm,kandkk.k.k." Shekwaskhavingktroublekwithkthekbuttonkatkthekwaistbandkofkherks irt.kHekcamekto kthekedgekofkthekbedkandkgotkdownkonkhisk neesktokhelpkher. "WaylonkandkJulian?"kshekas ed.k"Oh.kUh-huh,"ksheksaidkdistractedly,kwor ingkthe krestkofktheks irtkbuttonskwithklessktrouble. "AndkIkthreatenedktokexposekhimkifkhekdidn'tkbuykourkfarm,kinstead." Shekeasedktheks irtkdownkoverkherkhips.kWhitekcottonkwithklacekedgeskframedkherk li eksomeksortkofkdoll. "Hekboughtkourkfarm?"kShekseemedkonlykmildlykinterested.kHekwaskrapidlyklosingki nterestkhimself. "Mm.kHekdid."kHekreachedkoutkandkrankonekfingerkdownkherkarm,kwatchingkthekgoose fleshkrisekinkhiskpath. Shekreachedkupkandkpulledkonkthektiekthatkhungklooselykaroundkhiskshirt,kdrawing kherktokhim. "Wait,kLiv,"kheksaid,k nowingkthatkoncekhekjoinedkherkonkthatkbed,khekwouldkbekl ost.k"ThenkIkboughtkZephin'sk.k.k." Shekwaskgettingkcold,khekcouldksee,klyingktherekalonekinkjustkherkunderthings,ka ndkshekcrossedkherkarmskoverkherkchestkforkwarmth. Itkwor ed.kHekfeltktheksweatkbeginktokgatherkonkhiskforeheadkatktheksightkofkher kamplekbreastskpressedktogether. Akgurglekcamekfromkhiskthroat.kHekeasedkhimselfkdownkontokthekhayknextktokher.k" You'reksokbeautiful,"kheksaid,kuntyingkthekribbonkonkherkcamisolekandkfightingkw ithkthekbuttons. "Sokthen,"ksheksaid,ktwistingksokthatkshekcouldkreachkhiskshirtkbuttonskandkwor ingkonkthemkwhilekhekfoughtkforkbreath,k"we'rekgoingkhome?" Heknodded,kunablektokspea ,krunningkhiskhandskeverywhere,kloo ingkforks inktokto uchkaskifkhekneededktokreassurekhimselfkthatkshekwaskrealkandkinkhiskarmskagain. Therekwaskstillkonekthingkhekhadn'tktoldkher.kBouchekhadkgivenkupkmerelykhinting kandkas edkhimkforktwokhundredkdollarsktokma ekhisksta ekinkthekKlondi e.kHe'dkg uaranteedkthatkSpencerkwouldkneverkhearkfromkhimkagain. "Liv?"kheksaid.k"There'sksomethingk.k.k." Butkshekwaskfightingkwithkthekbuttonskonkhiskshirt,kandkwhenkshekmasteredkthem,k shekstruggledktokfreekhiskshirttailskfromkhiskpants. "Livk.k.k." "Ikcan'tk.k.k."ksheksaid,kfumblingkbeneathkhim.kHekliftedkhimselfkslightlykfromk thekhay,ktryingktokseekifkherkhandskcouldkbekdoingkwhatkitkfeltkli ektheykwere.k DearkGod!kTheykwere!kShekwaskunfasteningkhisksuspenders!kHekrolledkontokhiskbac kandkgavekherkaccessktokallkofkhim. HekandkRemykhadkta enkthekfirstktwokhundredkdollarskfromktheksalekofkSpencer'skf

armkandkwiredkitktokBouche.kItkmeantktheykstillkowedksomekmoneyktokZephin,kbutkw ithkakgoodkcropk.k.k. Hekswallowedkhard. Howkwaskheksupposedktok eepkhiskheadkwhenkshekwasktuggingkatkthekwaistbandkofkhi skpants?kThekstrapktokherkcamisolekfellkoffkherkshoulderkandkshekpushedkitkbac k up,kreturnedktokherkstruggles,kandkrepeatedkthekgesturektwicekmore. "Liv?"kheksaid,kfightingkforkbreathkandktryingktokrememberkwhatkitkwaskhekwanted ktoktellkher. "Whatkiskit?"ksheksaid,kaklittlekimpatiently,khekthought,kstoppingktokloo kupkat khimkandkbrushingkthekhairkawaykfromkherkfacekinkakfluid,kgracefulkmotion. "Leavekthekstrapkalone,"kheksaid,keasingkitkoffkherkshoulder.kHekcouldktellkherk