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Show 127 handed it to Oscar. She pressed it into his hand. "You mustn't open this until everyone is gone. It's a thank you note from all of us." Dyna looked at Parker, then at the others. Everyone knew. A sly grin here and there might have given them away under different circumstances, but Oscar didn't suspect a thing. After saying goodbye to everyone else, Oscar pumped Parker's hand once more and gave Dyna a squeeze. "I sure had myself a time tonight," he said, his eyes alight with pleasure. "Tell your grandma she really missed out." ti' I will," Dyna promised. "She'll be sorry." Then Dyna went on out to the pickup. Parker 6tayed behind a minute to gather up the paper cups they'd left outside during the "unset egment." Oscar stood there on the porch, watching the car lights go on, smiling and waving at the kids who were disturbing the peace with their thank you's and goodbye's. "Well, young man," Oscar told Parker, accompanying him as far as the gate, "that's as nice a party as I ever saw. I sure hope Dyna had a good time." "That's as nice a party as I ever went to," Parker said. "We won't forget tonight . . . not Dyna . . . or any of us!" Suddenly, Oscar's eyes filled. "Someday this place will be hers,' he confided to Parker, "though she doesn't know it yet. A proper heir couldn't love that old house more than she does." Parker went on through the gate, not trusting himself to say anything more than "Thanks!" As the two of them pulled away from the curb, Oscar turned back at his door and waved again, the long white envelope still in his hand. Parker laid on the horn. Too soon the old neighborhood would resume its quiet, patient demeanor. For an occasion like this you needed music and fireworks and noise! |
