“You have a budding romance to enjoy. Do not worry about your mother.”

“She…she called me. Last night. Well, this morning, really.” Laura twisted her hands together. “Remember when I said that I was afraid she was going to break my heart? Well…she’s kinda afraid of the same thing.”

Her mother reached out and grasped Laura’s clenched hands, tugging her down into the chair beside her. “Falling in love is a scary thing. It’s wonderful and scary at the same time.” She smiled. “Like being on a roller coaster…you’re at the very top, you crest the highest peak, then you plunge down into God knows where…so fast, you’re screaming and laughing at the same time. Falling in love is like that. You’re afraid of what you’re feeling. You question it. You doubt it.” Her mother squeezed her hands tightly. “Laura…I saw the two of you together Friday night. The way you look at each other, the way you tease each other…I don’t think either of you has to worry about a broken heart. Go spend the day with her. Spend the night with her. Explore this love that you’re starting to feel for her.”

“Oh, Mom…I love you. I don’t say it nearly enough.”

“I know you do, honey. I love you too.”

Laura wiped at the corner of her eye where a tear had escaped. Then she smiled. “I’m still scared, though.”

Her mother smiled too. “It’s just like a roller coaster, Laura Sue. Enjoy the ride.”

“Thank you, Mom. You’re the best.”

A moment later, the front doorbell rang, then knocking was heard. They looked at each other.

“You think that’s Cassidy?” her mother asked.

“No. She would come back here to the patio.”

Laura got up and went through the house to the front, peeking out before opening the door.

“What are you doing here?”

“Hey, sis.” Carla smiled and kissed her on the cheek. “I had a free day. Thought I’d come visit.” She walked into the house. “Where’s Mom?”

“Kitchen.”

Laura stared at her retreating back, then leaned against the door with her eyes closed. Of all the days for Carla to pop over. She pushed off the door and followed her, forcing a smile to her face when she joined them in the kitchen.

“I haven’t seen you in a while, but you look great,” Carla was saying to her mother.

“I feel darn good too. I never thought I’d enjoy the pool so much.”

Carla’s eyes widened. “You don’t swim!”

“Water therapy,” Laura corrected. “Cassidy’s pool next door.”

“You’re afraid of the water,” Carla reminded their mother.

“Oh, Laura Sue tried to drown me at first, but we’re over that now.”