THE BRIDE HUNTER ANN MAJOR CHAPTER ONE Albuquerque, New Mexico H is large body humming wi h ension, Connor

! orm "ixed on his #rey$ The woman, who wen by he alias Anna %ar on, had eluded his o# in&es iga or$ Now she was si##ing he co""ee she'd (us bough a he )ios) behind her$ Connor was rying o )ee# ou o" her line o" &ision by s anding behind a #illar while hey bo h wai ed "or heir #lane o be called$ Her "ace was "ine boned, her shiny hair dar) blond and shoulder leng h$ He li)ed long hair$ He didn' li)e he "ac ha he was suddenly imagining his big hand gras#ing her hic) mane and #ulling her closer$ *amn$ +irs ime since ,inda he'd hough li)e his abou a woman$ He mus be coming bac) o he land o" he li&ing$ This is a (ob$ +or ,eo$ -ou owe your big bro her$ There are a lo o" o her "ish in he sea$ -ada, yada$ A "i&e "oo se&en, his arge was slim and a hle ic.and &ery #re y$ *on' hin) abou &ery #re y$ Their #lane was an hour la e due o bad wea her$ He glanced im#a ien ly a his wa ch and ou he large window again$ The snow had le u#$ He could see he end o" he runway now$ A woman's &oice came o&er a louds#ea)er and announced heir #lane would be boarding a /a e 01 ins ead o" /a e 02$ The crowd in he /a e 02 wai ing area s ood u# and began ga hering brie"cases and la# o#s$ Anna %ar on (um#ed away "rom he )ios) as "as as a bird a)ing "ligh and rushed oward heir ga e$ His cue o #ursue and ca# ure$ Plan ing his ! e son "irmly on his blond head, Connor ! orm charged a" er her, his boo heels ringing so loudly on he air#or erminal "loor ha she whirled, her ha3el eyes wide wi h alarm$ Perha#s on he loo)ou "or he cree#y boy"riend who'd been s al)ing her4 5Hey, miss6 -ou'll need his i" you wan o board ha "ligh any ime soon67 he yelled$ 8hen he elusi&e woman he'd been #aid so much o "ind s o##ed, Connor "ro3e mids ride$ *is rus was wri en all o&er her$ Her ga3e ra&eled he leng h o" him be"ore "li ing away$ Connor was suddenly glad he'd a)en !am /uerra o"" his assignmen and come himsel"$ Her all, slender body "airly shoo) wi h ension$ Clearly she s ill didn' rus s rangers, es#ecially i" hey were broad9 shouldered men who could easily o&er#ower her$ Her boy"riend, *wigh Craw"ord, mus ha&e been an e&en worse nu case han his P$:$'s re#or s had indica ed$ Connor i##ed his ! e son bac) and a em# ed one o" his easy smiles$ !he s i""ened$ He broadened his grin$ Then he "la##ed he boarding #ass he'd remo&ed "rom her #urse while she'd been oo busy coun ing change o buy co""ee$ 5: was behind you in line when you dro##ed his,7 he lied, "eeling only a sligh #ang o" guil a his easy "alsehood$ He was a #ri&a e in&es iga or$ P$:$s had o ma)e s u"" u# in he line o" du y, righ 4 They had a nice word "or i , oo$ Pre ex , hey called i $ Her "ace remained #inched, her eyes wary$ He'd had his guy on her ail "or a while$ E&ery ime he had go en close, she'd run, changing her iden i y$ Her creamy s)in was #ale and loo)ed so so" , Connor wan ed o ouch i $ *amn, he #re y "ac or was becoming a #roblem$ This was a (ob$ +or ,eo, he reminded himsel"$ Her big, slan ing eyes seemed so &ulnerable and scared, he had hal" a mind o rac) he boy"riend down and each him a lesson$ A woman who'd gone hrough wha she had as a child didn' deser&e some slimeball li)e Craw"ord scaring her again$ !he li" ed her nose$ !he was slim and s a uesque$ !he had class$ 8i h her heri age, he'd ex#ec ed no less$ :n Texas, anybody connec ed o he /olden !#urs ranching em#ire was royal y$ His (ob was o a)e her home$ Period$ +unny, how she wore her hair down (us li)e Abby did$ He'd read se#ara ed wins did s u"" li)e ha $ ! ill, he s ar lingly similar hairdo made her loo) so exac ly li)e his bro her ,eo's wi"e, Connor drew in a shar# brea h$ No ha he should ha&e been sur#rised a he resemblance.a" er all, she was Abby's long9los )idna##ed win$ 8ha was s range was his #ower"ul reac ion o her$ Hell, he'd ne&er "el blis ering hea when s aring in o his sis er9in9 law's eyes$ 5%ec)y,7 he whis#ered, gu 9sure he'd "ound he /olden !#urs heiress$ A he name, Anna shi&ered$ Her big, haun ed eyes widened$ 5%ec)y4 : don' )now who you're loo)ing "or, mis er,7 she said, 5bu i 's no me$7 5!orry,7 he said$ 5Righ $ +or a second you loo)ed li)e somebody : )now$7 Her #a rician nose il ed higher$ 5-ou're Anna %ar on, and you're no going anywhere wi hou your boarding #ass$7 Maybe she wasn' lis ening, because she urned and marched quic)ly oward heir ga e$ 5Anna %ar on67 he yelled a" er her$ !he s#eeded u#, so he s#rin ed, ca ching her in wo long s rides$

5Anna6 Anna %ar on67 8hen she s ill didn' s o#, he grabbed her arm, maybe a li le oo "orce"ully, because when he s#un her around, she o##led s raigh in o him, her #a#er co""ee cu# "lying ou o" her hand$ 5Ohhhh,7 she ground ou $ 5,e me go67 O her #assengers urned o s are$ +or una ely, no securi y guards were nearby$ 5!orry abou ha ,7 he said, his &oice mu""led agains her hair$ His gri# loosened$ 5: owe you a cu# o" co""ee$7 :n hose seconds ha he held her, he "el he hea o" her slim body squirming agains his own, smelled he "loral scen o" her #er"ume and he soa#ier, swee er "ragrance o" her sham#oo$ Her hair "el li)e sil) agains his mou h$ The urge o coil a leng h o" i around his "is and #ull her e&en closer was becoming way oo s rong$ A wis o" his head brough his li#s mere inches "rom hers$ 8hen he "ound himsel" s aring down a her li#s, his hear raced$ 5-ou are Anna %ar on47 he growled hus)ily, holding u# her boarding #ass$ Reading her name, her wide eyes accused him$ Then she sna##ed i ou o" his "ingers and sho&ed i in o her #urse$ 58hy did you call me %ec)y a while ago47 5A han)9you would be nice$7 5: as)ed you a ques ion,7 she said$ 5,i)e : said, you;er;loo) li)e someone : used o )now$7 58ell, :'m no her$ :'&e ne&er seen you be"ore in my li"e, and :'m no in he habi o" ma)ing "riends wi h s range men in air#or s.so, would you #lease le me go;and lea&e me alone$7 : wasn' a ques ion$ 5!orry$ !ure$ <us rying o hel#$7 -eah, righ $ Her eyes were bla3ing now, and a rosy "lush li her chee)s$ The longer he held her, he ho er her body "el agains his, so ho he wan ed o #ull her e&en closer, o as e her, o )iss hose li#s ha loo)ed so mois and in&i ing$ Her ga3e was "ixed on his mou h, oo$ !he seemed o be holding her brea h$ 8i h a sigh o" wha sounded li)e longing, she ore her ga3e "rom his mou h and sho&ed a his broad ches $ Reluc an ly, he le her go and held his hands u# in moc) surrender$ !he s raigh ened her long slee&es and smoo hed her hair$ Then wi h a #ar ing scowl, she le" "or he ga e$ /rea hi#s$ /rea swing o her wal)$ %u bouncy, oo$ This is a (ob$ He wished he hadn' grabbed her because he needed her rus , o con&ince her o come bac) o Texas wi h him$ !o wha would i a)e now o ge her o Hous on4 8ha e&er i was, he'd do i $ Anna %ar on was ,eo's sis er9in9law$ ,eo's wi"e was hear bro)en abou he role she'd #layed in her win's )idna##ing when hey'd been )ids$ !he belie&ed ,eo could and would "ind ou wha had ha##ened o her missing sis er$ As a resul , ,eo had urned o Connor and ha d #u he same )ind o" #ressure on him$ 5+ind her$ +or me$ +or Abby$ !he'll ne&er res easy i" you don' ,7 ,eo had said$ 5: 's li)e a #iece o" her is missing$7 ,eo had raised Connor a" er heir mo her had died$ Connor owed ,eo e&ery hing$ This wasn' a (ob$ This was "amily$ And no hing ma ered more$ The s ewardess announced ha he #lane was "ull and as)ed #assengers o a)e he "irs a&ailable sea $ 5Hello,7 Connor said, smiling broadly down a Anna$ !he was #re ending o be absorbed in a !)y Mall ca alog$ 5Mind i" : a)e he aisle sea beside you47 8i hou loo)ing u#, she "rowned$ !ilen ly, she scoo#ed her #urse o" he sea and sho&ed i under he sea in "ron o" her$ He oo) his ime #lacing his ! e son in he o&erhead bin be"ore he sa down$ He was so large, or he sea was so small, his shoulder brushed agains hers, and once again he "el her body hea , which was sur#risingly high &ol age, since he #lace "el li)e an icebox$ Hell, she all bu sho o"" s#ar)s e&ery ime he ouched her$ 58ho are you sho##ing "or so diligen ly47 he as)ed$ :gnoring him, she "li##ed a #age$ 5-ou one o" hose #eo#le who ha es o al) on a "ligh 47 !he "li##ed ano her #age, his one more noisily han he las $ 5-ou mus be li)e me$ =sually, : ha&e a hir y9minu e rule when : si by someone : don' )now on an air#lane$ : ne&er s ar u# a con&ersa ion un il hir y minu es be"ore we're su##osed o land$ Tha way you don' ge ra##ed$7 ! ill, she didn' say any hing$ He hough maybe he should s o# #es ering her$ Then he saw her li#s wi ch a he corners$ 5*o you ha&e ha rule47 he whis#ered, bending so his brea h s irred a endril o" hair agains her em#le$ !he sighed, which made him hin) maybe he was ha&ing some luc) a" er all$ 58ho dreams u# all hose cra3y hings in ca alogs;: mean o em# wea) consumers li)e me who suddenly "ind hemsel&es longing "or a sel"9cleaning )i y li er box when : don' e&en ha&e a ca $7 5-ou could s ic) o your rule and read your own ca alog, you )now,7 she said$ +inally$ !he'd ac ually said some hing$

!he #oin ed o he sea in "ron o" him$ 5There's one in e&ery sea #oc)e $7 5: 's way more "un reading yours$7 5: can' imagine why,7 she said, blushing$ 5Can' you47 8hen she loo)ed u# in o his eyes, he suddenly "el oo warm o wear his shee#s)in (ac)e , so he shrugged ou o" i $ He couldn' belie&e i when her slim "ingers ugged his slee&es down "or him, and (us ha ligh ouch was a ease$ Then she (er)ed her hand away$ 5Than)s,7 he mu ered in a igh , low one$ 5No #roblem,7 she said, so swee ly he wondered i" she reali3ed she was ge ing under his s)in, oo$ The #re y "ac or cou#led wi h he &ol age "ac or was a growing #roblem$ :" only he had le ,eo se him u# wi h ha ho secre ary he'd old him abou las wee); 8hen her a en ion urned bac) o her ca alog again, he couldn' le i go$ 5My wi"e died,7 he blur ed, resen ing his woman's a##eal$ He hadn' in ended o say ha $ ,inda was none o" his woman's business$ Anna's "ace so" ened$ 5A cou#le o" years ago,7 he con inued, his &oice raw now$ 5:'m sorry$7 Her eyes glowed wi h sym#a hy$ 5: ha&en' da ed since,7 he mu ered$ The ca alog sli##ed hrough her "ingers o her la#$ Her #re y eyes "ocused on him, drew him$ 5: guess :'m rus y when i comes o al)ing o women$7 5: 's no (us you,7 she whis#ered$ 5: don' da e$ Or al) o men, ei her$ Es#ecially s rangers$ -ou should ha&e sa by someone else$7 58hy don' you al); o men47 5:'&e made a lo o" wrong choices, so :'&e decided o a&oid ha whole scene "or a while$7 5And you hin) :'m he wrong y#e47 5: 's no hing #ersonal$ : 's (us ha :'m (us no a good (udge o" charac er$7 5O)ay, change o" sub(ec $ 8hy are you going o >egas47 Her "ace dar)ened$ 5: don' )now why :'m elling you his$ Maybe i 's because you ga&e me bac) my boarding #ass$ Mos #eo#le wouldn' e&en ha&e bo hered$ -ou'&e go o be hal"way decen $7 Righ $ His o# man had been hun ing her "or se&eral mon hs and had dri&en her "rom her (ob$ 5The las man : da ed didn' wan o brea) u#$ He wouldn' lea&e me alone$ He called$ He came by my a#ar men , some imes la e a nigh $ +inally, : had o mo&e$ 8hen he showed u# a "ew mon hs la er a he o""ice in ! $ ,ouis, where :'d reloca ed o ge away "rom him, : mo&ed o New Mexico$ : used o be a secre ary, bu :'&e been wor)ing in a school "or rauma i3ed children in !an a +e his #as year$ : really lo&ed i $ +or he "irs ime, my (ob didn' seem li)e a (ob$ Then my boss s ar ed ge ing calls "rom a #ri&a e de ec i&e as)ing abou me$ And he de ec i&e showed u#, loo)ing "or me$ : was a"raid o" my boy"riend.7 Connor ensed$ 5How did you )now his P$:$ was wor)ing "or your boy"riend47 he as)ed, care"ul o ma)e his one neu ral$ 58ho else would ha&e an in eres in rac)ing me47 Righ $ 8ho else4 Connor ignored his guil $ 5!o you're running again4 To >egas4 8hy >egas47 5New (ob$ :'m going o be a house)ee#ing su#er&isor a one o" he bigges ho els on he s ri#$7 5-ou wen "rom a school you lo&ed o house)ee#ing in a ho el47 5: had o "ind some hing "as $ : was hard o lea&e ha school.:'d made a brea) hrough wi h a li le boy named *aniel$7 As her &oice railed o"" wis "ully, her eyes grew ender$ 5His "amily had died, you see$ He was all alone$ !omehow : unders ood him$ Maybe :'d li)e o each$7 5!o, why don' you47 5: mus be nice o belie&e any hing's #ossible$ Maybe someday$7 !he urned and s ared ou a he clouds$ 5:'d ha&e o go o college$7 A" er ha , i grew easier o al) o her$ He old her abou being a marine in A"ghanis an, abou ,inda dying in he acciden no long a" er he'd come home, abou he baby he hadn' )nown ,inda was carrying$ He hadn' old anybody exce# ,eo abou his child dying$ Anna lis ened, her eyes huge now, and i began o worry him ha heir rela ionshi# "el so #ersonal$ He didn' )now how much she remembered abou her childhood, abou wha had ha##ened o her$ %u maybe since she'd had all her ies cu when she was so young, she unders ood wha i was li)e o lose e&ery hing he way he did$ %ringing her bac) o Texas was su##osed o be a (ob$ Enough sharing$ Connor needed o cu o he chase, "igure ou a way o ma)e Anna come bac) o Texas wi h him$ %u how4 8ha i" she bol ed and wen underground again4 5Are you a cowboy47 she as)ed$ O)ay$ 8as his his o##or uni y o ge down o business4 He s ared a his wa ch$ They'd be landing soon$ He was running ou o" ime$ 58ha ma)es you as)47 5The ha $ The boo s$ -our drawl$7

5: don' ha&e a drawl$7 !he laughed$ Her "ace li u#, and ha made her #re ier han e&er$ He "el ano her (ol $ 5-ou mos cer ainly do,7 she eased, her eyes s#ar)ling now$ 5!o, why he cowboy ha 47 He hesi a ed, "eeling drawn, ye wan ing o s o# he charade$ 5: own a ranch near Aus in wi h my older bro her$ ,eo$7 The ru h, bu no he whole ru h$ 58e run some ca le,7 he con inued$ 58e grew u# on a ranch in wes Texas$ Cows and horses and wide9o#en s#aces are in our blood$ ,eo manages he /olden !#urs, which is one o" he bigges ranches in Texas$7 They )e# al)ing e&en a" er he #lane had landed$ He hurried down he (e way wi h Anna while rying o hin) u# a ruse o main ain heir "ledgling "riendshi#$ He had o buy more ime$ 8hen hey were in he erminal, she urned and smiled$ 58ell;i was nice al)ing o you$7 Clearly his was goodbye$ He s ared a her, unable o hin) because o" he ra le o" coins and he "lash o" ligh s "rom he nearby slo machines$ !lo machines$ 5:'m "eeling luc)y$7 He dug in his #oc)e $ 58ill you #u a dollar in a machine "or me47 5Can' you do i yoursel"47 5!ure$ %u call i a hunch$7 Her brigh eyes me his again and clung in one o" hose endless, wordless momen s$ He drew a swi" , ragged brea h$ 8hy did he "eel li)e he was losing #ieces o" himsel" e&ery ime she loo)ed a him li)e ha 4 Her mou h rembled$ Her eyes s#ar)led$ He wan ed o hold her, o )iss her$ :ns ead, he caugh her #alm and sla##ed a shiny sil&er dollar in o i $ 5+or luc),7 he said, "olding her "ingers o&er he coin$ The unex#ec ed warm h o" her s)in had him ingling all o&er$ !he caugh her brea h, hesi a ing a momen , be"ore dashing ahead o" him o he neares machine$ !he rubbed her hands oge her and blew on hem$ Then she closed her eyes$ He li)ed he way her hic), curling lashes loo)ed li)e dar) moons agains her #ale s)in as she #rayed$ He closed his eyes, oo$ Her lashed eyes sna##ed o#en, and she loo)ed u# a him$ Her "ace radian , she #ulled he handle$ Clin)$ Clin)$ Clin)$ The machine began o bla3e red and green and whi e$ %ingo$ He couldn' belie&e i $ Horns hon)ed$ !irens wen o""$ He heard coins #ouring down a chu e$ !he urned oward him again as a crowd "ormed$ No ha he saw anybody bu her$ No ha he "el any hing o her han he wild, hrilling exci emen in her eyes ha made his blood hea $ 58ha ha##ened47 she said, her &oice so" wi h awe$ 5<us li)e : hough $ -ou're my luc)y lady$ 8e won$7 !he (um#ed u# and down$ He #u his arms around her and drew her close$ Again, he "el a (ol $ He didn' #lan o )iss her$ : (us ha##ened, he way he bes hings in li"e do$ Her mou h was qui&ery and bu ery so" benea h his, and ins an ly her swee , mel ing "ire surged hrough him$ 8ha he'd mean as a casual ges ure o" a""ec ion and rium#h "lamed in o some hing #rimal and heady, some hing he wan ed more o"$ He hadn' reali3ed how lonely he'd been un il now$ =n il her$ Her mou h o#ened, and he "el he i# o" her ongue #lay wi h his$ His en ire body hardened$ His hear hundered? his blood #ounded in his em#les$ :" he wasn' care"ul, he would embarrass himsel"$ >aguely, he was aware o" he crowd shou ing and (os ling hem, o" being sho&ed agains he machine$ E&ery hing #aled around he "eel o" her slim body mashed igh ly in o his, o" his "ierce, o&erwhelming arousal and des#era e need o #ossess her$ His gri# igh ened around her wais , and des#i e he circums ances, he se led her closer agains his hi#s$ !he "el good, way oo good, e&en hough she was "igh ing him now, wis ing, #ushing$ He loosened his gri#, whis#ering, 5Easy, easy$ : won' hur you$7 8i h a sigh, he "igh wen ou o" her, and he s#layed hands ha had sho&ed a his ches muscles climbed his broad orso o his nec), her "ingers wining hrough his hair$ 5: assume you're he winning cou#le,7 somebody behind hem said$ 5-ou loo) li)e honeymooners anxious o ge o your ho el, so i" you wo will (us "ollow me, :'ll ge you your money$7 Honeymooners$ >egas$ @uic)ie marriages$ Ho el$ %ed$ He didn' li)e he images ha "lashed hrough his mind a he man's assum# ion$ E&erybody laughed$ Exce# hem$ ! ill, Connor could ha&e gone on )issing her "ore&er$ He had ne&er hough he would marry again$ He'd hough ,inda had been i , ha he'd (us wor) oo hard "or he res o" his li"e and s#end as much ime wi h Abby and ,eo and li le Caesar as hey'd le him$ Marriage$ To Anna$ Cra3y hough $ This was a (ob$ His hear was s ill #ounding lawlessly as he managed o le Anna go$ 5: was (us a celebra ory )iss,7 he said, #u ing his own "inger agains her so" li#s$ 5: guess we go carried away$7 58elcome o >egas67 a young guy in a blac) T9shir shou ed$ 5Ca#i al o" luc)67 Anna blushed$ 5:'d be er go,7 she said$ 5Hey;No;7 8hen she ried o run, Connor chased her and grabbed her wris , #ulling her o him$

58e ha&e o "ollow he casino manager o collec he money,7 he said, e&en as ouching her again made his s)in hea and his hear bea "as er$ 58e won$ -ou won$7 A" er he collec ed heir winnings, she re"used o acce# her share$ 5No, i was your money$ Aee# i ,7 she said$ 5The leas : owe you is a celebra ion dinner$ 8e can argue how o s#li he winnings a dinner$7 5No$ :.:'&e go o go$ Really$ : do$7 5O)ay$ O)ay$7 His mind searched "or some hing brillian o say ha would ma)e her change her mind$ He le her go, bu held her wi h his ga3e, his grin "eeling easier now$ 5,e 's (us s#end onigh ; oge her$ Hey, his is >egas$ 8ho wan s o ge in&ol&ed4 8hy don' we (us ha&e dinner;maybe see a show4 8ha 's wrong wi h one nigh 4 -ou )now he old saying, s rangers in he nigh ;7 Her luminous ga3e as she s ared a his li#s made e&ery cell in his being quic)en in warm awareness o" her$ !he lic)ed her li#s$ 5Maybe (us his once;brea)ing my rule abou no ge ing in&ol&ed wouldn' hur $7 Two C onnor had as)ed "or an in ima e able when he'd made dinner reser&a ions "or wo a he %ellagio's mos #o#ular and mos ex#ensi&e res auran , and he was no disa##oin ed by he co3y noo) where he and Anna sa across a small able "rom each o her$ A grea burs o" "lowers adorned each able$ Original Picasso oil #ain ings hung on he walls$ !ix wai ers ho&ered a a discree dis ance$ 5This is nice,7 Anna said, clearly im#ressed$ Connor saw no reason o ell her he che" had won coun less awards$ 5: ho#e you're hungry,7 was all he said$ !he smiled$ 5! ar&ed$ %u he menu is so com#lica ed, :'m no sure wha o order$7 58ha i" : order "or bo h o" us47 !he nodded$ !he was easier o al) o o&er he dimly li dinner$ He, howe&er, )e# losing he hread o" heir con&ersa ion because he ached so badly o ouch her again$ +inally, unable o resis , he reached across he able and caressed her hair$ To his sur#rise, she held on o his hand and #ressed i o her chee)$ 8hen she )issed his "ingers, each one, slowly, we ly, his hear hundered wi h all he #ain"ul needs he hadn' le himsel" "eel hese #as wo years$ The ligh wen ou o" her eyes$ 5*on' e&er lie o me,7 she said in a more serious &ein$ 5The guy : old you abou , my boy"riend, was a liar$ Tha was he "irs hing ha should ha&e warned me abou him$7 5Righ $7 Conner's grin no longer "el so easy$ Again he wished he'd begun da ing$ Too la e now$ /od, he wan ed o )iss her again$ %u no in a res auran $ !omewhere where hey could be alone, in case hings escala ed$ :n case$ 8ho was he )idding4 A his ho el sui e a he %ellagio, when he s ar ed )issing her ou side his bedroom door, she ensed "or he "irs ime ha e&ening$ He said, 5-ou )iss me hen$ 8e won' do any hing you don' wan o do$7 5Tha 's wha :'m a"raid o"$7 !he li" ed her mou h o his and )issed him un il he was oo aroused o s and more, and ha hadn' been more han a )iss or wo$ He wra##ed his arms around her and old her o s o#$ 5: wan o slee# "ully dressed in your arms wi h all he ligh s on,7 she said$ 5-ou're es ing me, righ 47 5No$ : wan o be wi h you;bu ;:'m no ready "or more$7 On a groan he nodded$ 5O)ay$7 He lay awa)e "or hours, holding her, wan ing her$ : was nearly dawn when she leaned o&er and )issed him, her li#s en a i&e agains his chee), and ye so warm when hey "inally gra3ed his mou h, he "el li)e he was in a "urnace$ 58ha are you doing47 he as)ed$ 5:'m wondering i" a #erson can change$ :" i 's rue wha you said; ha any hing's #ossible$ Maybe : could be a real, cer i"ied eacher someday$ Maybe : could mee a decen man$ Maybe : should rus his; rus you$7 5!wee hear , you can be any hing you wan o be and ha&e any hing you wan $7 A leas ha wasn' a lie$ A" er all, she was an heiress$ The missing /olden !#urs heiress$ !he had he )ind o" "amily wai ing "or her bac) in Texas ha could o#en all he righ doors$ 5!how me,7 she whis#ered, )issing him again$ 5: wan o learn how o rus $7 Her mou h se led on his as i" i belonged here$ A long ime la er her ongue bla3ed a rail "rom his li#s, down his hroa , o his na&el$ !he glanced u# a him, her brillian eyes wan ing more$ He didn' )now wha he hell he wan ed anymore.o her han o ma)e lo&e o her$ He'd worry abou he ri# o Texas and elling Anna he ru h;and all he "allou "rom ha la er$ He had o ha&e her now$ Two wee)s la er 5-ou are so beau i"ul,7 he brea hed, his drawl hus)y wi h longing$ The in ense hea o" Anna's desire was ebbing a li le as Connor climbed oward his$ !he "el bliss"ully, ha##ily com#le e wi h his large, muscular body #ushing in o her$

One hand around his nec), she li" ed her o her and "ur i&ely admired he whi e s#ar)le o" diamonds ha #ro&ed she was his wi"e$ Married$ They'd done he quic)ie wedding cha#el rou e, bu wi h "lare$ They'd had he s re ch limo, cham#agne, s rawberries$ !he'd worn a s ra#less whi e wedding gown and he "ox coa he'd bough her wi h heir (ac)#o winnings$ He'd worn a ux and a whi e ie$ Their clo hes, e&en he "ur coa , lay in a hea# beside his bed$ He buried his mou h in her hair as he #lunged in o her harder$ %rea hless, she )issed his chee), his nec), and held on igh $ A" er wo wonder"ul wee)s o" dinners and shows and long rides and wal)s in he deser , Anna couldn' belie&e hey were really married$ And ye she could$ No hing in her whole li"e had e&er "el righ un il him$ +or he "irs ime e&er she "el a soul9dee# closeness o ano her #erson, and she was willing o ris) e&ery hing$ %rea hing hard, clu ching her closer, Connor cried ou as he s#illed himsel" in o her$ !he clung o him, )issed his "e&erishly ho hroa , sa&ored his smell and he sal y as e o" his dam# s)in$ He was s rong, bu she didn' "eel crushed or smo hered$ !he "el almos ;almos sa"e;"or he "irs ime;e&er$ 5%ec)y,7 he whis#ered, clu ching her igh ly, his body shuddering$ He )issed her brow, her li#s$ Then he rolled o"" her and #ulled her close$ %ec)y$ The name ouched a ner&e as i had in he air#or $ As she lay in he dar) agains his long body, she rembled$ !he didn' say any hing, hough, and soon he "ell aslee# wi h his arms around her, his warm body s ill #ressing in o hers$ %ec)y4 8hy had he called her ha .again4 *id she really remind him o" someone4 8hy did he name ma)e her "eel so;so wha 4 ! range4 : seemed so "amiliar somehow$ 8hy4 : didn' ma er, she old hersel"$ !he lo&ed him$ He lo&ed her$ And omorrow he was a)ing her home o Texas o mee his "amily$ %ec)y$ As she lay in he dar) beside him, he name echoed in her hear and mind, awa)ening a niggling doub $ !ha)ing a li le, she wis ed around so ha she lay "acing Connor$ ! aring a his harshly chiseled chee)bones and (aw, relaxed now as he sle# , she oo) a dee#, reassuring brea h$ He made her "eel so sa"e$ E&ery ime she'd awa)ened "rom a bad dream, he'd a)en her in his arms and consoled her$ :" anyone hrea ened her, surely he would #ro ec her$ Connor had said he was a rancher, bu she'd no iced his s eely ga3e on her be"ore he'd chased her down wi h her boarding #ass$ !he'd been on guard, o" course, because o" ha P$:$ who'd shown u# in !an a +e$ A" er she'd relaxed, she'd li)ed ha Connor was a cowboy, ha he wore ha big ! e son, hose bu 9hugging (eans, he shee#s)in (ac)e and he all, blac) shar)s)in boo s$ E&en now, wi h his hic)ly lashed eyes closed and his ex#ression #eace"ul, he loo)ed a li le dangerous$ Maybe his ouch was delibera ely gen le, bu his big body was lean and hard, his s rong hands callused$ He was a rugged man$ No a man o cross$ !he shi&ered as she reali3ed how brie"ly she'd )nown him$ A loc) o" hea&y blond hair "ell across his brow$ !he was abou o smoo h i bac) when she reali3ed she didn' wan o ris) awa)ening him$ He'd seemed a li le ense when he'd old her he'd #lanned a big day "or her omorrow$ His eyes had re"used o mee hers when he'd old her his bro her, ,eo, and his wi"e, Abby, would mee heir #lane in Hous on$ He'd hesi a ed be"ore saying, 5E&erybody's going o be so hrilled o mee you$7 58on' heir loyal ies be o ,inda47 5There's a #lace in heir hear s "or her, bu hey will lo&e you, oo$ They already do$7 5%u hey don' e&en )now me$7 Again, some hesi a ion and he worrisome no e in his low one$ 5Trus me, :;: ha&e so much o ell you;abou hem$ %u hey'll lo&e you, and you'll lo&e hem$ E&ery hing will be grea $ :'m sure o" i $7 !he ho#ed so$ !he didn' ha&e a "amily or e&en a memory o" one, didn' )now how o be #ar o" a "amily$ E&en be"ore *wigh , rus had ne&er come easily o her$ !he'd gone o a #sychologis a "ew years bac) because o" her nigh mares$ He had hin ed ha he reason she had rouble "orming close a achmen s migh ha&e been because she didn' )now who or where her real "amily was$ %ecause she didn' remember how she'd wound u# on he grounds o" ! $ Chris o#her's Prayer Re rea in sou hern ,ouisiana one s ormy nigh as a small child, los and alone$ The "irs eigh or nine years o" her li"e were sim#ly gone$ Her earlies memory was o" !is er Aa e s anding (us inside hose all, whi e walls$ Her wrin)led "ace had been wrea hed in smiles as she'd held ou her arms o ha "righ ened li le girl who'd been los in he dar)$ The nuns had as)ed her who she was, bu she hadn' )nown$ They'd hough her memory would come bac) wi h ime$ : hadn' $ O her han he occasional recurring nigh mares.which her #sychologis had hough migh ha&e had o do wi h her "orgo en #as .she couldn' remember any hing be"ore !is er Aa e$ The nuns had ried o "ind her "amily and "ailed$ Nobody had e&er cared enough o come loo)ing "or her$ !o she'd grown u# a he #rayer re rea $ !is er Aa e, who was dead now, had been her only "amily$ %ec)y$ ! range how ha name "el "amiliar and ye ;ba""ling$

