Part 25 (2/2)

Andie grabbed her purse from the dresser,then picked up Jamie. Her daughter had white-blond hair and big eyes the same color as her father's. Six-month-old Mitch.e.l.l looked more like Andie. She thought all her children were beautiful.

Jeff stood by the front door. He had Mitch.e.l.l's baby seat hooked over one arm. He was holding Bobby's hand and propping the door open with his heel. Her oldest stood tall and proud in his new suit.

”Don't forget your hat, Mom,” he said, pointing to the flat black graduate's cap on the hall-tree shelf.

She grabbed it as she went by. Within minutes, they were all strapped into the car and speeding down the highway toward the university. The spring air was warm, almost tropical. It reminded her a little of St. Lucas.

”What are you smiling at?” Jeff asked.

”Just thinking about how we met.”

He reached for her hand and brought it to his mouth. He kissed her palm. The tingles had never gone away. Even now they raced up her arm and made her wish they were alone.

”There they go again,” Bobby grumbled. ”Gettin' all mushy.”

Jeff read the desire in her eyes. ”Tonight,” he promised. ”After the party celebrating your graduation.”

”Tonight,” she agreed.

Tonight, and tomorrow and for all the nights left to them. He loved her with a pa.s.sion that made her catch her breath. They'd survived the mourning and the pain. They'd found their way out of the past, toward a future filled with promise.

”I love you,” she said, smiling at him.

”I love you, too,” he answered.

”Ah, you guys,” Bobby complained. Little Jamie just giggled.

end.

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