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“I understand” Tori poked at the sandwich on her plate, her appetite gone “You’ve been an angel of patience, Drew I proer”

“I’ you to that If you say yes toon to the past, agreed?”

“Of course That would be the only way” And it would, Tori thought, butin liht between her work in town and the ranch, neverbeyond that half-life with Will that was e

Now she’d been given a chance to change all that Dreas a good ent, sensitive, kind, and patient She was physically attracted to hie with Will dropped away She could al yes to him

But what about Erin?

Drew picked up a French fry, swirled it in the ketchup on his plate, and put it down again It appeared he had no more appetite than Tori did

“What is it?” she asked “Is there so you haven’t told me?”

“You’re very perceptive,” he said “As a matter of fact, there is It’s the reason I came back here early—to talk it over with you”

“Tell me,” she said

“I’ve been offered a new job—assistant principal at a big school in a wealthy district that can afford to pay teachers what they’re worth I’d beof the chance tosemester”

“So, have you said yes?” Tori spoke cal with the implications of what she’d just heard

“I promised them an ansithin teeks,” he said “If I take the job, s here till they found a replaceiven what the job could do forit down”

“And where is this educator’s paradise?” Tori struggled to ignore the flip-flopping sensation in her stomach

“Seattle—a great area close to the university You could find plenty of legal work, or even go back to school if you wanted You could—” He broke off with a nervous laugh “Why are you staring atyou to coer or without—your choice This isn’t really a proposal, unless” He reached over and captured her hand again “Unless you want it to be” He paused, an uncertain look creeping over his handsome features “So what do you think?”

Tori found her voice “I’ about Erin”