Page 53 of Smoky Mountain Dreams

Christopher swallowed, sighed, and put down his burgeragain. “Gran, you’re not going to die.”

“Don’t be stupid; we all die. And I’m gonna die very soon.”

“What? You’re not even sick.”

“Shh. I want to tell you what I want, all right? Becauseyour mama and Bob are idiots and won’t do anything like what I want done, but Iknow you’ll do what I tell you, at least for the part you can control. And I’vetold Jackie what I’m telling you too, so she’ll know.”

“All right, Gran.”

“I want you to have the house.”

“Okay.” His chest hurt just thinking about a day when herhouse would pass to him.

“And there’s some money I’ve got put aside for the two ofyou. Jackie gets more money, though, because you’re getting the house.”

“All right.”

“I told her I didn’t want her to fight you on the house andI didn’t want her to complain that you got more than her because, yes, thehouse is worth more than the difference between what she’s getting in money andwhat you’re getting.”

“Gran, I don’t need any—”

“Hush. I reminded her that I paid for her divorce from thatson-of-a-bitch and paid for her wedding to Joe, and I’m giving each of Joe’skids a little money too. So in the end, it’s even-ish. And then I told her youwere my favorite anyway and she laughed. I don’t think she believed me.”

Christopher snorted and fought the lump in his throat. “You’remy favorite too, Gran.”

“I know. We understand each other.” She patted his knee. “So,keep the house and do something stupid with the money, all right? Definitelydon’t do anything sensible.”

“Like what?”

“Maybe try Nashville again. Or take a trip to Europe if youcan’t stomach the risk of trying to be a country music singer. I don’t know.Your heart will know.”

Christopher’s eyes felt wet, and he blinked rapidly.

“And take care of your sister, because she’s an idiot. Joe’sgonna have his hands full with her. And…well, hell. About your mama. I’d saytake care of her too, but…” Gran’s gray eyes flashed and she turned away fromhim, looking out the passenger side window. “You know, I sure wish your fatherhadn’t been such a jackass. She was happy with him. Until he ruined it all.”

“I know. I remember.”

“But it is what is. And now she’s married to Bob.”

“Yeah.”

“I can’t ask you to do anything for your mama, Christopher.Because I won’t ask you to spend a single minute around Bob that you don’t wantto. That man’s hurt you too bad.”

“Gran—”

“Shush.”

“Gran, is there something I don’t know? Are you sick?”

“No, I’m old. And a person just knows sometimes. Or I doanyway. I wanted to tell you these things face-to-face. I feel better about it allnow that you have someone in your life. Jesse Birch—yes, he’s quite a catch.But if he don’t treat you right, baby, don’t stay with him.”

“We’re not even close to being at that point, Gran.”

“Mark my words. This won’t be easy. But it’ll be worth it.”

Christopher shook his head, laughing softly under hisbreath. “What else does your crystal ball say?”

“That Edna needs her french fries to stop her mouth runningabout that dang Scotchie. Come on now. Let’s head back.”