+eeling oo unse led all o" a sudden o lie s ill, bu no wan ing o awa)en Connor, Anna rose and #added across he moonli bedroom o he ba hroom$ A" er s#lashing warm wa er on her "ace and drin)ing a all glass o" cool wa er, she "el more aler han e&er$ : was going o be one o" hose long nigh s$ !li##ing her arms in o he hic) slee&es o" her blac)9and9gold &elour robe, she wal)ed in o he li&ing room$ !he would miss his gorgeous #lace$ They'd s#en he be er #ar o" he #as wo wee)s na)ed oge her in he snug, sum# uous mas er bedroom in his &as sui e a he Ho el %ellagio$ Her ga3e dri" ed o he ,9sha#ed bar and hen o he "ire#lace$ /oing o he "ridge a he bar, she o#ened i and oo) ou an a##le$ %i ing in o i and "inding i cris#, cold and ar , she smiled$ Connor had called her his #re y mon)ey because she lo&ed "rui so much$ +or he "irs wo days and nigh s his ! e son and shee#s)in (ac)e had lain on he bedside able$ O)ay, so he wasn' he nea es guy in he uni&erse$ !he didn' care$ He'd ordered heir meals sen u# along wi h bas)e s o" "rui $ He hadn' s ac)ed he dishes, ei her$ He'd been oo busy ma)ing lo&e o her, and always hey'd shared more han heir bodies$ A" erward, hey'd al)ed and laughed, ex#ressing heir hough s, heir dreams$ No ha she'd o#ened u# o him com#le ely$ %u did ha ma er4 !he had a li"e ime o learn how o share wi h ano her #erson$ They'd made lo&e, ea en chocola e and drun) cham#agne, and on rare occasions, hey'd lain side by side con en edly reading heir boo)s$ Al hough how anyone could li)e hrillers she couldn' imagine$ Anna san) on o he couch$ !he se her a##le down, hen #ic)ed u# a maga3ine and humbed idly hrough i $ 8hen he ar icles "ailed o ca ch her in eres , she li" ed he boo) Connor had been reading o"" he co""ee able and o#ened i o he "irs #age$ An +%: agen was rac)ing a serial )iller who )idna##ed li le girls and did errible hings o hem$ 8i h a horri"ied gas#, she slammed he boo) shu and "lung i bac) on o he able, bu as she did so, a business card and a a ered blac)9and9whi e sna#sho o" wo li le girls in #ig ails on a horse "lu ered o he "loor$ Absen ly she #ic)ed u# he card and #ho ogra#h$ A smile li" ed her li#s as she saw her husband's name, Connor ! orm$ Then, as she read "ur her, her smile "ro3e$ ! orm :n&es iga ions$ !lowly, oh so slowly, e&ery #ar o" her congealed un il she "el li)e an ice s a ue, si ing here and s aring mu ely a he name o" his securi y "irm$ He wasn' a rancher$ !he remembered how Connor had wa ched her so in en ly in he air#or while #re ending no o? how she'd sus#ec ed him o" a)ing her boarding #ass as a ruse o mee her$ How could she ha&e been so s u#id.again4 !he began o sha)e.wi h rage or "ear, she didn' )now$ Her hear #ounded$ !he suc)ed in a brea h and hen ano her$ How could she ha&e le hersel" rus a ough guy li)e Connor when she'd )nown someone was a" er her4 %ecause he P$:$ who'd showed u# a he school had gi&en a !#anish surname$ He'd been all and dar) wi h a iny scar on his chee)$ ! ill; !he was so u#se , she barely glanced a he #ho ogra#h$ Carrying Connor's business card, she go u# and wal)ed across he room o he gil des) where Connor's la# o# was se u#$ %eside his com#u er was a large whi e en&elo#e ha con ained a do3en eigh 9by9 ens o" heir wedding, #ic ures she'd hough she would reasure$ 8hile she wai ed "or he com#u er o boo , she ri##ed he en&elo#e o#en$ The "irs #ic ure was o" her snuggled agains Connor in "ron o" he s re ch limo$ His golden head was ben o&er hers$ !he ouched her li#s, remembering his )iss$ !he'd been so ha##y hen? "el so sa"e and #ro ec ed$ And i had all been a lie$ Rage a his be rayal made her clench her "is s$ Then grie" a he hough o" he blea)ness o" a "u ure wi hou him "ro3e her$ !he oo) a dee# brea h$ !he would ge o&er his$ A ear s#illed o&er her lashes$ 8i#ing i away, she delibera ely ore each #ic ure in wo and le he #ieces "all o he "loor$ Her hroa igh , her eyes ho and we , he #ain in her ches acu e, she urned bac) o he com#u er$ !he closed her eyes and hen o#ened hem$ Her "ingers shoo) as she began y#ing in he 8eb address ha was a he bo om o" Connor's business card$ :ns an ly an im#ressi&e #age li u# he moni or$ !he didn' ha&e o read much be"ore she )new Connor ! orm was he las hing "rom a harmless, enderhear ed, grie&ing, widowed rancher$ No6 Her lying sna)e o" a husband owned a huge securi y com#any ha was based in Hous on, bu had branches in o her ci ies$ He s#eciali3ed in "inding missing #ersons$ No ha he wasn' in o all as#ec s o" he securi y business$ The guy was a ma(or alen in his "ield$ He was ob&iously an ex remely weal hy and success"ul man$ One wi h a re#u a ion "or being ough as nails, "or being relen less when i came o "inding missing #ersons$ !he read one "a her's es imonial$ 5The #olice couldn' hel# us when E han &anished$ Connor ! orm led he search and "ound him hal"9s ar&ed, ied u# in a warehouse cellar$ The #olice were "ollowing a "alse lead$ : owe my son's li"e o he man$7 +or some reason she couldn' s o# hin)ing abou ha #oor, "righ ened li le boy$ Or abou Connor himsel", who was quo ed in he es imonial as saying, 5My mission is o hel# "amilies who would ne&er ge closure wi hou he ser&ice o" a #ri&a e in&es iga or$ : can' always gi&e e&erybody a ha##y ending, bu : can usually gi&e hem he ru h$ +rom here a #erson can begin o rebuild$7 He wasn' all bad i" he'd sa&ed ha li le boy$ Her mind "lashed bac) o he nigh she'd been alone in woods ou side ! $ Chris o#her's$

O)ay, so maybe Connor wasn' a o al &illain, bu he was a liar$ He'd had no righ o cour her under "alse #re enses$ 8hy had he gone so "ar4 8ha did he wan 4 5: don' care why Connor did any o" i 6 : can' care why67 !he clenched her hands in o "is s again$ 8hen would she e&er learn4 !lowly, care"ully she remo&ed he diamond rings ha Connor had #laced so lo&ingly on her "inger a "ew hours earlier and se hem on he des)$ Tears s reamed down her chee)s as she o#ened u# his word #rocessing #rogram and began y#ing$ : lo&ed you$ : rus ed you$ And you ric)ed me$ How could you go so "ar as o marry me4 : don' )now wha he ru h is be ween us$ %u wha e&er was be ween us is o&er now$ :" you lo&ed me e&en a li le, le me be me$ *on' e&er ry o "ind me$ <us le me go$ Anna !he hi he #rin bu on$ !a&agely, she dried her eyes wi h he bac) o" her hands as she wai ed on he #rin er$ !he had o be s rong$ !he had o "orge him$ !lowly, her weary brain began o "orm a #lan$ Paybac) ime$ !he laid her #rin ed "arewell no e on he des)$ Then she yan)ed he #lug ou o" his com#u er and hrew he com#u er in o a red9and9whi e du""el bag$ !he grabbed his ux (ac)e and his walle and s u""ed hem in her bag, oo$ Then she grabbed he res o" his clo hes$ 8adding hem u#, she (ammed hem inside he bag$ !he'd lea&e him no hing o wear$ 8i hou money or clo hes, i would a)e him a while o regrou# and chase her$ Three Hous on, Texas O ne minu e Connor was drumming his #encil on his des) as he ried o concen ra e on one o" /uerra's rou ine sur&eillance re#or s, and he nex , a ele#hone ring bu33ed "rom his com#u er$ ,eo$ Nobody else e&er used !)y#e o reach him$ Connor grabbed his mouse$ !ure enough, ,eo's name was blin)ing a he bo om o" his moni or$ Connor acce# ed he call and urned on his 8ebcam$ A "ew seconds la er ,eo's anned "ace "illed his screen$ His mou h was hin, his (aw se , his blac) eyes hard$ !ome hing was u#$ Connor smiled, e&en hough he was suddenly edgy as hell$ 5How can : hel# you, big bro her47 ,eo came o he #oin $ 5The agency : hired o "ind %ec)y a" er : "ired you has loca ed her$7 A" er : "ired you$ Connor ground his ee h$ He ha ed being reminded ha he'd "ailed his bro her eigh een mon hs ago$ 5-ou "ound Anna47 !ur#rise, and he abru# accelera ion o" a sa&age #ulse in his em#le, made his &oice harsh$ 5/ood "or you$7 The memory o" he way Anna had le" him wi hou e&en gi&ing him a chance o de"end himsel" was ne&er "ar "rom his mind$ ,i)e a lus 9sodden "ool, he'd (um#ed ou o" bed when he reali3ed she wasn' nes led behind him$ +inding he sui e em# y, he'd "eared he wors . ha she'd been hur or a)en$ He'd been in hell un il he'd s umbled on o hose shredded wedding #ic ures and he cry# ic no e ha had cu his hear ou $ : rus ed you;you ric)ed me;$ 8ha e&er was be ween us is o&er now$ O&er$ Hell, yes, i was o&er6 !he'd a)en his com#u er, brie"case, walle and clo hes$ He'd had sensi i&e da a on ha la# o#, which she'd (eo#ardi3ed, causing im#or an clien s o bail$ He'd "ailed ,eo$ ,eo had been so "urious he'd bal)ed a "irs abou wiring him he money he'd needed o ge ou o" >egas$ He'd "ailed Abby, oo$ 8hen he'd handed her he orn wedding #ic ures, she'd we# and s ared a hose o" her sis er "or hours$ 5!he's ali&e$7 Those #ic ures and he *NA he'd a)en "rom he sui e #ro&ed ha $ ,eo had "ired him and demanded he he" y re ainer he /olden !#urs bunch had #aid him$ The wo bro hers hadn' s#o)en "or mon hs$ Terence, Abby's "a her, had "lown in "rom !ou h America and cussed him ou , oo$ Abby had "inally in er&ened and "orced ,eo and Terence o "orgi&e him$ No ha Connor could "orgi&e himsel"$ He'd le a lo o" #eo#le down, im#or an #eo#le, #eo#le he cared abou $ !hu ing o"" his memories, Connor "ocused on his bro her's "ace on he com#u er screen$ 5: hough you'd wan o )now where your wi"e is,7 ,eo said$ 58ell, : don' , and :'m sur#rised you'd con"ide he news o me, since : screwed u# so royally$7 5-ou damn sure did, bu ha 's o&er and done wi h$ :'&e "orgi&en you, so "orgi&e yoursel"$ %ec)y #aid you bac). lea&ing you in ha ho el sui e wi h no hing o wear bu your bir hday sui , no o men ion dum#ing your com#u er and walle and clo hes in ha *um#s er behind he ho el$7 A wai er had seen her march ou o he *um#s er and hea&e his s u"" in o he garbage$ The guy had sna ched Connor's com#u er, which had con ained all ha highly sensi i&e in"orma ion$ The bum had also s olen Connor's :* and had bough a ,exus$ The ra was li&ing i u# in a "i&e9s ar ho el in New -or) when one o" Connor's men had caugh u# wi h him$ -es, she'd #aid him bac)$ His men were s ill crac)ing (o)es behind his bac) abou i $ 5!he's in New Orleans,7 ,eo said$

5: don' care67 8hen he #ain"ul #ulse in his em#le s#ed u#, his "ingers igh ened on he mouse$ He needed o end his session A!AP$ 5A ree "ell on he #lace she's been wor)ing$ !he's been a caregi&er o an old lady named /abrielle Cyr$ The old lady died, so %ec)y will be mo&ing on i" we don' grab her "as $ ! ory abou he ree and he old lady, who's sor o" "amous, made he na ional news, which was how my guy "ound her$ !o.i" you wan your wi"e bac), : hough :'d le you #ic) her u# and bring her home "or us$ Only his ime, don' screw i u#$7 5Me4 Pic) her u#4 No my (ob$ -ou "ired me, remember4 : "eel bad ha : messed hings u# "or you he las ime$ %ad ha : e&er go in&ol&ed wi h her$ :" : saw her, : migh s rangle her$7 5: don' hin) so$7 ,eo's blac) eyes narrowed$ He s ro)ed his chin hough "ully$ 5There's more$7 5!#i i ou $7 ,eo's &oice was so dar) suddenly Connor's blood was bea ing &iolen ly$ He remembered ,inda's ashen "ace in he hos#i al and his "eelings o" hel#lessness as he'd ouched her cool, li"eless chee) and hen s ared a all he ubes a ached o her$ An icy hand seemed o grab him by he hroa and squee3e hard$ 5Anna4 :s she hur 4 !he'd be er be all righ 6 Tell me, damn i 67 5!he had a baby$ A li le girl$ The )id is nine mon hs old$ !he's go your dim#le and your blond hair$ -ou do he ma h$7 Then ,eo held u# a #ic ure o" he cu es )id in he uni&erse$ Her baby4 /one4 Anna, who wen by !ue now, s ared a Taylor's em# y crib$ !he se he las s ac) o" news#a#ers ha she'd been abou o carry ou o he bac) #orch down beside i $ Her baby was gone6 8here could Taylor be4 : wasn' li)e a nine9mon h9old could ge u# and go o"" by hersel"$ 8i h wo women wor)ing in he house, hersel" and <ose e, Anna had hough Taylor was sa"e$ Their neighborhood was so quie and #eace"ul, she hadn' loc)ed he doors$ Anna oo) a dee# brea h$ !he glanced down a her wa ch and ried o remember when she'd las chec)ed on Taylor a" er she'd #u her down "or her na#$ !urely she hadn' been carrying news#a#ers ou o he bac) #orch more han a "ew minu es$ !he hadn' heard a car or he doorbell$ 8hen "oo s e#s resounded abo&e her, she remembered <ose e again, who was su##osed o be u#s airs cleaning$ Maybe <ose e had her$ *oub "ul, bu maybe$ Anna rushed ou o" he room and ran u# he s aircase, which loo)ed much be er now ha i was clear o" news#a#ers and maga3ines$ No ha she cared now$ /abrielle Cyr had been a #ac) ra , and she'd had nine y years o hone her s)ill$ A" er her burial yes erday, he "amily had le" orders "or <ose e and her o clean ou he ancien #lan a ion house so i could be #u on he mar)e $ <ose e's #lum# "orm )nel in he ba hroom, #lacing bo les o" sham#oo and #ac)ages o" soa# in cardboard boxes$ There had o be wen y9"i&e bo les o" sham#oo in his ba hroom alone$ Huge rash bags brimmed wi h garbage$ 5Ha&e you seen Taylor anywhere47 Anna cried$ <ose e urned, her round, )indly "ace blan) as she arched her bac) and rubbed i in he (oin ha had ar hri is$ 5Taylor47 Pic)ing u# on Anna's emo ion, <ose e "rowned$ 5,a #e i e is na##ing in her li le bed, non, chBre47 5Oh, /od$ Non$ Non$7 <ose e's big brown eyes clouded$ 5*on' you worry, non$ :'ll hel# you loo) "or her, yes4 8e "ind her$7 5-es, you chec) he u#s airs$ :'ll chec) downs airs and he grounds,7 Anna said$ 5And go nex door$ Maybe Mr$ *enis, he a)e her47 The old man li)ed o roc) he baby on he #orch$ *enis was sligh ly senile, no o men ion u#se by he "uneral o" his oldes "riend, bu surely no e&en he would a)e Taylor wi hou as)ing$ He'd cer ainly ne&er done so be"ore$ : was ironic$ Anna had a)en he (ob o" caring "or /abrielle, an old lady o" es eemed Creole lineage, because she ne&er had o lea&e her baby o wor)$ And now. his6 %y he ime Anna had chec)ed he house and he grounds wi hou "inding Taylor, her hear had really begun o race$ Rushing bac) in o her baby's room, he sigh o" Taylor's em# y crib made her "eel sic) and so ligh 9headed, she was a"raid she'd "ain $ %u she couldn' "ain $ !he had o "ind Taylor$ 8here could Taylor be4 *wigh 4 Anna couldn' imagine *wigh ha&ing any in eres in her baby$ He'd wan ed her, bu her alone$ And ha had been a while ago$ !o ha le" Connor, who had real righ s o Taylor$ Connor was a P$:$ !he'd read his 8eb #age o" en enough o )now ha he was good a wha he did$ The hough o" ha lying sna)e showing u# here and "inding her baby made her hear #ound$ Anna wen o he ele#hone o call C00, bu e&en be"ore she li" ed i "rom i s cradle, she remembered he "amily had had i disconnec ed$ There was no hing "or i bu o go ge her own #hone in he car where she'd le" i a" er he ri# "rom he ceme ery$ /rabbing her car )eys, Anna raced hrough he house and bac) down he s airs$ : was he "irs o" <une and un9 seasonably cool$ A whis#er o" humid air s ole as slowly as dri##ing molasses across he #orch$ The "ain bree3e "ea hered he lea&es in he o#s o" he rees, ma)ing he moss "loa li)e chi""on banners abo&e he emerald9green lawn$

+lu ering yellow a#e ro#ed o"" he colla#sed wall and sca ered debris as she ran oward he garage$ Rus y sca""olding surrounded one o" %elle Terre's sha ered columns$ Anna had hough his had been he #er"ec (ob un il a wee) ago when he hurricane9damaged ree had "allen on he house, sending bric)s and debris hrough %elle Terre's large windows$ Then /abrielle had died$ And now Taylor was missing$ !uddenly Anna wished she'd a)en any (ob bu his one$ *id he ele&ision co&erage ha&e some hing o do wi h Taylor being gone4 All ha exci emen when he crews had arri&ed o in er&iew he old lady had #ro&ed oo much "or /abrielle, and hree days la er she'd died$ The garage was dar), bu when Anna hrew o#en he door o" her Honda he in erior ligh came on$ !ure enough, her #hone lay on he #assenger sea , bu when she #ic)ed i u# and s ar ed #unching bu ons, she saw he ba ery was dead$ !ei3ing her #hone charger o"" he "loor, she #lugged one end in o her #hone and he o her in o her cigare e ligh er$ Then she urned he )ey in he igni ion and s om#ed on he gas$ :ns ead o" s ar ing, he Honda made a weird s#inning noise$ !he clam#ed her eyes shu , crossed hersel" and #rayed be"ore (iggling he )ey and ramming her big oe on he gas #edal again$ !ame whirring noise6 !he slammed her hands agains he s eering wheel$ 5One more ime6 Third ime's gonna be he charm$7 !he was reaching "or he )ey when a glance in o her rear&iew mirror re&ealed a all, broad9shouldered man wearing a ! e son$ His long, (ean9clad legs hrus widely a#ar , he s ood bac)ligh ed in a beam o" "iery sunligh ha sho hrough her o#en garage doors$ Red "ire li a loc) o" his golden hair ha curled waywardly agains his s arched whi e collar$ Connor$ He wore a whi e long9slee&ed shir and he same blac) shar)s)in boo s$ :n his righ hand he held an ominous9loo)ing me al ob(ec $ 8here's Taylor4 Her hear bea ing wildly, she s#rang ou o" he dri&er's sea $ His chiseled "ace was se , his eyes as "rigidly blue as #olar ice chi#s$ :" e&er a man loo)ed #oised "or a "igh , he did$ :n ha "irs horrible momen o" mu ual recogni ion, a wells#ring o" con"using emo ion swe# Anna$ !he'd lo&ed him$ And he'd lied and lied and lied$ 8ors o" all, he was #robably here because he hough he could a)e Taylor away "rom her$ 58here's Taylor47 5This is your s#ar) #lug coil wire, swee hear ,7 he said, his dee# one im#ersonal$ 5=n il : #u i bac), :'m a"raid you're s uc) here$ 8i h me$ 8e'&e go a "ew hings o al) abou $7 58here's.7 5.our baby47 His deadly grin made her shi&er$ He )new$ He loo)ed so hard and ye so in"uria ingly coc)y, anger swam#ed her "ear$ !uddenly she "el li)e rushing him$ !he wan ed o )ic) his shin or a leas s om# on his oe; o brea) some hing$ 5!he's wi h your "riend;in he house$7 5<ose e47 He nodded$ 5-ou oo) her47 5,e 's (us say we oo) a wal) o admire some lea&es and worms and a blac)9and9whi e #u##y ha lic)ed our "aces$ : 's abou ime we s#en a li le quali y ime ge ing o )now each o her, don' you hin)47 5-ou had no righ o come here,7 she whis#ered, bac)ing away "rom him oward he side door o" he garage$ 5No righ o &isi my own child4 :'m s ill your husband, remember4 Taylor's "a her47 His words cou#led wi h his ho ga3e s irred unwan ed memories and caused dis urbing ero ic sensa ions ha made her blood hea e&en hough she was de ermined o ha e him$ 5: wro e you in ha no e ha i was o&er,7 she sna##ed$ 5Maybe "or you, swee hear ,7 he said, his long legs mo&ing swi" ly hrough he eerie shadows o" her garage$ 58ha abou Taylor4 And wha i" : disagree4 :'m hal" he equa ion$7 5This isn' ma h$ : don' wan o be married o you$7 58ell, you are$7 5-ou couldn' #ossibly wan o be married o me, ei her$7 5Couldn' :47 His de&ouring ga3e sho "rom her "ace down her body$ 5-ou're a beau i"ul woman$ Maybe : can' "orge hose "our een ha##y days$ And ha##ier nigh s$7 Nigh s$ Tha las word scalded her$ 5-ou lied o me$ E&ery hing you did, e&ery hing you said was a lie$7 5No e&ery hing, swee hear $ %esides, : had o ge you bac) o Hous on$7 58hy4 8ha 's in Hous on47 5:'ll ell you when we ge here$7 5As i" :'d e&er go anywhere wi h you now$7 5-ou will$ And so will Taylor$ 8e're a "amily$7 Oh, /od, his was e&en worse han her nigh mares$ !uddenly all she wan ed was o hold her baby in her arms$ Arguing wi h him was accom#lishing no hing$ *es#i e he coolness o" he day, he garage "el s i"ling$ 5: wan o see Taylor$ : wan o ma)e sure my baby's all righ $7

5As i" :'d hur my own child$ !he's "ine,7 he mu ered angrily$ 5!he'd be er be$7 5Or you'll wha 4 ! eal my clo hes and money again47 58ha e&er : did, you deser&ed i 6 -ou wor)ed "or *wigh 67 5The hell : did67 Marching #as him, she began s#rin ing oward he house as soon as he was a "ew "ee behind her$ 5Hey,7 he yelled$ !he should ha&e )nown he'd come a" er her$ 8hen she s umbled o&er a roo , she would ha&e "allen in o he #ile o" bric)s in he hic) grass ha lay be ween her and %elle Terre i" he hadn' grabbed her le" arm$ !#inning her around, she "ound hersel" mashed in o he solid wall o" his muscular ches $ 5,uc)y "or me ha old ree "ell, and your boss was so well9)nown,7 he said$ 5: qui loo)ing "or you a" er >egas, bu he agen my bro her hired "ound you, han)s o he ele&ision co&erage$7 5=nluc)y "or me, hough$7 !he sho&ed a his ches , bu i was li)e rying o #ush a grani e wall$ 5: ne&er wan ed o see you again$7 5The #eo#le who hired me o "ind you aren' he bad guys, you )now$7 58ha 4 -ou wor)ed "or *wigh , righ 47 !he qui s ruggling in his arms$ He'd bris led when she'd accused him o" wor)ing "or *wigh be"ore$ 5No$7 5%u you did6 -ou had o67 He shoo) his head$ 5No, : didn' $ :'m elling he ru h$7 5:s ha a "irs 47 His "ace hardened, bu he didn' de"end himsel"$ ! ill, somehow, she didn' )now why, bu she belie&ed him abou *wigh $ No ha ha le him o"" he hoo)$ 58ell, you lied abou e&ery hing else$7 5And you ne&er ell lies, !ue6 !ue is your new alias, isn' i 47 5-ou're he de ec i&e$ -ou ell me$7 5: (us did$7 5!o, i" you're no wor)ing "or *wigh , who were you wor)ing "or4 No ha :'m going o belie&e any hing you migh ell me abou ha , ei her$7 5Righ $ !o, why should : e&en bo her47 !he #ushed a his ches again$ 5Tell me67 5No$ : 'll wai $ -ou're no calling he sho s anymore$ : am$7 !cary hough $ E&en scarier were he ingly sensa ions she was beginning o "eel in his gras#$ As long as she'd been arguing wi h him, she'd managed o dis rac hersel"$ -e ; 8hile she was loc)ed in his arms, in he dee# shade o" he magnolia ree, he air "el cool agains her s)in, a shar# con ras o he hea "rom his muscular body$ !he "el his hear bea ing and ins an ly she remembered being held in his arms ha "irs ime in he air#or $ More dis urbing were memories o" he long, swee nigh s beside he "ire#lace, when he'd #ressed her benea h him$ E&ery )iss, e&ery caress, had been #ar o" he s#ider9web o" lies he'd wo&en$ And ye ;He'd been so swee ;his li#s and hands so ender$ !he'd remembered him a he heigh o" his #assion, when he'd dri&en inside her and had seemed o lose himsel" com#le ely$ Could a man lie abou all ha 4 Could he4 His hand brushed a lea" ou o" her hair, and she shi&ered$ +ran ic, she s ared #as him a he windmill #alms and hic) clum#s o" #hilodendron$ 5*on' ,7 she began in a s rangled one$ 5Care"ul$7 His dee# &oice was hus)ier now, maybe because holding her close a""ec ed him, oo$ No$ !he didn' belie&e ha $ He'd wea&e a new dece# i&e web i" she le him$ 5These bric)s are uns able,7 he said$ 5They could "all, and you could hur yoursel"$7 8hen he bric)s she was s anding on shi" ed, she clung o him e&en hough she )new he was her grea es danger$ 5+or wha i 's wor h, : ne&er wan ed o hur you,7 he said, and hen scowled as i" he hadn' wan ed o admi ha $ Again she "el his #ounding hear , his hea , and a hrilling rush o" unwan ed need s#iraled hrough her$ He was lying, and she was "alling "or i all o&er again$ 5,e me go67 she said "uriously$ 5No ye $7 Holding on o her hand, he led her u# he s airs o he ea) bench on he sha ered "ron &eranda o" %elle Terre$ 5: ha&en' been a #ar icularly ha##y man since you ran ou on me$7 Tru h or lie4 !he ha ed no )nowing, as she s udied he dar) circles benea h his eyes and he weariness around his mou h$ He ore his ga3e "rom hers$ 5*id you e&er hin) o" me.e&en once a" er you ran ou 47 5: ried no o$7 5!o you didn' wonder wha : migh ha&e been going hrough47 -es$ E&ery single day$ E&ery single nigh $ The nigh s were he wors $ All he ime$ : )e# wondering how you could ha&e wor)ed "or *wigh and made lo&e o me so con&incingly$ : )e# wondering wha your game was$

5E&ery ime : wondered, : old mysel" you lied o me abou e&ery hing, ha *wigh had hired you$7 5O)ay$7 He oo) a dee# brea h$ 5,i)e : said, : ne&er wor)ed "or him$7 5%u you were wor)ing "or someone$7 5: re urned heir money$ %u as soon as : "ound ou abou our baby, : )new : had no choice bu o come here$ : wan o )now my child$7 !he squee3ed her eyes shu , #ressed her "ingers o he bridge o" her nose$ 5No$7 5-ou can' s o# me$7 5: can' be wi h you$ -ou lied$ And :'m hrough wi h liars$ -ou ha&e o unders and ha $ 8e'll ge a di&orce$ /o our se#ara e ways$7 5: 's no ha sim#le$ O her #eo#le are in&ol&ed$7 5The #eo#le who hired you47 He nodded$ 5And hen here's our own li le #roblem$ Now : )now abou Taylor$ !o all be s are o""$7 5-ou can' ma)e me come bac) o you$7 5Oh, yes, : can, swee hear $7 Maybe he would ha&e elabora ed, bu when Taylor began o cry "rom inside he house, his hard "ace dar)ened wi h concern "or heir child$ 5:s she o)ay47 Anna didn' answer$ !he was racing ahead o" him inside he house o "ind ou $ Four T aylor was screaming "i "ully now$ /rea burs s o" sound were "ollowed by #i i"ul li le mews$ ! rangely, hose hel#less, li le shuddering sobs ore a Connor's hear as no hing else e&er had be"ore$ 8ha was wrong wi h her4 He'd seen #eo#le die, bu his almos made him "eel worse$ 58here's ha damn woman : en rus ed our baby o47 he hundered$ 5<ose e4 Nearby, :'m sure$7 ,o&ingly, Anna leaned o&er he crib and #ulled a blan)e o"" Taylor's "ace$ <ose e, her #lum# "ace #ale, bus led in o he room carrying a broom$ 5: (us le" her$ ,a #e i e, she is o)ay, yes47 5!he's crying$ !he's no o)ay,7 Connor growled, "eeling ou raged by he ques ion when his daugh er was screaming her head o""$ 5!he'd #ulled a blan)e o&er her eyes and couldn' remo&e i ,7 Anna ex#lained$ 5*idn' you, li le darling47 she whis#ered enderly down o his child$ 5:s ha all47 he said, "eeling shee#ish when he older woman smiled$ @uic)ly, (us o ma)e sure, he (oined Anna a he #in) crib ha was "illed wi h ra les and color"ul squee3e oys$ Taylor's "ace was red$ Than) /od, she was calmer and had s o##ed ma)ing hose bloodcurdling noises$ !he was s ill sni""ling, howe&er, and a single ear s#ar)led on her chee)$ +or he "irs ime he saw his #ic ure a#ed o he wall alongside Anna's behind he crib$ 8as ha why Taylor had #er)ed u# he ins an he'd wal)ed in o he nursery earlier4 Had Anna made his "ace "amiliar o her4 5*arling, i 's o)ay,7 Anna was saying so" ly$ 5-ou're sa"e and sound and he cen er o" a en ion again$7 <ose e mus ha&e changed Taylor be"ore #u ing her down because he baby was wearing a #in) rom#er wi h yellow gira""es now$ The baby urned "rom Anna o him, her blue eyes widening in sur#rise as she regarded him$ Then she began o coo and gurgle "lir a iously$ 5Hi, here, again,7 he said gen ly, leaning closer$ His &oice brough a wide smile "ollowed by more gurgles$ Thrill o" he mon h$ Taylor began o )ic) as i" she were deligh ed, oo$ 8hen she rolled o&er and began o #ull u# and a em# o mo&e near him, she smiled$ He smiled righ bac) a her$ Then she sa u# and cla##ed her hands, and he cla##ed his, oo$ 5Mon)ey see, mon)ey do,7 he eased$ The im# beamed u# a him and cla##ed some more$ How could ha wide grin ha showed o"" a single oo h ri# ou his hear 4 And he dim#le;He'd been eased unmerci"ully abou his dim#le$ On her, i was cu e$ 8hen he cu##ed he baby's head, which was ho and dam# "rom crying, Anna gas#ed and hen bac)ed ou o" his way$ He li" ed he li le girl easily and snuggled her agains his shoulder and began o mo&e abou he room wi h her$ He'd had a lo o" ex#erience wi h babies in A"ghanis an$ Only hose babies had mainly been hungry and #oor and heir mo hers erri"ied ou o" heir minds$ Those babies hadn' been as #lum# as his or smelled o" "resh de ergen , baby #owder and sham#oo$ And hey hadn' ugged on his #a ernal hear s rings as she had "rom he "irs momen he'd seen her$ He was #leased o disco&er Anna was such a good mo her$ 8a ching him wi h heir child, Anna's eyes had grown s rangely luminous$ Her "ace was radian $ 5Taylor,7 he cooed agains he baby's chee) as he #e ed her head$ 5-ou're #re y;(us li)e your mo her$7 Tha las was ou be"ore he'd reali3ed wha he was saying$ He li" ed his ga3e o Anna's again$ Her li#s were rembling e&en as she s i""ened her shoulders$ 5:.: show her our #ic ures e&ery day and say, D*ada and Mama,'7 she said$ 5:'ll be you were sorry you couldn' ge rid o" me com#le ely,7 he said$ !he wen so whi e, he regre ed he harsh commen $

