Fanny parked her car on a side street. Her plan was to meet Bess and walk to the building site where Ash's new casino was under construction. "I feel like a sneak," Fanny said.

"I don't. They've made a lot of progress. It's almost a year since your return from Hong Kong. I can't believe Ash is still dogging you. He won't give up, will he?"

"Ash hates to be ignored. I thought when I didn't respond in any way he'd give up, but if anything, his letters, calls, and visits to the gate have intensified. I don't read the letters, I bum them. The moment I hear his voice on the recorder I erase it. I think he's getting nervous because the money is going out very fast. I saw the financial report yesterday. My eyes almost popped out of my head. I have a complete set of blueprints and the spec sheet. He's putting gold-plated faucets in the bathrooms and whirlpool tubs. The penthouse suites are going to have sunken tubs and fireplaces. I've been getting a lot of my information from Simon. Last week, Simon said Ash wanted to sell Thornton Chickens. Thirty-three miUion dollars, Bess. Every time I think of it, my heart jumps into my throat."

They looked like tourists with their straw hats, dark glasses, and casual attire. It was Bess's idea to go in disguise. Fanny stared up at the iron girders fi-om the roped-off'area near the street. "My God, Bess, is this all that's been done in eleven months? All that money and they still have fifty percent to go? Am I crazy, or am I just not seeing something here?"

"You're seeing what I'm seeing, Fanny. Take a good look because this is what you sold your stock for. Oh, Fanny, I could cry."

Fanny's back stiffened. "It proves my point. He wants . .. needs the kids' trust money."

"Don't you dare give it to him. If you do, I'll kick you in the pants. How much is this going to cost?"

"God only knows. Where is he going to get the money if I don't give it to him? The bank won't lend it to him if he can't put up collateral."

"Loan sharks?"

"Ash isn't that stupid. Simon hasn't said anything to me, but I wonder if he'll lend Ash money if he asks for a loan? You know, out of guilt. What do you think?"

"Not likely. Simon has nothing to feel guilty about. You and Ash are divorced. Let's get out of here, okay? Sage and Billie are waiting for us."

"Just a minute. I want a few more pictures."

"Come on, Fanny, you have enough pictures. Two hard hats are wsdking toward us. Walk fast, one of them might be Ash, I can't tell fi*om this distance." The two women scurried away, trying not to run in their haste. They were breathless when they arrived at Peridot, where Sage and Billie were waiting.

"Gee, Mom, you look like a tourist," Billie said, hugging her mother.

"You're lookin' good, Mom." Sage grinned as he accepted her embrace. "You always look good. Aunt Bess."

"Absolutely," Billie concurred.

464 Fern Michaels "I knew I loved these kids for a reason," Bess said.

Lunch was a bit tense, Sage and BiUie chattering nonstop. It was obvious to Fanny that something was wrong, and both her children were waiting for the right moment to bring it up. She decided to help them along.

"Okay, what's the problem?"

"Dad's pissed off," Sage said. "That's the only word to describe him at this point in time. Birch is . . . angry. Sunny is .. . she cries a lot. All she does is huddle with Birch. I can't remember the last time Birch spoke to me. He goes out of his way to avoid me, just the way Sunny avoids Billie. It's awful, Mom."

Fanny stared at her children. "What would it take so that it isn't awful?"

"Ask Aunt Bess. I can't remember the last time either Birch or Sunny did any work. You're paying them a salary to watch Dad swing around on those girders like some damn monkey. Sunny is there with her clipboard, Birch is there with Dad in his hard hat. I'm damn tired, Mom, of working sixteen hours a day trying to cover for Birch. Billie has been putting in as much time as I have. Aunt Bess won't tell you, but she's in the office at six in the morning and doesn't leave until nine or ten. It's not fair."

"No, it isn't. Bess, change the locks on the offices and draft up Sunny and Birch's termination papers. Make it effective tomorrow. I'm running a business here. I'm sorry it isn't possible to keep it in the family. This will not happen to Rainbow Babies. I guarantee it. I'm moving that operation to Sallie's bingo palace."

