Elly May Duke

Daisy nodded "I realize that and I'm sorry. Well it's just that I've been so stressed lately and when you called I was afraid something was wrong with Lily. . . I think Doc ought to check me out cause I ain't been feeling up to myslef lately."

Enos squeezed her shoulder "Same here." (could you please resend your last email cause it for some odd reason did a funny thing)

Enos chuckled "And I love you and your 'big mouth'."

Soon Lily was somewhat out of it when Enos got a call on the phone and it was Daisy. "Enos, I'm sorry about the way I acted earlier. . .I just. . .well you know."

"I don't know baby." Enos sighed.

"Well Daisy . . .you know that look you always got when you were upset cause of your 'big mouth'? You looked so cute."

Lily looked upset. "no no baby. . .your mama's fine. . .she's just. . .she just doesn't really understand herself right now."

Enos blushed deeper "Well Daisy there's a certain look you make that I love myself."

Lily sighed herself looking at him "Is something wrong with mama?" she asked.

Afterawhile Enos decided to call Daisy just to talk, but when she answered he thought better of his brilliant idea. "Is Lily okay?" she cried hearing his voice. "Yes Daisy. She's fine. . .I'm just checking on you honey." "Don't ever do that again Enos Strate." she said. "Sorry." Enos said again.

Enos blushed and couldn't help but laugh with a goofy look on his face.

Enos smiled "Because Daisy, there's just that something about you that people love. . .and what I love about you. . .your carring nature."

Enos nodded and the two sat silently for awhile listening to the radio (no isea where that last post came from. . .I am on a roll tonight apparently)

Enos nodded "Good, cause that's the last thing I want. I love you too much to have that happen." then Enos got a serious face "Lily, I have something to talk about with you." Lily looked surprised "yes daddy?" "Lily, I realize that I won't be able to do quite as much as I could before. I'll try my best, but it will never be the same." Lily nodded, tears threatening to fall "I know daddy." "Well Lily." Enos ventured slowly "What I'm trying to say is that I know it won't be easy on you, but I need you to help your mama and try to act older if you can. . .Can you do that for me baby?" Enos asked trying not to cry himself.

Enos smiled at her from his spot at the talbe "Don't worry Daisy, it's only the second day. She'll love you by the wedding and you two will be there in your dresses."

Enos nodded "You don't feel sick do you?" he asked knowing from previous times with Lily at the hospital that she seemed to have little issues.

Soon they were headed back to Enos's place with a few catfish that Daisy intended to fix while Enos gave Cherry her bottle since the little one hadn't quite taken to her new mama quite yet.

Enos smiled "Well you get Cherry ready and go wait for me in the squad car and I'll ge the gear." Daisy nodded and did as he said. Soon they were up at the lake.

Lily looked up "Daddy." she said as excitedly as her weariness would allow. "It's okay baby, I'm here." Enos said and getnly stroked her hair "What do you need?" Lily looked up at her dadddy "Just a little sip of that." she rasped pointing at the glass of gingerale infront of her. Enos nodded and gladly lifted the straw to where she could slowly take a small sip.

Doc chuckled and took Enos to Lily's room.

"Daisy, would you . . ." Enos paused for a minute trying to think of what to say "Would you wanna go out to the lake with me and. . .fish?"

Enos noticed, but said nothing and gently gave her a kiss.

Doc chuckled "I'm guessing it's being stonger than you have in the last while. You don't have to tell me what it's like to be there for others Enos."

"What's got you happy?" Doc asked as he came in to do a regular check on Enos.

Daisy nodded and rushed off. Enos, now alone was slightly happy about being a protective father again.