SARGE DANCED AROUND ANABELLE’S FEET AS SHE came into the kitchen, her arms full of grocery bags.
“Sit, Sarge.”
He did as he was told, looking up at her with his big brown eyes and one floppy ear tipped over as if to say “Don’t you want to play?”
“We’ll go for a w-a-l-k later, Sarge. Not now.” Like so many others in the upper Midwest, she’d had to restock supplies after the big storm and the grocery store had been particularly crowded. Since tonight was New Year’s Eve, lots of people were buying party snacks and treats for the celebration and tomorrow’s daylong football marathon.
Placing the bags on the counter, she began putting away things that belonged in the freezer.
The phone rang. From his office she heard Cam call, “I’ll get it.” A moment later he called out, “It’s Kirstie!”
Leaving the groceries, Anabelle picked up the wall phone with a sense of dread. After the storm passed and the roads were clear, Kirstie had gone to Chicago to look for an apartment. She’d be moving at the end of January.
“Hello, dear,” Anabelle said. “Is everything all right?”
“Everything’s great, Mother. In fact, I think I’ve found the perfect apartment.”
Anabelle grimaced.
“Tell us about it,” Cam said on the other phone.
“It’s near the university and I can get to the aquarium on a bus that stops just half a block away. The building’s three stories tall and…”
Kirstie rattled on about the apartment, but Anabelle couldn’t listen or share in the excitement that danced merrily over the telephone wires from Chicago to Deerford. She was losing her baby. Anabelle knew it wasn’t fair to think of her daughter’s move as losing her. But an ache had begun to bloom in her heart the moment Kirstie had revealed her plans. Every mention of Chicago or the aquarium had fed that ache until it became a giant hole in Anabelle’s chest.
“You sound very excited,” Cam said, breaking into Kirstie’s description of the neighborhood where she’d be living.
“I am, Pop. I’m going to hang out with friends tonight and tomorrow and then drive home on Monday. School starts on Tuesday.”
“Drive carefully, honey. The roads may still be slick.”
“I will. Bye, Mother. Pop. Love you both.”
“Love you…too.” Anabelle’s voice broke, dropping to a whisper, and then Kirstie was gone. Only the sound of empty air remained.
Anabelle was still holding the phone when Cam came into the kitchen.
“Are you all right, luv?”
She leaned her head against his shoulder. “We must be getting old. So much is changing.”
“Most of it for the good, I’d say. A new baby for Ainslee. A family for Evan. You with a new promotion.”
“I don’t know about that.” She cradled the phone. She’d told Cam yesterday about Leila’s retirement. “I haven’t decided if I want to apply or not.”
His bushy gray eyebrows lifted. “But you love your work.”
“I do.” She went back to putting away the groceries. “But the nursing administrator doesn’t do any nursing. It’s all paper pushing or hiring new employees or dealing with unsatisfactory employees. I’m not at all sure I’d be good at that, or if I really want to try.”
He grabbed a can of coffee and placed it on a shelf near the coffeepot. “Then don’t apply for the job. Keep doing what you like to do. Or retire. That sounds even better to me.”
It sounded so easy when Cam said the words. But she was already two years older than Leila, who had just retired. Maybe she should retire too. But what would she do with her time? It seemed unlikely that Ainslee would allow her to babysit Lindsay Belle and the new baby full-time.
Nor, if it came to that, would Anabelle want to.
Which left her in a quandary. Should she apply for the administrative position, stay where she was, or simply retire?
For the moment, she didn’t have an answer.
Saturday evening, Heath made a special dinner for Janet and the whole family.
Sitting at the dining table, Janet took a sip of her after-dinner coffee. “You’re very sweet to cook dinner in my honor, but you really didn’t need to.”
“We wanted to thank you for looking after Brooke and Howie while we were stuck at the hospital so many days,” Candace said.
“And nights,” Heath added with a wry grin.