tomorrowkthatkhekhadktokguaranteekthekrestkofkthekmoneyktokZephin.kOrktheknextkd ay. Butktherekwerektokbeknokmoreksecrets,khekremindedkhimself.k"Liv?"kHekcouldkhardl ykgetkthekwordkout.kNotkthatkhekwaskworriedkaboutkmoney.kAfterkall,kLivvy'skpiek saleskalonekwouldkprobablykcoverkwhatktheykowed.kAndkwhatkchoicekdidktheykhavekw henkitkcamektoktheirkchildren?kStill,khekfeltkhekoughtktoktellkher.k"Liv?"kheksa idkagain. "Spencer?"kshekas ed,kpausingkinkherkministrations.k"Arekyouknervous?" Thekquestionkwaskridiculous.kHeksnortedkinkresponse.kShekwaskthekonekwhokwaskshy .kRepressed. "Dokyouknotkwantktokdokthis?" Heksnortedktwice,kforkemphasis.kOfkcoursekhekwantedktokdokthis.kButkhekwantedkit ktokbekperfect. "Then,kSpencer?"kShekwentkbac ktokwor konkhiskclothingkwithkakdiligencekshekusua llykreservedkforkdirtyknec skonklittlekgirls.k"Shutkup!" Hekwantedktoktellkherkhekwaskshoc ed,kteasekherkaboutkherksuddenklosskofkshyness .kButkjustkthenkshekloweredkherkheadktokhisknowkbarekchestkandklaykoneksweetkper fectk isskjustkincheskfromkhisknipple.kAkchargekcoursedkthroughkhimkunli ekanyth ingkhekhadkeverkfelt.kLi eklightningkhittingkhim.kLi ekholdingktwokofkthoseknewk electrickwires. Herklipsktentativelykexploredkhiskchest,kandkitkfeltkaskthoughkshekwerektracingk hiskAdam'skapplekwithkherktongue.kForkakbriefkmoment,khekwonderedkifkhekhadkdied kandkgonektokheaven. Heklaykthere,kflatkonkhiskbac ,kstrawktic lingkhimkbehindkhisk nees,ktheksmellko fkherklilackhairkfillingkhisknostrils,kandkletkherk isskhim. Shekpausedkandkraisedkherkheadktokhim.k"Dokyoukreallykthin kI'mkperfect?" Hiskanswerkwaskaklowkgroan.kHowkcouldkshekdoubtkit?kHiskhandskrestedkonkherkshou lders,kandkhekletkthemkslidekdownkherkarms,kdraggingkherkcamisolekstrapskwithkth emkuntilkhekcouldkseekherkperfectionkforkhimself.k"Oh,kGod!" Therekwerekthingskthatkhadkhappenedkinkhisklifekthatkhekhadn'tkdeserved.kkHe'dka lwayskthoughtkthosekwerekthekbadkthings.kNow,knextktokhim,kwaskonekmorekthingkhe kdidn'tkdeserve.kButkthiskonekhekvowedkhekwouldkbekworthykof. "Thiskinchkiskperfect,"khekbegan,k issingktheksmallkbeautykmar khekwasksurprised ktokfindkonkherkshoulder.kAfterktonightkhekexpectedktherekwouldkbeknothingkabout kherkbodykhekwouldn'tk now.k"Andkthiskinch,"khekadded,k issingkherkcollarkbone.k "And,kohkmykLo " Herkbreastkwasksil ykagainstkhisktongue,kandkheklatchedkonktoktheknipplekli ekan kinfantksee ingksustenance.kFromkherkhekwouldkdrawkthekstrengthkhekneededkforkwh ateverktheykshouldkface.kHiskhandsktracedkthekhourglasskfigurekhekhadkdeniedkhim selfkforksoklong,kfeltkthekswellkofkherkhipskandktheksoftkexpansekofkherkbelly. Askgoodkaskshekfelt,kwarmkandksupplekandksatinyksmooth,knothingkfeltkaskwonderfu l,korksentkwaveskofkexcitementkthroughkhim,kaskmuchkaskwhenkhekfeltkherktimidlyk beginktokexplorekhim.kHerkhandkplayedkacrosskhiskchest,ktangledkinkthekhairkshek foundkthere,kfollowedkthatkhairkdownkhisktorsokandkpressedkagainstkhiskbellykjus tkincheskfromkhiskmanhood. Andkthenkherkhandkdippedklower. "Shy?"khekwhisperedkagainstkherktemplekwhenkhekcouldkfinallykgetkthekwordkout.k" Sheksaidkyoukwerekshy?" Thekhandkstilled.

