eek。 And she came down with the chicken pox the
day after her birthday。 It's the first time she's been sick…really
sick since her mother died。〃
Anne understood。 〃That's why you were late arriving last weekend？〃
He nodded against her head。 〃My parents have been wonderful； taking her
for weeks at a stretch。 They're often more cheerful than me。〃 He looked
down at her。 〃But I couldn't leave them with a sick child who only
wanted her mother to hold her。〃 His voice broke at the last。
〃Why didn't you bring her up here with you？〃 Anne scolded。
He studied her closely。 〃I wasn't sure how you felt about kids。 We've
never talked about that； you and me。 I only know you have none of your
own。〃
〃Not through choice； Mitch； not through choice。〃
〃But to foist a sick child on you？ How could I do that？〃
Anne spoke from the heart。 〃I would have loved to have met your
daughter。 I'd have loved helping you take care of her。 She's your
daughter。〃 Her voice fell。 〃And I love you。〃
He crushed her in his arms。 The force of it said all that he didn't； but
seconds later he was kissing her。 If she hadn't already gotten the
message； he did then。 There was a vow in his kiss； a declaration； a
promise。
〃I love you 。。。 love you 。。。 love you；〃 she whispered at the very first
chance； loving being able to say it at last。
When his hands moved down to frame