" How in blue blazes did you catch a cold Diana?" Hamilton Lindsay asked when she was giving him her report the next day on the New York business and sniffling a little here and there.
" Well things happen Daddy. Could have been change in the weather or something. It's not the same up there in the fall as down here you know."
" So the fact that you're in my house wearing a what do you call it hoodie with Jason Bulls name on it is something I should pay no mind to then?"
" He makes me happy . I'm not sixteen anymore daddy and this isn't Shane Caldwell from the rival football team in the next town over. I enjoy his company and I plan on seeing more of him even if you don't approve."
" Now don't go getting yourself all riled up darlin daughter. I knew this day was going to come soon enough. If you think you can be happy up there in that city with him then you have my blessing. I always knew you were gonna be the one bird of mine that found a fancier nest besides bein a ranchers wife. Jessie has that covered. I would like that man to come down here soon and have a Sunday dinner with the family sometime soon. I know you're going to go up there next month and hold the clients hand some more. Which is fine with me. Your mama on the other hand might need some time to adjust to the notion."
" Now I want you to take it easy today and go home and spend sometime with Rex until you shake this cold. I know you have some motions hearings next week and I am sure you want to be on all cylinders for those."
" Yes I do. I honestly feel like makin a fire and a pot of chili with some extra jalapeños and just finding a good book or two to curl under a blanket with."
" Then get on home and do it. I'll keep your mama and sister at bay. I know how they get all in a tizzy when you're a little off your game."
" Daddy I love mama and she has a nice hug but I don't need Jessica with another lecture about me settlin for what she has and a sale at Walmart. Not to mention the whole I'm 38 now when are there going to be more grandbabies and cousins for her kids. Someday I might want a baby but not now. And who knows I just might adopt. Not like I don't have friends who can help me with that."
" Go on home and get yourself better. Leave your mama and sister to me. And say hello to Dr. Bull. I kind of like that Benny fellow that works for him. That boys got a mind for the courtroom the likes of which I haven't seen very often. Besides yours of course that is."
" I'll do that and pass along your compliment to Benny. He's a kind mama dna hard worker."
Hamilton stood and hugged his daughter. " Feell better sugarplum. I love you now"
" I love you too Daddy very much."