Chapter Thirteen 2 страница

“I do. Wait, did it go through? ” Amanda's voice bubbled with excitement.

“Yep. I have to be in Houston Friday morning to meet with the owner and go over all the particulars.”

Amanda's excitement was short-lived. “Friday? But what about taking the kids trick-or-treating on Saturday? You promised them.”

“Not a problem. I'll drive back Saturday morning, and be home in plenty of time. There's no way I'll make you go through that alone.”

“Thank god.” Amanda exhaled. “Normally I wouldn't mind, but since we'd also agreed to take Ally and Penny, I don't think my nerves can handle four kids by myself.”

Lex laughed. “I think Wanda and Dirk paid the church to have their retreat the same weekend as Halloween. How else could you explain the timing? ”

“I wouldn't put it past them, ” Amanda agreed. “What are your plans for lunch? ”

“Oh, I don't know. I thought I'd grab a sandwich or something, since Martha and Charlie are gone on that cruise. I could never get her to step foot off the ranch after I took over. But ever since Charlie retired a few years ago, they're rarely home.”

Amanda giggled at the sound of her wife's voice. “Are you pouting again? ”

“No.”

“Uh-huh. I bet you are.”

“Nope.” The smile widened on Lex's face. “Are you busy for lunch today? Or should I go up to the bunkhouse and beg for scraps? ” It was a viable option. The food at the bunkhouse was always good.

Their foreman, Roy, married three years ago to a woman he had secretly been seeing. As a wedding present, Lex and the other hands built a small home not far from the bunkhouse. Roy 's wife, Brenda, was now the cook for the men. She had come in to help their old cook, Lester, since he had been having trouble getting around. He passed away in his sleep six months before Lex's grandfather, Travis.

Amanda knew Lex enjoyed Brenda's cooking, although it tended toward the heavy side. And she was determined to get her wife to eat healthier, since Lex's last checkup showed her blood pressure was higher than it should be. “No, I think I can squeeze you into my busy schedule, ” she teased. “Give me an hour? ”

“Sure, sweetheart.” Lex shut down her computer. “But if you think I'm going to eat a damned salad today, you've got another thing coming.”

“We'll see.”

#

Amanda stared at her wife's plate. “I knew I should have ordered for you.”

“Why? It's not steak. I thought I did okay.” Lex cut another slice from her meal and popped it into her mouth. “I ordered chicken.”

Rolling her eyes, Amanda took a sip of her tea. “Chicken fried chicken is not healthy, smartass.”

Lex grinned. “Teach you to pick on me.” She had every intention of finding something less greasy on the menu, until Amanda made an off-hand comment about her blood pressure. Not one to take orders well, Lex rebelled by ordering something deep fried and smothered in gravy. She had a feeling it would be the last good meal she'd get for a while, if Amanda had anything to say about it. “Hey, want to get some ice cream for dessert? ”

“Ugh.” Amanda pointed her fork at Lex. “You are in so much trouble, Lexington Walters. Just wait until we get home tonight.”

“Promise? ”

“Brat.” Amanda couldn't help but laugh at her wife's playful nature.

“What? Do I have something on my face? ” Lex wiped her napkin across her chin before realizing why Amanda stared. She placed her napkin across her lap again and looked at her wife. The years had been good to Amanda, whose short blonde hair always looked windblown. If she had any gray, it was well-hidden, much to Lex's chagrin. Even after the birth of Melanie, Amanda had been able to keep her trim figure. Other than her hairstyle, she hadn't changed much from the woman Lex had pulled from the creek eleven years ago. “You are so beautiful.”

Amanda blushed and ducked her head. No matter how often she heard it from Lex, it still embarrassed her. “You're biased.”

“Maybe.” Lex leaned forward and lowered her voice. “But it's the truth. You are an extremely beautiful woman, and I'm very lucky to share my life with you.” Not caring if anyone noticed, Lex stretched her hand across the table and grasped Amanda's. “Thank you for marrying me, Amanda. You've made my life worth living.”

