Gates of Paradise (Casteel 4)

need to start yet, anyway."

"Withdrawing? Why?"

"To spend the rest of the summer home with

you, helping you to recuperate," he said, smiling. "Oh, Luke, you shouldn't." The chair came to a

halt at the bottom and I slid over into the awaiting

wheelchair.

"There's no sense arguing about it, Annie. My

mind's made up," he said with a stern, determined air. I knew it was selfish of me, but I was happy,

thrilled that he had made that decision.

"And what does Aunt Fanny have to say about

it?"

"She's happy I'm going to be around awhile

longer. My mother's different, Annie. You'll see. The

tragedy has turned her into a responsible person. I'm

really proud of her."

"I'm glad, Luke."

"Miss Annie," someone called, and we paused

at the front door. It was Rye Whiskey coming from

the kitchen.

"Rye. It's Rye Whiskey, Luke. The cook." "Y'all goin' home, Miss Annie?"

"Yes, Rye. This is my aunt Fanny and my

cousin Luke. They've come to fetch me."

"Tha's good, Miss Annie," he said without

hesitation. Aunt Fanny nodded because someone else

confirmed her suspicions and decisions. "I wasn't able

ta make ya anythin' special no ways with that nurse

hoverin' over my shoulder while she was here, and

now . ."

"I know, Rye. Fm sorry."

"Tha's all right. Y'all come back when yer fixed