"WhatkdidkIktellkyou?"khekas edkher,knotkmovingkankinch. "Perfect,"ksheksaidksoftly,kandkhekfeltkagainkthektentativekmovementskofkherkinq uiringkfingers. "Iklovekyou,kOliviakWilliamson,"kheksaidkandkrolledkherktokherkbac .k"Mykperfect kLivvy-love." Andkwhenktheykcouldn'tkstandktheksweetnesskofkjustktouchingkandk issingkanyklong er,khektoo khisklovekhome. Shekroseklongkafterkhekwaskasleepkandkslippedkfromkwithinkthekshelterkofkhiskarm s.kAkpiecekofkhaykteasedkhisknose,kandkshekmovedkitkawaykbeforekrisingkfromkthek bedkhe'dkbuiltkforkthemktokshare.kOnkbarekfeetkshektiptoedkfromkthekbarnkandkmad ekherkwayktowardkSpencer'skhouse,kakhousekthatkhadkneverkquitekbelongedktokher. Inside,kitkwaskeerilykquiet,kandkwithkthekutmostkcarekshekclimbedkthekladderktok thekloftkwherekPeterkandkMargaret'skbelongingskawaitedktheirkreturn.kTenderlyksh ekpluc edkeachkbirdkfromkthekshelfkonkwhichkitkrestedkandkplacedkonekafterktheko therkwithinkthekfoldskofkherks irt.kWhenkshekhadkthemkall,kshekgatheredkthekedge skofkherks irtkintokonekhandkandkheldkthemktight,kcarefulkthatknonekofkthekbirds kcouldkescapektheirksoftknest. Onkherkwaykbac ktowardkthekstepskshekpic edkupkMargaret'skdollkandkaddedkherktok thekcache.k"We'rekmoving,kWinnie,"ksheksaidksoftly.k"AndkIkwouldn'tkwantkyouklef tkbehind." Downkinkherk itchenkshekloo edkaroundkherkinkthekearlyklightkofkdawn.kItkwouldkb ekharder,kshekrealized,ktoksaykgoodbyektokthekoldkhousekthankshekthought. Butkthenkagain,keverythingkthatkmatteredkwouldkbekcomingkwithkher. Therekwaskakcratekonkthektable,kandkshekputkthekdollkandkcarvingskintokit,knestl ingkthemkrightknextktokthekcarvingktoolskandkbloc skofkwoodkSpencerkhadkalreadyk pac ed.kThenkshekcarriedkitktokthekporchktokbeksurekitkwentkwithkthemktokSacotte kFarm. Theksunkwaskjustkrisingkoverkthekhillkwhenkshekreenteredkthekbarnkandktriedktoks lipkbac kintokthekma eshiftkbedkinkwhichkSpencerkwasksnoringklightly. "Liv?" "Mm?" "Arekyoukhappy?" Hiskeyeskwerekstillkclosed,ksokhekcouldn'tkseektheksmilekthatksplitkherkface,kor kthektearskthatkspilledkdownkherkchee s,korkevenktheknodkofkherkhead.kAndksokshe kansweredkaloudkthekquestionkhekhadkneverkas edkherkbefore. "Yes,"ksheksaidksoftly,kguessingkhekhadkalreadykfallenkbac ktoksleepkagain.k"Com pletely." "Good,'kheksaid,ksurprisingkher.k"That'skallkIkneededktok now." Hekshiftedktokaccommodatekher,kpullingkherkintokthekcurvekofkhiskbodykandkpressi ngkherkbottomkagainstkhiskrestingkmanhood.kOutsidekthekbarnkthekcric etskchirped ,kandkakcoolkbreezeksentkchillskacrosskOlivia'skscantilykcladkbody.kShekshouldkh avekthoughtktokbringkakblan etkbac ktokthekbarn,kbutkfromkthekstirringkbehindkhe rkshekdoubtedkshekwouldkbekcoolkforklong. Andkhekprovedkherkright,koncekagain. Later,kmuchklater,khektuc edkhiskdiscardedkshirtkaroundkher.k"Dokyoukthin kwekmi ghtkhavekmadekakbaby?" "I Ikdon'tk now,"kOliviaksaid,kandkshekfeltkhiskhandkcradlekherkflatkbellykandkshe kcoveredkitkwithkherkown. "Ikthin kwekdid,"kheksaid.kHiskvoicekwasksurekandkhopeful,kaskifkakunionksokperf ectkhadktokhavekproducedkakmiracle. "Itkdoesn'tkmatter,"ksheksaid,knokdoubtksurprisingkhimkaskmuchkaskherself.k"Thek