A hard lum# "illed his hroa $ Then he urned his "ull a en ion on his daugh er$ A leas his "eelings "or her were sim#le$ He was cra3y abou her$ How many imes had he old his guys in he squadron ha i" you'd seen one baby, you'd seen hem all4 8rong$ Taylor was he #re ies baby in he uni&erse$ 5!he was born maybe nine mon hs ago47 His &oice was low$ 5And you didn' ell me$7 5%ecause : hough ;you were dangerous$7 5!o, all hese mon hs while she was learning o #ull u#, while she grew a oo h, : ne&er )new$ : ne&er e&en hough o" he #ossibili y;7 A rush o" unwan ed enderness oward his daugh er cou#led wi h "ierce anger oward her mo her unner&ed him$ 58hen : missed my #eriod :.: coun ed he wee)s a" er :'d le" you,7 she said$ +ury lashed him a he bi er memory o" wa)ing u# and "inding her gone$ ! ar) na)ed, he'd read and reread a #rin ou o" some no e she'd dra" ed on his la# o#, he la# o# she'd rashed$ Crushing her no e in his "is , he'd s ormed ou in o he hall wi hou a s i ch on$ 8i hou his )ey e&en$ He'd caugh his door righ be"ore i had slammed shu $ : lo&ed you$ : rus ed you$ And you ric)ed me;$ 8ha e&er was be ween us is o&er now$ Connor had memori3ed her damn no e on he s#o $ 58ere you e&er going o ge around o elling me abou her47 he as)ed, )ee#ing his one #oli e and easy "or Taylor's sa)e, e&en hough he already )new he answer$ 5No$ : "igured we were be er o"" wi hou you$7 5Righ $7 Rage "lared u# wi hin him, bu when Taylor reached ou and ouched his chee) wi h her so" li le "ingers, hen smiled a him, he "ough o con rol i $ 5*a;da;coo;7 His daugh er was a genius$ 8i h such a brillian li le girl, i was hard o s ay o ally "urious a her mo her$ ! ill, he ga&e i his bes $ 58ell, you're no be er o""$7 :n her "aded (eans and ancien blue swea er, Anna was e&ery bi as shabby as her surroundings$ Her loa"ers were scu""ed, heir heels worn$ : was all oo ob&ious she couldn' a""ord o s#end a dime on hersel"$ 5:s his really how you wan o li&e4 How you wan Taylor o li&e47 !he s i""ened wi h #ride$ 5: ha&e;had;a (ob$ 8e ha&e wha we need,7 she said$ 5Minimum wage4 -ou ge #aid in cash4 Tha 's no a real (ob$ -ou're #ar o" he underground economy$ -ou li&e li)e his so you can s ay under he radar, don' you4 %ecause i ma)es i easy o hide47 !he cas her eyes down$ 5: was worried abou *wigh and you$7 5: ne&er wor)ed "or ha (er)67 Connor glanced a he room$ The mansion had seen be er days$ The #ain was chi##ed and yellowed$ %i s o" "aded "loral wall#a#er curled a he seams$ The oa) "loor was scarred and he chea#, red hrow car#e s ha hid mos o" i were dir y and hreadbare$ Taylor's crib was scra ched and wobbly$ : s #in) linens were so hin he could see he ma ress hrough hem$ ! u""ing ex#loded "rom he u#hols ered roc)ing chair in he corner$ Carrying Taylor, he began o #ace$ He remembered ha single red9and9whi e du""el bag Anna had had in >egas$ : had been snowing ou side, bu she hadn' e&en owned a (ac)e , which was why he'd bough her he "ox coa in >egas$ Agains her wishes, he'd bough her an en ire new wardrobe, which she'd le" behind? which he'd #ac)ed and mailed o Hous on and s ored e&en hough he'd ne&er wan ed o see her again$ !ince she'd been li&ing on he run, she #robably didn' wan nice hings or "riends ha would call a en ion o hersel"$ He s o##ed in "ron o" her dresser$ 8hen her eyes widened wi h alarm, he yan)ed he o# drawer o#en$ 5No67 she cried ou $ He smiled grimly when he saw her s ash o" hundred9dollar bills and a ,ouisiana dri&er's license wi h her #ic ure and he name !ue Oa)ley on i $ He si" ed hrough he bills un il he "ound a social securi y card wi h he same name$ 5+a)e :*s$ Paid cash "or hem, a lo o" cash, : be $ No so easy o ge , are hey47 8hen she didn' answer, he grabbed he dri&er's license and he social securi y card$ As he was abou he s ic) he :*s in o his bac) #oc)e , she made a grab "or hem$ 58ha are you doing47 she said$ 5Those are mine$ -ou can' a)e hem$7 5: already did$7 ! ill holding Taylor, he s ared down a Anna$ 5-ou )now some hing ha 's haun ed me4 All hese mon hs : )e# remembering how your eyes shone when you old me you wan ed o be a eacher$7 !he swallowed$ 58as ha a lie47 !he shoo) her head$ 5: 's no really a #rac ical idea now, hough, when i 's hard enough "or me o su##or .7 5Righ $ -ou can' e&er be any hing li)e ha i" you can' s ay in one #lace, i" you ha&e o be #aid cash li)e an illegal immigran , i" you always ha&e o use "a)e :*s$ *id i e&er occur o you ha unless you change, Taylor won' ha&e much o" a "u ure, ei her47 The color leached "rom her hin "ace$ Turning away "rom her, he cradled Taylor closer agains his ches $ Anna's li"es yle was sad enough "or her, bu he hough o" Taylor being dragged "rom #lace o #lace;o" Taylor changing names and iden i ies again and again;o" Taylor ne&er )nowing him, her "a her;ne&er being able o s ay in a school she li)ed or a own she "el a home in;

He wasn' abou o allow Taylor o grow u# li)e ha $ 5-ou ha&e a "amily in Texas$ : was wor)ing "or hem,7 he said$ 58ha 4 : don' ha&e a "amily$7 Her eyes shone oo &i&idly in her #ale "ace$ 5-ou do$ -ou were;er;los when you were (us a )id$ -our sis er and ado# i&e "a her ha&e been loo)ing "or you e&er since$ More recen ly your biological "a her's "amily, he Aembles, (oined in he search$ %asically, : was wor)ing "or he en ire bunch$7 5*on' do his$ *on' ell any more lies;(us o mani#ula e me$7 5Righ $ :'m a liar$7 He oo) a brea h$ 5O)ay, we won' al) abou hem (us ye $ %u Taylor needs o )now her "amily$7 5Her "amily4 :'m her "amily67 5*o you hin) you're enough4 *o you wan o be alone he res o" your li"e4 8ha was : (us saying o you47 Anna s aring a him wildly, and maybe he couldn' o ally blame her, since he'd been less han s raigh wi h her in >egas$ 5: didn' ha&e a "a her,7 Connor said, deciding o a)e a di""eren #ers#ec i&e$ 5!o, : learned he hard way wha i was li)e o be a nobody in s range owns$ My bro her, ,eo, go a neighbor girl #regnan $ Our mo her's boss hrew us o"" his ranch because he girl was su##osed o be his son's girl"riend$ : was "i" een$ My mo her died a "ew mon hs la er$ ,eo had o scramble o ge hrough college and #u "ood on our able$7 He s o##ed$ Anna didn' care abou him$ !o why was he boring her wi h he s ory o" his li"e4 8hy was he elling her how i was o be "riendless in a new school4 8hy ry o ex#lain why he'd s ar ed running wi h a bad crowd4 : couldn' #ossibly ma er o her ha he'd been hell9bound un il ,eo had al)ed him in o he mili ary$ And ,inda;He'd sun) o he bo om again a" er her dea h$ 58ha good will a mo her li)e you be o Taylor when she's older, i" all you )now how o do is run "rom your own shadow4 : be you'll abandon her someday, he same way you ran ou on me$7 5No6 : would ne&er do ha 67 58ha i", /od "orbid, some hing ha##ens o you47 5: won' $7 5: wish : )new ha "or sure,7 he said$ 5%eing a single mom, raising a )id on your own. ha 's ough in he bes o" circums ances$7 5: wouldn' e&er lea&e Taylor$7 5Taylor needs a world larger han you could e&er gi&e her$7 The blood drained "rom Anna's "ace$ +eeling more em#a hy "or he mo her o" his child han he wan ed o, he brushed Taylor's chee) wi h his hand, and she began suc)ing on his li le "inger$ A shoc) o" warm, #a ernal emo ion wen hrough him$ 5:s she hungry47 he as)ed$ 5: wan my dri&er's license and social securi y card bac)$7 He shoo) his head and re#ea ed he ques ion$ 5:s she hungry47 5Probably$ %u she's so "ascina ed by you, she's em#orarily dis rac ed$7 5*oes she breas 9"eed47 Her quic) blush old him he answer was yes e&en be"ore she nodded$ No ha&ing reali3ed he in imacy o" his ques ion un il he'd as)ed i , his eyes me Anna's, and ha #ar o" him ha was "igh ing o build boundaries agains her "al ered again$ His hear ached$ *amn her "or his &isceral connec ion$ His own "ace and nec) "el so ho , he had o yan) a his collar$ Exce# "or her "ull breas s, she was hinner han she'd been in >egas and much more &ulnerable9loo)ing$ 8as she worn ragged "rom caring "or he old lady, his big house and heir baby, oo4 Ob&iously she needed his hel# more han she would admi $ He imagined her in he roc)ing chair wi h Taylor a" er he old woman had gone o bed$ :" she came home wi h him, he'd a)e care o" hem, #ro&ide nannies and si ers and la er, lessons and #ri&a e schools$ He'd gi&e his )id e&ery hing he'd done wi hou $ !he shu her eyes agains his ga3e brie"ly, #robably because she couldn' bear loo)ing a him$ 5Anna, : won' le you &anish and lea&e me all alone, wondering where he wo o" you are, wondering i" you're sa"e$ 8ha i" : did some hing li)e ha o you4 8ha i" : )e# her4 How would ha "eel47 On a sob, she grabbed Taylor "rom him$ 5*on' .7 A single ear s#lashed down her chee)$ 5*on' e&en hin) i 67 He ha ed ma)ing her cry, ye she didn' deny ha wha he said was her in en $ Anger "illed him$ No way could he le Taylor go$ Or her, ei her$ No un il a lo o" im#or an issues had been se led$ ,i)e a)ing her bac) o her "amily$ ,i)e es ablishing his cus odial righ s$ Her "ierce desire o run and hide "rom him made him "eel hel#less and ou o" con rol$ He )new "rom A"ghanis an ha whene&er he'd had ha :9ha&e9no hing9 o9lose a i ude, he was a his mos dangerous o himsel" and o hers$ 5*on' #ush me,7 he whis#ered$ 5+orge abou a di&orce$ <us come home wi h me so we can wor) his mess ou $7 8hen she "linched and hen clung o Taylor, he baby squaw)ing a he closeness, his s omach igh ened$ 5No,7 she gas#ed$ 5: can' $ Please.7 5-es$ -ou can$ -ou mus $7 He s rode o her and owered o&er her$ 5-ou hin) : can' see ha you're li&ing on he edge, barely ma)ing i $ This #lace is a dum#$ -ou don' ha&e an educa ion$ : do$ %esides ha , :'m weal hy and well9connec ed$ : can

gi&e Taylor a normal li"e$ As my wi"e, you could ha&e ime o ma)e some hing o" yoursel"; o go o college;become a eacher$7 5: don' wan o be married o you or o li&e wi h you$7 He #ulled ou her "a)e social securi y card$ 58ould you #re"er (ail47 5: ha&en' done any hing wrong$7 5-ou'&e been wor)ing wi h "a)e :*s, which means you'&e bro)en he law$ 8ha i" : urn you in47 5-ou wouldn' dare67 Anna san) in o he roc)er, her )nees gi&ing way$ 5*on' #ush your luc)$ 8ha i" : gi&e he au hori ies Ms$ Oa)ley's "a)e dri&er's license and social securi y card4 Ha&e you e&er heard o" iden i y he" 4 *id you e&er wonder i" hese i ems are legi ima e and belong o o her #eo#le4 Or i" you'&e #aid criminals o ma)e hem4 :den i y he" is a #ersonal issue wi h me$ %ecause o" you, a croo) "ound my walle in ha *um#s er where you hrew i and s ole my iden i y$ :'m (us now ge ing i all sor ed ou $7 5Please;$7 58ha i" : ell he au hori ies your em#loyers ha&e been #aying you in cash4 -ou'll ge in e&en more rouble i" you ha&en' re#or ed all your income, won' you4 !o will your em#loyers$ They'll ha&e o hire a orneys, who'll charge hem "ar more han you e&er earned$7 5%u hey were only rying o hel# me ou $7 5There are laws abou #aying axes and "illing ou he correc "orms, you )now$ *id you obey all hose laws4 *id hey4 -ou can commi murder and ge away wi h i more easily han you can chea he :R!$7 5:'m a good #erson$ : was only doing wha : had o. o sur&i&e$7 5Righ $ -ou had o s eal my child$ -ou had o wor) under an assumed name ha migh ha&e been s olen "rom somebody else$ Trus me, he (udges ha&e heard i all be"ore$7 5%u you )now *wigh was a" er me6 -ou're wis ing e&ery hing6 -ou wouldn' dare urn me in67 5Tha 's where you're wrong, Ms$ Oa)ley$7 He san) o his )nees and ouched he bac) o" Taylor's head$ Then he loo)ed u# a Anna$ His &oice so" ened$ 5: would do any hing o ge my child$ : can a""ord he bes lawyers$ And don' hin) : wouldn' ma)e sure : go sole cus ody o" Taylor while you "ough your legal ba les wi h money you don' ha&e and hen ser&ed your ime$7 5!er&ed my ime47 Her &oice sounded hollow as she clu ched Taylor igh er$ 5My lawyer migh &ery well "ind a way o ha&e you declared un"i $7 5:'m no un"i $7 5Maybe ha 's no "or you o decide.once we ge he law in&ol&ed$ :'m going o ell you some hing, swee hear $ Money buys a lo o" wha #asses "or (us ice in his coun ry$ :'&e go money, lo s o" i $ -ou don' $7 5: ha e you$ :'ll ha e you "ore&er$7 5%u you're a sur&i&or, so ha won' s o# you "rom coming home wi h me and li&ing wi h me as my wi"e now ha you see how i 's o your ad&an age, now, will i 47 He #ushed bac) his ! e son$ 5%ecause i" you do ha , swee hear .and only i" you do ha .:'ll )ee# all your dir y li le secre s$ And :'ll do e&ery hing in my #ower o #ro ec you "rom *wigh i" he #o#s bac) in o your li"e$7 !he glared u# a him$ Her li#s were hin, her eyes "la $ He didn' wan o )now wha she was hin)ing$ He was glad she merely grimaced and remained silen $ 8hen she o""ered no "ur her argumen s, he began o relax a li le$ 5!o, as soon as you "eed our baby, : sugges you s ar #ac)ing$ 8e lea&e "or Hous on. onigh .where we will li&e oge her as husband and wi"e$7 5: don' li)e being "orced$7 5: don' li)e a lo o" hings abou his si ua ion, ei her$ Tomorrow we'll al) abou he #eo#le who hired me o "ind you .your "amily$7 !he "linched$ 5And, swee hear , i" : bring you bac) as my wi"e, : will be ci&il o you in #ublic, and : will ex#ec he same cour esy$7 !he closed her eyes, re"using o loo) a him$ 5: don' belie&e his,7 she whis#ered$ 5: don' belie&e any o" his$7 5: )now i 's a lo o diges , bu nod i" you agree o my erms$7 He'd almos gi&en u# on ge ing an answer when her chin di##ed e&er so sligh ly$ +inally, a yes$ He ha ed his si ua ion as much as she did$ %u she'd a)en his child and )e# her "rom him, and his anger was ou o" con rol$ Five 58 hen : as)ed you o be ci&il, : mean i ,7 Connor said, as he led Anna down he s airs in o his Hous on bedroom$ 5There's nobody here bu you and me,7 she whis#ered$ 5!urely you don' ex#ec me o ac when we're alone$7 5-ou #re"er o li&e li)e we're in a war 3one47 5No hing abou his si ua ion is abou wha : #re"er, now, is i 47 ! i""ening, Anna crossed her arms o&er her so" , "ull breas s, maybe because his ga3e had lingered here once oo o" en$ 5: won' slee# wi h you,7 she said, as she s ared a his &as chrome bed wi h he #ale sa in shee s and numerous #illows$ They were s anding in Connor's sun)en bedroom in his midcen ury modern mansion on he %u""alo %ayou, which was loca ed in one o" he mos #res igious neighborhood in Hous on's inner loo#$ No ha she'd ac ed he leas bi im#ressed wi h his mansion as mos #eo#le had e&er since he'd had he bes designer in own do an ou rageously ex#ensi&e redo$

Hell, a" er hey'd uc)ed Taylor in o her crib, her only commen as she'd "ollowed him u# and down he "loa ing whi e marble s e#s ha lac)ed railings was ha his hree9s ory home was he "ur hes hing "rom child9"riendly$ 58e'll worry abou ha when Taylor's a oddler,7 he'd re#lied, his words im#lying hey had ha much o" a "u ure, which he &ery much doub ed$ 5: wan my own room,7 she blur ed, urning away "rom his bed$ 5!lee#ing wi h you down here is no an acce# able arrangemen $7 He mo&ed in "ron o" he s e#s, barring her esca#e$ 5-ou're my wi"e and all ha im#lies$ !o you'll s ay here wi h me and do as : say$7 5-ou ca&eman, me ca&egirl47 5-our in er#re a ion.no mine, bu hen;wha e&er ligh s your "ire$7 5: can' belie&e you're so crude or ha you're doing his."orcing me;$7 Her accusa ory a i ude annoyed he hell ou o" him$ !he was he one who'd s olen his child$ 5Maybe you "orced me$ E&er consider my side47 !he bi her li#$ Clearly she hadn' $ !he didn' gi&e enough o" a damn$ /oaded, he ra)ed his ga3e slowly down her luscious cur&es, no s o##ing a her wais , bu mo&ing lower, e&en when she gas#ed and urned an angry shade o" red$ 5:" i 's sex you're worried abou , you can relax, swee hear ,7 he said$ 5:'m no in he mood;a leas no onigh $7 ,iar$ He'd burn in hell "or ha one$ Her nearness in his bedroom a" er going wi hou "or so long had him urned on$ 5The only reason : wan you in my bed is because : don' rus you enough o le you ou o" my sigh ,7 he said$ 5And since his child9un"riendly bedroom doesn' e&en ha&e a door : can loc), : wan you beside me all nigh $7 5!o we're you #risoners4 -ou're )idna##ing us47 The word )idna##ing hi him hard$ The accusa ion made his hear s#eed u# and her "ace blur$ Ob&iously, she remembered nex o no hing abou wha had ha##ened o her$ He swallowed a long brea h$ +loor9 o9ceiling glass walls allowed in ima e &iews o" a lush bac)yard ha was "ull o" greenery and "lowers, a cur&e o" brown bayou and he rec angular swimming #ool$ He leaned agains a wall and #ushed a bu on ha made all, gau3y dra#eries swish closed$ He didn' hin) anybody was wa ching heir angry exchange, bu he wan ed com#le e #ri&acy (us he same$ 5%ecause o" my daugh er, :'m (us as much your #risoner$7 His &oice was low, delibera ely con rolled$ 5-ou may be her mo her, bu : ha&e righ s, oo$ :" you're de ermined o s#li u# wi h me, : in end o ma)e sure : ge a "air cus ody hearing$ !o.i" you wan o call he law, go ahead$ %e er ye , :'ll do i "or you$ %elie&e me, : ha&e a hing or wo o ell hem abou you$7 !he #aled as he grabbed his #hone$ 5!wee hear , i" you hin) he co#s are going o le you wal) ou o" here wi h my baby a" er he s un s you'&e #ulled, you're more nai&e abou he legal sys em han : hin) a smoo h li le o#era or would be$7 His eyes were glued o her "ace as he (abbed he minia ure )ey#ad$ His hands were big and he )eys iny, so he hi a lo o" wrong numbers$ !o wha 4 He was blu""ing$ 5No67 Holding u# a sha)ing hand, she ran oward him and grabbed "or he #hone$ 5*on' you dare call hem6 :'ll do; wha e&er you wan $ Any hing;e&en;well, any hing$7 Her wide eyes made him remember he hings hey'd done in bed in >egas, hings he'd wor)ed hard o "orge $ 5-ou're sure abou ha 47 he said, smiling wi h "alse geniali y$ His ga3e ra)ed her again as he #re ended o consider her o""er$ 5Any hing47 !he whi ened$ He was #re y sure she was remembering he same ero ic caresses hey'd shared in >egas ha he was$ Her li#s qui&ering, she s ared mu inously a his large body and hen he big chrome bed$ 5:'m sure$7 5+orge i ,7 he growled$ 5: was ou o" line$7 !he closed her eyes and oo) a dee# brea h$ 5Than) you$7 Her long9lashed ga3e dar ed o he s airs behind him$ 5: need o chec) on Taylor again,7 she said$ 5: old you on he #lane ha when : had my #eo#le #re#are he nursery hey ins alled a moni or in he baby's room, as well as in he mas er bedroom$ Taylor hasn' made a sound$ -ou said she sle# all nigh $7 5A moni or is no he same as a #aren $7 5!he's "ine$7 5-ou're #robably righ , bu i 's (us some hing ha : always do$7 5%ecause you li&e alone$7 5!he's in a s range house and bed$ : ha&e o ma)e sure she's o)ay$ Please$7 The anxie y in her eyes go o him$ *ee# down, no ma er how angry he migh be, he'd always wan ed o ma)e her "eel sa"e$ %esides, he wan ed o loo) in on Taylor, oo$ 5O)ay$ %u we'll bo h go,7 he said$ Taylor was sound aslee#, (us as he'd )nown she would be$ ! ill, when Anna insis ed on s anding by her bed "or a "ew minu es (us o ma)e sure, he s ood beside her, oo, li)ing her swee smile and ender ex#ression as she #a ed heir child lo&ingly$ He wished she didn' smell so good$ Hell$

,osing ,inda had hur so badly, he'd a&oided women$ =n il Anna$ Then he'd los his head, crossed a "ew oo many lines, and hings had s#un cra3ily ou o" con rol$ 5: old you she was "ine,7 he said, his &oice rough, e&en as he gen ly #ulled Taylor's blan)e higher$ 5%u she's so li le$7 5-es, she is$ Tha 's why babies ha&e wo #aren s o #ro ec hem$ -ou're no alone anymore$ Maybe soon you'll reali3e ha you ha&e no hing o "ear here$7 5No hing exce# you,7 she said, her eyes burning him in he moonli dar)ness$ 5Righ $7 :n"uria ed again, he grabbed her hand and yan)ed her ou he door oward heir own bedroom$ 58ha ma)es you so sure :'ll hur you47 he mu ered$ 5Today you rac)ed me down and "orced me o come here$7 5:" : hadn' come, ,eo would ha&e sen a s ranger$ 8ould you ha&e #re"erred ha , dammi 47 5: would ha&e #re"erred anyone o you67 He "el blea) and cold as hey wal)ed down he "loa ing s airs o his bedroom again$ This ime she led while he "ollowed silen ly$ !he was inside heir bedroom, mo&ing oward her sui case, when his cell #hone rang$ 5Excuse me,7 he said$ He grabbed i and saw ,eo's name li u# on he ,E*$ 5!orry, :'&e go o a)e his,7 Connor said, urning away "rom her o acce# he call$ 5%u i 's so la e$ 8ho would be calling you a his hour47 5,eo, gi&e me a second$7 Connor co&ered he mou h#iece and loo)ed u# a her again$ 5: 's my bro her$ 8hy don' you ge undressed and a)e a shower47 58hile you wa ch47 !he s ood close enough "or him o inhale he ligh , "loral scen o" her #er"ume and her sham#oo$ 58ha i" : do4 8e're married$7 /i&ing him a chilling glance, she urned away$ 8earily, he san) down on he bed$ 5*o you ha&e her47 ,eo demanded$ 5-es$7 58ha ha&e you old her so "ar47 5No much$ My showing u# was enough o" a shoc) "or one day$ +or bo h o" us$7 Connor was aware o" Anna mo&ing slowly on he o her side o" he bedroom, #ausing, lis ening$ 5Abby's dying o see her$ 8hen can we ge oge her47 5How abou omorrow a" ernoon47 5Terence can' ge here so "as , o" course$ %u :'ll ry o call him a" er we hang u#$7 Terence was %ec)y and Abby's #ri3e9winning (ournalis "a her$ Their ado# i&e "a her$ %u he s ory was more com#lica ed han ha $ The girls were he lo&e children o" one o" he mos "amous men in Texas, he la e Caesar Aemble$ =n il recen ly he'd run he /olden !#urs ranch$ Their biological mo her was Elec ra !co , he world "amous #ho o(ournalis $ !he was dead, as well$ !o was heir ado# i&e mo her$ ,eo said goodbye$ 58ha did he wan 47 Anna whis#ered$ 5,i)e : said, ,eo wor)s "or your "amily$ They wan o mee you$ : old him we'd ge oge her omorrow a" ernoon$7 5My "amily47 Her hand rembled as she li" ed her ma)eu# #ouch ou o" her sui case, bu she didn' #ress him$ He almos wished she had$ 5: 's #re y com#lica ed$ 8e'll al) abou i omorrow$ A" er brea)"as and a "ew cu#s o" co""ee$7 !he le ou a shallow brea h$ He smiled$ !he didn' $ 5: don' )now abou you, bu : could use a shower$ %u ladies "irs ,7 he growled$ Crossing he room, he #u his hand on he bac) o" her wais and #ushed her in he direc ion o" he mas er ba h$ +or a long minu e he remained "ro3en, wa ching he gen le sway o" her an ali3ing hi#s while he ground his ee h so hard his (aw hur $ ,i&ing on such in ima e erms wi h her was a bad idea$ !he s o##ed a he s airs ha led down o he smaller chamber ha had mos ly glass walls$ 5*ra#es4 !hades4 Neighbors47 she as)ed, her &oice remulous again as she s ared a he dar) rees ou side$ 5The ba h loo)s ou on a com#le ely #ri&a e #ar o" my garden,7 he said be"ore s om#ing down he s airs in "ron o" her o show her he &arious "ix ures and how hey wor)ed$ 5+irs , you wal) down hose marble s e#s$ 8hen you urn on hese "auce s, wa er will "all "rom he ceiling li)e rain$ Mos #eo#le are im#ressed, and he design won an award in i s day$7 He ri##ed wo owels o"" rods and handed hem o her$ 5Are you going o "orce me o s ri# "or you, or will you allow me some #ri&acy47 5-ou're my wi"e,7 he said$ 5-ou choose$7 5Then go,7 she whis#ered$ Six % ig sur#rise$ !he hadn' chosen him$ %ig sur#rise.she'd s ayed in he shower "ore&er, oo.#robably o reco&er "rom he s un he'd #ulled and o a&oid he hell ou o" him and heir marriage bed$

