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Chapter Nineteen Tommy shook his head regretfully at the news about Amy being an accomplice to the bank robbers. "It's always the pretty ones that surprise you. Pete, your folks are out front, so you might want to take Libby and head out the back way. See you at the station." Pete nodded and stood as the other man walked away. Libby, still attached to Pete with the handcuffs, got up with a sigh. She didn't blame Pete for not wanting his parents to see her. They hadn't liked her before she'd broken his heart; they surely wouldn't want her near him now. She didn't blame him, but it hurt. Taking her hand, he led her through the lobby and down the hall to the rear exit. The parking lot was filled with official vehicles. Someone in uniform offered them a ride, but Pete shook his head. Another guy offered a handcuff key, but Pete shook his head again and kept walking. The night was cool, the air heavy with smells from the Gullah River a couple blocks away. The police station was in that direction—through the alley, down about a half block and they'd be there. Instead, though, Pete turned to the north, toward the town square, and she followed—as if the handcuffs gave her a choice—happy to extend this time together. They were near the gazebo in the center of the square, streetlights shining on them, noise filtering from the restaurants around the square, when he stopped and stared down at her. "I was so angry with you, Libby…and so hurt. All these years I wondered what I did wrong, why you had stopped loving me." Tears dampened her eyes. "Pete, I never—" He laid his fingers over her mouth. "I hate what happened, but it's in the past. Everything's in the past…except how much I love you. I never stopped, Libby. I never will." She went all soft and warm at his words. "I never stopped loving you, either," she whispered. He laid one hand against her jaw, gently stroking, sending warm shivers through her. "Give us a chance, Libby. Let me—" " Breaking off, he swallowed audibly. "Let me be there for you, Lib. Let me be a part of your life."



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