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“Jude”

“Kate” His glare didn’t di to justify what you’re planning to do…” His jaw set so hard, she was shocked it didn’t shatter “Goddah the air

She knehy She’d just presented hied sword

“I’ you’ve ever said to ed “Every conviction you’ve ever had—in my favor”

Tears stung her eyes

Kate said, “You have always contended that whatever course I took was mine to take You’ve understood that about me Supported it Defended it”

“Yeah, Kate Defended it”

“Now, I’ you can’t make heads or tails of”

“So I can’t condone, Kate”

Pain lanced through her “You say that now, because I’ve just shocked the hell out of you Once you’ve listened to , my purpose, you’ll—”

“Kate” His throat worked down a hard lu her attention But it was his tattered tone that truly held her hostage as he said, “You suffered ain all this space and likely picturing those three kids and…us I’d just questioned e couldn’t be together, as a couple, and when I did, it happened atyou in the face”

Sheinherently Jude had et it all off his chest

He told her, “I realize you didn’t plan on picking this veryis perfect, however It is germane to the conversation”

Kate folded her own arms over her chest “Don’t patronize me”

“You know I’m not,” he insisted “You know I never would I don’t take exception to the fact you have aspirations, Kate”