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"Then. I thought, we're too much like relatives

anyway and that's why you never look at me like you

look at a Chase Taylor. And then. I thought, we're just like your mother and Roy and maybe that's the family

curse you tell me your mother fears."

"We're not like that. Harley. We've been

together a long time, but we weren't brought up to

think we were brother and sister. It's a lot different; if

you heard the way Mommy described those days,

you'd understand why. Don't think that." I said. "I don't want to." he replied smiling. "That's for

sure." He paused. "Another confession." he began.

"When I saw you and Chase in this boat on your

birthday. I was so jealous. I could hardly breathe. That

was why I pushed him off the raft and started the

fight. It wasn't to defend Amber's honor or anything." "I think I knew that," I said. "Does it make you

mad?"

I looked away. The truth was it didn't. The truth

was it was thrilling to have two boys clash over me.

but I also knew it was wrong and could be ugly, too. "I like it that you care. but I don't like you

getting into trouble," I finally said.

We heard a car horn and saw Daddy had driven

up. He got out and stood there looking at us. I waved

and Harley took up the oars and started to turn the

boat back toward the dock. Daddy stood there,

waiting for me.

"Thanks for the ride," I said as he helped me up

and out. It was too short," Harley said.

"There'll be other rides," I promised. He smiled. "Right, Mrs. Oak Tree."

"See you later, Mr. Oak Tree."

I ran to greet Daddy. After he kissed me, he

looked toward Harley. His eyes were dark, troubled