Page 100 of Not So Very Sensible

Annabelle had bitten her lip, her gaze swinging between them as Katie wrenched out another gulping sob. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”

Remorse filled her. It wasn’t her sister’s fault that their very different personality types meant they expressed their disappointment in different ways. Ellie stretched out her arms, and Katie rushed into them with a hug.

“I’m sorry.”

“No, I’m sorry,” Katie sobbed. “I’m always forgetting how much you and others have done for me.”

“Well, maybe it’s time for you to do something for someone else. And focusing on others will help you not focus on yourself so much.”

Katie nodded, then turned to Annabelle. “I really didn’t mean to take advantage of you.”

“No advantage taken. Like I said, I’m happy to help.”

“And I’m sorry your heart was broken too.”

Annabelle shrugged. “These things happen. But I’m sure, like Ellie said, there’s a purpose in this, and God has something better planned for us. We just gotta keep trusting, right?”

Katie nodded. Then lifted her chin a fraction. “Right.”

Ellie studied her sister, knowing she’d been a little harsh but also knowing that it had been truth that needed to be spoken. “I think we should make a pact to pray for each other.”

“Good idea,” Katie said.

“I already do,” Annabelle said.

“Well, I already do too,” Ellie admitted, “but I figured that it was good for Katie to do.”

Annabelle laughed, and this time Katie smiled, which felt like such a win that Ellie willingly hugged her again. “I love you.”

“Love you too,” Katie murmured into her shoulder.

Annabelle lifted her mug of hot chocolate. “Then let’s see what God has in store for us.”

Ellie lifted her mug and clinked. “Bring on the good plans, God.”

Katie nodded. “Amen.”

Charlene’s challenge to him last Friday had kept Ethan company all week. He wasn’t without resources or research skills, and after all the machinations of his family, it was time to turn the tables and see what he could do. Which meant going to see his sister on Friday morning.

She opened the door. “What are you doing here?”

“Talking to you,” he said, entering and giving her a hug that obviously took her by surprise.

She frowned at him. “Why?”

“Because for some reason it feels like you’re not answering my calls.”

She blushed.

“So, that was a yes then?”

“I—I was just about to go out.”

“Great. Then this won’t take long at all. Where did you come across Ellie?”

“Who?”

“Elinor. The woman you and Dad don’t want me with. I need to speak to her.”