!ince he couldn' ha&e Anna, he'd chec)ed on Taylor and had hen ossed down a cou#le o" glasses o" !co ch be"ore gloomily climbing in o bed o wai "or Anna$ ,iquor was such a lousy consola ion #ri3e$ %y he ime she came ou o" he ba hroom wearing his "lannel robe, which was so long i railed behind her on his s one "loor, his mood was worse han e&er$ 5Taylor's "ine,7 he said$ 5: loo)ed in on her$7 He'd )issed her warm brow, oo$ 5-ou did47 Anna's eyes li wi h sur#rise and gra i ude as she unwound he owel ha co&ered her dam# hair and dro##ed i on he "loor$ Had she hough he'd be an aw"ul, uncaring "a her4 A he sigh o" her we , ousled hair "raming her "ace, his sel"ish male mind urned o sex again, and he wondered i" she was na)ed undernea h his robe$ No ha he was li)ely o "ind ou $ 8hen she go in o bed, she sho him a worried glance and clu ched he la#els o&er her breas s igh er$ 5/ood nigh ,7 he said cur ly$ 5,i)e : said earlier.:'m no in he mood$7 !he ga&e him a loo) ha said she didn' rus him$ +or once hey were on he same #age$ He didn' rus himsel", ei her$ 5!lee# igh ,7 he ground ou , e&en as he swee "loral scen s o" her soa# and sham#oo made his body harden$ !he nodded in his direc ion$ +rowning, she #ressed he bridge o" her nose wi h slim "inger i#s be"ore yan)ing he chain o urn o"" he bedside ligh $ !o much "or his dreams o" connubial bliss$ He urned ou his ligh , oo, and rolled o&er$ No ha he could slee#$ No wi h her so" , warm body lying so close o his in he moonli dar)ness and his male mind imagining her na)ed and wri hing undernea h him$ Hours la er he was s ill wa ching glimmers o" ligh and shadow #lay across he ceiling when Anna cried ou and reached "or him$ A (ol o" #ure "ire sho hrough him$ +orge ing his anger and "rus ra ion, he #ulled her closer, su""ering an ins an erec ion when her sil)y warm h en&elo#ed him$ 5%aby, i 's o)ay$7 =naware o" his soo hing words and com"or ing arms, she whim#ered li)e a "righ ened child while he s ared down a her angled blond hair swirling swee ly across his ches , a he rise and "all o" her breas s benea h an ex ra9large whi e T9shir $ A some #oin she mus ha&e ossed his robe on he "loor$ All she wore was her T9shir and a #air o" #an ies$ !he'd had a "ew nigh mares in >egas$ A cou#le o" nigh s he'd held her all nigh long$ As in >egas he wan ed o brush her hair bac), o s ro)e her long nec), o )iss her li#s$ !he'd been hrough oo much and had se u# her li"e so ha she had no one o rely on bu hersel"$ He )new "rom ex#erience wha a lonely, hellish )ind o" exis ence ha could be$ ! ill, e&en in his dar)es hours, he'd had ,eo$ *es#i e he loss o" his wi"e and heir unborn child, he'd had his career and ranch and darling li le ne#hew, Caesar$ 8ho had she e&er had4 %esides he child she'd s olen "rom him4 he reminded himsel" angrily$ As she sle# , he #i i"ul li le sounds she made ore a his hear $ Al hough she wasn' res ing #eace"ully, she wasn' ha&ing one o" her "ull9blown nigh mares$ Cradling her closer, Connor was increasingly becoming oo conscious o" her slim, li he body and i s swee , womanly warm h$ As always, his s)in "lamed, and his body ensed$ He swallowed and ried o )ee# his brea hing e&en so she wouldn' wa)e u# and reali3e how much he s ill desired her$ How long he sa here, holding her in his arms, he didn' )now$ He only )new i was bi erswee $ He closed his eyes and "orced himsel" o coun shee#$ He was on his "our een h when she screamed$ 5Anna, baby, i 's o)ay$ -ou're wi h me, Connor$7 !he shuddered$ 5Hey, i 's o)ay$7 !uddenly she o#ened her eyes and saw him looming o&er her in he dar)ness$ /oing rigid, she began o yell and #ush him away$ 58ha are you doing on my side o" he bed4 *on' ouch me67 Technically she was on his side o" he bed, bu he wasn' s u#id enough o argue$ 5-ou were ha&ing a bad dream$7 5: 's no concern o" yours$7 5Righ $7 He held u# his hands in moc) surrender$ 5Truce, o)ay47 !ilence se led o&er hem bo h "or a long minu e$ /laring a him, she scoo ed o her own side o" he bed and brushed her hair bac) "rom her eyes$ 5!orry abou ha ,7 she said$ 5: didn' reali3e;where : was$7 5: 's o)ay$ : didn' mind$7 58hy doesn' ha sur#rise me47 5Hey, : didn' do any hing o you$7 5Maybe no his ime$7 He didn' li)e remembering how he'd messed hings u# in >egas$ :" he'd been more "or hcoming, maybe she would ha&e beha&ed more ra ionally$ Maybe she would ha&e rus ed him a li le$ Maybe she would ha&e wan ed o mee her "amily$ His de ermina ion o do wha e&er i oo) o bring her home o ,eo, cou#led wi h his "ierce a rac ion o her, had go en he bes o" his (udgmen $ He'd seduced her$ He'd e&en married her$ He ne&er should ha&e married her wi hou elling her he ru h$ Her big eyes were wai"li)e in he charcoal hal"9ligh $ *es#i e her dis rus , he wan ed o #ull her close again, o run his "ingers hrough he sil)en masses o" her blond hair again, o #ress his li#s agains he #ulse in her hroa , o ma)e her "eel sa"e$ %u she was a"raid o" him$ Could he blame her4

O)ay, so he'd ried o a)e shor cu s and had been less han hones $ ! ill, he wasn' ano her *wigh $ !omehow he had o con&ince her o" ha $ 5!o wha was a" er you his ime47 he as)ed$ !he was silen so long, he began o "ear he was he &illain in her nigh mare$ 5%ears,7 she "inally admi ed$ He "ough o conceal his sigh o" relie"$ 5How many47 5+i&e or six$ /ian bears$ : was in he woods$ Running in he dar)$ : couldn' really see hem$ : (us )new hey were here$7 58here were you running47 5: was rying o ge bac);Oh, : don' )now$ : was los $ !uddenly : could see his ligh and a all, whi e wall$ A ga e o#ened and he mos beau i"ul woman dressed all in whi e held ou her hands$ %u no ma er how "as : ried o run, : seemed o s and s ill$ !o, she was always ou o" reach$7 5E&erybody has dreams li)e ha $ /o bac) o slee#$ -ou're sa"e$7 !he s ared in o his eyes$ 5Am :47 He re"used o a)e he bai $ 5No bears$ : swear$7 5: )now you'&e go he moni or, bu do you hin) we can go ma)e sure Taylor's o)ay again47 5!ure,7 he said$ 8hen she go u#, he "ollowed her, bu since Taylor was s ill slee#ing as #eace"ully as e&er hey quic)ly re urned, each sliding in o his own side o" he bed$ Anowing how she "el abou him, he rolled on his side, urning his broad bac) o her$ He ex#ec ed silence$ 5Connor47 5Mmmmm47 5-ou were holding me on your side o" he bed$ -ou were being nice$ :.:'m sorry : was so rude$7 5: 's o)ay$ : unders and$ /o o slee#,7 he mu ered$ 5%u ;7 The shee s rus led, and he "el her warm h again as she slid closer$ +or a long momen she was s ill, bu she was so near, he could "eel her brea h on his s)in$ 8ha was her game now4 Tensing, he wai ed, consumed by his need "or her$ 8hen she s#layed burning "inger i#s on his bac), he s i""ened$ Then she began mo&ing hem round and round in igh li le circles, causing e&ery ner&e o igh en$ !urely she wouldn' be ouching him i" she didn' wan ;%u hell, who )new4 5-ou said your bro her wor)s "or my "amily, ha hey had been he one loo)ing "or me,7 she whis#ered$ 5Can' his wai un il morning47 5: can' s o# hin)ing abou ha dream$7 5: was li)e all your o her nigh mares, wasn' i 4 Only maybe no qui e as scary47 5-es, maybe because you were here$7 +inally, she'd said some hing nice$ 5: don' remember any hing abou ha&ing a "amily;no hing be"ore : was eigh or nine$ :'&e always wondered why$ *oes my "amily )now wha ha##ened o me47 5Tomorrow,7 he mu ered$ 5,i)e : said, all ha 's way oo com#lica ed o discuss now$7 5My "irs memory was o" he all, whi e walls a ! $ Chris o#her's Re rea $ : had blood on my clo hes and a big gash on my arm ha he nuns bandaged a" er !is er Aa e "ound me$ : hin) maybe : hough some hing errible was a" er me$ : don' )now wha $ : 's all "u33y now$7 5%ears47 5: don' see how i could ha&e been bears$ ! $ Chris o#her's was in sou hern ,ouisiana$ The #ioneers )illed mos all he bears a long ime ago$7 5,ouisiana47 he mumbled slee#ily$ 5: grew u# here$ : mus ha&e been around eigh years old he nigh : showed u# so erri"ied during a s orm$ The nuns, wi h he hel# o" Ca holic chari ies, ried o loca e my "amily and hen ried o "ind me a "amily o li&e wi h$ None o" he "os er "amilies could e&er deal wi h my shyness or nigh mares, so !is er Aa e always oo) me bac)$ :n be ween he "os er "amilies, : rode he bus o a school abou en miles "rom he re rea $ All he o her )ids had mo hers and daddies and bro hers and sis ers, and all : had was !is er Aa e and +a her Aellic) and he o her nuns$ The o her )ids old me my #aren s mus ha&e been bad$7 5*id you belie&e hem47 5!or o"$ %u mos ly : didn' hin) abou i $ : didn' wan o$ : "el sa"e a he re rea , and ha was enough$ !chool )e# me busy$7 58ha ha##ened o !is er Aa e47 5!he died righ a" er : gradua ed "rom high school$ Hear a ac)$ : "ound her in her garden lying in her o)ra$ !he'd always been such a ower o" s reng h$ !uddenly : "el li)e all my #ro#s had been )noc)ed ou "rom under me$ +rom ha nigh on my nigh mares s ar ed ge ing worse$ : would wa)e u# screaming, sure someone was righ here abou o grab me and a)e me away$ : oo) a (ob in Mon ana shor ly a" er !is er Aa e's "uneral because : wan ed o ge as "ar "rom ,ouisiana as #ossible$7 5And since hen you'&e had no one47

!he didn' answer "or a long ime$ 5=n il *wigh , who was my "irs boss, :;: ne&er le mysel" ge oo a ached o anybody, es#ecially #eo#le : migh care "or$ : saw a #sychologis a while bac), and she sugges ed : was a"raid o" losing hem$ : ne&er really belonged a he #rayer re rea , ei her$ : made oo much noise$ : couldn' si s ill during Mass$ : wasn' all ha s#iri ual, so : "el his huge dis ance be ween me and e&erybody else;exce# !is er Aa e$ !he was oleran o" my shor comings$ D8e all ha&e our &oca ion,' she would say$ D-ou'll "ind yours$'7 5-ou ne&er had a bes "riend in school47 5Once : had a "riend o&er;bu you weren' su##osed o al) a he #rayer re rea or bo her he nuns or go near he gues s in heir gues co ages$ My "riend and : #ee#ed in o one o" he co ages, and he gues re#or ed us$ My "riend made u# s ories abou wha ha##ened o her a he re rea , and here was an in&es iga ion$ A" er ha , : couldn' ha&e a "riend o&er again$ !o, : (us had he s ray dogs and ca s !is er Aa e le me care "or$ Exce# "or !is er Aa e, he nuns )e# mos ly o hemsel&es, so : sor o" go used o doing ha mysel"$ :'m #re y sel"9relian $7 5! ill, you mus ha&e been lonely a imes,7 he said$ He could de"ini ely iden i"y$ Nes ling agains him, her mou h acciden ally brushed his shoulder blades as she sha#ed hersel" agains his body$ !uddenly e&ery ner&e in his body was en irely "ocused on her$ %ending her )nees, she "i ed hersel" agains him so ha hey lay oge her as hey had in >egas a" er ma)ing lo&e$ %u his wasn' >egas$ 5: was so scared o" hose bears;so glad you;7 !he ran a "inger i# along he elas ic wais band o" his #a(ama bo oms$ 58ha are you doing4 -ou're he girl who can' ge close o anybody, remember47 8hen he "inger i# slid benea h his wais band, he hrew o"" he shee and s#rang ou o" bed$ 5,oo), here's only so much a guy can s and$7 He was ho and hard and "ully aroused, which was a #roblem, since she didn' wan him$ Maybe he'd "orced her o come here, bu here were lines he wouldn' cross$ He didn' li)e being #layed "or a suc)er, ei her$ He ore across he bedroom o he ba hroom where he s ri##ed o"" his #a(ama bo oms and wal)ed in o he sun)en shower$ He urned on he (e s "ull blas so ha icy wa er rained "rom he ceiling$ Pan ing, he leaned agains he icy ile walls and le he cold wa er #our o&er him$ 5Connor;7 He (er)ed oward he sound o" her &oice, wa er "lying "rom his head$ 5,ea&e me alone$7 He was aware o" her ligh "oo s e#s in he ba hroom$ Moonligh s reamed hrough he all glass windows$ %a hed in he sil&er ligh , gloriously na)ed, she s e##ed on o he o# s e# and ad(us ed he a#s ha made he wa er hea $ 5*amn i , go bac) o bed,7 he whis#ered e&en as his eyes remained "as ened on he delec able swells o" her breas s and hi#s$ 5Can' slee#,7 she re#lied$ Her low &oice sen an unwan ed rill o" exci emen hrough him as his ga3e dri" ed o her highs$ 5*on' wan o,7 she added$ Mee ing his ga3e, she wal)ed down he s airs and (oined him in he s eamy mis s$ This is a #ower #lay$ *on' "all "or i $ !he s e##ed in o he "alling warm wa er and hrew bac) her head so ha he s#ar)ling wa er s reamed o&er her$ Her body seemed aglow$ !he loo)ed li)e an e hereal wa er nym#h benea h a s#ray o" diamonds$ Hell, i had been oo long$ He was such a sa#$ He wan ed her wi h e&ery cell in his being;he ne&er s ood a chance$ 5/o bac) o bed unless you wan .7 5: )now you lied o me, bu /od hel# me : wan .7 On a sa&age groan, he o#ened his arms, and she "lew in o hem$ He crushed her slic), we body agains his$ Rec)lessly he slid his hands u# her long, grace"ul nec) and cu##ed her delica e chin$ Their ga3es loc)ed$ They didn' s#ea), a leas no in words, bu he ho , orrid con"lic raging in her eyes equaled his$ +or more han a year and a hal" she'd run "rom him$ 8ho )new why she was doing his now4 A his hour he was #as caring$ 58ra# your legs around me,7 he whis#ered$ !he (um#ed, and he caugh her$ Her hear was #ounding as &iolen ly as his$ Maybe she'd ha e him again omorrow$ Maybe no $ All he )new "or sure was ha she was as ho "or him as he was "or her$ 8hen his manhood #robed agains her so" es , mos secre issues, she gas#ed$ 58hy did you lie o me, Connor47 ,a er$ He #ressed a "inger i# o her li#s$ 5*on' s#oil i $7 Nex he lowered his mou h o hers and )issed her dee#ly$ Her li#s #ar ed greedily$ O#en mou h o o#en mou h, hey as ed each o her$ !urrendering, she acce# ed more o" his ongue and hen ga&e him hers$ Closing his eyes, he #ulled her e&en closer$ Their )iss dee#ened, growing ho er and ho er e&en as he grew harder and needier$ 8hirling her around, he slammed her agains he we , all wall and "used his au , aroused body o hers so ha hey s ood, his sex agains hers$ !he gas#ed a he in imacy$ 5Are you sure abou his47 he whis#ered as wa er s reamed o&er hem$ 5No games47 8hen she nodded, he closed his eyes and #rayed he'd heard correc ly$ 5Please,7 she whis#ered, arching oward him$ 5Please;7

His hear racing, he dro&e inside her$ !he was igh , we and sa iny warm.#ure, exquisi e bliss$ E&er since she'd run, he'd missed her, cra&ed his$ Again and again he #lunged, soaring as his #leasure buil $ :n he shimmering gray ligh wi h he wa er "alling on hem li)e rain, heir urgen , wri hing bodies s#o)e a language ha was in"ini ely swee and #ure$ :n hose brie" momen s, nei her her ha e nor her "ear nor his anger se#ara ed hem$ !he clung, whis#ering hea ed lo&e words agains his ear$ He "el ha she belonged o him com#le ely, ha she ga&e o" hersel" "reely, wholly$ No ma er wha she'd done, he ne&er wan ed o le her go$ 5Anna;Anna;%ec)y;%aby, be mine;$7 He was s#ea)ing so low and brea hing so hea&ily, his words were barely audible$ 5:'ll )ee# you sa"e, : swear$7 Then she san) o her )nees and oo) him in o her mou h, )issing him lo&ingly and ex#er ly un il he ex#loded$ ,a er, when she s ood u#, he )issed her so" ly on her mou h, on her radian chee)s, on her sil)en hroa $ !he nu33led her chee) agains his$ !ilen ly he li" ed her in o his arms and carried her ou o" he shower o heir bed$ !he did no scoo o her own side as be"ore, bu lay nes led agains him rus ingly, adoringly$ 5*on' be a"raid o" he bears,7 he whis#ered$ !he laughed$ 5They wouldn' dare come bac) wi h you here$7 He )issed her hroa , caressed her hair$ 5This ime will be "or you$7 He made lo&e o her again and again$ :n he bed$ On he "loor$ On he "loa ing s aircase$ A" erward, sa ed, he ga hered her close and oo) her bac) o bed, where he sle# long and dee#ly wra##ed in her arms$ He was s ill angry ha she'd )e# Taylor "rom him$ They s ill had a lo o" unresol&ed issues$ He didn' li)e he "eeling he was ge ing in oo dee#, oo "as , bu her warm h and swee ness in oxica ed him$ He didn' "igh his drowsiness$ Tomorrow would be soon enough o ac)le heir #roblems and worry abou he "u ure$ Seven A nna blin)ed agains he s#ar)ling sunligh $ 8hen she reali3ed her arms and legs were deliciously en wined around Connor's warm body, she smiled shyly, a so" #eace"ulness wra##ing her$ His warm h made her almos oo la3y o care abou his mys erious "amily she had o mee oday$ !he'd ne&er li)ed mee ing new #eo#le, bu she sho&ed ha o he bac) o" her mind$ : was much more #leasan o le her ga3e dri" "rom his ousled blond hair o his wide, na)ed ches and "la , muscular s omach$ He was slee) and anned. oo gorgeous "or words$ A "irs she almos hough she was in >egas again during hose "irs bliss"ul, win er days and nigh s when she'd been so in"uria ed wi h him.be"ore she'd )nown who and wha he wasE a liar$ Only slowly, as her eyes le" him and she "ocused on he ho sunligh dissol&ing in o dancing shadows on his all walls, and she began o lis en o he screech o" cicadas ou side, did she remember where she was$ Connor, who would be "urious a her again when he wo)e u#, had all bu made her his #risoner in his gorgeous mansion$ How could she ha&e seduced him las nigh a" er wha he'd done4 AnswerE because her dream had made her "eel lonely and &ulnerable$ %ecause his warm h and s reng h had always made her "eel so #ro ec ed$ %ecause lying beside him had awa)ened memories o" >egas and wha she'd ho#ed "or$ ,as nigh , wra##ed in his arms a" erward, she'd "el so sa"e$ +or he "irs ime in her li"e, she'd "el ha she belonged o someone who would a)e care o" her$ : hadn' ma ered ha >egas had been a ridiculous "an asy, ha he'd been #aid o "ind her or ha heir marriage had been based on his lies and her s u#idi y$ Her concerns made her hear bea "as er$ !hi" ing ou o" his embrace, she s udied his dar), car&ed "ace$ Aslee#, all he ension and anger were gone "rom his de ermined "ea ures$ !o was he ho , #ossessi&e sexuali y ha had bla3ed in his eyes when he'd sho&ed her agains he shower wall righ be"ore he'd #lunged inside her, claiming her as he migh a war #ri3e$ E&en now, as she slid away "rom him o her own side o" he bed, she "el he old, aw"ul loneliness cree#ing o&er her, and ins an ly she go a cra3y rush a he hough o" snuggling agains him again$ %u would ha really erase he harsh reali ies o" her exis ence4 !he'd "el so alone and los when she'd learned she was #regnan $ Her mind had gone o&er e&ery hing he'd said, e&ery hing he'd done$ !he'd wan ed o ha e him o ally, bu #ar o" her had )nown unbearable #ain because she'd belie&ed she'd ne&er hear his &oice again or see him again$ Now he was bac)$ He'd made lo&e o her$ And ha had been wonder"ul$ +or a long ime Anna lay here, le ing he #as and all he memories o" her mis a)es wash o&er her$ 8ould she e&er ge her li"e on rac)4 +inally she cre# ou o" he bed, s o##ing only o #ull on his robe$ !he climbed he "loa ing s airs$ +irs , o" course, she had o chec) on Taylor$ Taylor's body was curled u# in her blan)e $ !he loo)ed as ha##y as a con en ed )i en in her #re y new bed in her daddy's house$ Once Anna had made sure her #recious baby was s ill slee#ing soundly, she was oo curious abou Connor no o ex#lore his house while she had he chance$ !wi" ly, a"raid he'd awa)en soon, she wandered "rom room o room$ The mas er bedroom was on he lower "loor$ The o her bedrooms and he main rooms o" his home were on he middle le&el o" he hree9s ory home$ :n he close o" he gues bedroom nex o Taylor's, she "ound he beau i"ul clo hes he'd bough her in >egas arranged nea ly on wooden hangers$ +or a long momen she buried her "ace in he so" "ox "ur coa , remembering how she'd lo&ed wearing i when hey'd gone ou $ !he'd "el so elegan in her s ra#less wedding gown and ha "ur$

8hen she saw a cardboard box on he "loor mar)ed %ec)y, she )nel and "olded he brown "la#s bac), only o gas# when she saw all he #recious li le sou&enirs she'd collec ed during hose wo wonder"ul wee)s when hey'd been oge her$ 8hy had he sa&ed e&ery hing4 8i h a sha)ing hand she ouched he ma chboo)s "rom he res auran s where hey'd dined, he cham#agne glasses hey'd si##ed "rom he "irs nigh he'd made lo&e o her, he wo our boo)s abou he Hoo&er *am and *ea h >alley she'd bough and read a" er heir our and hi)e$ +inally, on he bo om o" he box, her "inger i#s ouched some hing so" $ Holding her brea h, she li" ed wo blac) &el&e boxes$ O#ening hem, she bi her li# when she saw all hree o" heir rings.her wo and his$ Her diamond engagemen ring was brillian in he sunligh $ Remembering how hrilled she'd been wi h her rings, how o" en she'd held u# her hand o glance a hem, her s omach igh ened$ 8hen he'd slid hose rings on her "inger, she'd ne&er been ha##ier$ !he'd "el bra&e and s rong enough o "ace any hing$ How quic)ly e&ery hing had changed$ 8i h a cry, she slammed he boxes shu again and buried hem benea h he hea&y our boo)s$ Then she s ood u# and closed he close doors$ +or a long momen she (us s ood here$ %rea hing "as and sni""ling a li le des#i e her de ermina ion no o cry, she resumed her our wi h a &engeance$ 8i h i s all windows, i s whi e, sun9s#lashed walls, i s su#ermodern design, i s lo&ely, minimalis "urnishings, and i s #ri&a e grounds, his house was li)e a "airy9 ale #alace in a dream$ !he'd ne&er really had a home, and she li)ed i "ar oo much, e&en hough she )new i was dangerous o li)e any hing when she and Taylor couldn' #ossibly s ay$ ! ill, behind he all walls ha surrounded he bac) #ar o" he house, a li le girl could #lay wi hou being obser&ed by s rangers dri&ing #as on he s ree $ !he imagined a swing se and a #layhouse be"ore she s o##ed hersel" "rom daydreaming$ They weren' s aying, and ha was ha $ !he was rying o "ind hings ou abou him, no "all in lo&e wi h his house$ @uic)ly, she wal)ed in o his )i chen and o#ened his "ridge$ Exce# "or hree six9#ac)s o" Mexican beer, a do3en eggs, co""ee and a #ound o" bacon, all she saw was gleaming whi e #las ic9and9glass shel&es$ Ob&iously, he was no coo)$ There wasn' a single #iece o" "rui , ei her$ +rom )i chen o dining room o li&ing room, his "urnishings were sim#le and modern, his #ain ings brigh , geome ric designs ha re&ealed no hing abou heir owner$ All he main rooms on he middle "loor were so dus 9"ree and ama3ingly nea , she was sure he had a maid$ His o""ice, which was on he hird "loor, was a di""eren s ory$ 8hen she o#ened he blinds beside his des), hey re&ealed a &iew o" his "ron yard and i s green lawns slo#ing down o he wide s ree $ ,i)e he lower "loors o" his house, he grounds were #er"ec ly )e# $ He mus ha&e a gardener, oo$ 8hich made sense, since he'd old her he wor)ed all he ime and was gone a lo $ *o3ens o" #a#ers, "ile "olders, en&elo#es and s ic)y no es "ough "or s#ace on his crowded des)$ Clearly no maid res#assed in here$ +amily #ho ogra#hs "illed one shel" on he wall$ There was a "aded sna#sho o" wo li le boys in ! e sons and (eans as ride huge horses$ Or did he horses (us loo) so large because he boys were so small4 8hen she recogni3ed Connor by he s ubborn se o" his (aw, she was nearly sure he older, aller, dar)er )id wi h he iden ical (awline had o be his big bro her, ,eo$ A second blac)9and9whi e #ic ure wi h curling edges was o" he wo bro hers and a #lum#, #lainly dressed woman, #robably heir mo her$ 8hy did old #ho ogra#hs always ma)e her so aware o" loss4 The nex #ic ure oo) her brea h away$ Her hands rembled as she li" ed he colored eigh 9by9 en o" a blond woman, a blac)9haired man and heir dar)9haired oddler, who closely resembled his "a her$ All hree wore ma ching blac) cowboy ha s and shir s$ Anna s ared a he woman$ :n&olun arily, she raced her "ea ures wi h a "inger i#$ The woman loo)ed exac ly li)e her$ ! aring in o he woman's ha3el eyes ha slan ed in he exac same way her own did, Anna swallowed agains he sudden igh ness in her hroa $ Her "ingers clenched around he #ic ure "rame$ !he "el haun ed, los , and ye exci ed oo$ 8ho was his woman who loo)ed so ha##y and rus ing, his woman who drew her as no one else e&er had, who almos seemed a #ar o" her4 They had o be rela ed$ An image o" wo li le girls wi h blond braids dressed in iden ical red shor s and whi e shir s, laughing as hey ran a" er a wild ur)ey in he deser , "lashed in Anna's mind$ As quic)ly as i came, he elusi&e &ision was gone$ +eeling sha)y and a li le di33y, Anna squee3ed her lashes shu and hen #ressed a "inger i# o her em#le as she ried o hin), "eel or remember more han ha "ragmen , any hing abou her "orgo en #as $ %u her mind was he same aw"ul blan) i had always been$ !he s ared a he #ho ogra#h$ The woman a##eared o be her own age$ 8ere hey sis ers4 Twins4 Again she saw he wo li le girls wi h braids$ Only his ime hey were riding a horse barebac) oge her$ The #ic ure in Connor's boo) in >egas$ !omehow she )new her "lashbac) wasn' abou ha #ic ure$ : was a long9"orgo en memory$ One o" hose li le girls on he horse was her$

Anna's hear #um#ed wildly$ :" his woman was her sis er, how could she ha&e "orgo en her4 8as here some erri"ying reason she'd chosen o "orge he "irs "ew years o" her li"e4 8ha had ha##ened o her, o her "amily4 8hy had she been wandering in hose woods ou side ! $ Chris o#her's4 !he remembered Connor's quo e on his 8eb #age$ 5: can' always gi&e e&erybody a ha##y ending, bu : can usually gi&e hem he ru h$ +rom here a #erson can;rebuild$7 The ru h$ Anna began o remble$ 8ho was she4 %ec)y$ Connor had called her %ec)y in he air#or and hen again a" er he'd made lo&e o her on heir wedding nigh $ 8as ha really her name4 !lowly, she se he #ho ogra#h bac) in i s #lace$ 8hen she urned away, her eyes li on a hic) "ile in he middle o" Connor's des)$ %old blac) le ers scribbled across i s#elled ou he name Rebecca Collins$ The hair on he bac) o" Anna's nec) rose as she read and reread he name$ Rebecca Collins$ %ec)y$ The name riggered s range, "ragile emo ions ha she couldn' seem o hold on o$ Too da3ed o hin), Anna san) in o Connor's chair behind he des) and o#ened he "ile$ Mos o" he #ages were dog9 eared$ 8ondering i" he'd #oured o&er he #ages, searching "or clues ha migh lead him o her, she "li##ed hrough hem un il she came o a re#or wi h he i le Abigail Collins ! orm$ A a ered sna#sho exac ly li)e he "ramed one on his shel" was s a#led a a cra3y angle in he o# righ 9hand corner o" he documen $ 5Abigail,7 Anna whis#ered$ 5Abby6 Abby67 The name and i s nic)name regis ered on some dee# le&el (us as he name %ec)y had$ Curious, Anna began o read$ His summary and he da e on he "irs #age old her ha Connor had in er&iewed Abigail in her Aus in o""ice abou her win's disa##earnce no long be"ore he'd shown u# a he Albuquerque air#or $ Abby's win4 Tha would be me$ Anna's ga3e "lew bac) o he #ho ogra#h$ Again, he s ar ling resemblance made her mou h go dry$ Connor had said he was wor)ing "or her "amily$ Clearly, he'd been elling he ru h abou some hing$ 8i h a shi&er, she lowered her head o&er he "older and began o read wha Abby had said$ -ou don' )now how im#or an li le sequences o" ordinary e&en s are un il;un il some hing horrible ha##ens, li)e losing your win sis er, and you )ee# going o&er hem again and again as : ha&e$ +or years$ : was all my "aul ;%ec)y disa##earing$ Our "amily was ne&er he same$ And all because o" me$ :" only;%u you don' wan "eelings$ -ou wan "ac s$ 8e were eigh $ 8e'd go en in o rouble "or being oo noisy in he en $ 8e were cam#ing in he +ran)lin Moun ains in El Paso wi h our #aren s, you see$ And we were shooed ou o" he en o #lay chase and hide9and9see)$ 8hen we s#o ed a wild ur)ey s#reading his ail "ea hers, we ran a" er him$ Tha 's how we go so "ar "rom he cam#ground so "as $ Then he sun began o go down, and : reali3ed we were alone$ : old %ec)y we had o go bac)$ %u %ec)y wan ed o chase he ur)ey$ : should ha&e made her s o#$ : le" her ou here alone;$ Abigail's guil 9s ric)en words made Anna's hear quic)en$ No ha she remembered Abigail or he ur)ey, really$ Her earlies memories were o" hose all, whi e walls surrounding ! $ Chris o#her's and !is er Aa e$ %e"ore hem.no hing$ The #ho ogra#hs inside he "older o" wo iden ical li le blond girls in braids brough ears$ Cou#led wi h Abigail's in er&iew, hose #ic ures ouched her so #ro"oundly, Anna had o s o# reading$ !uddenly i was all oo much$ Pi ching he #ic ures bac) inside, she slammed he "older shu $ Then she buried her "ace in her hands$ Her "amily wan ed o mee her, bu how could she "ace any o" hem when hey were s rangers4 !he needed ime$ 8hen Connor wo)e u#, Anna's #illow was em# y, and he silen house "el hea&y and o##ressi&e$ Exce# "or he screeching sounds o" he cicadas ou side, no hing s irred$ He remembered heir wedding nigh in >egas, when she'd run ou on him$ 8as he alone in he house4 Had she le" him and a)en Taylor4 As he s#rang ou o" bed, "lashes o" ho , whi e sunligh s#lashed he "ar wall and ceiling$ ,ogically he )new ha i" she o#ened a door or a window, his alarm would ha&e gone o""$ /rabbing his (eans, he bol ed u# he s airs o Taylor's room$ The baby was s ill aslee#, bu ma)ing "ain mewing sounds, li)e she migh wa)e u# some ime soon$ Her bac) o him, Anna s ood a he window, s ill wearing his long "lannel robe ha swallowed her$ Her s ance was ha o" a caged animal yearning "or i s "reedom as she clu ched he dra#e wi h ensed "ingers and #eered ou side$ Has she been crying4 %ecause she hough he'd a)en ad&an age o" her las nigh 4 Hell, had he4 No ha her ears or regre s could ma er$ He had o ell her abou Abby and ,eo and Terence$ Abou Elec ra and <oanne and he /olden !#urs Ranch$ : was all so com#lica ed$ Then she had o mee whiche&er "amily members showed u# oday$ Taylor, oo$ Too much "or heir "irs day home, #robably$ %u necessary$ Abby had been wai ing a long ime "or his day$ 5-ou o)ay47 he as)ed as he #ulled on his (eans$ !he whirled$ Her eyes were red, her chee)s ear9s rea)ed$ 5*o you e&en own a ranch4 8as e&ery hing you old me in >egas a lie47

