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Page 304

| "The one we'll be on tomorrow, traveling on the Murray River to Narrung to deliver the wool we shear from our sheep today," he said. |

| He lifted Sasha's chin with his free hand. "That is, if you'll let me get to work this morning," he said, his eyes dancing down into hers. "You know that you're threatening to spoil my whole day's plans, don't you? Even tomorrow's? Don't you think it'd be a lot more romantic to make love on the riverboat than now, in our cabin? Consider the possibilities, sweet darlin'. The moonlight, the gentle splash of the water against the sides of the boat, the birds singing in the trees overhead." |

| "Why, it sounds wonderful," Sasha marveled, sighing. "Too wonderful to be true." |

| "It won't be if I don't get out of here," Ashton said, swinging away from her. He opened the door and stepped out into the morning air. Dawn was just seeping along the horizon in streaks of purple. |

| Inhaling deeply, Ashton was suddenly invigorated and hopeful. He looked forward to shearing the sheep. It would give him a sense of belongingof ownershipto pile the wool on the back of a packhorse to take to market. |

| "I'm going to help you today," Sasha said, jerking her nightgown off, grabbing up her breeches, and slipping into them. |

| Ashton turned and stared into the cabin at her. "Sasha, shearing is a man's job," he scolded. "Go on back to bed and get some more rest." His lips quivered into a smile. "Save your energy for our nights on the riverboat. I guarantee you're going to need it." |

| "I've always been able to manage whatever ener- |

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