“You know I’m always happy to be here with the children. You both had important work to do.”
Candace stacked the dessert plates. “There’s another reason Heath wanted this to be a special dinner.”
Curiosity raised Janet’s brows. “Oh?”
Hopping out of his chair, unable to keep the secret a moment longer, Howie shouted, “I’m going to have a baby brother!”
“She might have a girl,” Brooke countered.
“Nuh-uh,” Howie said. “It’s gonna be a boy.”
Candace sputtered a laugh.
“We guys have to stick together.” Standing, Heath reached all the way across the table to give the boy a high five.
Janet’s eyes widened and quickly filled with tears. “Really? Oh my…” She placed her hand on her chest. “I’m so happy for you. For both of you.”
Both Candace and her mother stood at the same time and hugged each other.
“When? What’s your due date?” Janet asked.
“July, we think. I see a doctor in a couple of weeks.”
“Oh, honey, I’ve missed having babies around since your children and Susan’s have gotten so big. I’m excited for you.” She found a tissue in her pocket and wiped a tear from her eyes.
“So am I, Mom. We both are.”
Howie decided he’d had enough of baby talk. “Come on, Heath. Let’s go play that video game you gave me for Christmas.”
“Not now, sport. Us menfolk need to clean up the dishes while the ladies gush over the baby.”
Howie’s shoulders slumped in dejection. “If I’ve gotta help with the dishes all the time, I’m not sure I want a baby brother. Mom? Can you change your mind about having a baby?”
Everyone laughed, and Candace knelt to give her son a special hug. “Whether it’s a boy or girl, I know the baby will love having you for a big brother.”
The day after New Year’s, Anabelle joined Elena for lunch in the hospital cafeteria. It was far too cold and blustery to go out to lunch even if the sky was a crystalline blue and their often-frequented Diner on the Corner only across the street.
Anabelle spooned some clam chowder into her mouth. Hot soup and a half tuna melt sandwich seemed right for a January day.
“Did you do anything special for New Year’s?” Anabelle asked.
“Not really. Rafael’s band played a gig in Tiskilwa. Cesar and I didn’t even manage to stay awake long enough to see that crystal ball fall in Times Square in New York.” With little interest and no effort to eat her lunch, Elena stirred her cup of soup.
“Is something wrong? You’re so quiet.”
Placing her spoon on the saucer, Elena let her shoulders droop and puffed out a sigh. “Rafael is at home packing up his things this afternoon. He’ll leave for the Sheriff’s Academy as soon as I get home to be with Izzy.”
“Why, that’s wonderful. Both you and Cesar must be very proud of him, following in his father’s footsteps.”
“Oh, we are. But—” Her chin quivered. “I’m going to miss him.”
Anabelle reached across the table to pat her hand. “But he’ll be home on weekends, won’t he?”
“Of course he will. He’ll come home to be with Izzy whenever he can. Even so…”
“I know just how you feel.” Anabelle had tried not to think about Kirstie’s move to Chicago, but now the realization tightened her throat so that it was difficult to swallow. “Kirstie comes back from Chicago today. She’s been looking for an apartment. She’s going to move there permanently at the end of the month.”
“She is?” Elena gasped. “You didn’t say anything. When did she decide to move?”
Anabelle slid her gaze away from Elena and looked off into the distance at nothing in particular. “She told us at Christmas. She was offered a full-time job at the Shedd Aquarium where she volunteered last summer.”
“How exciting for her. She must be thrilled.”
“She is.” Anabelle returned her attention to Elena. “I’m ashamed to admit I’m the only one who isn’t excited about the change. It is, after all, what she wants.”
“But you’re afraid you won’t get to see her as much once she’s moved there.”