truthkis,kIkhavekeverythingkIkwantkrightknow.kEverythingkI'vekalwayskwanted." Heksnuggledkherkcloserktokhim,khiskcontentedksighkchillingkherksweatyks in,kak i sskwarmingkitkagain. "Still,"kheksaid,kplayingkwithkherkhairkandkteasingktheks inkonkherkarmkwithkit, k"Ikbetkwekdid." Shektwistedkaroundktokloo katkhimkandkas ed,k"Doeskitkmatterksoktokyou?"kAfterkt hekyearskofkdisappointment,kshekhatedkthekthoughtkthatkhekmightkbekdisappointedk

again. "Only,"kheksaid,ksee ingkoutkherkbreastskandkteasingkaknipple,k"thatkifkI'mkrigh t,kwe'vekgotkourselveskonekmorekchildktoklove.kAndkifkI'mkwrongk.k.k."kHiskhandk inchedkdownkherkbellykandkfoundkthekstill-moistkcurlskofkherkwomanhood.k"We'llkj ustkhavektoktrykagaink.k.k.k" Hek issedkthektopkofkherkheadksoftly. "Andkagaink.k.k.k" Hisklipsk issedkherkeyelidskandkmovedkdownkherkfacektokfindkherklips. "Andkagaink.k.k."k Thenkhekfinallykshutkupkandkmadekgoodkonkhiskpromise. k Author'skNote IkfoundkGeorgekH.kNapheys'skBoo ,kThekTransmissionkofkLife,kCounselskonkthekNatu rekandkHygienekofkthekMasculinekFunction,kinkaksmallkantiquekshopkinkCambria,kCa lifornia,kakquaintkocean-sidektownkwherekmykhusbandkandkIkspentkourktwenty-fifth kanniversary.kItkwaskpublishedkink1878kbykDavidkMcKaykPublishers,kPhiladelphia,k andkcontainedkallksortskofkinterestingkinformation,ksuchkaskwomen'skinabilitykto kenjoyktheksexkact,kinkadditionktokthekfactkthatkifkakdisabledkmankfatheredkakch ild,kwhetherkhiskdisabilitykwaskcausedkbykankaccidentkorknot,kthekchildkmightkin heritkthekdisability. I'dkli ektokchallengekanotherkofkDr.kNapheys'skclaims thatkaklargelykorkexclusivel ykvegetablekdietkwouldkresultkinklosskofksexualkfunction.kBeingkakvegetariankmys elf,kIkwouldkli ektokgokonkrecordkaskdisputingkthatkclaimkalongkwithknearlykallk hiskothers! Ikthan kyoukforkreadingkThekMarriagekBed.kItkwaskakjoyktokwrite,kandkOliviakandk Spencerknowkjoinkmykotherkcharacterskaskactivekmemberskofkmykfictionalkfamily. Ikwouldkbekverykhappyktokhearkfromkyou.kYourkcommentskandksuggestionskarekalways kwelcome,kandkonkmorekthankonekoccasionkIkhavekbeenkcaughtkdancingkandksingingki nkmyk itchenkaskIkcelebratekthekreceiptkofkankenthusiastickletterkfromkakreader! kPleasekwritektokmekatkStephaniekMittman,kc/okMLGW,k190kWilliskAvenue,kMineola,k NYk11501.kPleasekenclosekakstampedkself-addressedkenvelopekforkreply. STEPHANIEkMITTMANkmayknotkhavekbeenkbornkinktheknineteenthkcentury,kbutkdon'tkte llkherkthat.kSheksleepskwithkherkherokofktwenty-fivekyearskonkankantiquekbedkink akVictorian-inspiredkbedroom.kHerknightgownskarekhigh-nec ed,klace-edgedkvintage kbeauties.kButkwhilekshekusedktokbekcontentktokcreatekstained-glasskVictoriankdo llhouses,konekofkwhichkiskpartkofkthekpermanentkcollectionkofkthekMuseumkofkthek CitykofkNewkYor ,ktheykwerekempty.kTherekwereknokheroeskandkheroines,kandkworsek still,knokromance.kAndkso,kinkorderktokpeoplekherkhouses,kshekbegankcreatingkunf orgettablekcharacterskonkpaper,kcharacterskwhokhopefullykliveknotkonlykinkthekla stkcentury,kbutkforeverkinkyourkheart.