CHAPTER 34

“No thanks necessary. Now, give me a big hug, ‘cariño’.”

          Mrs. Ramirez opened her arms, and Rhiannon stepped into them.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t present at Santi’s funeral…” she said slowly. 

“Oh, but you were. In spirit. I can see how much you care about our Santi. It has been tough, for our family. But somehow, we got through. Mr. Ridgway helped us so much. You see, my sister wanted her boy back home, so, since we’re not a rich family, Mr. Ridgway paid for all the traveling expenses and the funeral.”  

          A bit embarrassed for being called up, Paxton gave Santiago’s aunt a shy smile.

“My sister wanted me to thank you again. We will pray every day for Kieran like we pray for Santi,” Sonia Ramirez said.

“Thank