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smack him on the back. She didn't think Danny or the American Medical Association would approve. |
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The coughing fit at last subsided, and her father calmed enough to resume speaking. "She's here." He lifted a shaking hand toward the ceiling, pointing at the same spot he continued to stare at with a joyous smile lighting his too pale face. "Right there waiting for me. I'm coming." He tore his gaze away from the ceiling and smiled into D.J.'s face. "Good-bye. I did love you. I just couldn't say it.'' |
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"I know. I had the same problem. Once upon a time. Who's waiting for you, Dad. Is it my mother?" |
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He nodded. "She's wearing her wedding dress." He laughed. D.J. stared. She had never heard her father laugh before. Never. Her amazement turned to shock as he lurched up onto his elbows, still staring at the ceiling. |
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"Dad!" She jumped to her feet and tried to push him back onto the bed. "Stop this. You'll hurt yourself." |
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He ignored her, his struggles surprisingly strong considering his condition. "Her feet are bare. Never could get her to wear shoes unless she had to. That's Josie. My sweet Josie." His breath came out on a sigh of pleasure. D.J. tensed, waiting for him to draw in another breath. She shook him. He remained as still as |
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D.J. released her hold on her father's shoulders. He fell backward onto the pillow, his gaze fixed on the ceiling. |
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"Josie?" she whispered and looked upward, her heart pounding a combination of hope and loss. |
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