"Jesus," Sage hissed. "Dad's been showing that property to people like he owns it. It's prime real estate. Mom. You could name your price if you want to sell."

"I have no intention of selling. The palace meant everything to Sallie. I think she'd like to see Rainbow Babies take over the building. Where did your father get a key to show it?"

"From Sunny. I don't know where she got it, maybe she had a locksmith make a key. You can do that you know," Bilhe said. "If Dad says jump. Sunny says, how high? Birch too."

"I see. Bess, I want you to help me set up shop. No more late hours. You should have told me what was going on."

"Fanny ... I didn't mind."

"I mind. That's not how I do business. Now, let's put our heads together. Rainbow Babies is our top priority. We four are not in the casino business. One more thing," she said, addressing her son and daughter. "Do you two want or expect me to release the trust fund monies?"

"No way," Sage said.

"Absolutely not," Billie said.

Bess beamed her approval as she nudged Fanny's ankle under the table.

"Down to business," Fanny said.

Seven months later, shordy before Easter, Audrey Bernstein, dressed in a gorgeous flowered dress, her husband Michael at her side, stood next to Fanny and her small staff to watch the first televised commercial for Rainbow Babies. For a full ninety seconds all eyes were glued to gleeful cherubs reaching for Rainbow Babies attire attached to colorful rainbows. When it was over, Audrey said, "There is nothing more interesting to a mother than a baby or a puppy. Wait till you see the commercial with two fat puppies and six babies. What do you think?"

"I love it!" Fanny said. "I think I'm glad Simon found you two. My biggest concern right now is that demand might exceed our production. Su Li has offered to set up shop in Hong Kong. She said she can hire as many people as needed, at a fair salary, and absolutely no sweat shop conditions. No twenty-five-cent-an-hour labor either. She knows everyone there is to know in her country and can get this company moving quickly. What's more, she understands the import export business like a professional. My vote is yes. How about the rest of you?"

"I want to see numbers!" Mike Bernstein said. "Audrey and I were CPAs, still are for that matter, before we went into the advertising business. I love big numbers. Rows and rows of big numbers. This blitz will last for a full ten days. It's costing, but as you know, in order to make money, you need to spend money. We're headed back to New York. We still have the print side of things to get under way. New York, which I think is going to be one of your biggest markets, is featuring our ads in the subways, buses, and on giant billboards. Every major newspaper in the country vrill carry a full-page ad in the Sunday and Wednesday editions. It's been a pleasure doing business with you, Mrs. Thornton. Here's our bill."

Fanny did a litde jig. "Those are knockout commercials. Bess, your granddaughter stole the show. We have an exclusive contract 466 Fern Michaels with her now. You wait, offers are going to be pouring in for her. Don't even look at them."

"Mom, don't look now, but Sunny is coming into the building. I bet she saw the commercial. Do you want us to disappear?" BiUie asked.

"No, of course not I don't want you being nasty to her either, she's your sister."

It was an awkward meeting. Fanny tensed the moment her older daughter walked into the room. "Sunny, it's nice to see you," she seiid, holding up her face for Sunny's light kiss. She pretended not to see the tears in her daughter's eyes.

"Hi, Mom. I just... wanted to stop and .. . congratulate all of you. I saw those commercials early this morning. They were wonderful!"

"Thank you. Sunny, I know you mean that. We've been working round the clock to get it all under way. How are you? How's Tyler?"

Sunny shrugged. "Mom . . . I. . ."

"If you're trying to apologize, it isn't necessary. You did what you felt you had to do, and I did what I felt I had to do. Why don't we just leave it at that."

"I don't like that fence."

"I know you don't. Sunny. It's ugly, even with the morning glories climbing over it."

"It means keep out."

"Yes, that's what it means, Sunny. Do you really want to have this conversation?"

"Yes. You said you always wanted a family."

