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Kipling deliberately inhaled, giving hireat opportunity," he said slowly "Are you sure you’re ready for it?"

"I knohat I’ I love the work, and I want to stay in Fool’s Gold per a decision about this on your own I’h You haven’t been here that long You’re co into a business is a big responsibility What if you and As for the business? It won’t be just a job anymore You can’t quit and walk away"

"I don’t walk away," she snapped "I don’t leave I stay where I am"

He told himself not to take her co Because he had left When he’d gotten the opportunity to ith his ski coach, he’d jumped at it He’d been all of fourteen Shelby had been a half dozen years younger He’d told himself she would be safe Mostly because their father hadn’t started hitting her yet

"I worry because you lead with your heart," he told her gently "I worry because I want you to be sure you’re doing what you want and not si, but in this case it could tie you to soed back in her seat, as if the fight had gone out of her "I know you care I love you, too But, Kipling, you have to stop taking care of "

"Fair enough I won’t try Besides, there’s no point in fixing what isn’t broken"

She reached across the table and patted his hand "Thank you You’re a good brother"

"One of the best"

She laughed "Now you’re annoying me on purpose Do you think that’s safe?"

"I trust you, kid"

"You’ve known me all my life"

"And most of mine In fact, I can’t remember when you weren’t around"