Squeezing Lex's hand, Amanda's smile widened. “Me, too.”

#

Later that day, Lex was in the barn when she heard the door open. She looked over the back of Rose, the small pony that had been purchased specifically for Melanie, and saw her oldest daughter carefully close the door behind her. “Hey there, Lorrie. How was school? ”

Lorrie took off her jacket and draped it on a bale of hay next to her mother's. She climbed on the side of Rose's pen and sat on the top rail. “It was okay.”

“Have any trouble? ” Lex went back to brushing the pony.

“No, ma'am. And I apologized to Mrs. Barrett, like you told me to.” Lorrie stretched so she could reach the pony's mane, and began to untangle it with her fingers. “Momma? ”

“Yeah? ”

Lorrie took a minute to gather her thoughts before voicing them. “Why is Jerry always so mean to me? ”

“Honestly? I think he's jealous.” Lex handed Lorrie a curry comb, pleased when she dropped to the floor and started gently working the pony's coat.

“Why? ”

Lex started on Rose's tail, removing the tangles. “I figure he lives in a small house in town, with not much to do. Everyone knows you live on this ranch with all sorts of things going on. Not much chance of getting bored, is there? ”

“No, I guess not.” Lorrie peeked around Rose and noticed how Lex was dressed. Scuffed boots, faded jeans and the ever-present denim shirt was her mother's usual uniform. She looked at her own clothes, which were almost a carbon copy of Lex's. “Momma? ”

“Yeah? ”

“Next time we buy me new clothes, can I get something different? ”

The plea broke Lex's heart. She remembered asking her own father that exact question, and hearing from him how there wasn't any sense in buying different clothes for school. She was determined to break the cycle. “Of course, sweetheart. Just because we dress in boots and jeans to work on the ranch, doesn't mean you have to dress like that for school. We'll go after school tomorrow and find you some different clothes, okay? ”

Lorrie edged around Rose and wrapped her arms around Lex's waist. “Thanks, Momma.” She giggled when Lex lifted her high and set her on the back of Rose. She stretched so she could put her arms around Lex's neck. “You're the best.”

Lex felt like she'd done something right. “Come on, kiddo. Help me with the rest of the horses, and we'll go back to the house and pick on your Mom.”

#

Conversation rolled non-stop around the dinner table. Melanie and Lorrie took turns telling their parents about their school days. Neither Lex nor Amanda was able to add much to the mix, as both girls chattered breathlessly.

Melanie was relating another playground story. “And then I told Teddy that just ‘cause his daddy's a doctor, it didn't mean he knew more than me.”

Amanda struggled to keep a smile from her face. “I'm sure he didn't mean anything by it, sweetie.”

“I guess.” Melanie speared her salad and took a bite, leaving more dressing on her face than in her mouth. “Is Teddy gonna come live with us? ”

Lex almost spewed her iced tea across the table. She coughed and cleared her throat before answering. “What makes you say that? ” A glance at her wife showed that Amanda was just as confused.

“He wants to be a cowboy when he grows up, but they can't have a horse in town, ” Melanie related knowingly. “It's against the rules.”

Rolling her eyes, Amanda patted Lex's hand where it rested on the table. They were both worried about the children learning Lorrie's true parentage in the wrong way. Teddy's mother, Jeannie, was Lorrie's biological mother. “I'm sure he'll find a way to be a cowboy, if that's what he wants to do.”

Lorrie wasn't so certain. “How can he be a cowboy if he's afraid of horses? He won't even pet Rose, and she's just a pony.” Her derisive snort showed her feelings on that subject.

“He says he's gonna use motorcycles.” Melanie wrinkled her nose. “Teddy says that horses are old-timey and not any good.”

“Teddy's dumb, ” Lorrie decreed, playing with her spaghetti.