"I had a family once. No matter what I did, I couldn't hold it together. A family doesn't choose up sides, they don't betray one another. You and Birch forced me to make a choice. Sunny. I'm S0177 if it wasn't what you wanted or expected."

"Dad tried so hard, Mom, and you wouldn't listen ..."

"Sunny, don't spoil this visit. I don't want to discuss your father, not now, not later, not ever. He's not my husband any longer. Would you like to join us for lunch. We're celebrating today."

Sunny looked at her brother and sister, then at Bess. She looked away, not wanting to deal with the anger she saw in their faces. "I can't. I'm meeting Tyler. He has a few hours off today. I should be going. I'm probably going to be late as it is."

Fanny's shoulders slumped when her daughter walked out of the office. Her voice was husky when she said, "Don't read anything into this other than what it was. Sunny was sincere, and it took a lot of guts to come here, but she did it. Sunny is still her own person, and right now she doesn't like the person she is. That's just my motherly opinion. One day that might change. Until that time comes, it's business as usual. I'm off now to the airport to pick up Simon, who is going to celebrate with us. We'll meet you at Peridot."

Fanny waved frantically, her eyes misting at the sight of Simon. Dear God, how I love him. "Oh, it's so good to see you. Seeing you is like receiving a precious present, one you've wished for, longed for, all your life. Do you have baggage?"

"Just this backpack. It's a present for you."

"Really, Simon! Tell me. I don't like surprises. I mean I like surprises, I just don't. . . What is it, Simon? Can we stop right here so I can see it?"

Simon stopped and pretended to think. "It might cause a stir. Airports don't like it when funny things happen. People might stop to stare. This is one of those one-of-a-kind gifts, the kind you can't return, no matter what. Do you want to think about it, or do you really want me to open this bag here and now?"

Fanny smiled. "After that litde speech, I want to see it more than ever. Hurry, Simon, there's no one around."

Simon dropped to his haunches and unzipped the canvas bag with the mesh sides. Fanny peered inside, squealed her pleasure, kissed Simon so hard his eyeballs crossed before she picked up the tiny fur ball inside the bag.

"Her name is Daisy. She's third generation, Fanny. Today is her first day away from her mother, so she's going to need lots of tender loving care. You're going to go into shock when you see how much gear you have to buy for this one litde dog. We'll stop at a pet store before we go up the mountain. Now, tell me, how did you like the commercials?"

But Fanny wasn't thinking about business-about anything except the litde dog cuddled under her chin.

"Do you want to know what's really happening, Fanny?"

"I don't know if I really want to know. It's more like I should know, because of the kids."

"Ash is down to the wire. Fanny, the money is going out so fast it makes me dizzy. A month from now he's going to be hard-pressed to make his payroll. He sold your old house in town and Mom's town 468 Fern Michaels house. That money is gone. He wants to sell Thornton Chickens. I refused to commit until I talked to you. I'd like to keep it because Dad started that up and built it to the company it is today. I'm not discounting Ash's help, but it was already thriving when he jumped on board. He's mortgaged the R & R Ranch with Red Ruby's approval. He promised her something when Babylon is finished. Why Red would do something like that is beyond me. People do strange things at times. So, you really like Daisy, huh?"

"I love her, Simon. I always wanted a dog. Ash never wanted one. Did you lend Ash money, Simon?"

"He hasn't asked. The last time I talked to him he told me he applied for several loans at different banks. The interest is going to kill him. Dad had an account with Ash's name on it. I didn't even know about it until he told me. It's all gone too. The balance of the money you turned over will last another six weeks. That's it."

"What will he do, Simon?"

"I have no idea."

'*What about Birch and Sunny? Do they know how serious this is?"

"Birch should, he's the financial man. I'm sure he's told Sunny. If you turn over the trust fimd to them, Ash might make it."

"It isn't going to happen, Simon. Do I put Daisy in her bag and take her in the restaurant?"

"She's family now. I say bring her."

