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03e96ec
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All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another. --Anatole France
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Robyn Carr |
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b0efd2a
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John?" came a small voice. There, standing in the doorway from the kitchen, was Chris with his favorite snuggly toy, the one with the blue-and-gray plaid flannel leg. "What'cha doing, John?" Preacher's face melted into a soft smile and he went to the boy. He lifted him into his arms. "Huntin'," he said. "Just a little huntin'." "Where's Mom?" Preacher kissed his pink cheek. "She'll be back pretty soon. She's off on errands. And you're going..
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Robyn Carr |
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c96ba4c
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Still can't believe you did that to me. I just fucking can't believe it! Like you didn't know how much I loved you! Jesus, I gave you everything. Ever think you'd live in a house like the one I built you? Ever think so? I took you out of that dump you were in and put you in a decent place, a place with some class. What did you ever need that I didn't give you?" And on and on he ranted. While she listened, the first thought that came was tha..
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Robyn Carr |
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5d46818
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Did you see a lot of combat?" she asked. "A lot of combat," he answered, directing the bottle into the baby's mouth expertly. "Somalia, Bosnia, Afghanistan, Iraq. Twice." "No wonder you just want to fish." "Twenty years in the marines will make a fisherman out of just about anyone." "You seem too young to have retired." "I'm forty. I decided it was time to get out when I got shot in the butt." "Ouch. Complete recovery?" she asked, then surp..
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Robyn Carr |
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e222117
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Here's another thing--I can't get any cell phone reception here. I should let my family know I'm here safely. More or less." "The pines are too tall, the mountains too steep. Use the land line--and don't worry about the long distance cost. You have to be in touch with your family. Who is your family?" "Just an older married sister in Colorado Springs. She and her husband put up a collective and huge fuss about this--as if I was going into t..
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Robyn Carr |
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2c91f98
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You were right, you know--coming here was completely crazy. It was irrational. To think I'd choose to go to a town where there's no mall, much less a day spa, and one restaurant that doesn't have a menu? Please. No medical technology, ambulance service or local police--how is it I thought that would be easier, less stressful? I almost slid off the mountain on my way into town!" "Ah... Mel..." "We don't even have cable, no cell phone signal ..
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Robyn Carr |
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3ca8733
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You okay, baby sis?" Joey asked. "I'm okay. I lost it last night." She turned her head and looked up at her older sister. "Why didn't I see that coming? You did." "The anniversary of deaths has a reputation," she said. "Even if you don't remember the exact date--it'll sneak up on you and knock the wind out of you." "It sure did," she said, laying her head back down on Joey's shoulder. "I knew what day it was. I just didn't expect such a dra..
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Robyn Carr |
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32193e9
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I have nothing again," she said. "A little suitcase, a car with stolen license plates on it, a child and one on the way..." "You have everything," he said. "A car with stolen license plates, a son, a baby on the way, friends..." "I had friends before," she whispered. "They were scared of him. He ran them off and I lost them forever." "Do I look like the kind of friend he can scare? Run off?" He pulled her gently onto his lap and she rested ..
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Robyn Carr |
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7a2bed9
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Jack sat in the big chair in his room and said, "Come here," to Mel. She went to him and he pulled her down onto his lap. "I have something for you." He pulled a small box out of his pocket, shocking her into silence. It was definitely a ring box. "I don't know how practical this is in a place like Virgin River. It might be a little fussy. But I couldn't help myself. I want to give you everything--but this will have to do." She opened the b..
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Robyn Carr |
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8ab74da
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Don't make love to your problems--they'll never give you back the satisfaction you give them.
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Robyn Carr |
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dfa485d
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The expression on his face should be enough to terrify the man who held her. Bare chested, barefoot, his jeans zipped but not buttoned, his shoulders and arms frighteningly huge, big tattoos on his swollen biceps, he looked like a wild man. He looked over the barrel of the gun, his eyes narrow, and a set to his jaw told her he was going to act. There was no question. He did not look at Mel, but at Calvin. And for a woman terrified of guns, ..
