Part 10 (1/2)

children, but I can't tell you much about them.”

”I'm amazed at how well you can remember what you

do, Mr. Westerly.”

”Nellie always thought family was important. She used

to keep up with everyone with letters and birthday cards and

whatnot. I've tried to continue, but other than Christmas

cards...” His voice trailed off.

”I think you're doing very well to send out Christmas

cards. I never sent a single one last year, myself.” She leaned

forward and looked into his creased face. ”Actually, the

main reason I'm curious about your family is because I can't

help but wonder if you'd ever considered leaving your farm

to any of your relatives.”

22Melody Carlson

”I'd sure have liked that, but no one ever seemed real

interested. Jeanette and Linda always liked coming out as

kids, but then they grew up. And although Jeanette used to

bring her boys, they're so busy with their own lives these

days...” He reached over and patted Lizzie's head and smiled

sadly. ”I guess me and Lizzie here are just the last of our

breed.”

”I suppose that explains your willingness to sell the farm

then.”

”So the cat's out of the bag now.” Mr. Westerly leaned

back into the chair and exhaled slowly. ”Rick asked me to

keep all this under my hat for the time being. I'm not real