He s i""ened and hen "orced an answer$ 5-eah$ : ha&e a ranch$ The ,i le !#ur$ Or a leas hal" o" i $ My bro her owns he o her hal"$ : 's near %as ro#$ 8hich is near Aus in$7 5%u mos ly you're a P$:$47 5Mos ly$ : go in o his line o" wor) a" er he mili ary$ %u : grew u# on a ranch$ *oes ha coun 47 :ns ead o" smiling a his wea) a em# a humor, she swallowed$ 5-ou'&e old so many lies, : don' )now wha o belie&e$7 5Righ $ :'m o blame "or e&ery hing ha 's wrong in our rela ionshi#$ : don' usually a)e cases li)e his anymore, bu be"ore : wen in o business "or mysel", : wor)ed as a #ro"essional in&es iga or "or a "riend, a P$:$ His s#ecial y was )idna##ed )ids and missing #ersons$ He augh me e&ery hing he )new$ : de&elo#ed a re#u a ion$ %o om line.:'m good a "inding #eo#le li)e you$7 58hy me4 8ha ha##ened o me47 5-ou were )idna##ed$7 5%y whom47 she whis#ered, sin)ing agains he rails o" he crib$ 5=n il six mon hs ago, nobody )new$ They go away$ A whi e &an was "ound o"" :n ers a e 01 near %eaumon , Texas, wi h hal" o" a blood9smeared ransom no e inside i $ -our blood$ There'd been a s ruggle, maybe among he )idna##ers hemsel&es$ -ou were gone$ My agen "ound he #olice records on ha &an and ran he *NA and ma ched i o Abby;and here"ore o you$ %u ha was wen y years a" er he "ac $ Then a cou#le o" mon hs ago, wo guys ser&ing li"e sen ences in ,a Mesa Prison in Ti(uana con"essed o he )idna##ing$ They wor)ed "or he Morales *rug Car el, whose leaders had a grudge agains your "a her, who was a (ournalis $ -our "a her had wri en incrimina ing ar icles abou he Morales Car el$ : guess he good news is, a leas , you )now your )idna##ers are behind bars and #resen no danger o you$7 5A leas ;7 Connor "inger9combed his hea&y hair$ 5My bro her, who's he CEO o" he /olden !#urs Ranch, #aid me o "ind you$ His boss, <oanne Aemble, is he widow o" he la e Caesar Aemble$ -our biological "a her was he rancher.no he (ournalis who ado# ed you because Caesar didn' wan his wi"e o )now he'd chea ed on her$ 5The Aembles ha&e owned he /olden !#urs "or well o&er a cen ury$ <oanne li&es on he ranch and runs he ca le o#era ion$ No oo long ago she "inally did disco&er ha Caesar had indeed be rayed her and had concei&ed wo daugh ers, wins, whom he ne&er old her abou .you and Abby$ !he old ,eo o "ind Caesar's secre daugh ers, so ,eo hired me$ : "ound Abigail "irs $ ,eo married her$ They ha&e a )id$ ,i le Caesar$7 !he blin)ed$ 5!orry$ Tha was #robably way oo much in"orma ion$7 !he nodded$ 5: saw Abby's #ic ure,7 Anna brea hed, her eyes wide$ 5Along wi h #ic ures o" wo li le girls who loo)ed (us li)e me when : showed u# a ! $ Chris o#her's$ 8hy couldn' hey ha&e "ound me bac) hen47 5Peo#le ried$ %u he co#s who had (urisdic ion were in El Paso$ They hough you'd been a)en o Mexico$ There was a s orm or wo in ,ouisiana$ Records were los $ Nobody connec ed he do s$7 5And a li le girl was ou here all hose years;los $ Me$7 5!he doesn' ha&e o be$ No anymore,7 he said$ 5-ou ha&e a "amily who wan s o mee you$7 5: 's no ha easy,7 she whis#ered$ He s rode o he crib and oo) her in his arms$ 5Maybe i could be$7 Ten a i&ely her hands crawled u# his ches and circled his nec)$ His gri# igh ened, and she clung while he roc)ed her bac) and "or h$ Then Taylor s ar ed "is ing her hands and (amming hem in o her mou h be"ore le ing ou a yel#$ 5This con&ersa ion is ad(ourned "or now,7 he said, )issing Anna on he i# o" her nose be"ore releasing her$ !miling down a Taylor, he whis#ered, 5,i le yran $7 Anna urned o heir daugh er, as well$ 5Than) you "or elling me abou my "amily,7 she murmured o Connor$ 8hen she li" ed Taylor in o her arms and held her close, Taylor smiled$ 5My "amily doesn' "eel real o me$ Only Taylor seems real$7 Anna brushed he baby's nose wi h a gen le "inger i#$ 5Tha will change in ime,7 he said$ 58ill i 47 she whis#ered, her worried eyes mee ing his$ 5*o you really hin) i will be ha easy47 Eight H ow o deal wi h Anna4 !ea ed behind his des) in his shadowy hird9"loor o""ice, Connor see hed wi h concern as he s ared ou a his well9 manicured lawn, which slo#ed down o he sidewal)$ Across he s ree , a li le redheaded boy was riding a shiny blue ricycle under he wa ch"ul ga3e o" his mo her$ Connor )new his neighbors only sligh ly, bu he'd seen he way he woman and her husband loo)ed a each o her a bloc) #ar ies, he way one o" he #aren s was always wi h he boy$ :" he wan ed Taylor in his li"e "ull9 ime, he had o deal wi h Anna$ He didn' li)e he way she'd a&oided him e&er since he'd old her abou her "amily$ Hell$ He couldn' hin)$ Maybe i" he wen "or a run, brea hed some "resh air, he could sor his hough s ou $ He drummed his hand on his des) "or a long minu e$ Then he grabbed his #hone and as)ed !am /uerra, his o# in&es iga or, o come o&er and )ee# an eye on Anna and Taylor while he was ou $

8hen Connor re urned "rom his run ha included buying a )iddie swing a a yard sale, he was no closer o an answer han be"ore he'd le" $ He was on his way o he bac) door when he heard Anna in he nursery$ !he was changing a dia#er and singing o Taylor, who cooed along unelessly$ He s o##ed ou side he nursery$ ,ur)ing in he doorway, ou o" sigh , he almos s ar ed whis ling along$ Holding on o he )iddie swing and leng hs o" chain, his hear )noc)ed a a cra3y bea $ He couldn' le Taylor go$ +or a long momen his ga3e de&oured Anna's slim bac)$ *es#i e her "aded, baggy (eans and he old yellow swea er, he had no di""icul y imagining he slee), sexy body he'd ra&ished in his shower las nigh $ ! ill, he needed o a)e her sho##ing "or #re ier clo hes$ Anna;<us he memory o" wha she'd done o him agains ha we wall, when she'd )nel be"ore him and a)en him in her sa iny mou h, made him ache "or more o" he same$ His hear rushed &iolen ly, and he go roc) hard$ No ha she loo)ed he wan on his morning, wi h her gleaming, dar) blond hair ied bac) wi h a ribbon$ No, she loo)ed as demure and innocen as a schoolgirl$ He hough abou all ha she migh ha&e been hrough, abou he di""icul y she had ma)ing "riends, abou *wigh s al)ing her$ Connor's misre#resen ing himsel" "or hose wo whole wee)s in >egas had aggra&a ed he si ua ion$ : was oo easy o unders and why she didn' rus him$ !o, wha he hell could he do abou any o" i 4 He didn' see an easy "ix$ All he )new was ha he wasn' abou o le her go$ He mus ha&e made some sound.maybe he chains ra led.because she sensed him and urned$ Arching a brow, she colored$ 5*id you ha&e o hire ha same goon, he one who showed u# in !an a +e, o ma)e sure : didn' run47 5!am's my number9one in&es iga or$ -ou should be "la ered ha : &alue you so highly$7 5No argumen s hen ha :'m your #risoner47 58as ha wha las nigh was abou 4 8inning my con"idence, so :'d do some hing s u#id;li)e lea&e you on your own his morning so you could a)e our baby and lea&e me47 5-ou se he alarm and dead bol s$ : don' ha&e a )ey or he code$7 5!o glad you no iced$7 !he glared a him$ 5-ou made qui e a #oin o" i $7 He "orced a smile$ 5-ou could s ill o#en he door and run$ %y he ime anybody go here, you'd ha&e a hellu&a head s ar $7 5-ou read me li)e a boo)$7 !he cla##ed her hands$ 5*id you ma)e all As in de ec i&e school47 8i h immense di""icul y Connor chec)ed his em#er$ 5,oo), !am wasn' (us wa ching you "or me$ He was here o #ro ec you and Taylor while : was gone$ : didn' wan you o worry abou any o" hose bears in your nigh mares ge ing you or Taylor$ Or *wigh $7 His dee# &oice so" ened$ 5: wan you o "eel sa"e here$7 5Oh$7 5: wan o )ee# you sa"e so you'll s ay;and Taylor will s ay$7 5-ou )now ha 's im#ossible$7 5Reconcile yoursel" o i , Anna,7 he said as gen ly and as #a ien ly as he could$ 5: mean o )ee# Taylor near me;and ha means : wan you, oo$7 5+or how long47 5: don' )now ye $7 !he o#ened her mou h as i" o #ro es , hen s o##ed$ 58hile : was ou running, : called ,eo$ He's bringing Abby and Caesar a wo his a" ernoon$ <oanne Aemble's going o ry o ma)e i , as well$ !he's your s e#mo her, by he way$7 5:;: can' mee hem$ A leas , no oday$ Please.7 He dro##ed he swing and chains$ :n wo long s rides he s#anned he dis ance ha se#ara ed hem$ 5-ou'&e been hrough hell$ *on' underes ima e yoursel"$ -ou'&e go way more gu s han you gi&e yoursel" credi "or$7 5: can' do any o" his;you; his sham o" a marriage;my "amily$ : won' be "orced$7 5And : won' be "orced, ei her$7 He couldn' )ee# he hic) under one o" bi erness ou o" his cli##ed one$ 5Taylor won' grow u# alone he way you did$7 5No$ !he'll ha&e a mo her6 Me67 5-ou're no enough$ A single #aren is ne&er enough$ !he needs us bo h$ !he needs he res o" her "amily$ -ou're going o gi&e your "amily a chance "or her sa)e, whe her you wan o or no $7 *amn$ He hadn' mean "or i o come ou ha way$ !he glared a him "or wha seemed li)e an e erni y$ E&en so he sensed o&erwhelming &ulnerabili y$ Maybe ha 's why he relen ed$ 5,oo), :'&e said oo much, oo soon$ : shouldn' ha&e #ushed so hard$ Hell, i 's nearly en$ :'m s ar&ed$ Are you hungry47 !he suc)ed in a brea h$ Then, much o his sur#rise, she nodded$ 5! ar&ed,7 she admi ed$ Maybe she was sic) and ired o" quarreling, oo$ 5Then how abou a ruce while : "ix us some brea)"as , which ha##ens o be he only meal : )now how o coo)$ :" we s ic) oge her, you may wan o learn o coo)$7

Again, she #u u# no argumen $ 5: guessed ha migh be he case when : saw your )i chen$ The beer and eggs and bacon in your re"rigera or were a clue$ *on' you e&er cra&e a banana47 5Ha&e you been snoo#ing47 5%e"ore : wen o your o""ice$7 The idea o" her roaming abou his house li)e she owned he #lace was going o a)e some ge ing used o$ %u i" hey were married, she had a righ o do so$ !he'd ne&er se le down i" she didn' $ 5The house is crying "or a woman's ouch,7 he said$ 5-ou ha&e a maid$7 5No he same$7 He "el an aching igh ness in his hroa as he remembered how Anna had #leasured him las nigh in he ba hroom$ Her quic) blush "ollowed by a "rown made him wonder i" her mind was running along he same lines$ :n he )i chen he scrambled eggs and #o##ed slices o" bread in o he oas er while she nu)ed he bacon$ 5:'m no much o" a coo), ei her,7 she admi ed$ 5: usually ma)e a smoo hie "or brea)"as $7 He couldn' hin) o" any hing o say, and hey #re#ared he res o" he meal in silence$ 8hen hey sa down o ea a his chrome )i chen able, exce# "or he cla er o" sil&erware on china, hey were silen $ +rom ime o ime, she sho glances his way, bu when he no iced, she quic)ly a&er ed her eyes$ He s raigh ened his shoulders$ 8hy was being wi h her so di""icul 4 8hen hey "inished ea ing, he s ac)ed heir #la es and glanced a her$ !he )no ed her hands on o# o" he able, her ga3e on he em# y #la es he held$ The day ahead o" hem suddenly seemed ne&er ending$ 5%e"ore we ha&e our mee ing, : ha&e o go in o he o""ice,7 he said, his one low and edgy$ He didn' qui e rus lea&ing her a he house by hersel", e&en wi h /uerra$ Peo#le who wan ed o bol "ound a way$ 5And !am /uerra4 8ill he go, oo47 5He s ays$7 Her brows "lew oge her$ 5To #ro ec you "rom he bears,7 he said, s ri&ing "or a ligh ouch$ 5How long do you hin) we can li&e li)e his47 she sna##ed$ 5,i)e : said, : don' )now$ -ou wan o )now some hing4 : don' li)e his any be er han you do$7 He #ushed his chair bac)$ 5%u "or now.we'll bo h (us ha&e o ad(us $ : wouldn' be able o ge a damn hing done a he o""ice i" : was wondering whe her you and he baby would s ill be here when : go bac)$7 5And when you re urn. hen wha 47 5: don' )now$ :'m ma)ing his u# as we go along$7 He ossed his na#)in on o he able$ 5Hey, relax$ : won' be gone long$7 5*o you really hin) : care i" you ne&er come bac)47 she sna##ed$ %i er "rus ra ion li a "use ha began o s#ar)$ ! ill, somehow, he managed o con ain his em#er$ 5,oo)s li)e des#i e your "riendliness in our shower las nigh , our marriage is o"" o a roc)y s ar $7 He "orced a smile$ 58hich means here's nowhere o go bu u#$7 5,as nigh wasn' some new beginning$ Our marriage is o&er$ : old you ha a year and a hal" ago$ 8hy won' you lis en47 5,egally, we're s ill married, which means you're s ill my wi"e$7 58ha do you wan "rom me47 5,o s and lo s o" hings$ Maybe a li le re&enge "or s ar ers,7 he said, anger beginning o dri&e him$ 5And Taylor$ -ou #u me in hell, Anna$ Thin) abou ha $7 !he drew in a shar# brea h$ 5Thin) abou his, oo,7 he said$ 5-ou'&e had o&er nine mon hs o ge o )now her$ :'d li)e a chance wi h her, oo$ Then here's your "amily$ They ha&e needs, oo$ 8hen you're #ar o" a "amily, i can' (us be abou you anymore, Anna$ O her #eo#le ma er, oo$7 !he wen s ill "or a long minu e as i" his eyes held her s#ellbound$ His ga3e lowered o her li#s$ 5And : wouldn' #ass u# more o" wha you o""ered las nigh in he shower;should you be in he mood o o""er i again$7 5: won' 67 5+unny, : go he im#ression you "ound me hard o resis las nigh $ -ou seduced me, remember47 5O" all he concei ed, arrogan ;s u#id;7 He cu her o""$ 5: )now i 's s ill early, and : shouldn' em# you;bu hell, you loo) so damn good, maybe : can' hel# mysel"$7 Hardly )nowing wha he was abou be"ore he sei3ed her by bo h arms, he yan)ed her hard agains his body$ 8hy couldn' he s o# himsel" where she was concerned4 !he smelled so swee , and her hair was so so" $ 8hen she began wis ing o esca#e him, her hair s#illed ou o" i s demure ribbon on o his arms$ 5%e s ill67 His words were hal ing and ras#y because her #el&is was sliding agains his highs$ 8hen she )ic)ed him in he shin, he crushed her more igh ly agains himsel"$ 8inding his hand in her hic) hair, he #ulled her head bac) and #ressed his mou h o her warm hroa $

5-ou ha&e no idea wha you do o me or how much : wan you,7 he mu ered hic)ly$ 5Or maybe you do$7 His li#s le" a rail o" ero ic )isses along her nec) o her shoulders$ 5: don' wan o "igh $ : wan o lo&e you$ : wan o lo&e you so much$7 His arms igh ened, drawing her closer$ His li#s bla3ed o&er her ni##les$ 5%aby, you wan o )now wha :'d do i" !am wasn' u#s airs lis ening o e&ery hing we're doing and saying.7 5No67 !he shoo) her head wildly$ !exual ension raced along e&ery ner&e ending in his body as he leaned down and oo) her wi h him$ His ongue swe# her ear, lic)ed inside i $ Then he whis#ered in a rough, low one, 5:'d a)e you righ here on he )i chen able, and you'd beg me "or more$7 5No6 : hin) you're a sa&age6 : hid "rom you "or a year and a hal", remember47 His mou h quir)ed, bu his smile was humorless$ %rea hing hard, she raised her hand o sla# him, bu he was "as er$ 5-eah$ : remember,7 he said, wra##ing her "ingers in his$ He )issed her wris s$ Then he mo&ed her hands down and #ressed hem agains his s raining masculini y$ 5And : wan ed you e&ery damn second you were gone$7 Their ga3es loc)ed$ He could ell ha "eeling him and )nowing how much he wan ed her made her chee)s hea $ He raised her hand "rom his high and )issed each "inger i# again$ Then he loo)ed her s raigh in he eye$ 5-ou're hear is bea ing way oo "as "or a woman who doesn' wan more$ -our eyes are on "ire$ 8hy is ha , : wonder47 !he clenched her "is s and #ushed agains him$ He held on and wi h a "inal sha)e, her body shuddered and mel ed agains his$ 5: ha e wha you do o me,7 she whis#ered, e&en as she arched hersel" agains his hi#s$ 5: ha e being wea) li)e his$7 His gri# igh ening, he #ulled her lower body snug agains his aroused manhood again, so she couldn' #ossibly a&oid )nowing how she a""ec ed him$ 8hen she didn' ry o #ull away, he rained )isses on her "ace, her nec) and her shoulder$ 5-ou're no wea)$ : need you, oo$ 8ha 's wrong wi h ha 4 8e're married$7 5No "or long$7 5All he more reason o ma)e he mos i ,7 he murmured, delibera ely moc)ing her$ Her arms wen u# and closed around his nec), #ulling his "ace closer o hers again$ 5-ou missed me hen;a leas a li le;while you were hiding47 he said$ 5No;$7 58ell, you damn sure haun ed me$7 5E&ery nigh when : was alone in bed : &owed o ha e you,7 she said$ 5/ood o )now you were hin)ing abou me, oo$7 5No$7 5,oo), we ha&e a child$ 8e ha&e o ry o ma)e his wor) "or her sa)e$7 5No$ : can' wor),7 she whis#ered, e&en as she s ared a his li#s$ 5-ou're righ $ :" you re"use o loo) a his "rom a #osi i&e angle, i can' $ %u wha i" you "ocused on ma)ing i wor)4 Then wha 47 5No$7 58hy don' you gi&e yoursel" and us;me;a chance4 Peo#le can change$ E&en you$ Maybe how you'&e li&ed isn' enough anymore$ <us because you'&e li&ed a cer ain way doesn' mean you ha&e o go on ha way, or e&en ha you can$ -ou're a mo her now$ *o you wan Taylor o become as scared and inhibi ed as you4 !he wasn' )idna##ed, you were6 Maybe you need o deal wi h wha ha##ened "or her sa)e$7 Anna was sha)ing her head e&en as she li" ed her li#s o his, saying no and ye saying yes, oo$ 8hen she o#ened her mou h, he oo) all she wan ed o gi&e, )issing her again and again un il he "el oo close o he edge$ His hear hrummed$ Hea coursed hrough him, and he )new i" he didn' s o#, he wouldn' be able o resis a)ing her on his )i chen able "or much longer$ 5*amn you,7 he swore as he ore himsel" loose$ 5: always lose my head around you$7 Nine T rue o his word, Connor was gone se&eral hours, which ga&e Anna ime o regrou#$ !he did some laundry and read he news#a#er and "orced her mind o o#ics o her han him and his )isses$ 8ha a luxury i was o ha&e ime o read$ As a caregi&er, she'd ne&er had a "ree second in New Orleans$ As he wi"e o" a weal hy man, she would ha&e a #ri&ileged li"e$ !o would Taylor$ *on' hin) abou ha $ A he sound o" a car in he dri&e, she s illed$ Aler as a ca , she lis ened o he garage door rumble u#ward$ Then Connor's hea&y "oo s e#s resounded downs airs$ 8ere all men so noisy4 !hu ing her boo) ha she hadn' really been reading, she raced in o Taylor's room where she busied hersel" s raigh ening all he #in) darling clo hes she'd washed$ Then she #u hem in o drawers$ !he held her brea h, wondering i" he would come loo)ing "or her$ %u ins ead o" see)ing her ou and )issing her again, he yelled o !am o (oin him ou in he bac)yard$ +or a while all was quie $ +illed wi h curiosi y and an odd sense o" ex#ec ancy ha made her #ulse hrob, she wai ed$ And wai ed$ Then he drilling and hammering began$

!he ran o he bay window$ Connor was way ou on a high limb o" a #ecan ree ad(us ing chains ha he'd a ached o he red9and9blue baby swing he'd bough earlier$ !he caugh her brea h and wa ched him anxiously$ No ha he didn' seem sel"9assured and &ery con"iden u# in ha ree$ %enea h him !am held he li le sea a di""eren heigh s abo&e he ground while Connor shou ed commands$ !oon he swing was secure, and she was holding her brea h as Connor climbed down, (um#ing li hely o he ground again$ 8hen he s ood, his long legs a#ar , admiring he swing, a "ain bree3e li" ed his hea&y, golden hair$ He began #ushing he swing bac) and "or h while /uerra wa ched$ 8hy did Connor ha&e o be so handsome4 !o sexy4 !he "el li)e she was se&en een and in"a ua ed "or he "irs ime$ !he wan ed o o#en he window and yell down o him, and hen run ou o he yard and (oin him$ !he imagined hersel" glancing u# a him "rom benea h her lashes, bragging on him "or ins alling he swing$ He would smile ha easy smile ha oo) her brea h away$ Maybe he'd a)e her hand in his, )iss her$ Maybe he'd #ull her close$ And hen maybe. No6 8i h a hear "el sigh, she squee3ed her eyes shu $ !he saw him swinging a laughing Taylor on a warm, la3y e&ening a" er wor) while she si##ed iced ea in he hammoc) and wa ched hem$ !he imagined a li"e ime o" such e&enings$ Taylor aller, si ing beside her "a her as she eagerly s umbled o&er he "irs words in a reader? Taylor dying Eas er eggs wi h Anna while Connor wa ched o&er he o# o" his news#a#er? Taylor s#lashing abou in he #ool, swimming "rom one #aren 's arms o he o her's$ Anna's eyes sna##ed o#en$ !he had o "orce hersel" o end he "oolish daydreams$ He was a liar, and she was an idio $ !he couldn' ris) her hear again by hin)ing abou a ha##y, shared "u ure wi h Connor ! orm$ 5*amn him,7 she whis#ered, urning away, her eyes ho and we $ Anna s ar ed when she heard Connor's "oo s e#s on he "loa ing s airs$ : was a quar er #as wo$ !he'd heard he doorbell a "ew minu es earlier$ 5E&erybody's here,7 he said in a quie , low one$ 5Abby, Caesar, ,eo;<oanne$7 5My s e#mo her$7 5Righ $ They're in he li&ing room,7 he said$ 5: s ar ed co""ee$7 5/i&e me a minu e,7 Anna whis#ered, no urning around o "ace him$ @ueasy wi h ner&es, she s ood be"ore he mirror in heir bedroom, a##lying li#s ic), re racing he color o&er her bo om li# many more imes han necessary$ 5All righ $ :'ll ser&e he co""ee wi hou you$7 !he se her li#s ic) ube on he dresser and hen "rowned a her oo9&i&id mou h wi h dis as e$ Her s)in was such a sic)ly whi e, she'd hough she'd needed color, bu he garish red only made her loo) #aler$ !he wi#ed some o" he li#s ic) o"" and hen slowly urned o moun he "loa ing s airs$ E&en "rom he )i chen she could hear heir brigh , o&erly eager &oices$ They were admiring Taylor and laughing, and Taylor, who lo&ed adoring "ans, was cooing res#onsi&ely$ Anna oo) a "al ering s e# in o he li&ing room and "ro3e$ All gaie y died$ :n i s #lace an embarrassing hush "illed he room as oo many eyes "ocused on her$ Anna "el cons#icuous and shy$ E&en so she s ruggled o smile #oli ely$ <oanne.surely he a rac i&e, older redhead had o be her s e#mo her.rushed "orward and clas#ed her hand$ 58elcome home, dear$ 8e'&e all wai ed "or his momen "or so long$7 Her "ace so" ened$ 5: s#o)e o Terence, your dear "a her$ He will be here as soon as he can$7 Anna #ulled her hand "ree$ >aguely, she saw he scra#9boo)s and "iles "rom Connor's o""ice ha lay o#en on he co""ee able$ A dar)9haired li le boy sa beside Abby and ,eo, who held Taylor$ 5%ec)y,7 Abby whis#ered, her luminous eyes bo h lo&ing and roubled$ 5*arling$7 Her &oice was gen le and so swee , oh so swee $ : sounded li)e music, once lo&ed, bu long9"orgo en$ No$ Ne&er "orgo en$ Tha sound had been loc)ed away inside Anna somewhere, and u#on hearing i , Anna remembered wo li le girls, holding hands and s)i##ing? wo li le girls who'd hough no hing would e&er se#ara e hem$ !he remembered hard hands grabbing her and #i ching her in o a cargo &an$ !he'd "ough hem$ !he'd "ough so hard$ How did she )now ha 4 All she )new "or sure was ha she'd been alone in he bac) o" ha &an, and more or less alone e&er since, when once she'd had someone she'd shared e&ery hing wi h$ 8i hou consciously )nowing i , Anna oo) a single bac)ward s e#$ As shy as a child in a room"ul o" s rangers, she "el increasingly aw)ward$ As i" sensing her discom"or , Connor crossed he room in wo swi" s rides, his large, anned hand reaching ou o #ull her closer, his "ingers warm, bu ne&er heless, hey loc)ed around her wris li)e a &ise$ The long slee&es o" his whi e shir were rolled u# almos o his elbows$ !he caugh he "amiliar scen o" his cologne$ No hing in his manner seemed alarming$ He loo)ed relaxed$ Only she )new his hand was a manacle$ Anna s raigh ened$ 8hen she "el he #ressure o" his o her hand agains he small o" her bac), she gen ly #ushed him away$ 5:'m;:'m a"raid : ha&e a headache,7 she said$ 5:" you'll excuse me;7 !he didn' wan o ma)e a scene, bu she had o ge away$ They all, e&en Connor, ex#ec ed her o be he li le girl hey'd los $ 8alls migh be umbling in her mind, bu she barely remembered ha li le girl$ !he wasn' e&en sure she )new hersel" anymore$ 5:'m sorry,7 Anna whis#ered$ 5: really don' "eel a all well$7

5,e her go,7 Abby said in ha swee , musical one ha was so "amiliar$ 58e can do his la er$ 8hen she's "eeling more res ed$ <us seeing her and )nowing she's sa"e;ali&e;#laying wi h Taylor;is enough;"or now$7 Connor's eyes glin ed, whe her wi h silen sym#a hy or he desire o con rol her, she didn' )now, bu he released Anna's hand so abru# ly she almos "ell$ Once she was s eady on her "ee , she wal)ed slowly down he hall and down he s airs in o he mas er bedroom$ 8ishing she'd handled hings di""eren ly, she sa on he "loor and brough her )nees o her ches $ Roc)ing bac) and "or h, she "el ears s#lash down her chee)s$ 8hy was she crying4 !he didn' e&en )now hese #eo#le$ Twice, Connor came and )noc)ed$ Twice, she old him o go away$ He re urned an hour la er$ 5They're gone$ They were &ery unders anding$ -ou were grea $ :'ll be u#s airs in my o""ice .wor)ing,7 he said$ 5:" you need me, you )now where o "ind me$ :'ll a)e care o" Taylor un il you "eel be er$7 5Than) you,7 she whis#ered, gra e"ul o him "or ha , a leas $ Ten : was nearly "our be"ore Anna rose, washed her "ace, combed her hair and o#ened he door$ A" er chec)ing on Taylor, who han)"ully was aslee#, she s ole u#s airs and )noc)ed so" ly on Connor's closed door$ 5Connor47 8hen he didn' answer, she lowered her hand and was abou o ra le his door)nob when she heard dee#, male &oices "rom inside he room$ /uerra and Connor were discussing a case in&ol&ing insurance "raud$ 5O)ay, : say you s e# i u# a no ch$ Ren he nex 9door house,7 Connor said$ 5Pre end you're his nosy new neighbor$ 8in his rus $ %ecome his bes "riend;hell, use wha e&er #re ex you ha&e o$ Meanwhile, )ee# your &ideo handy, bag his rash and #u a ail on him$7 58ha abou #ri&acy issues47 5: hin) we'll be o)ay i" we;7 !he didn' wan o hear more$ !he didn' li)e being reminded ha decei was #ar o" Connor's #ro"ession and ha he'd used such echniques o ini ia e heir rela ionshi#$ !he )noc)ed louder, (iggling he door)nob, as well, be"ore #ushing i o#en$ 5: ho#e :'m no bo hering you,7 she whis#ered$ /uerra s rode oward her$ 58e're hrough, Mrs$ ! orm$ :'m lea&ing$7 8i h a cur nod, she smiled as he swe# #as her$ Connor, who was si ing a his des), remained #er"ec ly s ill, his handsome "ace guarded$ 5%e er now47 5:'m sorry$7 5: 's o)ay$7 His dee# &oice was gen le$ 5: disa##oin ed e&erybody$7 5-ou'&e been hrough a lo $ They unders and$ 8e rescheduled he mee ing "or nex wee)$ There will be a dinner #ar y a he ranch$ Abby hel#ed me choose a ca erer$ :n "ac , : (us go o"" he #hone wi h hem$ : 's all se u#$ -ou won' ha&e o do a hing$7 5Exce# show u#,7 she whis#ered, "eeling new dread as she remembered how shy she'd "el $ No ma er wha Connor said, i was di""icul o belie&e how hey could #ossibly unders and;when she hersel" was so con"used$ His smile re"lec ed her in ensi y$ 5They already lo&e you,7 he said$ !he swallowed igh ly$ 5Nex wee) your "a her, Terence, will be able o come$ A##aren ly, he's in Colombia in er&iewing rigger9ha##y erroris s in some (ungle$ :" you as) me, e&er since you were )idna##ed, he's had some hing o" a dea h wish$ Abby hough he migh a)e an in eres in her baby son, Caesar, bu a##aren ly no e&en he li le boy can draw him ou o" his shell$ !he says his hear was bro)en when he los you$7 Anna's ches "el ense and #ain"ul$ : was as i" she wan ed o cry, and couldn' $ 5:;: don' )now wha o say$ : can' imagine how seeing me now could #ossibly hel# him$ : can o""er him 3ero com"or $ :;: don' )now how o lo&e #eo#le$7 His ex#ression was grim$ 5-ou lo&e Taylor, don' you47 5!he's a baby$ %abies are easy o lo&e$7 58ell, hen you'&e go a good s ar in learning how o lo&e$ -ou're his li le girl, (us as Taylor's yours$ :magine i" Taylor were )idna##ed and you were in his shoes$7 5No6 Please.can we (us al) abou some hing else;any hing besides my "amily47 !he oo) a dee# brea h$ 5!ure$ ,i)e wha 47 5,i)e wha 4 Oh, maybe li)e wha ha&e you been doing u# here while : was downs airs47 5Arranging he #ar y "or nex wee)$ Thin)ing abou us$ Abou where we go "rom here$ : hough we should "ocus on solu ions ins ead o" #roblems, so : did a search on your old boy"riend, *$ Craw"ord$ -ou'll be ha##y o )now he's mo&ed on$ He's go a wi"e and a (ob and a )id now$ They li&e in !ea le$ !o, : guess you'&e go one less man on your ail$7 Her hroa igh ened$ 5Than) you;"or doing ha , "or elling me$7 5:'&e been researching local eaching raining #rograms$ And = o" H loo)s in eres ing$ -ou migh wan o chec) i ou $7 8hen she saw ha he =ni&ersi y o" Hous on's 8eb #age was o#en, she s i""ened$

