She Died Too Young by Lurlene McDaniel Read Free Book Online

parents ever felt the same way? They’d never had other children. Was it because of fears they’d have another defective one? “But your folks had healthy kids too.”
    “They did. Three others. But Daddy’s the type who remembers his mistakes, not his triumphs.”
    “But you all seem so close.”
    “We are. I love my family more than anything. They’re always around for me. I’ve tried real hard to not be sick, to be well for them, but I just can’t be. I’m hoping this transplant will change everything. I’m hoping that once it’s over and I’ve recovered, I can do all the things I want to do with them.”
    Jillian’s enthusiasm toward getting the transplant only reminded Chelsea of her fear of it. Why couldn’t she be eager and optimistic about it the way Jillian was? She asked, “So, what things would you do?”
    Jillian tipped her head thoughtfully. “I’d go on a weeklong trail ride the way DJ does. I’d herd the cattle and sleep under the stars. Daddy loves his ranch, and he’s made it plain that it will go to me and DJ when he dies. Our sisters all married rich, and they don’t care much about the ranch anyway.”
    “So, once you get well, you’ll become a cattle baron?”
    “Baroness.”
    They giggled together and didn’t hear the knock on the door, so DJ pushed it open and stuck hishead inside the room. “Is that all you two have got to do?”
    “I didn’t say you could come in,” Jillian announced.
    “I didn’t ask your permission,” DJ countered good-naturedly, coming toward the bed.
    Chelsea felt her heart skip a beat. She shifted on the bed self-consciously. Because of her heart problems, she’d not had much experience being with boys, but she knew when a guy was affecting her emotions. DJ was cute. Rugged-looking. Chelsea had met plenty of guys over the summer at Jenny House, but none of them had made her blood race the way DJ did.
    “I thought you and Daddy were flying back to Texas this afternoon,” Jillian said. It was Sunday, and because of school for DJ and obligations at the ranch for their father, their visits were limited to weekends.
    “We’re taking off soon. Trying to get rid of me? So tell me, Chelsea, is that nice of my sister?”
    Chelsea’s mind went blank. “Uh—no,” she said, and felt dumb.
    “I’m shocked you even showed this weekend,” Jillian needled. “Shocked that Shelby unhooked your chain and let you out of her sight.”
    “You’re mean as a snake,” DJ said with an impish grin. “Shelby had a cheerleading camp to go to this weekend.”
    “Why am I not surprised?”
    “I don’t know why I let you bad-mouth my girl this way.” Jillian opened her mouth to retort, butDJ covered it with his palm. “Don’t say something you’ll have to make up to me about.” He bent and kissed her forehead. “Got you last,” he said, backing away from the bed.
    Jillian raised up on her knees and put her hands on her hips. “You coming next weekend?”
    “Maybe. Would you miss me if I didn’t?”
    “Fat chance.”
    Chelsea watched the two of them give one another a long, clinging look, and realized how deep their affection for each other went. How scared each of them was of not seeing the other again.
    “If they beep you—”
    “Mama will call, and you and Daddy can be here in a few hours,” Jillian replied. “Now, go on and get out of here. Chelsea and I have a game to finish.”
    “Don’t let her cheat,” DJ told Chelsea.
    When he left, the room felt empty, as if it had somehow grown smaller. Chelsea saw a film of moisture in Jillian’s eyes, and didn’t know how to respond.
    Jillian sniffed loudly, wiped the back of her hand over her eyes, turned toward Chelsea, and asked, “So, tell me, Chelsea James, how long have you had this crush on my brother?”

E
ight

    C HELSEA FELT HER face flush and grow hot with embarrassment. “What are you talking about?”
    Jillian skewered her with a knowing look. “Don’t play the innocent with