The Barefoot Summer(85)

Joy filled Kate’s soul for Amanda and for Gracie. The sisters would always have each other.

“What are you waiting for, Kate?” Amanda asked. “I didn’t have time to get invitations ready for this party. Come and meet Lia Beth, named after you two and Gracie.”

Gracie crawled up on the bed beside Amanda. “I like that better than Rachel.”

“Fits her better, doesn’t it?” Amanda grinned.

Family does not have to be blood, and sisters do not have to be born of the same parents, the voice in Kate’s head said loudly.

“I’m honored,” Kate said as she crossed the room to meet her niece.





CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Is it Monday’s child that is fair of face?” Kate asked as she rocked Miss Lia on Saturday evening. “Jamie, how does the rest of that thing go?”

“I don’t remember, but I do know that a child born on the Sabbath is fair and wise and good in every way, because Mama Rita told me that when Gracie was born on Sunday,” Jamie yelled from the kitchen.

“Well, this baby was born on Thursday,” Kate said.

“Thursday’s child has far to go,” Amanda said from the sofa. “I looked it up already.”

“What does that mean?” Gracie was busy coloring a new picture for the baby not far from Kate.

“It means she will be beautiful and make lots of friends,” Kate answered. “And that means that she is going to be like her older sister.”

“Wow! Even though she has red hair and I’ve got black, we’re going to be alike?” Gracie asked.

“Oh, yes, you are,” Jamie said. “And now supper is ready, so go wash your hands.”

“Roast and potatoes?” Gracie asked.

“You got it, kiddo, but only after you wash up.” Jamie pointed to the bathroom.

Amanda got up from the sofa where she’d been resting. “I’ll take her so you can go eat.”

“You go first and let me hold her awhile longer. I had a midafternoon snack, so I can wait awhile.” Kate smiled.

Amanda eased up off the sofa. “I’m glad she didn’t weigh nine pounds. I wouldn’t be able to walk for a month. And I’m very happy they didn’t make me stay in the hospital another day. Whatever they brought on the supper tray wouldn’t be as good as Jamie’s pot roast and hot biscuits.”

Kate started humming when the baby whimpered, and she quieted right down. “She likes music.”

“I listened to it a lot when I was carrying her,” Amanda said. “Aunt Ellie said it was good for a baby.”

Listening to the chatter at the supper table, Kate realized that she did not want to leave Bootleg. She didn’t want this baby or Gracie, either, to grow up and only know her as the aunt who came on holidays or sent money in a Christmas card. She wanted to be a part of their lives, to go to church with them and be there when they went out on their first dates.

I don’t want to just be a part of their lives with pictures on the mantel and seeing them a few times a year, she thought. I need to be involved with everything, or I will regret it when they are grown. Time slips past quickly.

Kate sighed when someone knocked on the door. She wanted to explore this idea of a drastic life change a little longer. Carrying the baby in one arm, she crossed the living room floor and slung open the door to find Hattie and Victor with big grins. Victor held up an enormous gift bag and stood back while Hattie pushed her way past him into the house.

“We came to bring the baby a present. Y’all just keep your seats out there in the kitchen,” she called out. “I’m going to steal this baby from Kate and rock her a spell. She needs to get to know me real good so she’ll be comfortable with me when her mama goes to work.”

Kate waited until Hattie was settled in the rocking chair before putting the baby in her arms. “She’s a good baby. When Amanda finishes her supper, she’ll come in here and open the present.”

“Thank you!” Amanda called out. “I hope I’m not being rude, but I am going to eat first and open later. This is too good to let it get cold.”

“I understand. Take your time,” Hattie said. “I’m good right here. She’s a beauty, with this mop of red hair.”

“You think it will stay that color or all fall out and grow in dark like Gracie’s?”

“She’ll be a redhead, mark my words.” Hattie began to hum a lullaby. “This is what I’ve missed about having my grandkids live so far away. I can’t just pop in and see them for a little while and then go home.”

Kate touched Victor on the arm. “Come on in the kitchen and have a glass of tea or some pot roast if you haven’t eaten.”

“I’m not sure I can get away from staring at this little princess,” he said. “You looked pretty good with her in your arms.”

“It felt good, but there’s no use wishing for miracles,” Kate said.

He followed her into the kitchen. “I’ve eaten, but I might have one of those biscuits with some honey.”

“Sit down and help yourself,” Jamie said. “There’s plenty of everything if you change your mind. And Kate is a natural when it comes to babies. Most people in her position wouldn’t be that comfortable with one.”