He shi" ed his long legs, crossing hem$ Then he leaned bac) and s ared a he 8eb #age ins ead o" her, as i" he were as uncom"or able in her #resence as she was in his$ 5:'m sorry "or he way : manhandled you in he )i chen earlier$ Tha mo&e #robably didn' #u you in he bes mood o mee your "amily$7 His low &oice was gru"", his chee)s "lushed$ He didn' loo) u#$ ! udying his wide shoulders and he rigid ension in his ramrod #os ure, she wondered wha he was really "eeling$ 5:'m no worse "or wear, : guess,7 she said aloud$ The )nuc)les o" his anned hand clenching he mouse were bone9whi e$ 5: "ed Taylor$ : hin) she's down "or a while$7 5Than)s$ -ou're good wi h her$7 !he #aused, no )nowing wha else o say$ 5: saw you #u u# her swing$7 5Maybe we could le her ry i ou la er$7 5: was nice o" you o go o so much rouble "or her,7 she said$ 5Nice47 he mu ered, his one suddenly a li le harsh, his eyes "lashing$ 5!he's my daugh er, oo.a "ac you seem anxious o "orge $7 5No$ :.:'m no anxious o "orge ha $ No anymore$ : didn' mean o insul you$ : was rying o say han)9you$7 :n he aw)ward silence she lis ened o his com#u er hum, o he rush o" cool air "lowing "rom he &en abo&e her head$ 5!o, why on ear h would you rouble yoursel" o research eaching #rograms47 she as)ed$ He loo)ed a her$ 58ha are you going o do wi h he res o" your li"e4 Run4 Hide4 Clean ho el rooms4 Ta)e care o" old ladies4 ,i&e hand9 o9mou h47 5:.7 5-ou old me you wan ed o be a eacher$ Tha won' e&er ha##en i" you don' se goals and ma)e #lans$7 5: was (us a "oolish dream$7 5No i" we wor)ed oge her o ma)e i a reali y$7 His dee# &oice sounded so easy and na ural, as i" he ruly belie&ed hey could be a normal cou#le des#i e he way heir marriage had begun? des#i e he "ac ha he held her here by "orce$ 5Come o&er here and loo) a his,7 he said$ 5= o" H also has online classes$ -ou wouldn' e&en ha&e o lea&e Taylor o go o he cam#us some semes ers$7 5!chool cos s a lo o" money$ : ha&e o wor)$7 5: would be ha##y o su##or you while you wen o school$7 5%u degrees a)e "our years$ Tha would mean.7 5A "u ure oge her$ ,i&ing as man and wi"e.7 5+or "our years47 5Or longer$ 8ould ha be so aw"ul47 His burning eyes held hers$ 5: would wor) &ery hard o gi&e Taylor a secure, ha##y childhood$7 ,i)e he childhood when she'd had a win sis er whose hand she'd held while hey'd s)i##ed oge her4 Anna oo) a swi" brea h$ 5%u why would you do ha "or me47 5%ecause, as : )ee# elling you, : belie&e your dreams are im#or an .no (us o you, bu o Taylor and o me$ :" you're no ha##y and "ul"illed by doing some hing you lo&e, you won' be a ha##y mo her$ And i" you ma)e he sacri"ice o ge your degree, you'll #robably ins#ire Taylor o do he same in he "u ure$ : wan ha "or her$ Tha and much more$ -ou need o be inde#enden and con"iden ins ead o" "illed wi h insecuri ies ha ha&e o do wi h your #as $ 8ouldn' you be more con"iden i" you had a career you were #roud o"47 His reasons were logical$ 5: wan Taylor o be #roud o" you$ : 's easy "or her o lo&e you now, bu when she's older, rus me, you migh be #re y glad you ha&e a "ew accom#lishmen s she can admire$7 5: don' )now$7 5-ou ha&e o charge ahead o ge anywhere$ The world is com#lica ed,7 he said$ 5<ob s)ills come in handy$ :" we remain married "or now, you'd ha&e your "amily and me$ Taylor would ha&e her "a her, who wan s o be #ar o" her li"e$ -ou could ha&e i all, Anna, i" you'd le yoursel"$7 Could she4 8ha abou lo&e4 He hadn' men ioned lo&e$ Her ches igh ened un il each brea h hur $ *id she wan his lo&e4 Holding her hand o her mou h, she wal)ed o&er o he window$ ,oo)ing ou a he s ree , she raised her "inger i#s o he window#ane$ %ehind her, she heard him sho&e his chair bac)$ 5-ou don' ha&e o be so alone anymore,7 he whis#ered$ ! riding across he room, he caugh her by he shoulders and #ulled her bac) agains him$ Her hear s#ed u#$ !he oo) ano her dee# brea h, bu i did li le o calm her$ Her hi#s agains his #el&is made her ner&es (um#$ 5-ou're ma)ing his oo hard$ 8hy can' you le me "igh some o" your ba les4 Hel# ma)e im#ossible dreams come rue4 8ho )nows, maybe we could e&en ma)e each o her ha##y someday$7 Again she imagined hem a he bac)yard swing wi h Taylor on summer e&enings$ !he urned$ His golden hair glis ened in he slan ing sunligh $ !he wan ed no hing more han o slide her "ingers hrough i s hic)ness$ Her brea h came une&enly$ Her body rembled "rom he #ressure o" his hands on her arms, "rom he hea o" his lean, muscular body$ 5: can' "orge you "orced me o come here,7 she whis#ered, sho&ing him away$

His "ace hardened as he le her go$ 5-ou needed a #ush in he righ direc ion$ 8e ha&e a daugh er$ :'ll do any hing o con&ince you ha "or your own good and "or Taylor's, you'&e go o change$7 58e were doing (us "ine be"ore you showed u#,7 she said, bac)ing oward he door$ 5,i)e hell$7 He #ushed his hair bac) "rom his brow$ 5-ou're wha ,eo calls a hard dog$7 One hand clas#ing he door, she urned and s ared u# in o his smoldering eyes$ 5Hard dog47 5!orry$ : 's sor o" a hun ing erm$ ,eo and : )ee# bird dogs o use when we hun on he ranch$ ,eo rains he dogs wi h elec ri"ied collars$ He gi&es hem commands, and i" hey don' obey, he bu33es hem$7 5Tha 's cruel$7 8hen she oo) a s e# bac)ward, he "ollowed, cornering her wi h his body again, his ime agains he wall beside he door$ 5%u e""ec i&e$ Mos dogs learn a" er one (ol $ !ome dogs, howe&er, ha&e o ha&e se&eral$7 His ga3e swe# her$ 5,eo calls hem hard dogs$7 5:'m no sure : li)e he com#arison$7 5,oo), : can' e&en begin o imagine wha you'&e been hrough, bu : belie&e ha we should ry o ma)e our marriage wor) "or Taylor$7 5+or eigh een mon hs :'&e dis rus ed e&ery hing abou my a rac ion "or you$ : 's hard o s o#$7 5%elie&e me, : hough : was a "ool because o" you, oo$ 8hy don' we bo h #u all ha in he #as 47 He was s anding oo close, so close she "el li)e she was sin)ing in quic)sand$ 8ha i" she agreed4 8ha i" she s ar ed o ho#e, o belie&e ha he migh always be here "or her, no ma er wha 4 58hy did you marry me, Anna47 5:.:.7 58hy47 As his ga3e de&oured her, a mul i ude o" con"lic ing emo ions ore her$ Ho#e$ +ear$ *oub $ And some hing else ha was brigh and s rong and "resh$ 5Maybe you were rying o ma)e ha lea#,7 he said$ +or a long momen she "el mesmeri3ed by his in ense blue eyes$ 5Too bad : "ound ou you lied,7 she said$ 5E&er hin) maybe ha 's no wha really scared you4 Tha you would ha&e run e&en i" : hadn' lied4 : was ge ing oo close, wasn' :47 5No;No67 5The )idna##ers scared you so badly you bloc)ed hem ou o" your mind$ -ou were a li le girl when hey oo) you$ %u you go away$ -ou sur&i&ed$ And mere sur&i&al was enough "or years and years$ =n il me$ =n il Taylor$ Now you need more$7 !he remembered running in he woods, crying in he dar), and nobody had come "or her$ A leas no he #eo#le she'd lo&ed and rus ed, #eo#le whom she'd belie&ed would be here "or her "ore&er$ 5-ou don' )now wha i "eels li)e o be wea) and li le and a"raid;and so alone$ -ou'&e always been s rong, "orce"ul$7 5: los my mo her and my "a her young$ : didn' ha&e a "riend in he world$7 5-ou had ,eo$7 5: wa ched #eo#le die in A"ghanis an$ : was holding ,inda, #raying "or her li"e when she died in my arms$7 5%u you were here "or her$ -ou were he hero in A"ghanis an, )ic)ing down doors$ -ou sa&ed lo s o" li le children, : be $ Nobody came "or me, do you unders and4 : wan ed hem o, bu : go away all by mysel"67 5They ried o "ind you$7 5They "ailed$7 5: "ound you, Anna$ Maybe i 's ime you s o##ed being so a"raid o" lo&ing$7 His dee# &oice soo hed her and seduced her on some #rimal le&el, bu she "ough hose "eelings$ 5-ou can' ell me wha o do or how o "eel6 :" : le mysel" belie&e in you again, i" : le mysel" lo&e you, and you wal) ou , wha will : ha&e le" 47 5Tha 's no going o ha##en$7 5-ou don' )now,7 she said$ 5%ad hings can ha##en a any momen $7 5-es, hey can6 None o" us has a guaran ee$ Tha 's why we ha&e o grab wha 's good$ : hin) maybe i" we ried, you and : migh be good oge her, Anna$ And ha would be good "or Taylor$ Children hri&e on lo&e$ : hin) you belie&e his, oo, and ha 's wha scares you$ %u i" you won' ry, we'll be doomed "rom he s ar $7 5Then we're doomed,7 she said$ 5%ecause : don' wan you or his marriage.as :'&e old you ime and ime again$7 Eleven C onnor a&oided Anna "or he res o" he a" ernoon and e&ening$ He ordered #i33a, which he a e alone$ Only a" er she heard him go bac) u# o his o""ice did Anna s eal in o he )i chen and ea a cold, le" o&er slice$ Much la er when he'd "inally come o bed, and she'd me his eyes, his had been hard and cold$ He hadn' smiled or )issed her or a#ologi3ed or #ulled her close, so she hadn' a#ologi3ed, ei her$ 8hy should she a#ologi3e when his im#ossible marriage was all his "aul 4 +or hours she lay s i""ly beside him, resen ing him and ye ha ing ha she'd made him so angry$

Then she "ell aslee# and dreamed abou him$ :n her dream hey were in his bac)yard, and he was #ushing her in a swing$ /arlands o" "lowers dri##ed "rom he rees, and e&ery ime she urned around o loo) a him, she smiled$ Ha##iness su""used her being, and her li#s were cur&ed when she awa)ened beside him he nex morning and "el he hea o" his body en&elo#ing her$ His bac) was o her$ +or a leng hy momen , she s ared longingly a his broad shoulders$ More han any hing she wan ed o ouch his s)in, o "eel his warm h$ ! ill, he las hing Anna ex#ec ed was "or him o roll o&er, #ull her close and )iss her as i" he, oo, had had #leasan dreams, as i" heir quarrel had ne&er ha##ened$ 8arm (oy "illed her$ 58ha do you say we call ano her ruce and ge he hell ou o" here47 he said as he #ressed his mou h o her em#le$ 5Ta)e he baby;7 5%u where would we go47 she as)ed, "eeling unsure and ye no wan ing o "igh wi h him anymore, ei her$ !he go ou o" bed and #ulled on her robe$ 5,unch$ Car sho##ing$ Phone sho##ing$ -ou could use some #re y new clo hes$ 8e could ha&e dinner$ 8e could go anywhere$ E&erywhere$7 !he was abou o #ro es when she remembered her dream and caugh hersel"$ He was rying o be nice$ And she li)ed ha $ : would be wonder"ul o share a care"ree a" ernoon wi h him$ 5O)ay,7 she agreed so" ly, her hear "illing wi h ha##iness$ Maybe Anna was ired o" "igh ing$ Maybe any girl who was used o wor)ing menial (obs while rearing a baby would en(oy a day s#en ea ing ou , buying clo hes a he /alleria and sho##ing car lo s$ 8ha e&er he reason, he day wi h Connor wen sur#risingly well$ Hous on, wi h i s s#aghe ili)e "reeways loo#ing #as he im#ressi&e down own and u# own s)ylines and #osh neighborhoods nes led amids lush, all #ine rees, seemed li)e a young, energe ic ci y$ The s)y was a dee# blue$ Connor said he air lac)ed i s usual humidi y and s eamy quali y$ He commen ed on he ra""ic, saying i was ligh er han usual$ 5Maybe /od is smiling on us,7 he said$ 5-ou belie&e in.7 5:'&e wi nessed more han my share o" miracles$ None o com#are o Taylor, hough$ !he #ro&es ha (us being ali&e is a miracle$7 To her sur#rise, she reali3ed she agreed$ And "or a while, i almos seemed hey were a normal cou#le$ 8hile Connor dro&e hem "rom lo o lo , she "ound her resen men s had &anished and she al)ed o him wi h he same ease she had in >egas, abou he lonely years be"ore she'd me him$ +or his #ar , he old her more abou his own childhood, abou growing u# on he ranch he'd been hrown o"" o"$ He al)ed abou his mo her, who had died, and how he'd longed o ha&e a "amily e&er since$ He con"ided more abou ,inda o her$ 58hen : buried hem.,inda and our unborn baby.: ne&er hough :'d ge a second chance,7 he murmured, (us as he s o##ed a ano her car lo $ 5: was bi er "or a while and a"raid o" he "u ure$ %u in he end : learned you can ge o&er any hing.i" you wan o bad enough$7 5Maybe you can ge #as hings,7 she murmured$ 5-ou're he big marine who )ic)s down doors$ -ou hin) you can ge wha you wan by "orce$ : 's no so easy "or some o" us$7 5*i""eren #eo#le ha&e di""eren )inds o" courage$ : hin) you're &ery bra&e$7 !he laughed$ 5:'m serious$7 His blue eyes grew oo in ense "or her o bear$ !uddenly she was in a hurry o choose a car, so she #ic)ed ou he "irs car hey loo)ed a , a brand9new, blue Toyo a sedan wi h a creamy, bu er9so" lea her in erior$ 8hen he deal was closed and Connor dro##ed he )eys in o her #alm, she was oo shyly hrilled o )now how o reac $ 5: don' )now wha o say,7 she whis#ered, no daring o mee his shining eyes as her hand slowly closed around he )eys$ 5Than) you$ :;:'&e ne&er dri&en any hing bu a clun)er be"ore$7 5Then you deser&e a nice car$7 The way he said i , cou#led wi h he way he loo)ed a her, made her s omach "lu er wi h unwan ed exci emen $ Then Taylor shrie)ed in a way ha sugges ed, new car or no , she #robably couldn' las much longer wi hou a meal or a na# or he "reedom o crawl$ 5: 's la e$ : hin) we'd be er go home,7 Anna said, dis rus ing her so" er "eelings "or him$ 5%e"ore our li le mons er in her #in) #rincess sui eru# s$7 Connor nodded, bu clearly he didn' really ge i , or maybe he didn' wan o end heir #leasan a" ernoon$ !o, when he saw a cell #hone sho#, he insis ed on s o##ing$ The wai and he long9winded salesman indeed #ro&ed oo much "or Taylor, who began o shrie) and #ull a her #rincess onesie$ Connor grabbed he "irs #hone he man had shown him and said he'd buy i $ On heir way home, hey chose a "as 9 "ood #lace, which Anna sugges ed solely because i had a #laysca#e where Taylor could suc) on a bo le and wa ch he big )ids race and climb$ Anna had a "rui #ar"ai , and he a e a cheeseburger, and hey al)ed e&en more$ 8hy was i so much "un (us doing ordinary hings wi h him4 8hen hey came home a las , hey "ed Taylor again and #u her o bed$ Then de" ly nego ia ing he dar) corridors and "loa ing s airs, Connor led Anna in o his li&ing room where he #u on music and #ulled her in o his arms$

Mee ing her "amily here in his room was "orgo en$ :n a ranceli)e s a e Anna clung o him as he s#un her around benea h he all ceilings and be"ore he huge glass windows ha le in he moonligh $ :ne&i ably, dancing, heir bodies glued o one ano her in ha s#ar)ling room, led o lo&ema)ing$ As always when he held her and )issed her, she "el a secre , brea hless (oy ha made her "orge how he'd delibera ely decei&ed her and hen "orced her o come here$ As always his ouch and he #assion he aroused made her ache "or more$ A" erward, when hey were bo h s#en , he #ulled her close and held her igh ly$ 5: wish we could always be li)e we'&e been oday,7 he said$ 5: had "un$7 !o had she$ %eing wi h him had seemed so easy$ !he'd "el young and ha##y$ %u wha had any o" i mean 4 8hen she )issed his chee) ligh ly bu said no hing, he le her go$ !lowly, his brea hing became more regular, and he, who )new exac ly wha he wan ed and demanded i , dri" ed o slee#, while she s ared a he ceiling "or hours, wondering wha o do$ Could she le hersel" rus in him or in her "oolish daydreams4 8ha did hey really ha&e oge her4 8ere wo wee)s in >egas based on lies, a daugh er and his de ermina ion o "orce her o li&e wi h him enough o build a marriage on4 Maybe$ Maybe no $ Or maybe she needed ano her o# ion, li)e a (ob ha was as "ar away as #ossible "rom Hous on, Texas$ The idea #ossessed her o such an ex en ha hir y minu es la er she s ole ou o" bed$ Pulling on her robe, she i# oed u#s airs o his o""ice, boo ed his com#u er and began o search "or em#loymen #ossibili ies$ : was way #as ime "or her o a)e con rol o" her li"e again$ Twen y9"our hours la er Anna chec)ed her wa ch$ : was eigh o'cloc)$ Taylor was aslee#$ A" er de&o ing himsel" o his daugh er and wi"e all day, Connor was now u#s airs in his o""ice, #laying ca ch9u# wi h his mail$ *ar) shadows lur)ed in e&ery corner o" he garage as Anna cre# in o her car$ :nhaling he new9car smell, she #unched in a number on her new cell #hone$ :ns ead o" a #erson, she go a man's &oice mail$ 5: saw your ad "or a caregi&er, and : may need a (ob in he near "u ure,7 Anna whis#ered$ 5: e9mailed you my rFsumF oday$7 !he le" her name and her cell #hone number and said she migh be able o s ar in a "ew wee)s$ 5: ha&e a baby$ :'m no sure i" : will be bringing her or no $ !he migh be s aying wi h her "a her, a leas "or a while$7 !he s o##ed, s ar led, her hear s)i##ing a bea $ ,ea&e Taylor4 8i h him4 E&en "or a li le while4 8here had ha hough come "rom4 %u why no lea&e Taylor wi h Connor i" hey se#ara ed and needed o ad(us o he idea o" di&orce4 He longed o ge o )now Taylor be er$ He was good wi h her$ +or he #as wo days, daugh er and "a her had "lir ed cons an ly$ No longer did Anna "ear Connor dee#ening his bond wi h his child$ A" er Anna hung u#, she wen in o he nursery and ho&ered o&er Taylor, who loo)ed li)e a li le angel as she clu ched her blan)e while she sle# in he moonligh $ !he would ha&e o s ar weaning Taylor immedia ely$ The man called bac) while Anna s ood s aring down a her #recious child$ He described he (ob, which was a menial caregi&er #osi ion in "araway /eorgia$ An old man who was dying needed a si er$ The (ob didn' #ay much, bu he granddaugh ers hough a baby would cheer heir grand"a her no end$ !o, she could bring Taylor$ Or no $ Anna old him she'd ha&e o le him )now in a "ew days$ Twelve ,i le !#ur Ranch Near %as ro#, Texas ! e&en days had "lown by$ A horde o" ca erers had come and gone earlier in he day$ Now he house was redolen wi h he scen o" coo)ed roas and herbs and s#ices, e&en all he way bac) here in he mas er bedroom, where Anna sa be"ore her mirror, holding a #air o" earrings$ The dining9room able was se $ Their dinner, co&ered in "oil, needed only o be hea ed u#$ Tonigh a GE11 #$m$, Abby, ,eo and Terence would arri&e and )noc) on heir "ron door$ Her hand rembling a li le, Anna leaned "orward o a ach one o" he whi e loo# earrings ha ma ched her sundress$ All wee) she'd ried o #re#are "or onigh , bu her ches was igh , her s omach uneasy$ ,as nigh a woman, a Mrs$ *ra)e, had called, "ran ically begging Connor "or his hel# because her husband had been )idna##ed$ No ha Anna, who was sym#a he ic, was concen ra ing on he woman's #ligh $ 5%oo, baby girl67 Connor's dee#, ender &oice and Taylor's "lir a ious squeals o" (oy dri" ed in hrough he #ar ially o#en windows$ Connor had been he com#le ely de&o ed "a her and husband all wee)$ This a" ernoon he'd s#read a large blue quil on he shady "ron lawn "or he baby so Anna could ha&e he ranch house o hersel" o ge her head oge her$ E&en now he was du i"ully #laying #ee#9eye$ *id all "a hers s#end so much ime #laying wi h heir daugh ers4 Or researching oys and boo)s "or hem4 He'd bough se&eral boo)s abou childhood de&elo#men , and he'd ac ually read hem$ *amn he man$ 8as he rying o ma)e i im#ossible "or her o wal) ou on him4 *e ermined o "inish dressing, she leaned oward her mirror again o secure he second hoo# earring$ <us when she hough she had i , i sli##ed hrough her "ingers$

!in)ing down on o he s ool o" her dressing able, Anna ried o calm hersel", bu a e&ery (oyous giggle "rom her daugh er, a e&ery easing commen "rom Connor, she s ar ed$ Al hough hey hadn' "ough abou her wan ing o di&orce him again, she imagined he idea was ne&er "ar "rom Connor's mind, as i wasn' "rom hers$ Maybe she would ha&e ried o reo#en he discussion las nigh , bu he news o" ,arry *ra)e's )idna##ing had )noc)ed her "or a loo#$ 8hen she'd wal)ed ou side a" er su##er and had s ared u# a he moon, Connor had "ollowed her$ Then she'd urned and seen him here, so all and handsome, his #resence so reassuring she'd "lown in o his arms and clung, her hands sha)ing a li le$ 5Pre y nigh ,7 he'd said, holding her close$ 5-es,7 she'd agreed, nes ling agains him, reasuring he sa"e y o" his hard, warm body$ !he wan ed o s ay here "ore&er$ 5!houldn' you #os #one our li le dinner and hel# ha #oor woman "ind her husband47 5: ha&e my bes men assigned o he *ra)e case$ No hing is more im#or an o me han you and Taylor and your "amily$ No o men ion ,eo and Abby$ 8e all need o ge his dinner behind us$7 Anna lo&ed his ranch, and in s#i e o" her bes in en ions no o en(oy hersel" around her husband, she'd lo&ed e&ery minu e she'd s#en wi h him his #as wee)$ He'd been so a en i&e and swee o her and o Taylor$ Proudly, he'd wal)ed hem o&er e&ery inch o" he #ro#er y, #oin ing ou new "ences, barns and "reshly cu #as ures$ They'd a)en urns #ushing Taylor in her s roller or carrying her when Taylor s re ched her arms oward hem o be #ic)ed u#$ E&en when he'd had o wor), she'd been ha##ily conscious o" his #resence in a nearby room or ou side$ Mos mornings when he'd connec ed wi h his o""ice, she'd ba hed and "ed Taylor and idied he )i chen$ How she'd loo)ed "orward o he a" ernoons because ha was he ime he'd de&o ed himsel" wholly o Taylor and her$ :ns ead o" using "orce"ul ac ics, he'd been delibera ely wooing her$ !he should ha&e s o##ed him, she )new? "ough wi h him$ %u she couldn' $ The nigh s had been he mos wonder"ul #ar $ A" er hey'd #u Taylor down, he in ima e candleli dinners hey'd shared on he errace or in he dining room had led o lo&ema)ing$ E&en he nigh s Taylor had re"used o go o bed early had been "un$ They'd #layed wi h her un il all hree o" hem had colla#sed oge her in he mas er bedroom$ A" er Taylor had "inally "allen aslee#, Connor had carried her o her own bed and re urned o ma)e lo&e o Anna$ He'd bough bo h o" hem lo s o" #resen s, which had mean more o Anna han hey would ha&e i" she'd had "amily who'd remembered bir hdays and Chris mas$ 8hen Anna old him she didn' need so many clo hes, he'd said, 5-ou're a beau i"ul woman, why shouldn' you ha&e beau i"ul clo hes4 : ha&e #len y o" money, and : wan o show you o""$ !o, don' worry abou i $7 %u i" she wasn' going o s ay in his marriage, how could she ha&e acce# ed all his gi" s, each one ouching her hear oo much a" er a li"e ime o" no #resen s4 E&ery ime she hough abou lea&ing him, a igh lum# "ormed in her hroa $ To dis rac hersel", Anna go u# and wirled o examine he bac) o" he s ra#less sundress Connor had bough "or her in Aus in las wee) and sugges ed she wear onigh $ 58hy his dress47 she'd as)ed him earlier when he'd #ulled i ou o" he close $ He'd held i agains her body$ 5%ecause you loo) so damn sexy in i $7 The hea in his eyes and hands when he'd sha#ed he so" "abric agains her breas s had made her s)in "lame$ He'd le he sundress "all o he !al illo ile "loor$ Then he'd cu##ed her bu oc)s and #ulled her agains him so she could "eel his arousal$ 5Taylor's na##ing, righ 47 His eyes gleaming wi h ha #ossessi&e loo) ha was so horoughly dis urbing, he'd slid his ! e son bac) on his "orehead and had hugged her closer$ 5!he seemed #re y ired when : #u her down$7 He'd chuc)led$ 5!ounds li)e a window o" o##or uni y$7 Her blood singing, Anna had hrown bac) her head and made her mou h a&ailable$ 8hen his ongue slid inside o ma e wi h hers, she'd had o ha&e him righ hen$ He'd begun o )iss her as he unbu oned her blouse, his mou h mo&ing "rom her li#s, o her nec), o her ni##les, which had #ea)ed when he'd wirled his we ongue across hem$ !oon she'd been na)ed in his arms, los o he world, conscious only o" his warm hands, ho loo)s and ex#er caresses during hose gen le hours o" he early a" ernoon$ 5How abou he )i chen able47 he'd whis#ered$ 5!ince you caused ha "an asy, you owe me,7 he'd eased$ !he'd )nown she should ha&e said no, bu she'd laughed and said, 58e'd be er ma)e sure all he ca erers are gone$ 8ouldn' wan o shoc) anybody$7 He'd chuc)led$ Then he'd )issed her$ A" er ma)ing excellen use o" he s urdy able, he'd carried her o bed where she'd lain cuddled u# agains him, her head res ing in he cur&e o" his broad shoulder$ <us remembering how his body had "el made her wan o "as 9"orward in o climbing in o bed wi h him again onigh $ !e&en o'cloc)$ Thin) abou ha , no sex wi h a husband you migh lea&e, you lo&esic) "ool$

