“Of course we were proud of you. What nonsense have you put in your head?”

“I know you were. I know. I could feel it, see it. When I was dancing and you were there, even when I couldn’t see you through the footlights, I could see. And now I’ve tossed it away.”

“No, you’ve set it aside. Kate, do you think we’re only proud of you when you dance? Only proud of the artist, of that skill?”

Her eyes were brimming. She couldn’t help it. “I worried that you might be disappointed that I gave it up to teach.”

“Of all my children,” Natasha said with a shake of her head, “you are the one forever searching in corners to see if there’s a speck of dust. Even when there isn’t, you can’t help but poke in with the broom. Answer me this, do you want to be a good teacher?”

“Yes, very much.”

“Then you will be, and we’ll be proud of that. And between these times, between the dancer and the teacher, we’re proud of you. Proud that you know what you want, and how to work for it. Proud that you’re a lovely young woman with a kind heart and a strong mind. If you doubt that, Katie, you will disappoint me.”

“I don’t. I won’t. Oh.” She let out a long breath and blinked at the tears. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’m so weepy lately.”

“You’re changing your life. It’s an emotional time. And you give yourself too much time to think and worry. Kate, why aren’t you out with your friends? You have so many still in the area. Why aren’t you going out to a party tonight, or with some handsome young man, instead of staying home on New Year’s Eve to bake a ham with your mama?”

“I like baking hams with my mama.”

“Kate.”

“All right.” But she got up to finish the pastry. She needed to keep her hands busy. “I thought about going to one of the parties tonight. But most of my friends are married, or at least coupled off. But I’m not a couple and I’m not really…shopping around. You know?”

“Mmm. And why aren’t you…shopping around?”

“Because I’ve already seen something that appeals to me.”

“Ah. Who?”

“Brody O’Connell.”

“Ah,” Natasha said again, and lifted her tea to sip and consider. “I see.”

“I’m very attracted to him.”

“He’s a very attractive man.” Natasha’s eyes began to dance. “Yes, very attractive, and I like him very much.”

“Mama—you didn’t send him down to look at the job to throw us together, romantically?”

“No. But I would have if I’d thought of it. So, why aren’t you out with Brody O’Connell for New Year’s Eve?”

“He’s scared of me.” Kate laughed when her mother made a dismissing noise. “Well, uneasy might be a better word. I might have come on a little strong, initially.”

“You?” Natasha deliberately rounded her eyes. “My shy little Katie?”