Tess yanked away from Jack with a gasp, clutching her gaping nightgown to her chest. Katie!
Heart pounding, Tess staggered to her feet. "Y-Yes,
honey?"
"I heard a noise."
Behind her, Jack laughed quietly. "It was probably your
breathing."
Tess bit back a smile. "Shh!"
"Who are you talkin' to, Mama? Is Daddy in there?"
"Yeah, honey, your daddy and I were just ... talking."
249
Tess crossed the room and kneeled in front of Katie, taking the child in her arms. "Honey, you're trembling."
"I'm scared."
Tess smoothed a sweat-dampened lock of hair from Katie's face. "Would you like a cup of warmed milk or something?"
Katie shook her head.
"Well, what would you like? How about if we?"
"I wanna sleep with you."
Tess's stomach sank. She shot a despairing glance at Jack. She was just about to say no when she turned and looked into Katie's wide, frightened eyes.
This was important, she realized. Katie was asking something of her mommy, and Tess couldn't turn the child away. Katie might never trust her enough to ask again.
"Okay, honey. You go on in; I'll be there in a second."
"I'll wait for you." Katie popped a pudgy pink thumb in her mouth.
Tess tried to smile. Reaching down, she took Katie's hand, and together they headed for the bedroom. At the corner she paused, turned back around. Jack was sitting on the couch, staring at her with an enigmatic smile.
Tess felt a sharp pang of regret. "Sorry," she mouthed.
He nodded, still smiling. "Later."
A thrill raced through Tess at the thought. Then, with a sigh, she turned and went to her room.
The knock, at first, was so quiet, Tess almost missed it. "Mama?" Katie tugged on her sleeve. "There's someone at the door."
Tess sat up. Her heart was beating so loudly, she was sure Katie could hear. "Jack? Is that you?"
He opened the door and peeked his head around. "Lissa ... I'm scared."
Tess burst out laughing. Jack grinned.
250
Katie looked from Tess to Jack and back to Tess again. There was a small, confused frown on her face.