Page 40 of Web of Dreams (Casteel 5)

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that you trusted each other so completely nothing

could break you apart?

"Thank you, Leigh. I knew you would

understand. I knew you were grown up. I told Tony.

He likes you very much, by the way. He talks about

you continually, about how sweet you are and how

much Troy likes you and what a wonderful time he

had with you when the three of you walked to the

beach.

"Oh, I just can't wait until we're all together at

Farthy. It's a dream life come true, Leigh. You'll see.

You'll be a princess, a true debutante yet." She got up. "I'm going to take a warm bubble bath because

I can relax now that I know my little girl is

understanding and loves me. Afterward, we'll sit and talk and you'll tell me all about Jamaica and the things

you did. Okay?" I nodded and remembered her gift. "I bought you something in the street market,

Momma."

"Really? How sweet for you to think of me

even after I had deserted you like that. You're such a

warm, wonderful child, Leigh. I'm very lucky to have

you."

"Let me get it," I cried and rushed back to my

room. "It's not very much," I told her when I returned,

"but I thought it was beautiful"

She unwrapped it quickly.

"I just love gifts, love surprises, no matter how

much they cost. Tony's like that, too. He wants to give

me something new and beautiful every day of our

lives together," she squealed. Because of my promises

I tried as hard s I could not to harden myself against

her newfound happiness. She looked down at the

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