Tonigh heir dinner gues s included ,eo, Abby and heir oddler son, Caesar, as well as Terence, who'd "lown in "rom !ou h America$ 5Abby #ic)ed your "a her u# las nigh ,7 Connor had said o&er brea)"as $ Abby, he'd ex#lained, owned a branding "irm in Aus in, and ,eo s#en mos o" his ime a he cor#ora e o""ices o" he /olden !#urs in !an An onio$ They'd s#end he nigh along wi h Terence a he %uc)aroo Ranch$ This ranch had belonged o Abby be"ore heir marriage and was righ nex door o he ,i le !#ur$ !uddenly Anna was ired o" hin)ing abou her "amily$ !he needed o ge ou side and ry o relax a li le be"ore hey came$ The sound o" #o s banging and Connor's easing one "loa ed inside$ 5%oo67 8hen Taylor squealed, Anna rushed o he window$ Taylor was lying on her bac), her chubby legs )ic)ing a Connor as he leaned o&er her on ha sun9da##led quil $ Her iny hand closed around his "inger and held on igh $ They loo)ed so ha##y as hey s ared a each o her ha she wan ed o run ou side and sin) down beside Connor and re&el in heir lo&e "or each o her$ Anna oo) a dee# brea h$ !uddenly she saw a li le girl wi h a bouncy #ony ail and a #in) bac)#ac) holding igh ly o Connor's big anned hand as he #roudly wal)ed her u# o a big bric) elemen ary school$ 8i h all her hear Anna wan ed o be holding Taylor's o her hand on ha all9im#or an day$ :" Anna s ayed wi h Connor and hey became a real "amily, here would be a li"e ime o" shared holidays and miles ones o reasure$ They migh ha&e more children, maybe a li le boy wi h blue eyes and a dim#le$ Anna's "ingers curled igh ly agains he window#ane$ Then she (er)ed her hand away and rushed down he hall o he "ron door$ !he "el an urgen need o ge ou side so she could be wi h Taylor and Connor.now$ Thirteen T he screen door banging behind her, Anna ran ou on o he wide gallery ha wra##ed he large, whi e, !#anish9s yle ranch house$ The sun was oo high and ho , and she'd "orgo en her sunglasses$ Pu ing her hand o her brow o shield her eyes, she searched he lawn "or Connor$ *es#i e he whi e glare, she saw ha exce# "or Connor's ! e son and Taylor's oys and #o s and #ans, he blue quil was em# y$ 8hen Connor and Taylor didn' seem o be inside he all whi e walls ha surrounded he house, she called Connor's name$ A board crea)ed a he "ar end o" he #orch behind her$ 5O&er here,7 Connor drawled$ 5: didn' see you$7 58ell, now you do,7 he said la3ily$ 5: was (us reading Taylor a boo)$7 *ressed in a snug, whi e T9shir ha molded his muscular orso and (eans, he was roc)ing Taylor in he shade on he big #orch swing while he held a board boo) o#en$ E&en hough her li le hands were "is ed and raised in an e""or o "igh na# ime, Taylor's hea&y lids ho&ered a hal"9mas $ Anna smiled bac) a him$ 5!o, you wore her ou ,7 she said, rying o ma)e her &oice sound normal and ligh $ 5A leas she's ha##y$ How are you doing47 he as)ed$ 5Oh6 :'m "ine,7 she said$ 5: (us need some air$ :.: hough maybe :'d see how you wo were doing and hen maybe go "or a wal);be"ore; hey;our gues s;arri&e$ Com#ose mysel"$7 5: 's aw"ully ho i" you're no in he shade$7 5: won' mel $7 5: li)e he way you mel $7 The smoldering blue ligh in his eyes made her hin) o" heir nigh s oge her when she lay undernea h him? made her wan more nigh s in he "u ure$ !he lic)ed her dry li#s$ 5!orry we can' a)e ano her na#,7 he said, his low &oice charged$ 5*on' go oo "ar$ -ou loo) oo #re y in ha sundress o be ou in his hea $7 5Than) you "or a)ing care o" Taylor so : could ge ready$ !he does lo&e he way you ease and "lir wi h her$7 5No more han : lo&e her big smiles$ !he's a na ural9born !ou hern %elle, i" e&er here was one$ No wi hs anding her grea alen as a drummer$7 His blue eyes so" ened as he loo)ed "rom her o heir child$ 5:'m already dreading all he boy"riends she'll ha&e when she grows u#$7 A he hough o" heir uncer ain "u ure, Anna's s omach igh ened$ 58ell;7 5Ha&e a good wal)$7 +eeling reluc an o lea&e hem, Anna headed down he s airs anyway$ Par o" her wan ed o o""er o ma)e a #i cher o" lemonade and hen sin) down on ha swing beside hem$ !he s raigh ened her shoulders and headed down he #a h oward he ga e$ A he end o" he gra&el #a h, she o#ened he ga e$ Aee#ing o he narrow road ha wound benea h he hic), s#reading branches o" he li&e oa)s, she le" he whi e house behind$ 8hen she saw a bench under a li&e oa) ree near he "ence line where se&eral "a !an a Cru3 ca le were gra3ing, she sa down in he shade$ A bree3e swe# across he #as ure, and she relaxed, con en men "illing her as she wa ched he ca le munch grass$ !he drew her )nees u#$ Hugging her legs agains her ches , she soon los rac) o" ime$

!uddenly he ear h hundered, s ar ling her ou o" her re&erie$ !he (um#ed u# "rom he bench (us as a slim, young woman, her dar) blond hair "lying behind her as she rode a #alomino barebac), gallo#ed ou o" he rees$ Abby$ %rea hless, Anna go u# and s e##ed closer o he "ence$ Abby's slim hand ugged on he reins$ 8hen she was no more han en "ee away "rom he "ence, he #alomino s o##ed and #awed he ear h$ Abby dismoun ed wordlessly$ ,eading he #alomino by he long reins, she headed oward he "ence, oo$ Anna wan ed o run oward her win and ye away "rom her a he same ime$ Her mou h cur&ed shyly$ 5%ec)y4 Are you "eeling be er4 :'m so loo)ing "orward o our dinner$7 8e're li)e s rangers$ 8e shouldn' be s rangers$ 8e should ha&e shared our li&es$ The #alomino snor ed$ 8a&es o" "eelings and images rushed a Anna$ !he saw wo li le girls, heir dar) blond braids bouncing on heir hin shoulders, as hey rode Abby's horse barebac) along ho , dus y s ree s in he middle o" summer$ !he remembered hem s anding side by side on he edge o" a swimming #ool, bo h o" hem holding heir noses be"ore hey (um#ed in a he same ime$ !he remembered hem hel#ing heir mo her ba)e coo)ies "or !an a Claus$ The girls carrying a ray o" coo)ies "or !an a o he Chris mas ree dissol&ed$ !uddenly Anna was s anding under a li&e oa) s aring a he s range ye "amiliar "ace o" her adul win$ There was so much she wan ed o ell her win, Anna "el li)e she was abou o burs $ And ye ;and ye ; 5Abby47 Air rushed in o Anna's hroa , swelled, #ushed, bu she couldn' ge i ou $ !o many years los $ Too many$ They'd been so close once, sharing e&ery hing$ No hing could ma)e u# "or wha hey'd los $ : was as i" she'd loc)ed u# all he lo&e she'd "el "or Abby and had hrown away he )ey$ ,oneliness washed o&er Anna$ The sadness "rom no )nowing her win o&erwhelmed her, and ye Abby was here now$ Abby seemed o wan a rela ionshi# wi h her$ Maybe he leas she could do was ry o "ind some common ground wi h her win$ 5Are you "eeling be er47 Abby as)ed$ Anna nodded$ 5%eing here a he ranch has been grea $ Peace"ul$7 58e lo&e i here$ : 'll be nice when Caesar and Taylor are older and can run abou "reely ex#loring, he way we used o$ Aids ha e all he cons rain s o" li"e in he ci y$7 Anna smiled$ 5: guess :'d be er chec) on rehea ing our dinner$7 5!ure$ !ee you,7 Abby whis#ered$ 5Come o&er any ime$7 Any ime4 8as such a rela ionshi# #ossible4 Could hey (us s ar where hey were now4 The idea was exci ing$ 8ell, why couldn' hey4 Anna urned and ran ligh ly bac) o he shel ering, red9roo"ed house$ 8hen she ran hrough he ga e, Connor, who'd been on his cell #hone, lea# "rom he swing$ 5:'ll call you bac)$7 !lamming his #hone shu , he raced oward her$ 5!wee hear .7 !he swer&ed and would ha&e run #as him i" he hadn' s e##ed in "ron o" he door$ 5-ou o)ay47 he as)ed$ 5:'m;"ine$7 Pulling her in o his hard, warm arms, he #ressed her "ace agains his ches $ 5*id some hing ha##en47 5: (us saw Abby6 !he was riding her horse$ !uddenly : remembered our childhood$ 8e used o swim oge her, ride horses;The memories were "resh as yes erday$ 8e were cra3y abou each o her bac) hen$ Then she was all grown9u# again, and : reali3ed : don' e&en )now her$ : "el so much ha##iness$ Then i hur so much$7 5This is a s e#$ *inner will be ano her s e#$7 5:;: wish we could #u dinner o""$7 58hich is exac ly why we need o do i now$ -ou're building i u# in your mind oo much$7 5: "eels "orced$ <us li)e our marriage "eels "orced$7 5*oes i 4 *o you really mean ha 4 Or are you (us saying ha o #ro ec yoursel"4 %ecause e&ery ime : ouch you or we ma)e lo&e, i 's oo #er"ec "or words$ 8hy do you hin) ha is47 5: don' )now$ : don' care$7 58ell, damn i , : do6 8ha we ha&e is s#ecial$ -ou need o "ace your "amily whe her you're ready o or no $ The nex ime you see hem, i will be easier$7 5: can' $7 5: could ell you aw"ul s ories abou can' $ : 's always "a al o hin) can' $ :'&e seen #eo#le die because o" i $7 He #ressed Anna's hand o his li#s$ 5:'ll be righ beside you$7 8ra##ing her in his arms, he held her "or a long momen un il she began o cling$ 5E&ery hing can be a)en away in a hear bea ,7 she whis#ered$ 5: can' ris) mysel" o ha again$7 5*on' hin) li)e ha $ 8hy no hin) ha maybe you and : ha&e had our share o" bad luc)4 Tha maybe we're due4 Tha lo&ing;li&ing;is a ris) wor h a)ing4 Tha you and Taylor and me could be your second chance47 Could hey4

5<us hold me,7 she whis#ered$ 5<us hold me$7 5Anna, :'m sorry : lied o you in >egas$ : 's my "aul as much as yours we go o"" o a bad s ar $7 !he hough abou he (ob #ossibili y in /eorgia$ Then he began s ro)ing her hair and )issing her brow, and she clung o him e&en igh er$ Fourteen C onnor ensed as he wa ched Terence and Abby crowd Anna$ A leas she was in he room his ime$ ! ill, he didn' li)e he way her eyes burned oo brigh ly in her hin, e hereal "ace and dar ed oward he door$ *on' #ush$ /i&e her room, s#ace$ Connor ho#ed ha he dinner onigh would go well$ !o much was a s a)e$ He wan ed one hing. o wa)e u# e&ery morning "or he res o" his li"e wi h Anna's so" , warm body wra##ed in his, wi h his daugh er in her room down he hall$ %u no ma er how hard he'd ried hese #as "ew days o win Anna o&er, he s ill didn' "eel sure o" her$ :" only she'd connec o her "amily onigh $ Maybe hen she'd decide o loo) o he "u ure$ Much as Connor wan ed he e&ening o succeed, no sooner had Connor o#ened he door han Terence and Abby had #ounced on Anna, who now s ood mu e as a mesqui e s um# as she clu ched Taylor oo igh ly$ Then Caesar oddled in o he grea room ins#ec ing hings, and ,eo chased a" er him, s anding guard$ 5: lo&e your dress,7 Abby was saying oo anima edly o Anna$ 5-eah, you loo) grea ,7 Terence, Anna's "a her, agreed, loo)ing anywhere bu a Anna$ 58e couldn' belie&e i when we heard Connor had "ound you$ And Taylor,7 Abby said$ 5!he's so beau i"ul, by he way$7 8hen Abby "ingered he hem o" Taylor's smoc)ed dress, Taylor closed her eyes and shyly buried her "ace agains her mo her's nec)$ 5!ome imes she does his wi h s rangers when she's ired,7 Anna said, glancing a Connor again$ 5!he hin)s i" she shu s her eyes, hey'll &anish$7 58e're no s rangers, li le darling,7 Abby said$ 58e me you las wee)$ :'m your aun Abby$7 5How abou drin)s47 Connor said, ho#ing liquor would ease some o" he ension$ 8hen nobody re#lied, he sei3ed Anna by he elbow$ =shering her in o he grea room where ,eo had already disa##eared along wi h Caesar, he o hers had no choice bu o "ollow$ %ig mis a)e$ Maybe he room wi h i s large, masculine, lea her couches and i s o&erbearing an ler chandelier was #er"ec "or large ga herings, bu i was horrible "or his ense li le crowd$ ,ong shadows looming agains he walls and he &as s#aces made i oo easy "or Anna and Terence o hide$ 5,adies, wha will you ha&e47 Connor as)ed cheerily$ 58a er,7 Anna mumbled, no loo)ing a him$ 5Me, oo,7 Abby said$ 58i h ice,7 Anna whis#ered in a los , quie &oice$ 5-es, lo s o" ice,7 Abby agreed wi h "alse gaie y$ As i" anybody in heir "ro3en grou# needed ice$ Hel# me here, #eo#le6 Connor hough $ Anna oo) her drin) and curled u# a one end o" an o&ersi3e couch$ Ta)ing he hin , Abby sa a he o her end$ Anna se her drin) down and hen le Taylor wiggle o he ground$ Ca ching Anna's uneasy mood, Abby's mou h igh ened$ Then she "orced a smile and s ared down a her niece$ 5!he's so cu e,7 Abby said$ 5How many ee h47 5One$7 Anna loo)ed away$ 5Maybe wo, soon$7 Abby couldn' seem o hin) o" any hing else o say, so he wo sis ers (us sa here, unsure o" each o her$ : was going o a)e a lo o" lo&e and #a ience and ime o sor i all ou $ The sun mus ha&e come ou "rom behind a cloud because suddenly a brigh , amber beam slashed downward "rom he high windows abo&e he s aircase and li u# Connor's #ri3ed minia ure ! euben ,onghorn$ Caesar's eyes brigh ened$ 8i h a (oyous yel#, ,eo's blac)9haired re#lica waddled oward he s#ar)ling crys al cow on he co""ee able$ *id all )ids run be"ore hey could wal)4 Or was his ne#hew he only one who was hell on wheels4 8ould Taylor a)e a" er him4 Connor wan ed hem o )now each o her, o #lay oge her$ 5No, young man6 Tha is no a oy67 !miling a Anna be"ore dashing o he rescue, Abby sna ched he li le cow a nanosecond be"ore Caesar's small, chubby "ingers could ouch i $ 5No67 she re#ea ed in a s erner one, handing he cow o Anna$ Caesar's mou h droo#ed$ He was #rone o "i s when crossed$ 8i h a low growl, he hrew himsel" on he "loor$ Connor "ough o su##ress a smile$ 5*oes he a)e a" er his s ubborn "a her, or wha 47 5Or maybe his uncle,7 ,eo said$ Caesar growled again$ 5No, sir6 -oung man, you are no o ma)e ha sound o your mo her67 Abby chided$ Caesar's bo om li# #ro ruded a a dangerous angle$ +or una ely, Taylor shrie)ed and cla##ed wi h such admira ion a his an ics ha his need "or a an rum diminished$

Pleased o "ind himsel" wi h an arden "an, he beamed$ ! anding u#, he ran o&er o her$ Mimic)ing his mo her, he shou ed, 5No67 Taylor, who was warming u# e&en i" her mo her wasn' , smiled and cla##ed$ 5Care"ul$ -our cousin's li le,7 ,eo said as he oo) Caesar's hand and led him away$ 5Tawor,7 Caesar said, #ulling his hand loose "rom his "a her's and cla##ing$ Caesar was in o #a y9ca)e big9 ime$ Chor ling, Taylor began o cla#, oo$ /rinning "rom ear o ear, Caesar s ru ed u# o each adul , and soon he had e&erybody cla##ing and saying #a y9ca)e$ Than) /od "or babies6 : was im#ossible o ignore he li le clowns$ 5: won' be long be"ore you wo will ha&e o child#roo" he house,7 Abby said$ Connor nodded$ 5: ho#e so$7 Anna "rowned and re"used o mee his eyes$ 5Hey, did you no ice : go he new "ence u# along he nor h #as ure47 ,eo as)ed$ The sudden &ibra ion in his #oc)e again made Connor ense$ E&en hough he ignored i , he )new he'd be er re urn he call as soon as he could$ 5: as)ed you wha you hough abou he new "ence,7 ,eo re#ea ed$ 5!orry;er; han)s$ How much do : owe you47 Connor as)ed$ 5Our neighbor #aid hal", so a "our h$ :'ll e9mail you abou i $7 5/rea ,7 Connor said$ 8hy couldn' Anna say some hing4 8hy did she (us si here huddled a her end o" his big couch4 Hey, she hasn' run$ This is #rogress$ ! ill, her hands were #laying wi h he "olds in her s)ir un il she loo)ed u# and saw him wa ching her$ /lancing down, she )no ed her "ingers in her la#$ Connor s ood$ 5Can : ge anybody ano her drin) be"ore dinner47 Their ice cubes clin)ing, Terence and ,eo held u# heir glasses$ Connor slugged he las o" his drin)$ /rea $ The women were ignoring heir wa er while he men slammed down !co ch$ Connor o#ened his cell #hone and saw /uerra had called him, so he re urned he call$ 8hen he hung u#, ,eo, who'd been lis ening, as)ed him abou he *ra)e )idna##ing$ 5!o, where do you hin) he is47 58e don' ha&e many leads$7 5His "amily mus be going cra3y;li)e we did,7 Terence said$ 5: remember how i ea s away a you$ -ou "eel so hel#less$ -ou blame yoursel"$ No ma er where you are, you ne&er "orge $7 A glass sha ered on he !al illo "loor$ 5!orry, Connor,7 Anna whis#ered$ 5: 's o)ay,7 he said, rushing o her side$ 5Are you o)ay47 5Memories,7 she whis#ered$ 5They )ee# coming$ E&er since : saw Abby oday$7 5,eo, wa ch Caesar while : ge he glass u#,7 Abby said$ 5-ou wan o )now wha ha##ened o me;$7 A Anna's hushed one, e&erybody "ro3e$ 58ell, : don' )now because : don' remember much$ A whi e &an;being scared;wan ing o ge away and hide$ +eeling los and "orgo en;li)e : didn' ma er anymore$7 5*ear /od67 Terence hundered$ 5: 's o&er$ -ou're sa"e wi h us now,7 Abby said$ Terence se his drin) down and wal)ed o&er o Anna$ 5-ou ma er, %ec)y$ -ou ma er$ : hin) :'&e been hiding, oo,7 Terence said$ 5Maybe now ha : )now you're ali&e, : can s o#$7 Connor oo) a s e# bac)ward so "a her and daugh er could be oge her$ !lowly, Terence's arms came around Anna$ !he didn' #u her arms around her "a her, bu i was enough$ Terence's mo&emen s were shy and aw)ward as he began #a ing her hair$ 5-ou smell he same,7 Anna murmured in a shy, los &oice$ 5A leas , some hing's he same$7 5Cigare es,7 he mu ered$ 5!orry abou ha $ Hardes habi in he world o brea)$7 5: remember you because o" heir smell$ *on' e&er qui $7 5: won' ell my doc or you said ha $7 5*addy67 Abby #ro es ed, bu wi h a new ligh , easing no e in her &oice$ 5-ou did #romise me and your doc or you'd ry o qui again$7 Anna ac ually smiled$ 5Two daugh ers, each elling me some hing di""eren $ !ome hings ne&er change$ *o you remember how you used o bic)er abou e&ery hing47 Anna smiled, as i" she were remembering ha##ier imes when her only #roblem had been com#e ing wi h her win o win heir #aren s' a""ec ion$ 5:" : go a % on a #a#er and Abby go a %H, :'d a le on her and ell you abou some hing else she'd done wrong$7 5Then she'd ell one on you$7 Abby laughed$ !uddenly Anna loo)ed ired "rom he e""or o" sociali3ing$

5Excuse me,7 she said be"ore she re rea ed down he hall$ 8an ing o ma)e sure she was all righ , Connor caugh u# o her in he mas er bedroom$ 5How's i going47 5: 's hard;remembering how i was wi h my "amily and ye "eeling li)e : barely )now hem$7 5-ou're doing grea $7 5Am :4 Or are you (us saying ha because you wan o belie&e i 47 He caugh her chin, li" ing her head so she'd ha&e o mee his eyes$ 5:'m rying o show you ha you could ha&e a li"e here wi h hem$ 8i h me$ They lo&e you$ And Taylor$ : care abou you, oo$7 5*o you4 *on' you e&er "eel as ra##ed as : do4 *on' you47 8hen his ex#ression dar)ened and he urned on his heel o re(oin he o hers, she regre ed her harsh words$ %u i was oo la e o a)e hem bac)$ +or he res o" he e&ening he was #oli e o her in "ron o" he o hers$ %u as he hour grew la er and his eyes ne&er sough hers, when she sensed he was delibera ely dis ancing himsel" "rom her, she began o wish she'd handled hings di""eren ly$ !he ha ed ma)ing him miserable$ 8ha was she going o do o ma)e hings be er4 Fifteen T he e&ening "el in erminable$ Anna's head was #ounding as she s ood beside Connor a heir "ron door$ 8hy couldn' her "a her (us lea&e li)e e&erybody else4 5/oodbye,7 she whis#ered, #ushing he door wider in he ho#e ha Terence would "inally a)e he hin $ %u he (us s ood here, his hear in his roubled ga3e as he s udied her$ 5:'m sorry$ : really do ha&e a headache,7 she said$ =nable o hin) abou his needs or Connor's a second longer, Anna raced o"" o he mas er bedroom, lea&ing Connor o see Terence ou and loc) u#$ !he ha ed being rude or cruel, bu she "el sic) "rom s rain$ 5*inner wen be er han : ex#ec ed,7 Connor said when he (oined her a "ew minu es la er$ 5Things were a li le ense a "irs , bu ;7 %lindly, she nodded as she swallowed an as#irin wi h wa er$ 5: really don' wan o al) abou i $7 Turning her bac) on him, she sa down a her dressing able and began o s ruggle wi h he clas# o" her nec)lace$ 8hen her hands began o sha)e, he wal)ed u# behind her$ 5Need some hel#47 !he didn' wan his hough "ulness, and when his warm "ingers se led #ossessi&ely a her na#e, she "ough he warm quic)ening o" her #ulse$ :n no ime he had he nec)lace undone and was #lacing i on he coun er o#$ 5-ou're aw"ully quie ,7 he said$ 5Am :4 !orry67 All nigh she'd "el li)e she was being #ulled in wo$ %y hem$ %y him$ %y heir ex#ec a ions$ 5Can we #lease (us no al) anymore4 Abou any o" i 47 He nodded$ 8ha she wan ed was o ge in o bed, #ull u# he shee s and be s ill and quie $ No ha ,eo and Abby and Terence weren' nice, because hey were$ And she'd "el in ensely drawn o hem$ %u hey ex#ec ed her o be heir sis er and daugh er, and she s ill didn' )now i" she e&er could be$ Maybe i was oo la e "or hem e&er o be a "amily again$ Maybe i" she wen away, hey'd all be ha##ier in he end. including Connor$ 8ha she wan ed now was he no hingness ha a dreamless slee# could bring$ Maybe in he morning she would )now wha o do$ 8hen Connor quic)ly )issed her em#le, his li#s were oo warm$ They aroused oo many unwan ed longings$ !he (er)ed "ree o" his embrace$ 5: said : ha&e a headache$7 5Righ $7 His blue eyes dar)ened$ 5:'m sorry o hear ha ,7 he said, his one harsher$ 5Maybe :'ll lea&e you "or a while hen$ : need o ma)e some calls$7 5-our )idna##ing case47 !he shuddered$ He nodded$ 5: imagine :'ll be a while$ -ou'll be all righ 47 5:'ll be "ine,7 she lied$ 58hen : "inish my calls, do you wan me o s ay in he gues bedroom4 Tha way : won' wa)e you u# when : come o bed$7 :ns an ly, she "el hur , almos re(ec ed a his o""er o slee# alone, which was cra3y because he was gi&ing her wha she'd hough she wan ed a second ago.s#ace$ +ool$ 8ha she really wan ed was him beside her, all nigh , his arms around her.because who )new how long hey had4 5-ou're always so hough "ul,7 she said$ 5: )now you're ired, so :'ll chec) on Taylor "or you be"ore : ge on he #hone$7 5!wee ,7 she whis#ered, s ruggling o hide her des#era ion$ He smiled, "lashing ha beau i"ul smile$ ! raigh whi e ee h$ >irile masculini y$ Tinged wi h whi e9ho , all9consuming desire "or her$ As always he &i al, male emo ion behind his smile heigh ened her con"lic ing "eelings "or him$ He wan ed her, and she'd old him she #re"erred o slee# alone$ 8hen he urned o go, he "ierce need ha welled u# inside her as he swaggered down he hall almos made her call him bac)$

5*on' go,7 she whis#ered, bu oo so" ly "or him o hear$ He'd been so nice, su##or ing her, #lanning e&ery hing, execu ing his #lan #er"ec ly$ He'd s ayed a her side all e&ening, #laying heir #er"ec hos , smoo hing hings o&er e&en a" er heir quarrel in he bedroom$ He'd e&en #romised o hel# her "inish cleaning u# in he )i chen omorrow$ Her hear wis ed$ :n he morning, maybe she'd "eel s rong enough o "igure ou wha she had o do$ +lashes o" ligh in be ween bou s o" su""oca ing dar)ness li u# he man's horrible, scarred "ace$ His hin li#s were cruel$ His narrow, cur&ed nose was more li)e a bea) han any human's nose$ And his eyes, which s ared s raigh hrough her, shone wi h an unna ural, reddish ligh , and seemed dead a he cen er$ 5Naugh y girl67 he growled$ 5-ou oo) o"" your blind"old6 -ou )now wha ha means.you'&e seen me$ Now : can ne&er le you go67 !he wo)e u# alone.screaming, he sound mu""led by her #illow$ More bad memories hi her$ Headligh s on he wrong side o" he road$ A (arring crash$ The &an on i s side$ !he remembered crawling ou o" i and running$ A ruc) had s o##ed$ :n he con"usion, she'd climbed in o he bed and had co&ered hersel" wi h a ar#$ 8hen he engine s ar ed she'd "allen aslee#$ 8hen he ruc) had s o##ed hours la er, she'd climbed ou and had run in o he woods$ Her nex memory was o" being held in !is er Aa e's arms$ : remember, she hough $ :n a "lash, Anna was ou o" bed, her bare "ee running down he hall o he gues bedroom where she ho#ed Connor lay aslee#$ !he was on he &erge o" #ushing his door o#en and rushing o him, when she s o##ed hersel"$ Connor had "orced her o resume heir rela ionshi#$ !he couldn' )ee# running o Connor ex#ec ing him o sa&e her, and hen #ushing him away$ !he had o decide wha she wan ed o do wi h he res o" her li"e, and maybe she would only be able o do ha on her own$ Maybe i would be bes i" she le" him "or a while$ Maybe she should lea&e Taylor, oo$ !he wal)ed slowly down o he nursery$ Taylor was curled u#, aslee# beside her bo le$ Anna li" ed he bo le ou o" he crib$ Taylor, who s ill wasn' used o he idea o" bo les, hadn' drun) all o" i $ @uie ly Anna sang her he A%Cs$ Then soundlessly she #a ed her hands oge her and whis#ered #a y9ca)e$ !uddenly ears a he hough o" e&en a em#orary se#ara ion "illed Anna's eyes$ !he had o s e# bac) so hey wouldn' s#lash on o Taylor's downy blond hair$ 5: lo&e you,7 she whis#ered$ 5-ou )now ha , don' you4 :" Mommy goes away "or a li le while, she lo&es you$7 %u wha would Taylor hin) when she wasn' here omorrow4 Tomorrow4 No$ !he couldn' wai un il he morning$ : oo) all o" Anna's courage o square her shoulders and wal) ou o" he nursery$ Ten minu es la er, carrying a single bag and her #urse, she mo&ed silen ly bac) down he hall #as he gues room where Connor sle# $ !he #aused "or a long momen $ Then wi h a leaden hear , she i# oed oward he )i chen and sli##ed quie ly ou o" he bac) door$ : don' wan o hur you or my "amily, bu : can' s ay here righ now$ : need ime o mysel" o hin)$ Maybe : wan a di&orce$ One way or he o her, :'ll call you in a "ew wee)s so we can sor ou wha o do abou Taylor$ Anna Cursing silen ly, Connor ore he no e in o #ieces$ He #ic)ed u# he #hone and dialed Abby, because he couldn' hin) o" anybody else he could rus wi h Taylor while he deal wi h he *ra)e si ua ion$ *on' hin) abou Anna$ 5One more s e#$ <us one more,7 Connor mumbled encouragingly, as he and wo o" his men dragged a shi&ering ,arry *ra)e ou o" he las igh hole in he ca&e$ Al hough no as icy as Michael's 8ell, which was loca ed in he lower chamber o" he ca&e, his larger, limes one chamber s ill "el cold$ Maybe ha was because Connor and *ra)e were bo h dri##ing we "rom ha&ing been in he well oo long$ Connor's ee h cha ered$ : had a)en him wo hours o descend in o he igh , sli##ery hell and climb bac) ou $ *ra)e, who was #robably in a s a e o" shoc), was so wea) he could barely s umble "orward$ 5Almos here67 Connor said$ Then hey s aggered ou o" he ca&e's o#ening$ A series o" )aleidosco#e "lashes and sounds blinded and dea"ened him$ A" er he o al blac)ness o" *ra)e's wa ery gra&e, he hill coun ry sunligh was glorious da33le$ The exhilara ed crowd a he o# raised beer cans, cheering$ A woman screamed (oyously$ 5,arry67 Connor oo) a dee# brea h o" he swee , (uni#er9scen ed air$ E&er since Anna's de#ar ure he'd been racing agains ime o "ind *ra)e$ Now ha he ordeal was nearly o&er, Connor suddenly "el on he edge o" colla#se$ He wan ed o go home o Anna, o hold her close, bu she wasn' here$ ,eigh *ra)e hurled hersel" a Connor$ Cu##ing his "ace in her hands, she )issed him on bo h chee)s$ 5Than) you67 !obbing, she launched hersel" a her husband, who o##led o he ground in her arms$ 8hen she reali3ed how wea) he was, her ears rained harder, and she clung e&en igh er$ 8hen cameramen rushed "orward, Connor s e##ed in "ron o" hem, #ro ec ing he *ra)es$ 5/i&e hem a brea), why don' you47 +or a minu e longer Connor wa ched hem hug and )iss again, wishing he had a wi"e who wan ed him hal" ha much$ Then a re#or er grabbed his arm and sho&ed a micro#hone in his "ace$

