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“I think the same of her”

Holly ate al his eyes He wondered what she was thinking about Strange—he’d never had to wonder that about any woman before Usually they couldn’t wait to tell him But Holly was different Holly mattered—

Just that thought caused ice down his spine

She mattered only because of his son That was it She’d never be ive her his heart He couldn’t, because he didn’t have one

The thought ain

Biting her lip, Holly suddenly leaned forward “I’h”

How did she know about his father’s abandonment? Who had told her? He said stiffly, “What do you mean?”

Taking a deep breath, she said in a low voice, “I can’t even i sick All alone”

“Oh” His shoulders relaxed He was touched that she suddenly seeht”

“No It’s not” Looking down at her hands, she said, “I just remember how I felt in the doctor’s office when I found out I was pregnant” She looked up, her eyes glistening “And that was happy news I can’t ih what you did all alone With no one at your side to help you through To hold your hand”

A strange emotion rose inside him Ruthlessly, he pushed it away It was in the past He’d battled through He hadn’t needed anyone then, and he didn’t now He was too strong for that But he wanted to protect his child—and his child’s mother

Reaching over the table, he put his hand over her smaller one His lips curved “Does this mean you don’t want me dead?”

An answering ghost of a smile touched her lips “I never wanted you dead I just”

Her voice trailed off as she looked away

The sun had disappeared, and the ht Stavros polished off his glass of wine, watching her Wishing he could take her in his arms