Free Age Before Beauty by Virginia Smith

not chastising you. The reason I wanted to talk with you this morning is for your own peace of mind.”
    She sniffled. “What do you mean?”
    “I want to assure you that your baby is completely healthy. I’ve examined her multiple times, and I promise you there is nothing wrong with her. I rarely make predictions, but I’ll make an exception in this case. Barring unforeseen accidents, I predict that Joan Leigh Harrod will outlive both of us by decades.”
    Waves of relief washed over Allie as the doctor’s words sank in. She drew in a deep breath and smiled down at her beautiful, healthy daughter.
    Then she looked up and included Dr. Reynolds in her smile. “Thank you. I feel much better.”
    He placed both hands on the desk and stood. “I’m glad. Now go home and enjoy your baby. And trim her nails.”
    “I will,” Allie promised as she got to her feet.
    The doctor opened the office door as she scooped up the diaper bag and her purse, and patted her shoulder as she left. “I meant what I said about calling if you have a question. If you’re really worried, don’t hesitate.”
    “Okay.” She avoided the nurse’s eyes as she made her way down the hallway.
    Out in the parking lot, she laid Joanie in her car seat and snapped the shoulder straps in place. Deep blue eyes stared up at her, bringing a smile to Allie’s lips. She traced a finger lightly over the scratches, which didn’t look so bad now.
    “When we get home,” she told her daughter, “you’re getting a manicure. And we don’t have to tell Daddy about this visit to Dr. Reynolds, do we? It’ll be a secret, just between us girls.”

7
    “Tori’s here!”
    Allie leaped off the sofa where she’d been watching the driveway through the window and ran to the front door of Gram’s house. She still thought of it as Gram’s house, even though her grandmother didn’t live there anymore. Instead, Gram lived in an assisted living center on the other side of town, a snazzy place as fancy as a country club. Joan and Mom still lived here, in the house where Allie had spent her teenage years. A good thing, since Allie couldn’t imagine a family celebration anywhere else.
    Mom came out of the kitchen, an eager expression on her thin face as she wiped her hands on a dishtowel. “I’m so glad she made it. She’s been working long hours lately. I was worried she wouldn’t get out of the office on time tonight.”
    Allie shook her head. “She wouldn’t miss my birthday dinner.”
    The door flew open, and Allie’s baby sister burst into the house. She stopped just inside the threshold, threw her arms wide, and struck a pose. “Here I am! The party can start now.”
    Mom took a step toward her youngest daughter, but Allie jumped in front of her with a playful grin. “What do you mean, the party can start now? I’m the birthday girl, you know. Tonight, it’s all about me !” Their childhood competition to be the center of attention had become a long-standing family joke.
    Tori tilted her bright blonde head back and her playful laughter filled the room. “You know I’m just kidding, Allie Gator. Happy birthday!”
    She threw her arms around Allie, and Allie hugged her baby sister for all she was worth. Petite Tori’s short hair, artistically moussed to look mussed up in a sexy, little-girl way, tickled Allie’s nose. The subtle woodsy scent of what was probably an outrageously priced perfume lingered in the air when Tori left her embrace and stepped into their mother’s.
    “It’s always good to see my baby.” Mom’s eyes behind her brown-rimmed glasses danced with pleasure as she hugged her youngest. “You make every gathering special when you come home.”
    Allie agreed with Mom’s sentiment. Since Tori moved to Lexington, every homecoming seemed like a party. Allie and Joan had both settled in their hometown, so they saw each other all the time. But when their lively younger sibling came home, it was the three Sanderson sisters, together