Secrets of a Small Town, page 18
Every time Sabrina looked at her, she was filled with an overwhelming love. Her blue-eyed darling, who looked so much like her father, was the light of her life.
Oh, if only Isabel could see her.
But it was her mother’s choice not to. Sabrina constantly reminded herself of that fact. She’d done everything she could do. She’d called her mother the day after Samantha was born, and every time they’d talked since Sabrina had invited Isabel to come to Ivy. Six weeks had gone by, and her mother had still not come.
Sabrina determinedly pushed thoughts of her mother out of her mind. Today was not a day for sadness. Today was a day of joy.
Glynnis and the children were the first to arrive. Michael was six now and in the first grade. He was still just as sweet and serious as he’d always been. Olivia was four months shy of her third birthday and a handful, but everyone who knew her adored her. Livvy loved her baby cousin Samantha and couldn’t wait until she was old enough to play with. Sabrina hugged and kissed all three. Aside from Gregg and Samantha, they were the most important people in her life, and she gave thanks for them every day.
After Glynnis came two of Sabrina and Gregg’s friends with their children, followed by Gregg’s cousin Steve and his new bride, Maggie, who worked for Gregg as his sous-chef.
Soon the house was filled with adults and children, all laughing and talking. Before Sabrina knew it, it was five o’clock and time to serve the food.
She had just taken the lasagna out of the oven when the doorbell rang.
Gregg and Sabrina looked at each other.
“I’ll go,” he said.
“No, I’ll go. You start slicing the lasagna.” Sabrina walked to the door and, after only a moment’s hesitation, opened it.
Standing on the doorstep was a beaming Leland and beside him, sitting in her chair, was Sabrina’s mother. Her smile was hesitant. “Hi.”
“Oh, Mom.” Sabrina’s eyes filled. “You came.”
“Am I still welcome?”
“You’ll always be welcome.”
The next few minutes would forever remain a blur in Sabrina’s mind. Leland and her mother coming inside. Meeting everyone. Saying hello to Gregg and then getting their first look at Samantha.
But when Gregg gently placed Samantha on Isabel’s arms and she held her granddaughter for the first time, Sabrina knew she would never forget the look on her mother’s face.
Gregg walked over to Sabrina and put his arm around her. At that moment, her heart was so full she was afraid it might burst.
“Thank you, God,” she whispered. Then she raised her face for her husband’s kiss.
ISBN: 978-1-4592-3300-3
SECRETS OF A SMALL TOWN
Copyright © 2003 by Patricia A. Kay
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†Callahans & Kin
*Three Brides and a Baby
Patricia Kay, Secrets of a Small Town