"Okay, sweet baby, in you go," Fanny crooned as she placed the litde dog inside the canvas bag.

The greetings inside the restaurant were sweet. Simon basked in his niece and nephew's adoration. He embraced Bess and kissed her on the cheek before he held Fanny's chair and then Bess's. "This is my treat for a job well-done," Simon said. "Ask Fanny to give you a peek at her congratulatory present." He grinned fi-om ear to ear at the oohs and aahs. Daisy slept on, curled against a fiizzy teddy bear that was bigger than she was.

Fanny was about to dip her spoon into her Pecan Tulle when she noticed Birch 2md Sunny standing by the front door, their eyes raking the room. Sunny's face was ashen, as was her brother's. Fanny laid her spoon down and said, "Something's wrong."

Sunny weaved her way between the tables. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out Birch said in a voice Fanny didn't recognize, "Dad fell fi"om one of the girders. They rushed him to the medical center. He's unconscious."

Fanny reached down for die canvas bag and put it in her lap. "Go," she said to her children. "You too, Simon."

Sunny found her voice. "Aren't you coming. Mom?"

Fanny reached under the table for Simon's hand, a gesture that didn't go unnoticed by Birch, She glanced at Sunny and read the open speculation in her eyes. "I'll come if you want me to, but I don't think your father will want me there. If he sees all of us there, he might think. . . He could never abide any kind of ailment, even head colds."

"We need to show support, solidarity," Birch said in a strangled voice. "Did you hear what I said, Dad fell nine floors. He could die. He could really die."

"What the hell was he doing up on the girders?" Simon demanded.

"Keeping his eye on things," Birch said. His voice was so defensive-sounding, Fanny blinked.

"Things have been going wrong. Dad was trying to put his finger on what it was that was delaying things," Sunny said. "He was more than agile." Her voice sounded as defensive as her brother's.

Simon laid some bills on the table. "Let's go, we'll follow you."

Bess embraced Fanny. "I'll stop by the medical center later on. Don't do anything . . . don't let those kids put pressure on you, Fanny. And for God's sake, don't start feeling guilty. Are you listening to me, Fanny?"

"Yes, Bess, I'm listening. What if. . ."

"There are no what ifs, Fanny. Whatever will be will be. The kids are going to need you to be strong."

Fanny felt light-headed when she took her seat in the waiting room. She remembered another time, years ago, when she sat in this same room, in this same chair, waiting for news of Philip.

They waited throughout the day, drinking coffee, smoking cigarettes, and pacing.

"It's almost midnight," Sunny said. "Somebody should have come out here and told us something by now. Where's Dr. Noble?"

"I don't know," Fanny said wearily.

"You sound like you don't care either," Sunny snapped. Fanny ignored her.

"Simon, I'm'going outside to walk around. Do you want to come along?"

"Sure. Come and get us if you hear anything," he said to the children. Sage nodded.

470 Fern Michaels "I thought it would be cool out here. It's hotter now than it was at noon when we arrived. It doesn't look good, does it, Simon?"

"We don't know that, Fanny. Dad made a recovery and we all thought..."

"For some reason, Simon, I don't think that's going to happen this time around. I have a terrible feeling about all of this. I heard Birch say Ash let his health insurance lapse. He tried to reinstate it, but he doesn't know if it's been accepted. I thought he was under a master poUcy for Thornton Chickens. Do you see what I mean, Simon? Something so very important. Ash . . . can't be bothered to keep up. He scrimps on pennies and squanders thousands. He was always like that. I want to get married now, Simon. Tomorrow . . . today really."

"No," Simon said. His voice was so gende, so sad, Fanny started to cry.

"I don't understand. You said you wanted to marry me, you asked me hundreds of times. I'm saying yes, and now you're saying no." Her shoulders shaking, Fanny lifted the puppy from the canvas bag and set her on the ground. She piddled immediately. "If that's the way you feel about it, maybe you should leave. I guess I should apologize."