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Page 358
in Pittsborough. Her close-set hazel eyes sparkled as she looked Thorn up and down, then said, "It's a mess you are, Thorn. A fine mess."
"Now, Holly." René put his arm about her, and his large eyes narrowed fondly as she gazed up into them. He turned back toward Thorn. "There is quelque chose"
"Something!" Holly interrupted. She leaned toward Thorn conspiratorially. "Did he always forget his English when he was nervous?"
Thorn nodded. "As long as I've known him." He walked wearily toward the inn.
"Let us tell you," Holly said, placing herself in front of him. "Frenchie, dear, will you do the honors?"
For a brief, hopeful moment, Thorn dared to imagine they would tell him that Mariah was here waiting for him.
But, no. Their news was about them.
"We will be married," René said. "I have asked Holly to be my wife." His round face looked worried. "You do not mind another worker here permanently, do you? If so, we will go''
"No," Thorn interrupted with a wave of his hand. "Of course I don't mind." He made himself smile, took René's hand and pumped it with what vigor he could muster. "Congratulations to both of you." He took Holly's hand when she offered it, too. Like Mariah's, it was rough, a busy woman's hand.
Now Mariah would be able to take care of her hands, let them grow soft and smooth once again.
He sighed but hid his sorrow by pulling Holly into his arms and giving her a hug. "My sincere good wishes." He kissed her on the forehead. She smelled slightly of yeast and baking breadlike Mariah.
He felt his throat constrict. He had gone through much over the past yearsthe guilt in the death of his brother and sister-in-law, the disappearance of Billy, the death of the boy's mother. And now Ainsley. But nothing, ever, had been as painful as the loss of Mariah.
He wheeled on the others, realizing what they had left

 
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