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Chapter 17

Concern for Cleo faded as her friend maintained resolve, and Madison found herself dwelling on her own problems, specifically how not to care too much for Tiernan. How could she keep her emotions in check when his lightest touch brought her body to life? How could she make love with him but not love him? It was a quandary she was no closer to solving as the days wore on. Inch by inch, she seemed to be sliding into the mire that had ensnared Nina, into the trap of loving a man who didn’t love her. She hated it, even as she loved him.

As she waited for the radio operator to raise her family, she realized she had been with the commander exactly eight weeks as of today. In some ways, it seemed like an eternity, but she also had trouble believing that much time had passed.

It was only her sister waiting for her today. “Hey, Rosie,” she said, trying to shove aside her morose thoughts and focus on the happy moments she got to spend with her family each week.

Rosie didn’t sound hap