“Lorrie, that's not nice, ” Amanda corrected, giving her wife a glare when she didn't help. “Right, Lex? ”

Lex was torn between being a good parent and being a proud rancher. “You shouldn't call people dumb just because they don't agree with you, ” she admitted. “But I think he's wrong. Horses can go through rougher terrain than bikes, and never run out of gas.” She flinched as her shin received a well-placed kick. “Umm, but I've heard that some ranches get by with motorcycles instead of horses just fine, ” she added with a grimace.

Lorrie knew better than to argue with her parents. “Jerry has a black eye. He says he fell down, but it looks like someone socked him a good one.” The shocked face of Amanda caused her to hastily add, “I didn't do it, I swear.”

“We believe you.” Amanda gave Lex a worried look before turning back to Lorrie. “Did Mrs. Barrett do anything about it? ”

“She sent him to the nurse's office this morning, but he came back all grumpy.” Lorrie stuck a forkful of spaghetti into her mouth, noisily slurping the noodles. She wiped her face with the back of her hand, surprised when she didn't get into trouble. Her parent's were looking at each other funny. A shuffling beneath the table reminded her that Freckles was waiting patiently for her share of dinner. Making sure she wasn't noticed, she broke off a piece of bread and dropped it on the floor. A warning glare at Melanie insured her little sister's silence.

Amanda squeezed Lex's hand. “Lex, do you think—”

Lex shook her head. “Later.” She saw a movement out of the corner of her eye. “Lorrie, are you sharing your dinner with Freckles? ”

“Just some bread. She's been really good.” A sharp bark from beneath the table punctuated her statement.

“Are you done? ” Lex asked, seeing the majority of the food missing from Lorrie's plate. Once she started feeding the dog, she was usually finished.

“Yes, ma'am. May I be excused? ” At Amanda's nod, Lorrie took her plate to the sink. “Come on, Freckles. Let's go upstairs.” Girl and dog raced from the room, accented by laughter and barks.

Melanie pushed her plate away. “May I be ‘scused, too? ”

“Only if you promise to wash your face before doing anything else.” Amanda shared a fond smile with Lex as Melanie followed in her sister's footsteps. Once they were alone, her smile faded. “Are you thinking what I'm thinking about Jerry? ”

“Yeah.” Lex stood and helped clear the table. She loaded the dishwasher while Amanda put the food in airtight containers and placed them in the refrigerator. In the last few years since Amanda had taken over the majority of the household chores, Lex was finally able to purchase the dishwasher. Although she still was teased by Martha about it. “But it sounds like Mrs. Barrett is on top of things.”

“Maybe. It just breaks my heart that someone could do that to a child.” Amanda took a dishtowel and wiped down the table and chairs. “Is there anything we can do? ”

Lex shook her head. “All we can do is keep our eyes and ears open. If we find out anything for sure, we can always notify Jeremy at the sheriff's department.” Jeremy had taken over as sheriff after Charlie retired. Lex stepped behind Amanda and pulled her into an embrace. “Want to go to the den and make out? ” she whispered in Amanda's ear.

Amanda turned in Lex's arms. “That's the best offer I've had all day.” She tugged on Lex's belt, dragging her from the kitchen.

#

Lorrie was stretched across her bed on her stomach, a book propped on her pillow, when her sister tapped on her door.

“Lorrie? Can I come in? ”

“Sure.” Lorrie rolled over and sat up.

Melanie sat next to Lorrie, looking at her feet that hung off the edge of the bed. Something had been bothering her for a while, and she knew her big sister was smart. “We don't have a daddy, do we? ”

“Nope.” Lorrie started swinging her legs.

“How come? ”

Lorrie lightly kicked at her sister's shoes, giggling when Melanie kicked back. “I dunno. Just ‘cause. Did you ask Momma? ”

Melanie leaned into her sister, bumping shoulders. “No. They're in the den, kissing.”

