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that matternot be in love with that body? |
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He shelved the question of love for a moment to ask himself a more hairy question: What about what Paula had asked him in her shop? What would he do if he married Kyna and then she aged and he didn't? Cyrus shiveredand not from the temperature of the air. He was almost as terrified of the pain of such a loss as he was of a sharp blade. Even after all these years, he still missed his parentsstill cried on the anniversary of their deaths. What would it be like to lose a wife? Several wives? To see them wrinkle and gray before his eyes. To see them dry up like bouquets of pale flowers? |
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He scooted closer to Kyna. |
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When it came right down to it, it wasn't that hard a decision. As frightened as he was of losing her, he was even more afraid of being alone. Of years without end living a sterile emotionless existence; no warmth, no caring, no tenderness. |
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He stroked the back of her leg. "You didn't answer my question," he said. "Having second thoughts?" |
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"I was thinking, yes. But not having second thoughts. I was wondering, what would we do? Where would we go?" |
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"Babe, I don't want to bring you down, but aren't we getting a little ahead of ourselves? We have a date tomorrow or the next day with your friend Douglas and then another with Mr. Floating Head somewhere down the line. Maybe we better just take one day at a time." |
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Kyna turned to face him, copying his position with her feet tucked behind opposing knees. She reached out and took his face in her hands. |
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"We're going to survive this! Do you hear me? I love you and I've never told anyone that before and I will not lose you now." |
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Cyrus recognized the fear in her eyes. But he saw the truth there as well. "Okay. First Mr. Bryan, then Mr. Floating Head, and then I guess we go rustle up a justice of the peace." |
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