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Robyn Carr |
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4507f27
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The ride back to Virgin River wasn't exactly quiet--Jeremy was a literal motormouth. Jack heard the details of the surgery several times. While Jeremy's wife was in recovery and his son in the nursery, he needed a lift home to fetch his own vehicle so he could go back. He chattered while Jack drove, and Mel's head lolled on the seat beside him. "Exhausted, baby?" he asked her. "I'll be fine after a nap," she said. "Mel assisted Dr. Stone," ..
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Robyn Carr |
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a667025
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Jack had seen his brothers-in-law, all puffed up with testosterone pride when they'd gotten their wives pregnant, when the babies came. He never pretended to really understand it. He was too busy with his career, with his troops, when it seemed to him a woman getting pregnant was probably the worst career suicide a man could suffer. He didn't get their male egos; he thought his sisters were just getting fat and mean. He got it now. He felt ..
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Robyn Carr |
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1fd9f69
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The bartender set down a bowl along with a napkin and utensils, then stood there awaiting her. He held the chair for her. Close up, she saw how big a guy he was--over six feet and broad-shouldered. "Miserable weather for your first night in Virgin River," he said pleasantly. "Miss Melinda Monroe, this is Jack Sheridan. Jack, Miss Monroe." Mel felt the urge to correct them--tell them it was Mrs. But she didn't because she didn't want to expl..
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Robyn Carr |
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fc2685d
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You could've offered the girl a warm place to sleep," Jack said. "It's pretty clear Hope didn't get that old cabin straight for her." "Don't feel up to company," he said. Then Doc lifted his gaze to Jack's face. "Seems you're more interested than me, anyway." "Didn't really look like she'd trust anyone around here at the moment," Jack said. "Cute little thing, though, huh?" "Can't say I noticed," he said. He took a sip and then said, "Didn'..
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Robyn Carr |
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6cf94fe
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Mel was tugging at her T-shirt as Jack was handing her the baby. She held the baby's cheek against her warm breast, running her fingers over his perfect head. The baby stopped crying and appeared to be looking around. Mel glanced up at Jack and gave him a little smile. "Come on, little guy," she cooed, serene, totally focused on her son. "Do your job here. Stanch the bleeding, bring out the placenta." She pinched her nipple to fit the baby'..
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Robyn Carr |
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9391b14
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She took a deep breath and, lifting the baby from the sink, laid her in the towel being held by Jack. She cocked her head in appreciation as Jack took the infant confidently, wrapping her snugly and cuddling her close. "You're pretty good at that," she said. "The nieces," he said, jiggling the baby against his broad chest. "I've held a baby or two. You going to stay on a bit?" he asked. "Well, there are problems with that idea. I have nowhe..
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Robyn Carr |
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c0c5dc8
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Oh, Jack," she said, leaning against him again. "Please, I don't want to ever fight with you." He lifted her chin with a finger. "Don't be a candy ass. You fought good. You won, as a matter of fact." "But it was awful. There have been times since this thing with Brie that you've been so far away. It just... It frightens me." "You should never be afraid. Not while you're my wife. It's my job to make sure you're never afraid." "Then know this..
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Robyn Carr |
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3644b70
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He was past the jitters about her age, her uncle. He was moving on this. And when it was over, he was going to be shot, he was pretty sure. But he was into her; she had him. He hoped his death would be quick and painless. An
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Robyn Carr |
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2fce673
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You're welcome to come back in a little while and break my heart, mija," he said. "But right now, let's go back to town. Let's grab a cup of coffee and give the lovers another hour together." "Breaking a few hearts interests me," she said, putting her hand in his to stand. But when they were both standing, she didn't pull her hand away. He should have let go and stooped to gather up their blanket, but he didn't want to release her hand, sma..
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Robyn Carr |
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87129a4
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I just don't want your family to think we're in a serious relationship." "Aren't we?" he asked her. "Aren't you?" "You know there's no one else in my life," she said. "I'm completely monogamous. I just need time... You know..." "Man," he said, laughing. "This figures." "What?" "All those years I made sure the woman I was seeing at the time knew I couldn't be tied down... There are women out there, Mel, who would think I'm getting just what ..
