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b06c897
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A piercing cry came from the playroom. Preacher was on his feet at the same moment Chris came flying into the kitchen, holding his forearm with his other hand. He ran to his mother, with a look of pain and fear, his mouth open in a wail, tears on his face. Paige instantly drew him in, asking, "What's wrong? What's wrong?" Preacher leaned over, pulled Chris's hand away, saw the perfect outline of a juvenile mouth and, with an expression of s..
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Robyn Carr |
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131ef30
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She sighed deeply. "I really thought about trying to explain them," she said. "And why I really didn't want to--" He reached across the console and picked up her hand, holding it, giving it a squeeze. He smiled and shook his head at her. It's okay, he mouthed silently. He didn't let go of her hand."
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Robyn Carr |
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32e8baa
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Tell us about your man," Susan said. "Oh, Jack's not my man," she said automatically. "He is the first friend I made in Virgin River, however. He runs a little bar and grill across the street from Doc's--as much a meeting place as a restaurant. They don't even have a menu--his partner, a big scary-looking guy named Preacher who turns out to be an angel--cooks up one breakfast item, one lunch item and one dinner item every day. On an ambitio..
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Robyn Carr |
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2944ffd
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Paige, the way you just stood up and left like that, I was awful proud of you. Really, you're stronger than you let on." She sighed. "I should've stood up and left sooner. I was real close." "Me, too," he said. "I think maybe we tried too hard with Bud. Both of us. He always act like that?" "When he's not real quiet and sulky." "He get along with Wes okay?" Preacher asked. "Bud thinks Wes is awesome. Because he thinks Wes is rich. Wes think..
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Robyn Carr |
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714edc4
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Being around her gentled him, steadied him. Made him want to be a better man. It also had another, more disquieting effect; when she brushed up against him, when he caught a whiff of her sweet, natural scent, he could almost become aroused. The three of them had been in each other's constant company for weeks, and his attachment to Chris was strengthening, his affection for Paige deepening by the day. By the hour. When he took her small han..
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Robyn Carr |
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149280f
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They shared a hotel room while in Los Angeles--two queens. Preacher in one bed, Paige and her son in the other. Lying in the same room with her was both blissful and painful. He would hear every soft noise, every little snuffle in the bed, and wonder what it might be like to lie beside her, bring her against him. When he would shower after her in the morning, he'd get heady from the smells of her soap, shampoo and lotion. *
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Robyn Carr |
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a030b46
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God, that's a relief. I hope I never have to walk in that front door again." "It's too bad, to have all that and lose it. That's like the American dream. What every man thinks is the perfect life. A family, success, stuff." "Is that your idea of the big dream, John?" He laughed. "My idea is a lot smaller." She stared at his profile for a long moment. Then very quietly she said, "I bet it's not really smaller. But maybe a lot less complicate..
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Robyn Carr |
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9ffcddd
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Everyone in Virgin River knows where I live. And probably half the people in Clear River." "God," he said, tightening his arms around her. "Did it ever occur to you that you could have been at risk?" he asked her. "For a minute or two," she said. She looked up at him and smiled. "I don't expect you to understand this--but there was a baby coming. And I'm glad I went. Besides, I wasn't in trouble. The mother was." He let out a slow, relieved..
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Robyn Carr |
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b4fd957
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She shrieked his name, threw her arms around his neck and hugged him so fiercely he took a step back and started to laugh. He put his arms around her and held her off the floor in her excitement. She kissed him on both cheeks, several times, making loud smacking noises. He laughed at her, hanging on, hating the thought of letting her go. He had to put her down too soon. Large, liquid green eyes stared up at him, overcome, and on her lips a ..
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Robyn Carr |
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16ab2d6
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While he sat on the edge of the bed to retrieve his jeans from the floor, she saw the tattoo on his back for the first time--a large sunburst right between his shoulder blades. Very sexy on that broad, brown back. She'd seen the other one earlier, an armband in the shape of a chain.
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Robyn Carr |
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abe6aba
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I should thank you, I think. I know that John called you about my...situation. My ex-husband." "Ex now?" he asked. "Yes, very recently. I don't even carry the name anymore." "And I guess, if you're still here--" "I love it here. I don't know when I've felt more...I don't know, normal. And Christopher is so happy--he loves John so much." "It's pretty clear how Preach--how John feels." "Is it?" she asked. Mike laughed. "Okay, he's not the mos..