“Gross.”

“I know.” Melanie laughed when Lorrie almost shoved her off the bed. “Hey! ”

“Sorry.” Lorrie helped her sister sit up. “I think we're lucky. Will told me his daddy never does anything with him. And Al says her daddy sleeps on the couch when he comes home from work.”

“Oh. But Momma doesn't go to work.”

Lorrie hopped off her bed and put the book she had been reading back in her bookcase. “She works here. We live at her work.”

The thought confused Melanie. “How come? ”

“I dunno.” Lorrie picked up her glove and ball, and began to toss the ball into the air. “Want to play catch? ”

Melanie shook her head. “Not in the house. We both got in trouble for it the last time.”

“Yeah, I guess you're right.” Lorrie tossed the glove into the corner and rolled the ball toward it. “Want to play a game? ”

“Chutes and Ladders? ”

Lorrie rolled her eyes. “Sure. But you have to go downstairs to get it.” The games were kept in a bookcase in the den.

Melanie shook her head. “Um, never mind. Can we read instead? ”

#

Early Thursday morning, Lex packed her overnight bag with the necessary essentials. Amanda sat on the bed, watching her wife fill the small duffel. When Lex stepped out of the closet, Amanda sighed. “I hate this.”

“I'm not very fond of it either.” Lex started to fold a shirt, but found it taken away from her. “Hey.”

“Give me that.” Amanda fussed over the gray oxford. She folded it neatly and handed it back to Lex, who placed it into the bag. “Did you say that you're supposed to meet the guy around eight-thirty in the morning? ”

“Yeah. That's why I figured to go this afternoon and get a place to stay near his office. I don't want to try and find the place during rush hour traffic.” Lex moved to the dresser and took out two pair of socks and the same amount of underwear. “If we get done in time, I may come in Friday night.”

Amanda took the different items from Lex and added them to the bag. “Honey, as much as I'll miss you, I don't want you driving if it's late. Saturday morning is soon enough.”

“But aren't Ally and Penny spending the night Friday? ”

“Yes, but I think I can handle four little girls for one night.” Amanda paused. “I hope.” She laughed at the look on Lex's face. “Come on, Lex. Just how much trouble can they be? ”

Lex laughed along with her. “Now you've jinxed yourself.” She scooted the bag off the bed and gently pushed Amanda onto her back. “We've still got at least an hour before we have to get the girls up, right? ”

Amanda unbuttoned Lex's nightshirt. “At least.” She pushed the garment off her wife's shoulders and grinned. “Whatever will we find to do for a whole hour? ”

“I'm sure we'll think of something, ” Lex growled, whipping Amanda's silky gown over her head.

#

Lex came in from the barn and washed up in the downstairs bathroom off the kitchen. She joined her family at the breakfast table, surprised to see Lorrie in tears. “What's the matter? ”

“Mommy said you're leaving this afternoon.” Lorrie wiped her nose with the back of her hand.

“Right. I have a meeting in Houston tomorrow. But I'll be back in plenty of time to take you trick-or-treating.”

“But you promised we'd go shopping for clothes after school today.”

Damn. Thinking quickly, Lex made a decision she hoped wouldn't come back to haunt her. “That's right.” She winked at her wife. “We'll still go shopping today. I'll see about moving the meeting back a little.”

Amanda touched Lex's arm. “Honey, are you sure? I can—”

“Yep. I promised Lorrie. Right, kiddo? ” Lex decided right then and there that if she had to, she'd leave either later this evening, or extra early in the morning. Her children were more important.

Although her lower lip still quivered, Lorrie nodded. “Yes, ma'am.” The smile from her momma healed her wounded heart.

Melanie perked up at the thought of shopping. “Can I go too? ”

Lex looked at Lorrie, who didn't seem bothered by the idea. “Sure. We'll pick you both up after school, hit Davenport 's, and go out for dinner.” She turned to Amanda. “How's that sound, sweetheart? ”

“It's all right with me, if you're really certain.” Amanda noticed the girl's empty plates. “Girls, would you please go wash up and brush your teeth? We'll be leaving for school soon.”