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Robyn Carr |
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e7d5815
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In a sudden and desperate move, she grabbed at the handle on the door and furiously tried to open it. She looked around for a lock, pushing on the door at the same time, but it wouldn't give. She popped the little button on the door next to the window--up and down, up and down, moving the handle, pushing. Nothing. Her upper arm was gripped hard and she turned her watering, terrified eyes toward Wes. He scowled blackly, then his frown dissol..
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Robyn Carr |
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239fc98
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After Mel and Jack return, if you're not in a hurry to get back to Sacramento, how about if we take a day and go over to the coast. I don't know if we'll catch the whales, but there's a lot of stuff over there. Art galleries, wine-tasting rooms, trails to the headlands and beach, nice restaurants. We could just be tourists for a day." "Would you be thinking of that as a...date?" He grinned. "I would," he admitted. A smile tilted her lips. "..
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Robyn Carr |
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3dc4b5c
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You making that move, Walt?" He kissed her in a way that should have sufficiently answered the question. "Muriel, I'm sixty-two years old. I didn't see this coming." "Aren't you afraid of us becoming an item?" "Girl, I've been dressed down by a president. You can't scare me with a little gossip. What worries me is that you'll find me old." She laughed at him. "You're just a few years older than I am. And you're almost irresistibly handsome...
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Robyn Carr |
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b1734c9
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We're men, Rick. We're idiots. Ask Mel," he said. "Yeah."
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Robyn Carr |
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e9e4a24
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You're right," he said. "I learned my lesson. I'll listen to you now." "It isn't easy being the wise one in the marriage," she said. "I imagine the pressure is terrible," he said with a smile. She"
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Robyn Carr |
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3ed6276
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Well, I admit, you're not exactly what I have in mind, either. I was thinking around twenty-six, more hair, polo shirt, or maybe a sharp, crisp, white button-down," she said, and then she grinned at him. He was totally shocked. He'd spent all this time fighting the attraction and she had something else in mind anyway? "I'm too old for you, plain and simple," he pointed out. "Probably, but there don't seem to be many single men around. You k..
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Robyn Carr |
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92a343b
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She reached her fingertips up to the hair at his temples. "You're showing a little gray here. Not much, but a little. I suppose I did that to you." "Probably. But I'm very tough--I can take it." "Oh,"
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Robyn Carr |
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9d28256
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Good luck with this, man." "It's not what you think." "Oh--it is what I think. You're so into this woman, you're done for. I can't wait to see how this turns out." "Yeah. Me, too." --
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Robyn Carr |
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2d86f18
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Vanni, I barely know Luke Riordan, but it's real clear he's not my knight in shining armor. He's done everything he can think of to discourage me, but let's be honest--this was no frontal attack from him. He admitted he's avoided me because of my age. The coward." Vanni"
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Robyn Carr |
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fcb5bb3
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That doesn't surprise me, Paul. She take you up on it?" "Nah. Like I said, she's a decent person. I'm sorry she's going through this. Glad Vanni isn't going to have to put up with it, but sorry--" But Jack wasn't listening anymore. His narrowed eyes were on Mel. It was like he sensed it; smelled it. She got up from the table and was heading toward the bathroom back off the kitchen. She paused when she got to the end of the bar, gripped it t..
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Robyn Carr |
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8205c68
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You have anything with you? Like a gun?" he asked Shelby. "What for?" "Bear. They're still out. Fishing." "Oh, I have some repellent. Plus, I'm really fast." "Yeah." He grinned. "I saw that the last time you were here. I'm not. I'm just hoping I can stay in the saddle." He went to his truck and pulled his Remington .338 rifle out of the rack. "I'll feel a little better if I don't have to rely on you to protect me." "Ninny," she said, smilin..
