Free New Beginnings by Charlotte Carter

be developing lesson plans and programs for all ages. And you know how much I loved my summer internship at the aquarium.” She gave an embarrassed shrug. “I guess it’s become my passion.”
    Cam recovered from the shock of Kirstie’s announcement and hugged her. “Good for you, honey. It’s always right to follow your passion.”
    “Thanks, Pop.”
    Anabelle struggled to be equally supportive and failed. “You’ll be so far away.”
    “It’s only a three-hour drive.”
    “On a good day with no traffic,” Anabelle countered.
    Not wanting Kirstie to see how upset—shocked—she was, Anabelle turned away and refolded the drying cloth.
    Kirstie came up behind her, placing her hand on Anabelle’s back. “It’ll be okay, Mother. I’ll come home often. It’s not like I’m moving to California or Florida.”
    “I know.” She sniffed. Turning, she took her daughter into her arms. Somehow she had to let Kirstie go. Let her grow. “I’ll miss knowing you’re right nearby. All I want is your happiness, honey. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.” She drew a steadying breath, stepped back, and framed Kirstie’s face between her palms. “I love you.”
    “Don’t worry, Mother. I’ll be fine.”
    “Where are you going to live?”
    “I’m planning to go there in the next couple of days, weather permitting, and start apartment hunting.”
    “Maybe your father or I should go with you?”
    “Mother, I’m almost twenty-six years old. I think I can manage on my own. Besides, the program director at Shedd said he might be able to give me some leads.”
    Finding a tissue in her pocket, Anabelle wiped her eyes. “Is this why you broke up with Mark?”
    “Partly, maybe. But our relationship really wasn’t going anywhere. I know that he wasn’t the one.”
    “Is there someone special in Chicago?”
    Kirstie laughed. “If there is, I haven’t met him yet. But a girl can always hope.”
    Anabelle could hope too—hope that her daughter would be safe in the big city. That she’d find love there, raise a family. Hope that she’d be happy with her new life, new job, new home.
    Just the thought threatened to bring on the tears again.
    Together they finished straightening the house. The empty spot beneath the Christmas tree looked so forlorn compared to this morning when it was filled with bright packages and gifts of love.
    When Kirstie left, Anabelle walked directly into Cam’s arms.
    “A bit of a shock, wasn’t it, luv?”
    “She’s leaving us, Cam. I’m going to miss her so.”
    His hand soothed gently over her back. “We raised the children to be independent. Looks like we did a good job, lass.”
    Too good!
    “I was so happy when Ainslee announced she’s pregnant again. Now…”
    “Now we’re equally happy that Kirstie is about to venture out on her own. She’s a strong girl. She’ll be just fine.”
    “I know.” Anabelle exhaled and looked up at Cam. “Do you think Evan is going to marry Maureen?”
    “I have no idea.”
    “Well, if he did we’d be grandparents of her two children.”
    His gray eyebrows shot up. “There you go, rushing things again. Maureen’s mother might have something to say about that.” He circled his arm around her waist and urged her upstairs to bed.
    “Oh
pshaw
. A child can’t have too many grandparents. Besides they’re such well behaved children and Olivia is such a sweet child.”
    She rattled on about how having two more grandchildren to spoil would be such fun. But in her heart an ache bloomed. Kirstie would be so far away.

Chapter Nine
    T HE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS, AMES WOKE TO TEN inches of snow on the ground with more falling. News reports indicated that all of Illinois was under a blizzard watch and Winnipeg, Canada, had virtually closed down for the day, if not the entire week. There were already delays or closures at many airports in the upper Midwest.
    One thing for sure, Gideon and Nelson would have ample opportunity to earn extra money by