He envisioned green vines loaded with plump peas winding their way up and around the posts. He could almost taste the sweet vegetables and wished summer’s arrival would hurry. The pop of a branch caught his attention, and he turned to see Sassa running up the trail that led from her house to his. Sassa never ran. He shoved his spade in the ground, prepared for whatever emergency he might face. When he saw glee in the native woman’s eyes, he relaxed. Curiosity replaced anxiety. Puffing for breath, Sassa stopped in front of Paul. “I had to tell you.” She pressed plump hands against her ample chest and took in a lungful of air. “Lily’s coming home! Isn’t it wonderful? I can hardly believe it.” Paul smiled, happy for Sassa and Patrick, but wondering what had happened to bring Lily back to the creek. “That’s great news. Is she visiting?” “No, she’s coming to stay.” A shadow of concern cooled the warmth in Sassa’s brown eyes.
