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John had taken Ainsley’s hand and led her to Patrick and Rona, ere trying not to hover in the next rooed and, the next week, las must have been a hell of a man," Cameron said softly

Ainsley looked up at hinant young woreed to treat another man’s child as his, and not say a word "He knew he’d not likely have the chance to marry and be a father on his own, so Patrick’s favor elcome He told me"

Cameron’s face was so still that Ainsley couldn’t read it What was he thinking? Conte for what she’d done? He sat forward on the sofa, his hands clasped loosely in front of hiold eyes fixed on her

"This is why you put o," he said "You didn’t want to betray him"

Ainsley shook her head "John didn’t deserve it As much as I wanted to stay with you, he didn’t deserve the betrayal"

"I admired you for that, you know Until I learned that you were a picklock, and a thief" He gave her a hint of suided reason I thought you a blackmailer"

"So ere at cross-purposes"

"It was difficult to push you away Believe me, Cameron, when I tell you how difficult it was"

Cameron’s voice hardened "I hope he appreciated it What I sacrificed that night"

"He never knew, of course He h, whether I ever betrayed hirateful"

"Don’t sound so patronizing I was grateful John tooklook "Ainsley, trust me, it wasn’t only kindness"

"He was especially kind when o, and still the loss cut her deeply

"I’entled "I truly am sorry"

"I named her Gavina" She raised her head, but she couldn’t see hih her tears "Do you knohat it was like when I was grieving, and all those around ht they wereme feel better--I’d never have to ansard questions about why hter had black curls while John and I were both so very fair" Her voice broke

Ca her close Ainsley leaned into his broad chest and let the tears come