Heather... I... I miss you. How are you doing?" "I'm doing fine, mother," Heather replied with compassion as she heard the loneliness in her mother's...voice. She also sensed another hidden concern. "Dr. Trate just examined me and I'm healing well. Leslie spent the weekend and I'll be going home this afternoon." "Heather, I love you," Helen gasped as she began to sob. "You know I love you and would never hurt you, don't you darling?" "Of course I know you love me," Heather responded. . "He's a football player." And very handy to have around for lifting heavy things," I grinned. "All right, I've got them," I said. Sheila and her mother led the way into the house. We got in, and I put the bags down. Her father was there."Dad, Brendan. Brendan, this is my father." Good to meet you," he said, holding out his hand. I shook it, and returned the greeting."And that is my sister Jenny," Sheila grinned."Hi," she said to me. "You're a miracle, you know." How so?" I asked."You lasted. It is too old for you. We will have to shop inthe girl's department. But this time we won't have to go in after thestore is closed. We can shop with you dressed as you are." Oh, God. Do you think so? I don't think I am ready to go outside ofthe house." Trust me, Cheryl dear, you are going to be a natural."He was puzzled as to why this pleased him so.JoAnn sat on the bed, and patted the bed next to her, indicating thatCheryl should sit beside her.JoAnn then said. "This brings me to a. The hand she had on my butt rose up and held the back of my hand, pushing my thumb down to point at her mouth. She looked up into my eyes, watching mine as her lips softly kissed the tip of my thumb. Her tongue darted out and licked it with a feather-like brush. With only the slightest push on the back of my hand, she sucked my thumb into her mouth.I watched her actions peripherally, but her eyes held mine, like she had a power all her own.She continued to suck on my thumb, pulling it in as far.