Chapter Thirty
K atherine gripped the steering wheel and glanced over at her mother. One second Mom would be looking out the window, then she’d quickly stare straight ahead. It was if she couldn’t decide what she was supposed to be doing.
The past couple of weeks had been fantastic. Katherine and her mother had taken their time driving from California to Maryland. Any time either of them had wanted to stop and play tourist, they had. Of course, Katherine’s mother tired easily, so that added to their stops. But now, they were nearly there. And Mom looked like she might crawl out of her own skin.
Katherine bit back a smile. “Nervous?”
“No point in trying to hide it, huh?” Mom leaned her head against the passenger window. “I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t imagined what this moment would feel like. I never expected it to be under these circumstances though.”
Katherine was silent. It was so easy to wait until a crisis to realize relationships needed to be resolved. She was guilty of it, just in a different way. She couldn’t help but think of how lately she’d been in a pattern of waiting until there was a problem to talk to God. Or how she prayed a lot harder when she was on an airplane than any other time. It was sort of the same thing. She resolved to learn from this experience. “I’m a little nervous too. What if they don’t like me?”
Mom reached over and patted her leg. “They will love you. And if you can forget all of the things you’ve heard me say about them over the years, you’ll love them too.”
Katherine nodded. “I will. I’m excited about meeting the rest of the family.”
“And from what I hear, they’re pretty excited about meeting you as well.
The prospect of having aunts, uncles and cousins was foreign to Katherine. She and her mother had a large circle of friends in California. Neighbors and people from her mother’s work had stepped in and filled the roles normally held by family. And while it had been hard to leave some of them behind, Katherine couldn’t shake the excitement of getting to know her relatives. With one exception.
“Honey,” her mother began. “I know this is going to be difficult for you. It is for me, too, just in a different way. If you ever feel like it’s too much for you to handle, just let me know. We’ll go check into a hotel or something.” She smiled. “I know better than anyone that my parents, particularly my mother, can be a lot to take.”
“I’m sure it will be fine.” Katherine hoped her voice held more certainty than she felt. Because as excited as she was about meeting her family, she also knew it could be a disaster. And at this point, there was no turning back. The house was sold. She’d registered for classes and already explained that she’d be starting late.
Her mother pointed at a street to the left. “Here’s the turn.” She took a deep breath. “It’s time to face the music.”
Katherine slowed the car and turned onto a quaint street, lined with brick houses and lush green yards. Ivy grew on some of the brick, a sure sign that this neighborhood had a history dating back many years.
“Right there, on the left. I used to say that was the house where dreams went to die.” Her mother gave a strained laugh.
Katherine pulled the car into the driveway, thankful there weren’t a lot of vehicles parked at the house. Too many new people at once would be overwhelming.
An elegant woman strode toward them. Her gray hair was cut in a sleek bob and her pantsuit was expensively cut. She was smiling broadly though, making her less intimidating.
Katherine and her mother both climbed from the car.
“Katherine, dear,” her grandmother said. “You’ve grown into a beautiful young woman.” She gave her a quick embrace.
“Hi, Mom.” Katherine’s mom hesitantly stood next to the car, one hand still on the door handle. She looked as if she were considering climbing back inside the car from which she’d come. “You look great.”
By Katherine’s calculations, it had been at least a decade since they’d seen one another. Her grandparents had flown to California for a vacation when Katherine had been in elementary school.
“Jane.” Grandmother stood, staring at her daughter. “I’m so sorry that you’re sick. I wish you’d have let us know sooner.” She crossed to the passenger side and gave her a hug. “Your father is worried sick. He’s inside, probably watching out the window.” She gave Katherine a wink. “Probably afraid we’ll get into an argument right here in the driveway,” she whispered.
Katherine’s mom gave a tiny smile. “Let’s try not to argue at all during our visit.”
Grandmother nodded. “I think that’s a fantastic idea. Besides, now that the two of you are home where you belong, there’s nothing to argue about anyway.” She grasped one of Katherine’s hands. “Come in and rest. You can unload your things later.” Katherine and her mother exchanged glances. She had to admit, her grandmother was a force to be reckoned with. She wasn’t the kind of woman who’d take kindly to someone not wanting to do things her way. As they stepped inside the spacious home, Katherine hoped they could manage to keep the peace for her mother’s sake.