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Robyn Carr |
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85c4539
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Gee, Jack," she said, amused. "You sure came around quickly." "I know," he said. "I'm a genius that way." "Mel must have really lit into you," she said. "That always increases my intelligence about tenfold." "I"
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Robyn Carr |
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d54d7aa
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He's starting to get on my nerves when he does that thing about the women," he said, taking her elbow and steering her toward the bluffs. "We've been all over that. He can give it a rest anytime. He had a million women before Mel. Two million." She laughed at him. "You never mentioned to him that we spent a lot of time together over the summer," she said. "I told you--it wasn't because you're Jack's sister. I met you because of Jack--I care..
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Robyn Carr |
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385721b
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After several minutes of quiet darkness, she heard his voice. "Sorry if I scared you. I don't roar that often." A slow smile spread on her lips and she snuggled in under the old quilt, more content than she'd been in a while. In"
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Robyn Carr |
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e4cb710
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One afternoon she rolled over on the couch, opened her eyes and saw him naked as he stood at the sink. She blinked a couple of times, taking in his lean, muscular back complete with ponytail that hung down right between his shoulder blades, his long legs and tight butt before she realized he was bathing. He was rubbing a soapy cloth under one arm, then around his neck. With a shriek of embarrassment, she rolled over and faced the back of th..
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Robyn Carr |
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044dd89
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It might've been nice if he'd awakened her to say, "I'm getting naked to wash now, so if you don't want to be embarrassed, close your eyes." But then, no--Ian wouldn't do that. It was his cabin. And he was a man. It had always intrigued her the way men could stalk around naked, proud as lions, completely unconcerned about being seen, judged. They"
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Robyn Carr |
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9c86978
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Task finished, she sat a few minutes longer, very quietly. Then she sheepishly opened the outhouse door, cursing the squeaking hinges as she stuck her head out. She saw nothing, so she took a careful step outside. She heard a hiss and snarl and saw the cat lurking around the shed, twenty feet away. She retreated, slamming the door. "Shit," she said aloud. "Shit, shit, shit!" So"
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Robyn Carr |
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040f397
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God, I know you're sick of hearing me beg, but this is my woman, my wife. My best friend! No, she's so much more than that--she's the other half of my heart. I've waited my whole life for her--I'd give my life a hundred times to keep her safe! A thousand times! She's every breath I take, every single beat of my heart. I don't think I can live without her now. Not now... Please, God. Please. Oh God, please... A
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Robyn Carr |
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644518d
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When driven to the outhouse by sheer urgent need, she carried the big iron skillet. If that beast showed up again, teeth bared, she'd knock him into the middle of next week. She might not be a hunter, but she'd been a damn fine softball player in her day.
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Robyn Carr |
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43ed7e3
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He came in carrying a long, rectangular cardboard box inside of which were neatly folded clothes. He put it down on one of his trunks and lifted a pair of panties off the rim of the tub. "I hope you're starting to feel better," he said. "I don't think I'm up to a lot of this. Old Raleigh is probably spinning in his grave..." And she bolted off the couch, snatched up her dainties and tucked them into her duffel even though they weren't entir..
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Robyn Carr |
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cd39f94
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And then Jack noticed another thing. A lot had been happening around here, he guessed. While Mel went out the door with David, Brie took a slight detour, finding Mike, who was in a conversation with Paige across the room. She reached for his hand and, holding it, said something to him. Something that made him smile. He leaned toward her and put a peck on her cheek, gave her upper arm a brief squeeze and out the door she went. That might not..
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Robyn Carr |
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f50e956
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didn't plan this," Jack said. "But since it's you and me--tell me about Brie." "Tell you what, Jack?" "When she was leaving... It looked like there was something...." "Spit it out." "You and Brie?" "What?" Jack took a breath, not happily. "Are you with my sister?" Mike had a swallow of his whiskey. "I'm taking a day off tomorrow--taking her down the Pacific Coast Highway through Mendocino to look for whales, see the galleries, maybe have a ..
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Robyn Carr |
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73767bc
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She looked up at him and he brushed the tears from her cheeks. "Sorry," she said. "You made me so frickin' mad I thought I was going to kill you." "Yeah, join the party. Brie threatened my life." He smiled down at her. "Thank you for not killing me," he said."
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Robyn Carr |