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That’s the most important thing.”
    “Well, now, I figured that’s what you’d say, so I made a few plans of my own.” The old man looked quite pleased with himself.
    “Gramp, I refuse to leave town until you’re better,” Zach insisted, in spite of the temptation a honeymoon with the beautiful woman next to him held.
    “That’s why I rented the honeymoon suite at the Plaza Hotel. It’s just a few blocks away. The manager is a close friend, and he’s promised me you’ll have the best service.”
    “But Gramp,” Susan said, her words breathless, as if she, too, were thinking about them being alone, “I have Paul. I can’t—”
    “I can stay at Rosa’s,” Paul said. “Then I can show Manny my new books.” He turned to Pete. “Zach bought me some books about a dog.”
    “Good for him. You don’t mind staying with this Rosa? ’Cause the doc said you could go to his house,” Pete said.
    “I’d like to go to Rosa’s. Manny’s my friend.”
    “That okay with you, Susan?” Pete asked, smiling at her.
    Zach sympathized with her. It wasn’t the first time his grandfather had maneuvered people into doing what he wanted. But it was a new experience for Susan.
    “Yes, of course, that will be fine,” Susan said hurriedly. “It’s very thoughtful of you, Gramp. A—a night in such a beautiful hotel will be quite...quite charming.”
    “One night? You think I’m a cheapskate? I want you to stay through the weekend.”
    “Zach?” she pleaded in a soft whisper.
    “We can’t leave Paul that long, Gramp. We’ll go tonight, but after that, we’ll have to make arrangements... about a lot of things.”
    “Well, I can’t force you. But the boy would be fine at the ranch with Hester. You like animals, boy?”
    Paul’s eyes widened. “Animals? You mean, like dogs? I don’t have a dog ’cause we can’t have one at the apartment. I always wanted a dog.”
    Susan covered her face with one hand. Zach didn’t know if it was because she felt bad about the boy not having a dog, or what But he believed little boys and dogs were meant to be together.
    “We have several dogs, Paul. You’ll like them,” Gramp assured him.
    “Wow! Wait until I tell Manny!”
    “It’s about time for the party to end,” the doctor said quietly, moving to Pete’s side.
    “All right,” he agreed, which worried Zach. “I’m going to get a report from the manager at the hotel, so you two enjoy yourselves,” he added with a grin.
    “We’ll do our best, Gramp,” Zach promised, unable to help himself. He caught Susan’s sharp stare out of the corner of his eye and turned to smile reassuringly. She didn’t appear to be comforted.
    “Doctor, Reverend Knox, Judge, thanks for helping Gramp pull off this celebration. It meant a lot to him,” Zach said as he shook each man’s hand. He noticed how graciously Susan added her thanks.
    Then she turned to his grandfather, giving him a kiss on each cheek. “Thank you for making this evening memorable, Gramp.”
    “You’re welcome, little girl. And welcome to the family, both of you.” He beamed at Susan and Paul.
    Zach stepped up, putting his arm around Susan. He
     hoped Gramp didn’t notice her start of surprise. “Thanks, Gramp. You’re the best.”
    “Aw, go on with you, boy.”
    They left the room, with Gramp smiling, even when the nurse brought in his medicine.
     
    “Will Rosa mind letting Paul spend the night?” Zach asked after they’d driven several blocks.
    “Surely that isn’t necessary? You can check into the hotel and—”
    “Didn’t you hear Gramp say the manager is a friend? He’d tell Gramp I lost my bride and then there’d be hell to pay.”
    “Oh, you said a bad word,” Paul said from the back seat. He was holding his new books, rubbing his hand over them, as if afraid they’d disappear if he wasn’t touching them.
    “Sorry, buddy, I forgot,” Zach said goodnaturedly. Then, as if he hadn’t been interrupted, he said, “So it’s