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Abby sighed as she nodded. She did not want to hurt her sister. |
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Lucy continued, "I don't suppose I could convince you to wait until your niece or nephew is born, could I?" |
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"Really?" Abby felt an enormous grin light her face. She embraced Lucy, but not too tightly. "Are you certain?" |
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"How wonderful! I'm so happy for Arlen and you." And for herself. Perhaps this was the child whose descendants would result in Mike. |
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Another thought struck Abby. She blinked at the magnificence yet simplicity of the idea. "Lucy, would you do me the great honor and favor of naming one of your children after me? Preferably this one, if it's a girl." |
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"Of course. I'd planned to do that anyway. Particularly if you're not here any longer." Tears flooded her eyes suddenly. "But why do you ask?" |
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"Your journal. I have been fretting over having to stay here for so long because its last pages seemed to mention me in the garden with Father. But it merely says Abby is in the garden. What if" |
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"Another Abby! Oh, what a wonderful idea. When you leave, I shall simply write of my sorrowand joy for youthat you have disappeared once more. And if this babe is not a girl, then I will simply keep making babies until I have one. That will not be a sacrifice." Lucy flushed scarlet beneath her shy smile. |
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Abby smiled back, pleased that her sister had |
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