Nodding, Anabelle conceded that was her fear. “She won’t have a built-in excuse to come home on weekends like Rafael does. Kirstie has already made friends in the city. They all went out New Year’s Eve. I’m sure she had a wonderful time.” And all the while, Anabelle had worried about her daughter, foolishly so. A grown woman, Kirstie was responsible and could take care of herself. But Chicago was such a big city. Here in Deerford people knew each other; it’s like everyone was a neighbor.
James walked up to the table, lunch tray in hand, and stopped abruptly. “You two look like you’re having a serious discussion. Should I find somewhere else to sit?”
Anabelle patted the spot beside her. “You’re more than welcome to sit, James. Assuming you don’t mind two mothers whining over their babies growing up and leaving the nest.”
He eased into the chair beside her. “I thought that’s what children were supposed to do. Grow up and fly away.”
“You won’t be so complacent about the idea when Gideon goes off to the Naval Academy and you don’t get to see him but twice a year,” Elena said.
Picking up his sliced beef and cheese sandwich on wheat bread, he paused before taking a bite. “I see what you mean. But it turns out, Gideon is considering not going to the academy, maybe going to the University of Illinois instead.”
“No…” Anabelle dragged out the denial, swiveling to stare at James. “Why would he turn down the opportunity to go to the academy?”
He munched a bite of sandwich. “The short answer is because of a girl.”
“What happened?” Anabelle and Elena said in tandem.
“The usual, I guess. His girlfriend broke up with him just before Christmas to date a boy who’s going to stay closer to home. He’s been in a blue funk the entire holiday vacation. I’ll be glad when school starts again tomorrow.”
“Poor kid. That’s a shame.” Anabelle softened her voice with sympathy.
“Boys sometimes take young love much more seriously than girls do,” Elena added.
“I suppose. After this week of being snowed in with a teenager whose chin has been dragging on the floor, I think Fern’s ready to drive him to Annapolis herself and leave him there.”
The two women laughed aloud, and Anabelle decided that children of any age brought a mother an equal measure of heartache and joy.
After a perfunctory effort to eat her lunch, Elena excused herself and went back upstairs to the ICU.
She was being foolish to fret over Rafael leaving for the Sheriff’s Academy. Anabelle was right. He’d be home virtually every weekend to spend time with Izzy. Elena had to admit that given Rafael’s schedule playing in the band and her full-time nursing job, she hadn’t seen him all that often the past few years.
But—except for the months he’d lived in Chicago hoping to make it big in the music business, or had an overnight gig there—she’d always known he’d come home at night.
Now, setting off on a new career path, one she approved of, he was really growing up. In another six months, he’d be more independent than ever.
That’s what she and Cesar wanted for their son, right?
She watched the clock as the afternoon dragged on. By the time she left for home, she’d developed a nervous stomach with a knot right smack in the middle.
To her surprise, she discovered Sarah was at the house. Still in the white slacks and light blue top she had worn at work, she met Elena at the kitchen door.
“Rafael thought it would be easier for Izzy if I was here when he left.” Color rose on Sarah’s cheeks.
“Of course. Good idea.” Interesting, Elena mused. It used to be that Elena provided solace for Izzy if she got lonely for her daddy. Or skinned her knee. Or a thousand other foibles that befell a child growing up. It seemed Sarah had made a place for herself with her daughter. And with Rafael.
There was definitely something up with those two.
“Buela! Daddy packed me in his duffel bag but said I didn’t leave any room for his clothes so I had to get out.” Her dark hair mussed, Izzy’s cheeks were as bright pink as Sarah’s.
Elena tugged the child up close to her. “Then I guess you’ll have to stay home with me and Tito.”
“And with Mommy too.” She hopped over to Sarah’s side. “She’s going to take me for a sled ride after Daddy leaves.”
“That sounds like fun.” Elena met Sarah’s gaze, and she gave her a silent nod of approval. The sled ride would be a good diversion.
Cesar drifted into the kitchen. “Is this where we’re going to give Rafael his big send-off?”
“Maybe I should have bought some confetti and streamers to throw,” Elena said.
