Once in Every Life

"His whole name."

"Jack Rafferty."

He looked at Jack, who shook his head.

Quietly Jack said, "Jackson Beauregard Rafferty the Third."

Tess's eyes widened. "You're kidding. That's a great name."

Doc gave her hands a quick squeeze, then got slowly to his feet. "Nice to see you again, Mrs. Rafferty. Jack, walk me to the wagon."

The two men left the kitchen and headed slowly across the yard. Beneath the oak tree's huge canopy, Doc touched Jack's arm and they stopped.

Tess eased the curtain open slightly and peered at the two men, her eyes focused on their lips.

"What the hell's wrong with her. Doc?"

"Amnesia, I reckon."

"How long will it last?"

"Who knows? Could be you got yourself a new wife. Could be the old one'II be back tomorrow."

"You mean, these changes could be ... real?"

"The brain's a funny thing, Jack. Ain't nobody understands it. Damn sure not a country doctor like me."

"Damn it, Doc, that isn't good enough. These changes are killing me. She's so ... different."

The doctor patted Jack's shoulder. "/ didn't mean to

134

scare you, son. Just be patient. I'm sure she'll be her old

self in no time."

Jack stiffened. "Yeah. That's what I'm afraid of." Tess let the curtain flutter back into place. Then, slowly,

she smiled. Jack was afraid of her. It was a reaction, and

it wasn't anger. The plan was working.

Chapter Ten

Savannah tucked her feet underneath her and plopped her lunch pail on her lap. Sunlight streamed through the pine needles overhead, spangling her brown muslin skirt.

Katie sat silently beside her, burrowing through her tin pail.

Savannah sat back on her heels, staring down the grassy hillside. She was so intent on her own thoughts, she didn't hear the crunching of footsteps coming her way.

"Savannah?"

She looked up with a start and found Jeffie Peters standing beside her. He was staring down at her, his lard tin clutched to his chest with white-knuckled fists. His face was paler than usual. "C'n I set with you?"

Savannah's throat seized up. Her stomach gurgled loudly and threatened to embarrass her. She opened her mouth to say no.

"Sure, Jeffie," Katie said, taking a crunchy bite of pickle.