“Now, now, Arianna, you’re only making yourself sicker with this sort of talk. You’ve got to get hold of yourself, get strong and well again. Please,” he begged, still holding her hand.
Her face sank with disappointment, but she nodded. “I know. I know just how much of a burden I’ve become for everyone.”
“No one says you’re a burden. That’s ridiculous. Everyone wants you to get well and is anxious to help you do so. C’mon. Let’s see that joie de vivre again. You’re my inspiration, Arianna. Just knowing you’re around spurs me on to try harder and do better and better things. You’ve always been my best cheerleader. I’d be lost without you.”
Mother gave him a quick smile.
“Now, that’s the sister-in-law I remember.”
We turned toward the door when we heard Daddy’s voice from the stairway. He sounded very excited and happy. Cassie’s laughter followed, and moments later they both entered.
“Arianna, you’re up and about. How wonderful,” Daddy said, hurrying to her.
Uncle Perry stepped back so Daddy could kiss Mother. Then he took the newspaper out from under his arm and held up the pages that had pictures of our new store. Both pages were dedicated to the story. There was a good picture of Daddy and, next to him, a picture of the governor, who was definitely coming to tomorrow’s opening gala.
“Cassie suggested we hire a band and set them up near the entrance,” he said. “I just hired them. And look at this, Arianna. Look at what else your daughter came up with.” He pulled out a key chain that had an angel attached. It read, Heavenstone’s. Where angels shop. “We’re going to give one to each of the first five hundred customers.” He handed it to Mother.
She smiled and looked at Cassie. “Very clever, Cassie,” she said.
“Thank you, Mother.” Cassie glanced at Uncle Perry, but he said nothing.
“We’re blowing up hundreds of balloons, and we’ve constructed a small stage area with seating for four hundred people,” Daddy continued. “I’m sure there will be another few hundred standing. We’ll have the mayor, the governor, and,” he said, digging into his pocket to come up with a letter to wave, “Senator Barry is flying in from Washington. With the suppliers, retail salesmen, and employees, we’re sure to have an overflow crowd.”
“I’m happy for you, Teddy,” Mother said.
“It’s for us, not just for me, Arianna. Don’t worry. I’m videotaping all of the festivities, and I’ll be able to play it for you tomorrow night.”
“Maybe she can go,” Uncle Perry suggested.
Cassie stepped forward instantly.
“It would be too tiring, and she’s not ready to listen to people offering their condolences. They’ll drown her in an ocean of pity. Daddy and I and you, too, will be too occupied to care properly for her.”
“What about Sam?” Uncle Perry nodded toward me.
“My sister isn’t equipped for such a responsibility yet.”
“What?” Uncle Perry smiled incredulously. “Not equipped? Why not, for Heavenstone’s sake?”
“She’s barely able to look after herself,” Cassie muttered, glaring at me. “Other teenagers will distract her attention, and she won’t know how to keep people from badgering Mother.”
“Other teenagers? You’re a teenager,” Uncle Perry pointed out.
“Hardly,” she replied.
“Huh?”
“Please, don’t argue,” Mother said with surprising energy. “Cassie’s right. Just the thought of walking down the stairs tires me out right now.”
“I’d gladly carry you all the way,” Uncle Perry said.
“I know you would, Perry. Thank you, but I’d rather Teddy not have to worry about me. I don’t want any of you to be worrying about me tomorrow. All of you, go and enjoy.”
“Semantha is staying with you,” Cassie said.
“Oh, no!” Mother cried. “I don’t want her to miss it on account of me. You go, too, Semantha. I’ll be fine.”
“I could call someone,” Daddy said. “Just to be around if you need someone.”