But his schedule was busier than usual. Branburg's biggest Little League tourney of the year was scheduled for the morning of July 4th, and Joey wanted to practice daily. Tripp had “his kids” to visit, especially Rosa who'd been moved to the top of the list of patients who needed heart donors. Her father was supposed to be her only visitor but hospital rules were bent for Tripp. He was part of the staff and as important as her medicine, Rosa insisted, and her doctors agreed.Aunt Ev had surprised him by volunteering to help decorate a float for Heartland. “I used to help with the PTA float when Mark was in grade school,” she told Tripp over breakfast one day. “And with George in the nursing home, I decided to get involved there. Now that he's calmer, I believe he recognizes me sometimes. Maybe if I'm lucky, he'll call me Sweetie again one day.”Tripp gave her a hug before carrying his dishes to the sink.“Tripp? I think I should apologize to Keely for spilling the beans about her and Mark.