5How'd you )now i was <e""erson, he wa chman who go "ired "or drin)ing on he (ob47 58e go luc)y$7 His men had in er&iewed do3ens o" em#loyees$ /uerra had al)ed o Mrs$ <e""erson, since <e""erson couldn' be loca ed$ !he'd ner&ously old Craig abou <e""erson's "ondness "or s#elun)ing and di&ing in Michael's 8ell$ Connor had #layed a long sho $ 5How'd you "igure ou *ra)e was handcu""ed a he bo om o" Michael's 8ell47 %ubbles$ 5+inding *ra)e was no hing shor o" a miracle,7 Connor said$ 5He had wo minu es o" air le" $7 Connor urned away, ending he in er&iew$ He sna##ed his #hone o#en o call Anna be"ore i hi him again.hard$ !he was gone$ Maybe she was di&orcing him$ Maybe no $ /od hadn' gi&en him a miracle where she was concerned$ Sixteen Three days la er Hous on, Texas T wis ing her head, Taylor was "igh ing he ni##le o" he bo le as Connor roc)ed her in he #in) nursery, which now brimmed wi h s u""ed bears and all sor s o" neon9colored, ba ery9o#era ed oys$ The al)ing oys had loud &oices and sang all sor s o" cheerily obnoxious songs li)e he A%Cs and 5Twin)le, Twin)le, ,i le ! ar$7 Connor )new he'd bough way oo many oys, bu he wan ed o console Taylor$ Connor wiggled he bo le$ 5: )now i 's no Mommy, bu hey, i 's "ood, honey,7 he #leaded wearily$ He wasn' as #a ien as Anna, and he "el sorry "or Taylor$ He didn' blame her "or being "urious a him because Anna had le" hem$ Hell, maybe i was his "aul $ Taylor's de"ian blue eyes glared u# a him as i" she were begging him o sol&e heir errible #roblem$ %u when all he did was #o)e her bo om li# wi h ha nas y ni##le, causing a dro# o" he aw"ul "ormula o #earl here, her brows sho oge her angrily and she mashed her "ace in o his shoulder$ 8hen she "inally came u# "or air, she oo) a snea) #ee) a him$ !ince Anna was nowhere in sigh , Taylor "is ed her hands and s ar ed )ic)ing$ !oon, she began o )ic) harder and yell$ 5Mamamamama;7 5: )now, baby$ !he le" me, oo$7 A lum# "ormed in his hroa as ho#elessness warred wi h his bi er male #ride$ No ma er how bad his go , no ma er how sorry he "el "or Taylor, he would no go a" er Anna$ How he hell could she ha&e le" heir daugh er, e&en "or a li le while4 Abby and Terence wan ed him o search "or her, bu he wouldn' $ Maybe i was her urn o call he sho s$ :" she wan ed ou , he'd le her ou $ He lo&ed her$ !he wouldn' wan o hear ha , so he wouldn' ell her when she called, bu he did$ !he would s ay in his hear "ore&er$ E&en so, she lac)ed some essen ial s reng h he had o ha&e in his ma e. he gri o s ic) i ou hrough hic) and hin$ He dreaded her call$ He ha ed he hough o" hashing ou cus ody arrangemen s and a di&orce se lemen , o" di&iding Taylor be ween hem, bu she wouldn' be he "irs child who had o deal wi h di&orce$ As i" Taylor read he s ubborn se o" his mind, she arched her bac) and began o )ic) a his ches and scream$ He se he bo le down on he "loor beside he roc)er and s ood u#$ 5Here we go again$7 ,i" ing Taylor o his shoulder he began o #ace$ :" any hing, ha (us made Taylor madder$ He #ic)ed u# eddy bears, showed her color"ul #ic ures on he wall, #layed her mobile, bounced a ball, made a oy duc) squea)$ Taylor, who was no amused, yelled a him so loudly and urned so red and go so ho , he was a"raid she migh ru# ure some hing$ 8ho )new ha a)ing care o" a small baby could be so erri"ying4 He sighed in weary des#era ion$ : loo)ed li)e he was in "or ano her hellish nigh $ !he'd been inconsolable he "irs wo$ %o h nigh s she hadn' cried hersel" in o a o al s a e o" exhaus ion un il around IE11 a$m$ He s ro)ed Taylor's "ine, glossy curls, which he'd ac ually washed and dried all by himsel" wo hours earlier wi hou brea)ing her$ Then he sa hem bac) down and o""ered her he bo le again$ 5Please ea $ : don' wan you o s ar&e$7 !he "is ed her hands and hen ba ed he bo le so hard i "ell and rolled across he "loor$ More ears s#illed down her #ur#le chee)s$ Then Taylor began o ma)e "urious, ruly "righ ening, s rangling sounds$ 5: 's o)ay,7 he whis#ered$ 5: 's o)ay$7 %u i wasn' , and maybe i wouldn' e&er really be o)ay again$ 58hy didn' anybody e&er ell me ha #u ing a dia#er on a screaming )id is worse han branding a s eer47 Connor said$ A leas six ruined dis#osable dia#ers and orn #ieces wi h a#e lay in a wadded hea# by he dia#er #ail$ 58ha we need here is a roll o" duc a#e,7 ,eo eased$ 5And a lo more #a ience$7 A he sound o" her uncle's &oice, Taylor cried e&en harder and )ic)ed more "uriously$ /en ly, Connor li" ed her legs and slid he se&en h dia#er undernea h her bo om$

5This isn' wor)ing, you )now,7 ,eo said in his CEO one ha broo)ed no argumen $ 5-ou can' run your com#any and #lay su#erdaddy J2KG$ -ou're way ou o" your league here$7 5-ou're elling me$7 5-ou'&e go o go a" er Anna$7 The a#e ore o"" he dia#er$ 5Hell,7 Connor said$ 5: (us wro e an ad "or a nanny$7 5Here6 /i&e me ha #iece o" a#e6 -ou're no su##osed o a#e he damn hing o her6 No wonder she won' s o# crying$7 5!he was wiggling$7 5They always wiggle$ Mo&e6 ,e an ex#er a)e o&er67 *e" ly ,eo nudged his bro her aside$ Once he'd a#ed he dia#er correc ly, he s e##ed bac), eyeing he dia#er and hen Connor rium#han ly$ Connor o#ened he dia#er #ail and #i ched he dir y one in i $ :mmedia ely a ran) odor #er"umed he #in) nursery$ 8rin)ling his nose, Connor swe# Taylor in o his arms and began bouncing her, which quie ed her "or he momen $ 5Man, ha hing is "oul6 -ou'&e go o go a" er Anna and wor) some hing ou $7 5: ried e&ery ric) : )now o Dwor) some hing ou ,' as you #u i , when she was here$ No hing wor)ed$7 5E&ery ric) bu ime$ !he wasn' here ha long$7 5,oo), big, )now9i 9all, bossy9as9hell bro her$ -ou hired me o "ind her$ : "ound her$ !he ran o"" and )e# my )id "rom me$ : "ound her again$ Now she's le" again$ Maybe "or good$ : hin) i 's ime : mo&ed on wi h my li"e$7 5!he's con"used$7 5No$ : hin) she wan s a di&orce$ : hin) i 's ime : ga&e u# on Anna %ar on$ O)ay4 ,e 's lea&e i a ha $7 5Tha 's cruel$7 5!ome imes, li"e's cruel and ca#ricious$ And so is lo&e$ And you )now, some imes here's no a damn hing we can do abou hose hings e&en i" we wan o$ !o, maybe : don' li)e his si ua ion o" being a single dad all ha much, bu :'ll ge hrough i $ 8hen ,inda died and hen : "ound ou she'd been #regnan , all : wan ed was ano her chance$ : hough Anna was ha chance$ : was wrong$7 58ha abou Taylor47 5!he's e&ery hing o me now$ : won' )id you, i ears me u# when she s ar s crying and won' s o#, and : )now she wan s Anna$ %u his is Anna's choice$7 5Can : say one more hing47 5As long as i 's no abou Anna and me$7 5Terence says he's willing o ry o hel# ou wi h he baby un il you can hire someone$ !aid he'll ry his hand a babysi ing$ :'d ma)e sure he )id's na##ing and doesn' need her dia#er changed i" : were you he "irs ime he shows u#$7 Connor laughed$ 5Tell him any ime$ :'m des#era e$7 Taylor laughed, oo$ Then she grabbed her daddy's nose and said, 5Mamama;7 Holding Taylor, Connor #oin ed o he red bands o" clouds s rea)ing he blue s)y ha bla3ed abo&e he ree o#s in he s rangely serene Hous on s)y$ A &ery bad9 em#ered s orm named <anice had (us whirled in o he /ul" o" Mexico and was heading s raigh "or he Texas coas $ Maybe "or Hous on$ 5Clouds,7 he said, re"erring o he "irs s orm bands ha were a harbinger o" "ar worse$ 5Mamama,7 Taylor cried, #a ing his car&ed "ace rus ingly wi h her so" , #in) "ingers$ 5No, my li le darling.dadada,7 he correc ed$ 5!orry o ell you, Hurricane <anice is going o be ra ling our doors, no your #re y mama$7 8hen he squee3ed her igh ly and )issed her loudly on her rounded belly, she ouched his chee) again and giggled$ +or he "irs ime since Anna had le" hem, she'd sle# #eace"ully las nigh $ 58e'll ge here, baby girl,7 he whis#ered$ 5Toge her$7 E&en his la e in he a" ernoon he air was so ho and ominous, he "el as i" he were smo hering$ He hadn' ye decided whe her o lea&e or o go$ %y he ime i was clear wha #eo#le should do i would be oo la e$ E&erybody in he damn ci y would ho# in his car a he same ime and (am he e&acua ion rou es o he nor h$ Connor wasn' sure he could handle wen y9 "our hours or more on he road alone wi h a baby o ra&el o a des ina ion ha normally oo) hree$ The nannies he'd hired had le" his morning wi h heir own "amilies o a&oid he ra""ic$ As he headed in o his shadowy bac)yard, chainsaws roared high abo&e him in his all #ine rees$ He'd hired a wo9 man crew, and hey were in harnesses cu ing ou he dead limbs so hey wouldn' "all on he roo"$ His boo s crunching in o he #ine needles and #inecones, he s rode o&er o chec) on he men a aching his s orm shu ers$ :n he #as he'd a)en care o" such as)s himsel", bu since he nannies had e&acua ed o Aus in, Taylor was his o# #riori y$ +or una ely, <anice was #redic ed o hi he coas a hundred miles o he sou h$ ! ill, he (e s ream and he "irs nor her o" he year (us migh #ush he s orm o he nor h i" i he hurricane s#ed u#$ And once in he o#en gul", big s orms "requen ly #u he #edal o he me al$ Connor re urned o his "ron yard (us as a whi e ,incoln #ulled o&er o he curb$ Abby wa&ed, go ou in a "lurry o" blue s)ir s and s#rin ed u# he lawn o hem$ Anowing oo well wha she and he res o" Anna's "amily wan ed, he "rowned$ 5-ou )now :'&e hired #eo#le o "ind Anna again,7 she said$

5: old you$ !he's going o call$ %u i 's your choice,7 he re#lied shor ly$ 5They'&e had no luc)$7 5Ob&iously she doesn' wan o be "ound ye $7 5:'&e come here o beg you o hel# us$7 +or a long momen hey (us s ood here oge her, each o" hem loo)ing a he hic)ening swirls o" "ire high in he s)y ins ead o" each o her$ 5,oo),7 he said, 5:'m sorry you los your sis er$ : )now how close you wo used o be$ !he'll call you one day$7 5: )now$7 !he brushed Taylor's so" chee), and Taylor cooed "lir a iously$ 5/uess :'d be er go,7 Abby said$ 8hen Abby urned and headed o her car, Taylor "is ed her chubby hands and cried, 5Mamamama$7 5-ou could ha&e gone all nigh wi hou doing ha , baby girl,7 he whis#ered$ 5-ou're (us li)e your mama, aren' you, de ermined o ear my hear ou $7 :n s#i e o" himsel", he smiled$ Carroll on, /eorgia 8as here any hing worse han o wa)e u# a JE11 a$m$ "rom a nigh mare in he middle o" a s ormy nigh alone, wan ing your husband o hold you, only o reali3e your wa)ing reali y was worse han any nigh mare4 :n Anna's dream, some hing was chasing her hrough a dar), "righ ening "ores $ !he'd heard crashing sounds righ behind her$ !uddenly, she'd seen all whi e walls, and a ga e had o#ened$ Only Connor, no !is er Aa e, had been s anding here wi h his arms held wide$ He'd smiled his beau i"ul, welcoming smile$ !he'd called o him, bu his smile had died$ And his dar)ly handsome "ace had dissol&ed in o no hingness$ !he ached o be in his arms, bu she was all alone$ Connor wasn' coming o sa&e her e&er again$ And i was her "aul $ The rain ha slashed he windows o" Anna's grubby s udio a#ar men in /eorgia had no hing o do wi h he hurricane #ounding in "araway Texas, which she'd been rac)ing "or days$ Clu ching her hin shee s o her hroa , Anna sa u# on her secondhand air ma ress ha had lea)ed air so badly she needed o blow i u# again$ !he urned on he lam# beside her ma ress and hen her iny T>$ %a hed in a circle o" golden ligh and com"or ed by he "lic)ering #ic ures o" he hurricane co&erage on he 8ea her Channel, she "el marginally calmer$ :" a rela i&ely small s orm could be his bad, she "el des#era e o )now wha was ha##ening o Taylor and Connor bac) in Texas$ !he'd ried o call earlier, bu Connor hadn' answered any o" his #hones$ +or he res o" he day she'd wa ched he 8ea her Channel in earnes $ Hurricane <anice had screamed on o /al&es on :sland, des roying e&ery hing in i s #a h, and was now barreling nor h9nor hwes oward Hous on$ !he hadn' been able o learn all ha much because he re#or ers riding ou he s orm were ra##ed and isola ed hemsel&es, and he same s oc) "oo age o" #ar)ing lo s and blowing #alm rees loo#ed endlessly$ Had her "amily "el li)e his when hey'd los her4 Too la e, she reali3ed she didn' wan a di&orce$ No ma er how ris)y lo&e was, being alone li)e his hur more$ No longer was she an inde#enden , se#ara e human being$ Maybe she'd had o ge away o )now how much Connor had become #ar o" her$ %u be"ore hese hough s and emo ions had gelled, he hurricane had barreled in o he /ul"$ 8ould Connor wan her bac)4 !he didn' )now$ All she )new was ha he hough o" an em# y "u ure wi hou him scared her a lo more han any hing else e&er had$ !he wan ed Connor's lo&e and "orgi&eness$ !he wan ed o be a mo her and wa ch heir child grow u# oge her$ :" he would a)e her bac), she would show him in a million ways how much she lo&ed him e&ery day "or he res o" her li"e$ Mornings and a" ernoons when she loo)ed a" er Mr$ <anasa), who had Al3heimer's, she could hardly "ocus on her du ies$ He ne&er remembered who she was or why she was here, bu she was e&en more "orge "ul han he was$ 8hen he was slow or as)ed her he same ques ion do3ens o" imes, she "el angry and im#a ien because all she could hin) abou was Connor and Taylor$ Mr$ <anasa) deser&ed someone who could concen ra e solely on him$ Now, no )nowing i" her "amily was sa"e made her reali3e ha she couldn' li&e by hersel" ano her second$ A rans"ormer blew, and her lam#, her iny ele&ision and he s ree ligh s ou side wen ou $ 8i h a s ar led cry, she crawled across he dar)ened room o her #urse$ !ha)ing i s con en s on o he hardwood "loor, she grabbed her cell #hone and #unched in Connor's Hous on number again$ 8hen i rang and rang, her "ingers igh ened #ain"ully$ +inally he answered$ 5This is Connor$7 5Than) /od,7 she whis#ered$ There was a lo o" s a ic$ !he heard some hing banging and a baby crying$ 5Connor, is ha Taylor4 :s she o)ay47 5!he's all righ $7 His &oice was so cold, Anna )new he'd )nown her ins an ly$ 5: miss her;so much$7 5: 's JE11 a$m$,7 he said$ 58ha he hell do you wan 4 This is no ime o discuss our di&orce$7 58hy is she crying47 5: as)ed you wha you wan ed$7 5No a di&orce$ : was wrong;so wrong$ : was wa ching he s orm and "eeling so "ar away "rom you and Taylor and e&erybody : lo&e$ : lo&e you, Connor$7 5+or how long his ime47

5+ore&er$7 5Righ $ And :'m su##osed o belie&e you$7 5Please.7 58here he hell are you, anyway47 5All :'m as)ing "or is ano her chance$7 5Tha 's a hellu&a lo , swee hear $7 /lass sha ered in he bac)ground$ Taylor shrie)ed$ 58ha ha##ened47 Anna screamed, "eeling "ain wi h error$ 5A ree, maybe$ 8a er's #ouring inside now$7 Connor cursed &i&idly$ 5: sounds li)e a rain ou here$ ,oo), : go a.7 The line abru# ly wen dead$ !he ried calling bac), bu go a message saying all he circui s were busy$ +ran ically, she called again and again. un il her cell #hone ran ou o" #ower$ Then she (us sa in he dar) and #rayed while he rain bea agains her window and /od9 )new9wha was ha##ening o her husband and baby girl bac) in Texas$ All he signs on he :n ers a e be ween /eorgia and Texas old mo oris s o s ay clear o" he Hous on area$ Radio newscas ers warned ha due o #ower ou ages and downed rees, nobody was being allowed in or ou o" Hous on$ Anna had o "ind a way$ !he had o ge o Connor and Taylor$ : was dar) when she "inally dro&e #as Hous on's ci y limi s sign on :901$ !he was exhaus ed$ !he'd dri&en o&er wen y9"our hours s raigh , and since she couldn' reach Connor by #hone, she was ner&ous abou wha she migh "ind, as well$ !he urned o"" he "reeway on o he boule&ard ha led o Connor's neighborhood and saw a large o""icer and his #olice car bloc)ing he road$ As her "oo hi he bra)e, she "rowned$ %i ing her li#, she rolled her window down$ The o""icer smiled and as)ed "or her dri&er's license$ He barely glanced a i be"ore handing i bac) o her$ 5: can' le you hrough$ -ou're no "rom around here$7 5%u : am67 Anna re#lied$ His hic) (aw hardening, he leaned down and #eered in o her Toyo a$ 5No according o your dri&er's license, you're no $7 5Tha 's because : used o li&e in ,ouisiana$7 He was loo)ing a her wi h cold, hard eyes$ !he couldn' le him s o# her$ !he had o ge home o Connor$ 5Really, : (us li&e abou a mile down his road$ My li le girl and husband will be scared o dea h i" : don' show u#$7 He shoo) his head$ 5!orry$ 8e'&e go a cur"ew and orders no o le anyone in o Hous on$ A ornado oo) ou a house or wo down ha road$ -ou'll ha&e o urn around$7 A ornado$ 5%u :'&e dri&en day and nigh all he way "rom /eorgia$ -ou don' unders and$ : ha&e o ge bac) o my "amily$ :'&e been gone a long ime$ 8ay oo long$7 5: didn' ma)e his decision$ The mayor did$ The ci y doesn' ha&e wa er or #ower or #assable roads or e&en much gasoline$ <us ge bac) on he in ers a e$7 5%u my "amily needs me$ And : need o )now ha hey're all righ $ Please;7 5!orry$7 !ha)ing his head, he s ood u# and mo ioned o he nex car$ There was no hing "or her o do bu o urn around$ Her whi e9)nuc)led hands s#un he wheel obedien ly$ !he was hal"way hrough he urn, when he big co# leaned inside he nex car$ ,i)e hell she'd urn around6 !he didn' really hin)$ !he (us s#un he wheel in he o##osi e direc ion and hi he gas$ +or una ely, he big co# was oo busy o do more han holler$ No ha she go &ery "ar$ Hal" a mile "rom Connor's house, a downed #ine lay across he road$ !he slammed on he bra)es$ 8i hou bo hering o remo&e he )eys, she go ou and climbed o&er he #ine and ran he res o" he way$ : was dar), and since no s ree ligh s or houseligh s were on anywhere, Connor's large home loomed hrea eningly ou o" a sea o" bro)en ree limbs$ %u a leas i was s ill in ac $ As she loo)ed closer, she saw ha i s shu ers were closed, and ha he brown wa ers o" he bayou encroached on he lawn$ A huge #ine had "allen on one corner o" he garage and had smashed a window, bu he main #ar o" he house loo)ed in ac $ Pic)ing her way hrough limbs and debris while wa ching "or sna)es, she cleared a #a h o his "ron door$ ,i" ing a slim hand, she ra##ed imidly wi h her )nuc)les$ 8hen he didn' answer, she banged wi h bo h "is s$ 5Connor67 !he was abou o gi&e u# when he door crac)ed hal" an inch$ 5Connor47 !he barely dared o brea he$ A he sigh o" her hrough ha sli , Connor's unsmiling "ace became so blan) and hard, she "el a swi" rush o" ho color "lood her nec) and "ace$ 5: had o )now i" you and Taylor made i $7 58ell, now you )now$7

!he s ood her ground$ 5: said we're "ine$7 His brows sna##ed oge her$ His mou h hinned when she s ill didn' mo&e$ 5*amn you o hell and bac)6 8e're "ine67 5Please;: dro&e all nigh $ :;: don' wan a di&orce67 His wild blue eyes #ierced her$ 58hy should : gi&e a damn47 5Please, Connor, you ha&e o a leas lis en o me$7 5No$ : don' ha&e o do any hing$ No anymore$7 He loo)ed so "urious, he #robably would ha&e slammed he door in her "ace i" she hadn' sli##ed her "oo inside$ 5:'m no lea&ing,7 she said$ 5No ill we al)$ :'ll;:'ll crawl$ :'ll beg$7 Her eyes s ung ho ly$ 5Connor, :'m so ired$ Please le me in$ : ha&en' ea en since /eorgia$ : "eel li)e i" : don' si down soon, :'ll #robably "all down$7 !he dabbed a her dam# eyes wi h hear "el emo ion$ His angry ga3e drilled in o her "or so long, she couldn' belie&e i when he o#ened he door and s ood bac)$ 58ha do you wan 47 he said$ 5: old you$ -ou$ Taylor$ +ore&er$7 5Righ $7 He caugh her o him and il ed her chin u# so he could s are direc ly in o her eyes$ His soul9searching s are made her "eel incredibly &ulnerable e&en as i made her see how na)ed and raw his own emo ions really were$ 5*on' say ha i" you don' mean i ,7 he said$ 5: can' a)e much more$7 5: swear :'ll ne&er lea&e you again$7 58ha i" you ge scared or wan o be on your own47 5: hin) :'&e changed$ : wan you and Taylor and he res o" my "amily more han any hing$ : was way more erri"ied alone in /eorgia, worrying abou you and Taylor and e&erybody else when : didn' )now wha was ha##ening o all o" you$7 5,i)e your win sis er and "a her were, worrying abou you all hose years$7 5-es$ And :'&e hough abou hem a lo $ : wan o ge o )now hem$ : can' li&e wi hou any o" you$7 5: oo) you a while o come o ha conclusion$7 5: #u mysel" in hell$ : ha&e no one o blame bu me$ Please;#lease gi&e me ano her chance$7 He smiled$ Then slowly, care"ully, he wra##ed her in his arms$ 5No, swee hear , hose bad guys #u you in hell$ 8elcome bac)$7 5Mos o" all : wan o be your wi"e,7 she said, laying her head agains he solid warm h o" his ches $ 5-ou already are$ -ou're e&ery hing;sim#ly e&ery hing o me$ And maybe you ha&e been "rom he "irs momen : saw you$ Hey, : wasn' #er"ec , ei her$ !o, :'m no going o har# on he "ac ha you #u me hrough hell his #as mon h$ Taylor, oo$ : had o learn abou babies #re y "as , wean Taylor "rom breas mil) o he bo le, hire a nanny$ Two, in "ac $ Taylor's been #re y grum#y$7 5:'ll s#end he res o" my li"e rying o ma)e ha u# o bo h o" you$ -ou sa&ed me and ga&e me enough con"idence and lo&e o s ar "igh ing "or wha : really wan $ : wan us o be a "amily$7 5: guess all ha ma ers is ha you'&e "inally "ound he courage o s o# running$7 He began o )iss her, and soon hey bo h wan ed only one hing. o be oge her$ %u "irs , carrying a candle hrough he dar) house, hey chec)ed on Taylor$ !ince she was aslee# Anna had o be con en wi h )issing her &el&e 9so" brow$ Then Connor led her down he "loa ing s airs o heir magical bedroom$ He lay down on he bed, and she began o s ri# by he ligh o" ha single candle, shedding her T9shir and (eans slowly$ 5: sa&ed a ba h ub "ull o" wa er be"ore he s orm hi ,7 he said, wa ching her breas s ha were li u# wi h "lic)ering gold$ 5!o we can wash u#, be"ore and a" er$7 5,a er,7 she said so" ly$ 5: 's been oo long$7 5!ame here,7 he ras#ed, his &oice "ull o" hunger$ !he lay down beside him and curled her body agains he warm, solid leng h o" his$ As always she "i #er"ec ly$ On a groan he #ulled her agains him, ouched his li#s o her hroa and hen o each o" her breas s$ 8i h a sigh, she raised her arms and s re ched$ !he "el sa"e$ !o bliss"ully sa"e$ And so lo&ed, e&en be"ore he began o ma)e lo&e o her$ The "righ ened li le girl who'd been )idna##ed a eigh and had been on her own e&er since had come home a las $ Then Connor was )issing Anna in earnes , and she was )issing him wi h equal abandon$ !he held her brea h when he sa u# and blew he candle ou $ 8ra##ing her in his arms again, he )issed her dee#ly$ !he "el sa"e, cherished, adored$ This is "ore&er, she hough $ Ha##ily e&er a" er$ +ore&er$ 5: lo&e you,7 she whis#ered$ 5!how me$7 !he laughed$ 58i h #leasure$7 !lowly she lowered her head and began )issing him e&erywhere$ 5-our urn,7 she begged$ He began by )issing her brow, hen her chee)s and, las o" all, her li#s$ 5Tha 's how we'll do i , you )now$ 8e'll erase he bad memories by building beau i"ul memories un il one day you'll ha&e so many beau i"ul memories, here won' be any shadows$7

He caugh her chin wi h gen le "ingers and held i s ill be"ore lowering his mou h o hers again$ 5!orry, : didn' ex#ec his$ *o you wan me o sha&e47 5No$7 Exce# "or he roughness o" his chin, his )isses were swee and ender, bu she didn' wan gen leness$ *igging her "ingers in o his broad shoulders, her ra&enous mou h de&oured his un il she had him shuddering agains her li#s, his #leasure as "ierce as hers$ !he lic)ed his ni##les and hen his belly bu on$ Raising her head again, she )issed his li#s$ He aligned himsel" o&er her$ A her brea hless urging, he gas#ed and hen eased himsel" inside her$ Their bodies "used, he held her close "or a long momen $ !he )issed he i# o" his nose, sa&oring his s#ecial ime o" soul9dee# oge herness be"ore heir #assion oo) o&er and hey los con rol$ 5Connor, : lo&e you,7 she whis#ered$ He )issed her mou h in res#onse$ Then his body #ressed close and his hands dug in o her shoulders$ !he arched u#ward, urging him o hrus dee#er$ 5Ta)e me,7 she begged$ 5:'m burning u#$ : can' hin)$ Please6 Now67 He groaned$ 5-ou're so damn beau i"ul$ /od, : missed you$ !o much$7 His li#s mo&ed o&er her "ace, down her nec) o her breas s$ Each whis#ery )iss ras#ed across her so" s)in, "looding her wi h mol en warm h$ !he o#ened hersel" o him com#le ely, )nowing ha e&en as she mo&ed agains him, en icing him wi h her mou h and hands and hi#s o go "as er and harder, he was s ill holding bac)$ 5Connor,7 she urged, sliding agains him$ His gri# around her wais igh ened$ Then he could res rain himsel" no longer$ ! raddling her, he #lunged wildly again and again$ !he wra##ed her legs around him, hugging him igh ly$ Ne&er be"ore had she gi&en hersel" so com#le ely, bo h emo ionally and #hysically$ Higher and higher hey soared, riding each o her, ex#loding, crying ou $ %rea hing hard, hey laughed when heir bodies "inally s illed$ He #ulled her close$ 58e're going o be ha##y$ !o ha##y$ : swear$7 !o" ly, she hreaded her "ingers hrough his hair$ Then she nu33led his warm s)in so she could inhale his clean, male scen $ !he ran her hand o&er his bac), narrow wais and beau i"ul, scul# ed legs, mar&eling a how gorgeous he was$ 5Anna,7 he brea hed$ 5Oh, Anna$7 5%ec)y,7 she correc ed$ 5-ou can call me %ec)y$7 5Promise you won' run away when : do47 !he laughed$ 5Ne&er again$ : #romise$ :'&e come home o s ay$7 5%ec)y,7 he murmured, in"ini e lo&e in his low one$ The name "el good, so good and rue$ !o righ $ !he couldn' wai o see he res o" her "amily.Abby, Terence, Caesar, ,eo and all he Aembles$ %u no onigh $ Tonigh was "or Connor$ Epilogue The /olden !#urs Ranch ,abor *ay 8ee)end T he dinner bell rang (us as he las rays o" he se ing sun swe# across he #as ure, ligh ing he s#urs in he ancien mesqui e's s#indly branches$ This #ar icular mesqui e ree was more han a #es)y mesqui e ree$ The !#ur Tree held a legendary signi"icance o he small band o" "amily members grou#ed around i $ 5Time "or dinner,7 a woman's &oice yelled im#a ien ly "rom he %ig House$ The dinner on he &eranda and in he en s se u# behind he %ig House was being held in honor o" %ec)y's re urn$ All he ranchers "rom he nearby coun ies had been in&i ed$ *o3ens o" "riends "rom !an An onio and Aus in had "lown down "or he #ar y$ E&en he go&ernor was coming$ The ranch's long9los #rincess was home a las $ 5Time "or dinner,7 he woman shou ed a second ime$ 5Tha would be !y'rai,7 ,eo said$ 5:" we're smar , we'd be er ge bac) o he house be"ore she loses her em#er$ !he doesn' li)e her "ood o ge cold$7 %ec)y's hand closed around he #air o" s#urs ,i33y, her older hal" sis er, had (us handed her$ 58ell, han) you "or hese$7 5-ou're home again, so hey don' belong on he ree anymore,7 ,i33y said in a so" &oice$ 5Then :'ll )ee# hem in a sa"e #lace,7 %ec)y murmured$ 5The !#ur Tree #robably doesn' seem li)e much o loo) a , a leas no o mos "ol)s,7 ,i33y con inued$ 5%ecause hey don' )now i s legendary his ory,7 Connor said$ 5!ome would call i a morbid his ory,7 ,eo coun ered$ 5Those o" us wi h an irre&eren na ure$7 Connor grinned$ 5A lo o" #eo#le ha&e made a lo o" sacri"ices o build his ranch in o wha i is oday$ !ome o" us res#ec ha $7 Ha&ing remo&ed his ! e son, he held i agains his hear , his ex#ression ha o" a man who belie&ed he was s anding near some hing sacred$ Tha , howe&er, didn' s o# him "rom snea)ily )ic)ing a #ebble oward his bro her's boo or squee3ing %ec)y's hand #ossessi&ely$ 58hene&er a man or woman who belongs o his ranch or has con ribu ed o i lea&es "or any ime a all, we hang heir s#urs here ill hey come bac),7 ,i33y said$

5And you'&e come bac),7 <oanne said o %ec)y, e&en as she glanced oward Terence$ 5A las ,7 Connor whis#ered$ 5+ore&er,7 %ec)y whis#ered bac) o him$ Terence, who s ood beside <oanne, had his arm wra##ed loosely around her wais $ They'd been a cou#le e&er since %ec)y had come home$ %ec)y was glad her "a her had "ound somebody, and she )new ha i" she hadn' come home, he'd #robably be li&ing in some aw"ul (ungle ris)ing dea h$ E&ery day ha she was wi h hese #eo#le, es#ecially Connor, she "el s ronger and bra&er and ha##ier$ !uddenly Connor urned and #ulled her close$ !he "el a bu33 o" exci emen as his warm li#s ouched he corner o" her mou h$ 5: lo&e you,7 he whis#ered in ha warm one he used only wi h her$ 5: lo&e you$7 Her "amily was wa ching hem while #re ending no o, and e&erybody was smiling$ !he "el lo&ed by one and all$ And sa"e$ And oh so ha##y$