Restless Hearts Read Free Page A

rocking the boat to mention it herself. In any case, the breach between brothers meant they’d know little of what happened after her parents left.
    â€œIt’s all right. I don’t know much about her myself. She died shortly after I was born.”
    â€œI’m sorry,” Nolie said again. “But your father must have spoken of her.”
    â€œNo.” She transferred her gaze to the chest, because that was easier than looking into Nolie’s candid eyes. “My father couldn’t take care of me—I was in foster care for years. By the time I went to live with him, he’d remarried.”
    And he hadn’t particularly wanted reminders of that early mistake. She wouldn’t say that. She wasn’t looking for pity, and she’d already said more than she’d intended.
    Nolie’s hand closed over hers, startling her, and she repressed the urge to pull away. “I know what that’s like. I was in foster care, too. And with a great-aunt who didn’t want me. It can be tough to get past that sometimes.”
    Fiona’s throat tightened in response, but the habit of denial was too ingrained. She used the movement of picking up her handbag to draw away.
    â€œIt was a long time ago. I don’t think much about it now.” At least, she tried not to.
    Nolie made some noncommittal sound that might have been doubt or agreement, but she didn’t push. “I suppose you’ll want to look up your mother’s family, too, now that you’re here.”
    Fiona shook her head. She’d been over this and over it, and she was sure she’d made the right decision. “I don’t plan to do that. It’s not the same thing as coming to see the Flanagan family. Aunt Siobhan always tried to keep in touch, and I knew she’d be glad to see me.”
    â€œBut they probably—”
    â€œNo.” That sounded too curt. She’d have to explain, at least a little. “My mother’s family never made any effort to contact me. The one time my father spoke to me about it, he said they’d rejected my mother for marrying him. It’s hardly likely they’d want to see me.”
    â€œYou can’t be sure of that.” Nolie’s face was troubled. “I’d be glad to help you find them. Or maybe that police officer you met could help.”
    â€œNo. Thanks anyway.” She forced a smile. “I appreciate it, but I’ve made my decision. I don’t want to find them.”
    Because they rejected your mother? The small voice in the back of her mind was persistent. Or because you’re afraid they might reject you?
    â€œIf that’s what you want—” Nolie began, but her words were interrupted by a wail from downstairs. “Uh-oh.” She smiled. “Sounds like trouble. That music video keeps her happy for a half hour, but then only Mommy will do. All my years of taking care of animals didn’t prepare me for the demands of one small human.”
    â€œAnd you love it.” Fiona picked up her corduroy jacket and handbag. “Go ahead, take care of little Siobhan. I’m fine, really.”
    Nolie nodded. “If you ever want to talk—”
    â€œThanks. I’m okay.”
    The wails soared in pitch, and Nolie spun and trotted down the steps. “Mommy’s coming. It’s all right.”
    Fiona followed more slowly. The maternal love in Nolie’s face was practically incandescent. Seeing that when it happened for the first time was one of the best rewards of being a midwife. Once her practice got on its feet, she’d have that opportunity again and again.
    She was off to take possession of her new house, the first step toward her new life.
    Lord, please bless this new beginning. Help me not to dwell on the difficulties of the past, but only on the promises of the future.

Chapter Two
    W hen no one answered his knock at the old Landers house, Ted pulled open the