Excited about the impending shopping trip, both children carried their plates to the sink and hurried out of the room.

Amanda waited until they were out of earshot before speaking. “Lex—”

“Amanda, wait. I promised Lorrie yesterday that we'd go. It just slipped my mind.” Lex scooped scrambled eggs onto her fork. “She's been getting a lot of flack at school, mainly by Jerry Sater and his buddies, about how she dresses.”

“But she's never said word one about it to me.” Amanda finished her juice and wiped her mouth with her napkin. “And what's wrong with how she dresses? Most kids wear jeans to school.”

Lex nodded since her mouth was full. She chewed for a few seconds before swallowing. “I know. But I think it's because she also wears western shirts and boots. She has tennis shoes at school for gym, but that's all.”

“I'd like to go teach that brat Jerry a few things, ” Amanda grumbled, clearing her place at the table.

“Me too. But that would just make it worse for her and you know it.” Lex finished her breakfast and joined Amanda at the sink. “Same thing happened to me when I was a kid. But my old man didn't see any need for separate school and work clothes.” Feeling old hurts come to the surface, Lex was grateful for the sudden loving embrace she found herself in. “I'll be damned before I allow that to happen to our kids.”

Amanda's arms tightened around her partner's waist and she buried her face in Lex's shirt. There were no words needed, just the promise of love and support freely given.

#

The long day finally over, Amanda stretched out on the bed with a heartfelt moan. The shopping trip was a success, and both girls had a great time. As much as she adored her children, her favorite part of the day was bedtime. She rolled over onto her side and watched her nude partner step out of the bathroom. Most definitely her favorite time of day. Although Lex would be turning forty in a few weeks, to Amanda she still looked as athletic as she did when they first met. She sighed as Lex changed into boxer shorts and a tee shirt. So much for the nice view.

Hearing Amanda's sigh, Lex came over and sat on the edge of the bed. “What's wrong? ”

“Nothing.” Amanda stretched and slipped her hand under Lex's shirt. “Mmm. Better.”

“Oh yeah? ” Lex rolled her lover over and raised Amanda's gown. She blew a loud raspberry on Amanda's stomach, causing her wife to laugh.

“Stop it! ” Amanda struggled, which only made Lex laugh and continue. “Aarrgghh! ” Amanda stopped struggling when Lex moved lower. “Oooh.” Her nightgown suddenly disappeared, as warm hands began a teasing dance over her body. She wrapped her legs around Lex's body and twisted, putting her wife beneath her. “Hmm.” Amanda straddled Lex's waist. “Now, ” she slowly divested Lex of her tee shirt. “How long can I torture you? ”

Lex grinned. “Do your worst, woman. I can handle anything you can dish out.”

“Sounds like a challenge.” Amanda lightly ran her fingers along Lex's ribcage and over her chest. She enjoyed the reaction. “Cold? ”

“N—” Lex had to clear her throat when her wife's lips followed the same path. “No. Not cold at all.” She jumped when Amanda nibbled a particularly sensitive spot. “Whoa.”

#

Sitting at her office desk, Amanda glanced at her watch. It was a few minutes past one, and she sent a silent prayer to Lex, hoping she was having a good meeting. Lex had managed to reschedule for noon, allowing her to leave home at the same time as Amanda and the kids. With a heavy sigh, Amanda stared at her inbox. She picked up the top paper and was startled when her phone rang. “Yes? ”

“Amanda, you have a call from Red Creek Elementary on line two, ” Margaret, the receptionist said.

“Thanks.” Amanda tapped the flashing light on her phone. “This is Amanda Walters.”

“Ms. Walters, this is Principal Nicks. I'm sorry to bother you at work, but I couldn't reach your, ah, partner.”

