Chapter 14 - Page 198 - New Addition To The Family

   Shanha hung her head and pouted. “Do I have to be sixteen before I can drive, Papa?”

   “Yes, sweetheart.”

   Shanha leaned over Rhasha’s shoulder and acted like she was sad. She whispered in Rhasha’s ear, knowing Jim was close enough to hear what she was saying. “Mama, Papa’s a mean papa.”

   Rhasha and Shanha giggled. Jim put his arm around Shanha’s neck and scrubbed her noggin with his knuckles. Shanha tried to wrestle free of Jim’s hold, but couldn’t.

   “But I love you, Papa,” she said. She quit struggling and smiled.

   Jim quit scrubbing her head. “I love you too.” He winked at Rhasha, then released Shanha and told her to lean back and fasten her seat belt. Rhasha lowered the landing gear so she could land.

Within moments the twin engine plane touched down on the runway. Rhasha coasted to a stop, and taxied to the hangar.

   Jim and Rhasha parked the plane in the hangar, then they all climbed into the jeep and drove to The Factory. Several other ex-patients were inside, still in their pajamas. Jim went to talk to the manager about ordering more clothes while Rhasha assisted Shanha in picking out her own clothes. Shanha knew how much Jim liked the clothes Rhasha wore and she was sure he would like the clothes she picked out, too.

   By the time Rhasha and Shanha came out of the dressing room, Jim was eagerly waiting. He looked at Shanha, then he looked at Rhasha. Jim chuckled, then rubbed his chin with his fingers. He tried to act serious, but it was obvious he wanted to laugh. “Hmm,” he said, “this is very interesting.”