Once in Every Life

Jack threw a frowning glance at the house. "What the hell's taking her so long?"

Tess remembered her first date with a bittersweet smile. She'd spent hours in front of the mirror, trying to get everything just right. She'd bought a new dress and even had a manicure. Unfortunately, Harry Spitz hadn't shown up.

Tess was surprised to realize that the memory didn't hurt anymore. For years she'd carried around a silent, rock-heavy weight in her stomach. She'd never really trusted dating after that, hadn't really tried it again until college. And even then she'd never tried really hard. But now the memory of Harry Spitz was just that: a faintly poignant remembrance that might have happened to someone else.

She patted Jack's hand. "This is an important night for her, you know. Be patient." "But?" Just then the door creaked open. Savannah moved stiffly

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onto the porch, her hands clasped together at her waist, her newly curving body accentuated by the short-sleeved, rose-sprigged white muslin gown. She'd combed her hair away from her face and coiled it in a loose, romantic knot at the top of her head. In the pale light of twilight, her skin glowed like fresh cream. "I'm ready." Jack did a double take. "Savannah?" She met his gaze. In her huge blue eyes was a single, frightened question that only her daddy could answer.

Jack jumped down from the wagon and hurried toward her. Vaulting up the steps, he took her hands in his. "Let me look at you, Vannah."

Shyly she let go of his hands and stepped back. "You're the prettiest woman I've ever seen." He shot a glance back at the wagon and grinned. "But don't tell your

mama."

A slow smile spread across her face, keeping pace with

the blush that pinkened her cheeks.

He held out his arm for her. "Shall we go, m'lady?" Grinning, she looped her arm through her daddy's and let him guide her to the wagon. She plucked up her skirt and climbed slowly?every inch the lady?into the planked bed and sat cautiously beside Katie. "Gosh, Vannah, what took you so long?" Savannah smiled serenely. "It takes a woman longer to get ready. Right, Mama?"

Tess battled a smile. "That's right."

Jack tried to concentrate on the familiar feel of the leather between his fingers, but couldn't quite manage it. He stiffened and leaned forward in his seat, wishing he had a hat to pull low on his head. Anything to shield his eyes from the wary looks he'd get from the islanders.

The wagon crunched along, bouncing its occupants with each rut in the dirty, rock-studded road. Night was just be-

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ginning to claim the day, throwing a purplish blanket across the Straits and silhouetting the trees against a midnight blue sky. Charcoal gray clouds scudded overhead.

They turned the last corner and started down the road toward the hall. Jack tensed. His fingers tightened uncomfortably around the flat leather reins. Behind him, he could hear the girls' excited chatter and an occasional giggle. He thought vaguely that one of them might have spoken to him, but the words were a dull buzzing inside his head.

It took him a moment to notice that Lissa had taken his hand. Her fingers were curled protectively around his right hand, a silent offer of comfort and caring.

He let his pent-up breath out in a shuddering sigh and tried to give her a bright smile. It was hopelessly false.

"It's okay," she murmured, leaning against his shoulder. "We're together."

Together.

The word calmed him somewhat, offered a grain of hope. This year, he told himself, it wouldn't be so bad. He was better than he'd been in years. Stronger. More in control. With Lissa by his side, nothing horrible and embarrassing could happen.

Like last year ...

He tried to forget about last year's Fourth of July dance, and focused instead on the warm feel of his wife, pressed so lovingly against him. A shearing dance wouldn't provide the same ... trigger as a Fourth of July dance. He'd be fine.

Besides, the past was past. Forgotten. He was better now. More healthy. Nothing bad could happen to him now.

He wanted desperately to believe it.

Pale light spilled from the hall's windows and doors, casting a golden net around the big log building. Smoke

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spiraled up from the pipe chimney and lay in a motionless haze along the roof. A full moon hung in the gunmetal gray night sky like a perfect pearl.