“Not if you’d make me sweep up the mess,” Cesar countered. He slipped his arm around her waist.
“Hey, guys,” Rafael said, his duffel hanging over his shoulder. “Let’s not make this into a big deal. I’m going to be home next weekend.”
“When Daddy gets home again, he’s going to play with me and Sarah.”
Rafael’s eyes met Sarah’s and something in them softened. “Yeah, we’ll have a great time.”
He turned to his father. “Guess I need to be on my way.” He extended his hand, but Cesar ignored the hand, pulling him into a hug instead.
“I’m proud of you, Son. You’ll do fine at the academy. I know you will.”
“I’ll do my best, Daddy.”
Cesar released Rafael and took his duffel bag from him.
Elena stepped up to give her son a hug and kiss. “Drive carefully, you hear? I don’t want you ending up in some ER between here and Springfield.”
“I’ll be careful, Mama. I promise.”
He scooped Izzy into his arms. “You be good for Buela and Tito and Mommy, mi bonita. I’ll be home before you know it.”
She gave him a loud kiss on the cheek. “I’ll be good, Daddy. I promise, promise.”
Still holding Izzy, Rafael leaned forward to brush a kiss to Sarah’s cheek. “Take care, shortcake,” he whispered.
Elena checked for Cesar’s reaction to the affectionate moment, but he simply smiled and nodded.
“See you next weekend.” Rafael lowered Izzy to the floor. “Gotta get on the road before it gets too late.”
They all followed him out the kitchen door. Cesar tossed the duffel bag into the back of the van. Sarah stood on the porch holding Izzy’s hand.
Shivering, Elena wrapped her arms around herself, trying not to let the tears fall that filled her eyes. Please watch over him, Lord.
Rafael gunned the engine, tooted the horn, and backed out of the driveway. They watched as he pulled out onto the road.
“All right, little angel,” Sarah said. “Let’s get our coats and mittens and go for a sled ride.”
“Yay!” Izzy dashed into the house, perfectly content to spend her time with Sarah, who followed after the child, a smile on her lips.
Elena lingered at the door hoping to get one final glimpse of the van as it turned the corner onto the main road. She’d felt the same hollow ache the morning of Rafael’s first day of school.
“It’s going to be all right, querida.” Cesar looped his arm around her again, and she leaned her head against his shoulder.
“I know. I’m just being silly.”
“I’ve got some news that will perk you up. I talked with Margo, our travel agent. She’s got us booked for our trip to Spain in February.”
Elena’s mood instantly lifted. “February?”
“Hmm. The weather ought to be decent then. We leave on February 19 and return home on March 3. And, mi querida”—he kissed her temple—“we’ll be there for Carnival.”
She squealed and hugged him. “Really? We’re going for Carnival? That’s such an exciting time. All the singing and dancing and parades. The costumes!” She kissed him hard on the lips.
Grinning, he kissed her back. “Guess you approve of the plans.”
“Oh yes, a million times yes. It’s as if my cancer scare turned into a blessing. Without that we might never have actually made it to Spain. We will this time.”
“I brought home a bunch of brochures for you to look through.”
“Perfect.” Excitement and plans for the trip immediately tumbled through her brain like acrobats vying for a prize. “We’ll have to get costumes for ourselves. Should we buy them here? Or wait until we get to Spain? And we’ll need some new clothes.”
“You bought a whole wardrobe of clothes for the December trip,” he complained.
“But the weather will be much warmer. If we go to the Costa del Sol we’ll need swimsuits. I haven’t had a new one in years.” She started walking into the house. “After I read the brochures, I can check on the Internet to see what we’ll need. Goodness, where on earth can we buy swimsuits this time of year?”
She kept talking and walking, and it was only when she reached the living room that she realized Cesar hadn’t followed her. He was still standing by the kitchen door, laughing.
Her lips twisted into a reluctant grin. The man knew her far too well. And loved her just right.