Chapter 4

I remembered Mom, sobbing uncontrollably, asking me what to do about the baby she was carrying. Our family was already in a tough spot, and having another kid would mean more bills and headaches for us.

"Sally, I can feel her kicking inside me. She's your sister too," Mom said, her voice trembling.

Seeing her so frail and unable to do anything for herself, and with her always reminding me the baby was my sister, I didn't hesitate.

"Go ahead and have her. You and Buck have your hands full, but you've got me. I'll look after my little sister," I blurted out.

Every time I remembered saying that, I wished I could go back and smack myself.

I had raised Lois Longley, taking care of her every need since she was a baby.

But she was always plotting against me behind my back, constantly acting pitiful in front of Mom, faking tears to Mom and Buck, whining that I bullied her.

Every single time, I got slapped by Mom and Buck more times than I could count.

Screw her. Lois wasn't my kid. I wanted nothing to do with her in this life.

I grabbed Melissa's hand, all fired up. "Melissa, you know everyone and have so many friends. Do you know any single ladies who'd be a good fit for my dad?

"He's been so lonely lately, and I can't stand seeing him like that."

Melissa loved to gossip and couldn't keep a secret, but she was loyal to the bone. Since our families had been neighbors forever, she'd often bring her husband and son along to visit Dad when he was in the hospital.

Melissa stopped eating her chips, her eyes sparkling with sudden delight.

"Sally, you clever girl. I do know someone like that. She teaches at a university. I'll ask her about it next time I see her," Melissa said, grinning from ear to ear.

I passed the roast chicken I'd just bought to Melissa.

"Just a little token of appreciation, Melissa. Thanks for helping out." I said.

I'd had so much roast chicken lately, I was totally over it. Time to switch things up.

Melissa carried the roast chicken home, looking absolutely delighted.

Suddenly, a head poked out from behind her door, sneaking a peek.

It was her son, Cameron Blaney.

Back when we were kids, Cameron and I used to hang out all the time. After my parents split and I left with Mom, I never saw him again.

Later, I heard from people that even in his thirties, he still wouldn't marry and settle down, which led to plenty of arguments with his mom.

I quickly pushed all that out of my mind.

I swung by the market and grabbed a big portion of roast beef, which was Dad's absolute favorite. I couldn't wait to surprise him with it tonight. He was sure to love it.

*****

"What?" Dad blurted out, totally caught off guard.

When he heard Melissa was setting him up with a woman, Dad immediately panicked. "No, Melissa. I've got a daughter to look after. No woman would want to sign up for that."

I blinked my big, teary eyes at him. "Dad, are you saying I'm a burden, holding you back from finding happiness?"

Dad shook his head. "Sally, that's not what I meant."

Melissa beamed, giving my cheek a playful squeeze. "Oh, Devin. Just go meet her once. She's gorgeous, with smooth skin and a sweet face.

"And she said even though she can't have kids, she really loves them. Sally's so cute and always says the sweetest things. Maybe you two will really click, Devin."

Dad was stunned.

I could tell it was the whole "couldn't have kids" thing that changed his mind.

He looked down at me. "Sally, do you really want me to get remarried?"

I answered right away, totally sure. "Of course. I want you to find your own true happiness, Dad."

Melissa chimed in, "See? Didn't I say Sally's so lovable? Devin, it's settled. Meet her this Saturday at Peace Park."

Dad sighed and went along with it.

On Saturday, I snuck out and followed Dad without him noticing.

Melissa wasn't lying. Dad's date was super tall, her skin smooth and clear, and when she smiled, adorable dimples popped out on her cheeks. She looked like she'd stepped out of a storybook, all classy and graceful.

Dad's face turned bright red, his eyes darting around, and he kept stumbling over his words.

Luckily, his date was a total chatterbox and kept things rolling smoothly.

I couldn't take Dad's awkwardness anymore, so I jumped out of the bushes and let out a shriek.

Then I purposely tripped and fell right in front of his date.

She smelled really nice. She carefully helped me up and gently brushed the dirt off my back. "Hey, kiddo, why are you out here playing all alone? Where are your parents?"

"Sally?" Dad blurted out, totally caught off guard.

I was about to shoot Dad a look, hoping he wouldn't blow my cover, but I was too late.

He stared at me in shock, checking me over. "Are you hurt? Why did you run out here all by yourself?"