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Robyn Carr |
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afd2570
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Do you remember when I came here after Davie was born? I would listen to you practice your guitar in the early mornings." "I didn't know you were there." "I used to pretend you were playing for me. I was so moved by the music, I imagined you playing for me late into the night. You tempted me even then." He chuckled. "I never knew. At that time, you wouldn't give an inch." "I was pretty sure all men were dogs." "We are. We deserve nothing. B..
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Robyn Carr |
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7b258d8
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Preacher. I gotta ask you something. What the hell's eating you?" "What do you mean?" he replied, frowning. Jack shook his head in frustration. "You have this beautiful little family under your roof. You watch over them like a papa bear. That kid adores you, you have a sweet, cuddly young beauty to knock boots with every night, and you're depressed. I mean, you are obviously depressed!" "I'm not depressed," he said somewhat meanly. "And I h..
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Robyn Carr |
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e854abe
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Hey," he said. She turned around and, as quickly, turned back. There had been tears on her face. He frowned. What was this? Trouble in paradise? "Hey," he said, walking up behind her, squeezing her upper arm with his left hand. "What's going on?" he asked her. "Nothing," she said with a sniff. He turned her around to face him. He looked down at her pretty face and for the hundredth time thought, that damn Preacher. I bet he doesn't know wha..
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Robyn Carr |
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dc2cb2e
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There's no danger of disease," he said. "I haven't been with a woman since before the shooting, and in the hospital every cell in my body was screened. But there is another matter.... Are you taking pills?" She shook her head, but her eyes were clear. "Ah," he said. "Mel can help with that. There's something she can give you to prevent a baby." "What if I didn't do that?" she asked. "What if I didn't go to Mel?" That caused him to straighte..
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Robyn Carr |
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76d5b7d
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When the last of the dishes were put up, the floor swept, the Open sign turned off and the door latched, Preacher trudged slowly up the stairs to his old room. When he got there he found Christopher was jumping on the bed while beside it Paige stood holding his pajama top, trying to get him to settle down after his bath. She threw a look over her shoulder with a wan smile that said she was coming to the end of her rope. After all, she'd bee..
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Robyn Carr |
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1bb02b5
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He can be a mystery. There's more to Preacher than... You really care about him?" "I do." "Then you be patient. He'll come around. Paige, it's obvious--he cares about you, too. You and Christopher. I've never seen him like this with anybody." "Maybe he wants to be sure I'm not just--" Mike was shaking his head. "He wants to be sure of himself, Paige. Preacher's real cautious. I think the man could be terrified of disappointing you. That's m..
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Robyn Carr |
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11be501
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Ah. I knew I forgot something. It's the reason I came here, to you--it wasn't just because I needed your touch to help make me stronger. It was so much more than that. I couldn't be away from you a second longer. I think you're the best friend I've ever had. In fact, we became so close in the last six months, I didn't think we could get any closer." She put her fingers on his lips. "The joke's on me--this goes beyond my wildest expectations..
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Robyn Carr |
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b93f707
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I've never felt more at home." She touched his handsome face. "If last night made a baby, it will be a beautiful baby. I don't want Mel's help to make sure it doesn't stick. If it's there, it's yours--and I want it." "Then that's how it will be," he said. He kissed her deeply, passionately. "Whatever you want." "I"
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Robyn Carr |
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0c41181
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She loved watching John--his movements so slow and steady, confident. And to talk with him in the evening after closing, even for a while, was like a reward. The sound of his voice as he read to her son, kind of raspy and soft, comforted her as much as it did Chris. She
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Robyn Carr |
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a22bf74
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If she left, he was going to lose his mind. If she stayed, he was going to lose his mind. She
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Robyn Carr |
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912daef
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He was grateful to have a big cooking job ahead to take his mind off things. He was making his lists, getting out his recipes. And he stopped shaving his head the day she left. Within four days a cap of short black hair covered his dome. "What's going on with this?" Mel laughed, reaching up and rubbing a hand over his bristly, dark head. "Head's cold," he said. "I like it. Do you grow it in every winter?" "Head hasn't been this cold on othe..
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Robyn Carr |
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d290655
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At night, after Jack had gone home and the last customer of the night had left, Preacher went up to Paige's bedroom above the bar and went inside. That she had left so many of her things behind, including Christopher's toys, did not encourage him. He couldn't believe she'd come back here. To him. If she returned at all, it would probably only be for her things. He didn't think he had anything to offer her beyond a safe harbor. Probably Jean..