Rolling her eyes at his unease, Amanda returned the paper to the inbox. “No, Lex had to run out of town. What can I do for you? ”

The principal cleared his throat. “Ah, yes. Well, it's about your, ah, daughter? Lorraine? ”

“Lorrie? What's wrong? Is she sick or hurt? ” Amanda looked around the floor by her desk for her purse.

“No, no. Nothing like that. There's been an…incident…here at the school, and I'm afraid she's going to have to go home for the day.”

Amanda hooked her right foot around the strap of her purse and tugged it out from under her desk. She stood and placed the bag on her chair. “What kind of incident? Is she all right? ”

“She's fine, but she hit another child in the face with a dodge ball. I'm sure you understand that we can't condone that sort of behavior.”

“Excuse me? ” Amanda sat on the edge of her desk. “How do you know it was done on purpose? ”

“The children all know that throwing at the head is not allowed. Poor Jerry Sater is still in the nurse's office. His nose may be broken.”

Cringing, Amanda used her shoulder to hold the phone receiver while she put on her jacket. “I'll be right there, Mr. Nicks. Thank you for calling.” Amanda hung up before she said something she would regret.

#

Amanda waded through a group of children who were returning from the playground. She tried to ignore the “wet kid” aroma that filled the hallway. Even as a mother of two active girls, she still had trouble stomaching the smell. She quickly stepped into the office and smiled at the school secretary. “Hi, Mrs. Clevens.”

“Ms. Walters, hello.” The matronly woman pointed toward the closed door behind her. “She's in there. Go right in.”

“Thank you.” Amanda tapped on the door.

“Come, ” the principal's gruff voice answered.

Taking a deep breath, Amanda stepped inside and closed the door behind her. She saw her daughter sitting in a corner chair, head down, her new clothes covered with playground dirt. She immediately knelt next to Lorrie's chair. “Honey? What happened to your clothes? ”

Lorrie raised her head. “Me and Al and Danny was playing, and Jerry and Russ ran by and pushed us down. They made Al cry, Mommy.” Lorrie lunged into Amanda, who caught her instinctively.

“Sssh. It's okay.” Amanda tucked Lorrie's head against her shoulder and turned to the principal. “Mr. Nicks? ”

“Well.” He adjusted his tie. “I wasn't made aware of the other children's actions. But that still doesn't excuse your daughter from hitting Jerry in the face with the ball.”

Amanda brushed her hand through Lorrie's hair in an attempt to calm her. She lowered her voice. “Want to tell me about throwing the ball? ”

“Jerry pushed Al and made her cry. Her knee was bleeding and Jerry laughed.” Lorrie wiped her teary face on Amanda's jacket. “I was mad and threw the ball, but Jerry turned around and it hit him in the face. I didn't mean to hurt him.”

The principal interrupted. “It doesn't matter what the intent was, Lorraine. Your actions injured someone else.”

“And what about what Jerry did? Is he exempt? ” Amanda somehow was able to change places with Lorrie so that her daughter was in her lap. “I have no problem with taking Lorrie out of school today for her part in the incident. But I do have issues with the instigator getting off scott free.”

“Now see here, Ms. Walters—”

Amanda stood. “Lorrie, honey. Could you go out to the front office while I finish talking to Mr. Nicks? ” She kissed Lorrie on the forehead before letting her go. Once the door closed again, Amanda turned toward the principal. Her eyes sparkled with rage. “I'm taking my daughter home and she'll be back in school on Monday. If you don't do something about Jerry Sater, I'll notify the authorities. Maybe they can help you handle one trouble-making little boy.”

“Ms. Walters, please. I think we can come to some sort of understanding—”

“You're damned right we can. Either you handle the situation, or I will.” Amanda stormed from the office before her temper totally got away from her. She held out her hand to Lorrie. “Come on, sweetie. You can help me at work until your sister gets out of class.”

