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They both kneould be weeks before Beth returned to teaching, possibly evenhaul of physical therapy due to the rod in her hip She’d been up and walking, but it was difficult and painful for her The doctor had scheduled her for intensive physical therapy until she’d gotten the blood clot in her lung Now her rehabilitation had come to a standstill

"Do you still call your mother every day?" Sunshine asked That was one of the stipulations Ellie had inning," Beth ad myself away from her"

"Good for you" Sunshine was happy to see her nieceoverdue

Beth looked down and avoided eye contact "Unfortunately, Mo it so well If I don’t call her, then she calls me"

There was more to this, and Sunshine waited for Beth to explain

"I let her calls go to voiceled to hold back her amusement

"I explained I can’t be at her beck and call while teaching I have a life, and really it’s ridiculous I’eous questions"

No doubt Ellie’s real fear was that Beth, given her own choice, would steer away frohter It astonished her how little her sister knew Beth Again and again Sunshine had been impressed with her niece’s kind heart, her passion, and her insights into the teens she worked with at the high school Beth onderful, and her sister didn’t seehter, nor did she trust her

"How’s that working for you?"

"Up until now, fairly well Mo me, and it’s like her main purpose in life has been taken away from her"

"It’s tireed but didn’t say so Beth had been sure this out on her own

"Now, about your youngpink

Sunshine held back the giggle as best she could "My dear girl, I know your mother has controlled most of your social activities froh to date You should know no ht in an unco interest in a wo to make an issue of the fact that he isn’t soh then "I like Sah Sunshine could tell she struggled to hide her feelings for Saood for me, too"

Before Sunshine could co …"

"Yet"

Beth did sht away the srew dark and serious "I know Mo Sam?"

Beth nodded "You and I both know Sam isn’t someone my mother would consider suitable for me Which ina man of his word? Those are qualities I consider i House fro House?"

She snapped her mouth closed as if she wanted to yank back the words before she quickly added "Never mind"

"Beth, you don’t need to defend Sam to me I’m on your side"