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Robyn Carr |
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607d0d1
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There might as well have been no one else in the room. As she walked toward the bar, he came around it. "I'm sorry I didn't get here in time to help," she said. Preacher stooped to pick up Christopher, who put his arms around his neck first, then rubbed his head. "You din't shabe it," he said. Preacher kissed the little boy on the cheek. "My head was cold," he said. Paige wrapped her arms around his waist and, looking up at him, said, "I ho..
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Robyn Carr |
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91f1d2d
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The most delicious thing it's going to see today is Preacher's lunch," she said, but she smiled when she said it. "Thank God," he said, teasing. "I admit, I was pretty worried. I wondered--if I gave you wine and music and you began to seduce me, how would I--" "Get out of it?" she asked, amused. "Not exactly, mija." He grinned. "How would I keep Jack from killing me." "Don't take this the wrong way, Mike, it's not personal, but Jack isn't i..
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Robyn Carr |
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428df6c
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Oh, really. This saving-up business--I guess you think you're the only one who missed it. Huh?" "Well... You got a little pissy there for a while...." "Well, John, you told everyone it was ovulation day! You're going to have to learn to be a little more discreet in the future." "Anything"
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Robyn Carr |
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c15fad5
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Jeannie saw the bear with the blue-and-gray flannel leg. She had stroked it and said, "Oh, God. I've never known a guy who does something like this. This is amazing." "It's one of the first things that convinced me to stay. The way he is with Chris." "That's really awesome," Jeannie said. "But you can't stay there forever because of how he is with your child, you know." "That isn't all there is," she said softly. "It's how he is with me. Bu..
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Robyn Carr |
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28f4167
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We should think about naming your new playmate," she said. "I have a suggestion," he said. "Emma." "I like Emma," she said. "Old girlfriend?" "Mother. My mother," he said. "Aw, that's sweet. I think your mother would be happy you're finally serious." "Mel?" --
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Robyn Carr |
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91e8011
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Mel? Are you nervous about--you know--giving birth?" "Not at all. You know why, big fella? Because I'm meeting John Stone at Valley Hospital, and if everything goes to hell, I'm having a big fat epidural. Afterward, I'm having a rare steak and a tall beer." "Mel," he said, running a hand down her hair onto her shoulder. "I want you to have the epidural." "Jack--are you nervous?" "Oh, baby, nervous doesn't touch it. You're my whole world. I ..
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Robyn Carr |
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c45dc70
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Jack was frowning darkly. A couple of the brothers-in-law, Dan and Ryan, came forward and said, "Need a hand unloading, Jack?" "Yeah," he said, his brows drawn together. "What's the problem?" Ryan asked. "I said exactly those two words to her--huge and waddle--and she was very pissed about it." The men laughed. Bob clamped a hand on his shoulder. "Come, my brother. Let's get you unloaded, get you a beer and teach you the facts of life. Out ..
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Robyn Carr |
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b48624f
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He knelt on Mel's side and gently moved her hair away from her eyes. One eye opened and there was not a smile in it. "Baby, are you pissed?" he asked gently. "Yes." "I'm sorry. I might've had one too many." "I know. I hope you're in agony." "What are you doing out here?" "Trying not to sleep in an ashtray." "What's Brie doing here?" "We'll talk about that later." "Am I going to be punished?" he asked. "Yes," she said. And she closed her eye..
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Robyn Carr |
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a20eaa0
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Gonna be fun today," he said. "You boys, you sure know how get the women all spooled up." "Save it. Want me to help you get the bird ready?" "Yeah, we should do that. Then we make brunch." "I'm good with brunch," he said. "Did you notice Brie is here?" "I noticed that," Sam said. "And I noticed that so far, two of the five married women in this family did not spend the night in bed with their husbands." "Okay, save it. Since I'm going to ge..
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Robyn Carr |
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aa237cf
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Brie is back in town. She's with Mike." "Really?" Mel said, suddenly giving him her attention. She closed the laptop and put it aside. "I haven't seen her. When I was leaving the bar, her Jeep was parked next to Mike's car. She came to Mike. Not to us--to Mike." She shrugged. "Well, that makes sense. He loves her." "How do you know that?" Jack asked. "How could you not?" she asked. Jack sat back on the couch. "I thought he was just trying t..
