His heart did a back flip."No, I refuse," came the reply. "I'll stay up here forever if I have to; I have to save my tree."Brooke awoke with a start w...en she heard the rumble of engines far below. It was so peaceful up here, the wind sighing in the branches, the birds singing, the dappled sunlight warming the walls of her tent.Her friends in the College of Engineering had designed and built a sturdy platform that when assembled fit perfectly between the branches. She had gathered her camping. I just thought you should go off to college with clothes fit for an 18-year old, not a 12-year old." Thanks daddy," I said. It had been an embarrassing outing, but I was so happy that my dad understood what it is like to be 18 in the 21st century.*****A week later my mom had gone away on a weekend conference. Dad and I had had pizza for dinner and we were stretching out in front of the TV."Have you tried any of your new underwear, Steph?" he asked me out of the blue."No daddy," I replied. "I. "I said, "Sir, with your daughter's love, I was already a rich man. The money will merely make our life together easier. It does change the parameters of our house hunting."We'll go claim our winnings tomorrow. You can miss a day of class, Lisa?" Al, whatever you want. It's your money though." Lisa, give me fifty cents, seriously." She went to her purse and pulled out two quarters.She handed them to me and said, "What's that for?"I said, "You are now half owner of a lottery ticket." For real?". Tell me, who was that redhead you were talking to a few minutes ago?" Mitchell asked. "I don't think I recognize her from around here." Actually, that's my granddaughter, Josie" Ruthie replied. "She moved into town last week. This is her first tournament here. She's going to give you a run for your money. She's every bit as good as I was if not better." You think so? What's her average?" Mitchell asked, curious."She has a 214 book average," Ruthie replied.Mitchell whistled. "That's just.