He was right. There were many tears. She had only been with them for four months but she had come to think of Ben as her father and his children as her siblings. Cassie did not stop crying for two days and ran out as fast as her legs would carry her. She did not go far and Joe found her outside their little cave, their little haven.
"Naughty girl!" he scolded, but his tone was tender. "Do you know how worried we've been?"
"Is Mr Cartwright angry?"
"Oh, it's Mr Cartwright again, is it?"
"I mean, Uncle Ben."
"No, he's not angry. He's been worried to death."
"Oh, L'il Joe, I don't wanna go, I don't wanna! I don't like them!"
"Now, Cassie, they're very nice. Pa said so. They love you. They are your grandparents."
"But I love you! I love Uncle Ben! He is my Papa!"
"He loves you, too, Cass. So do I. Do you think I want you go? You're my little girl. I'd die for Scamp, but I'm more likely to fight her than kiss her. She's never been anyone's little girl. You are, though. Do you know how much Pa loves you?"
"So why does he want me to go?" she wailed.
"He doesn't, it's breaking his heart. But your place is with your family. He explained to you about being your godfather, didn't he?"
"Yes. It's like he's my father, but to...God or something?"
"It means he looks out for you. All your life. He guides you, the same as a father. So you see, you are family. Do you see?"
"I don't know!"
Joe laughed. "It means he makes sure you do as God tells you!"
"Oh, I see."
"Come on, I'll take you back."
He carried her up the meadow until he saw his father, who strode out to them from the back of the barn. He took her in his arms and kissed her.
"I'm sorry, Uncle Ben." He shook his head, smiled and kissed away her tears. "I wish you were my Papa!"
"I am in a way, Cassie. Because I'll be your godfather."
"You won't forget me?"
"Never!" Joe cried. He brushed his face and immediately ran into the yard.