#

Soft music from a small radio filled Amanda's office. The door was closed in an attempt at privacy, as mother and daughter sat at the desk, both intent on what they were doing.

Lorrie looked across the desk and watched her mother flip through a short stack of papers. “Mommy? ”

“Yes? ” Amanda stopped searching for an elusive contract and gave Lorrie her complete attention.

“When will Momma be home? ”

“Probably around lunchtime tomorrow. Why? ”

Focusing on the paper she had been writing on, Lorrie mumbled, “Is she going to be mad at me because I got sent home again? ”

Amanda's answer was postponed by the buzzing of her phone. “Hold on, sweetie.” She pushed the speaker button. “Yes? ”

“I'm sorry, Amanda. But there's an extremely, um, agitated woman on line one for you.”

Giving her daughter what she hoped was a comforting smile, Amanda nodded. “Thanks, Margaret.” She picked up the handset and pushed the button. “This is Amanda Walters, how can I help you? ”

“Walters? Seriously? ” the woman scoffed. “Whatever.”

Amanda kept her voice steady, aware of the little ears not far away. “Is there something I can do for you? ”

“Damn right you can. I had to take Jerry to the emergency room.”

“I'm sorry to hear that. But what—”

Susan's voice took on an even nastier tone. “You're going to pay for my son's medical bills.”

Struggling to keep from upsetting the child across the desk from her, Amanda cleared her throat. “Bills? Just what is wrong with him? ”

“Well, the emergency room doctor couldn't tell me his nose was broken, so I'm taking Jerry to a specialist. And I expect you and Lexington to pay for it.”

“I don't think so.”

“You either pay, or I'll sue.” Susan's voice grew in intensity until she was screaming. “Your little brat could have killed my boy! ”

Amanda had heard enough. “Give me a break. I spoke to the nurse, and she told me it was just a bloody nose. And if your son wasn't such a bully, we wouldn't be having this conversation.” Her anger got the better of her. “What happened today was an accident. And if you think, for one damned minute you're getting as much as a penny out of us, you're deluded.” She slammed the phone down, noticing too late the shocked look on Lorrie's face. “I'm sorry. I shouldn't have lost my temper like that.”

Lorrie didn't say anything.

Amanda lifted her purse from the floor. “Why don't we go get your sister and then some ice cream? How's that sound? ”

“Okay.” Lorrie followed her mother out of the room, but felt bad that she was the cause of so much trouble.

Chapter Three

Kicking her legs forward, Lorrie urged her swing higher. Her dark hair blew across her face and temporarily obscured her eyes. She did her best to ignore the girl next to her, who tried hard to catch up. The wooden swing set was comfortably situated beneath huge trees inside the picket fence.

“How do you do that? ” Ally huffed. Only a few days older than her best friend, she was several pounds heavier and a couple of inches shorter. She shook her head to move her curly blonde hair away from her mouth. Her own swing wasn't half as high in the air. No matter how hard she kicked, she never got far from the ground.

“I dunno. Just goes like I want it to.” Lorrie grinned wildly when her toes touched the closest tree branch. “Yeah! ” Her jubilance was short-lived when the back door of the house slammed closed, and two younger girls hurried down the steps. “Crud.”

Ally's sister, Penny, was the first to reach them. She was a year younger than Melanie, but they were as close as the older girls were to each other. “Hey, wanna know somethin'? We was playing dolls and I was a mommy.”

“That's nice, ” Lorrie grumbled. She kept swinging, hoping they'd get the hint and leave her and Ally alone.

Melanie stood as close to the swings as was safe. Her small hands were on her hips and she looked eerily like Amanda. “Lorrie, we want to swing, too.”

“We were first.” Lorrie did her best to ignore her sister. “Come on, Al. Go higher, ” she encouraged.

“Mommy says you're supposed to share, ” Melanie reminded her. Freckles sat beside her and she scratched the dog on the top of the head.