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Robyn Carr |
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2ceee2c
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I'm gonna tell you something, and you're going to act like you never heard it. You get me?" "Sure," Preacher said, throwing back the shot for courage. "I caught your girl crying today." Shock settled over Preacher's face. "That's right, old man. She can't figure you out. I think she loves you, Preacher. She's waiting. She needs some attention. You with me?" Preacher nodded solemnly. He wasn't going to go there with Mike. "She thinks you don..
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Robyn Carr |
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adeaa3e
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He poked his head in and found Paige and Preacher in a serious lip-lock. Feeling somewhat the author of this hot embrace, he watched for a minute. Paige had her arms around Preacher's neck while he had both his big hands on her bottom, holding her close against him. They were completely oblivious to being watched and he couldn't resist. He cleared his throat. Paige jumped and withdrew her arms, but Preacher refused to release Paige, not mov..
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Robyn Carr |
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6d3d7dd
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Do we have any more candles?" she asked him. "Not that I know about." "How about flashlights?" "Yeah, I have a couple of those." "Get the strongest one. If he starts to come before John gets here, I might be able to hold the light for you." "For... Me?" "Jack, there are only two of us here. One of us is going to push him out, one of us is going to catch him. Which job do you want?" "Oh," he said, going for the flashlight. He took it back to..
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Robyn Carr |
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e195bdd
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God, I wish I could do this for you." "That makes two of us." She closed her eyes for a moment. Two minutes later she was seized by another one. She panted through it. Jack went to the bathroom and wet a washcloth, going back to her to wipe her brow and neck. "That's nice," she said. "You have to wait for John," he said. "I'm doing the best I can, Jack." He held her hand and wiped her brow through several more contractions, murmuring, "It's..
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Robyn Carr |
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69ffd6a
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Jack," she said breathlessly. "You're going to have to take a look. Get the flashlight and shine it right on my pelvic floor. See if the birth canal is opening. Tell me if you see him coming." "How will I know what to look for?" he asked. She narrowed her eyes at him. "It has hair," she said in a very snotty tone. "Okay, don't get pissy, I don't do this for a living." She lifted her knees and spread them while Jack held the flashlight on he..
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Robyn Carr |
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b162bdc
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Preacher went upstairs to put Christopher to bed. Christopher was running around the room bare-assed, dodging his jammies; the kid loved being naked. Preacher grabbed him up, swung him around as he giggled and stood him on the bed. "Enough," he said. "You're going to bed." "Read to me," Christopher said, bouncing. "Your mommy is going to read tonight. Ten minutes. And then lights-out." Preacher got him in the pajamas and gave Paige a little..
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Robyn Carr |
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a7c2fe8
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So this was what it felt like when you loved someone, when you wanted to please someone rather than just be pleased. When you paid attention to what made her purr and sigh. He hadn't known about it. As he held her close, he couldn't stop kissing her, couldn't stop touching her, tasting her and exploring her body with gentle fingers. With kisses.
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Robyn Carr |
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e42e8f3
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John. I don't want to scare you away, but I'm in love with you." He buried his face in her neck, in her soft hair. "Baby, I love you so much, I think I'm going to die of it." "Do you see, John? This is all I want. You. You loving me. Me loving you." "Now"
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Robyn Carr |
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4d67389
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It's almost Thanksgiving," she said. "You're sure you want to stay here?" He shrugged. "Mel and Jack can't leave--she has babies coming. Preacher and Paige are here--that's family. If you want to go to Sam's, I'll do that with you. But I don't want to go to L.A. yet." "You aren't keeping me a secret from the Valenzuelas, are you?" "God, no, I've told them all, every one of them. I even told them to look out--you're bilingual and tricky. But..
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Robyn Carr |
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160160d
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And you're still feeling okay?" "I've been sick as a dog with this one. But I hang in. Jack promises he's not going to do this to me again. And I'm leaning toward a surgical procedure while he sleeps." *"
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Robyn Carr |
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3f67488
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I admit I was stupid. Oh, mija, you don't know what I'd give to start over." He leaned toward her and said, "If I had a woman like you in my life, I think I would know what I had." She laughed at him. "Good God, you're so obvious. You're coming on to me!" Some habits die so hard, he thought. But he was close enough to smell her sweet perfume and it addled his brain a little bit. "Dios, no! I wouldn't dare! I'm admiring you, that's all." "We..
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Robyn Carr |