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“Guilty,” Emma said, raising her hand.

“Mom, we want you to be happy,” Dana said. “Isabella told me you hadn’t found the right woman, but you would.”

Kelsey smiled. “She did?”

“Yeah, I think you’ve found her,” Dana said with a smile.

“OMG, Dana!” Emma exclaimed. “We’re going to have another mommy!”

Kelsey thought her eyes would pop out of her head.

Dana and Emma burst out laughing. “We’re kidding,” Emma said, trying to catch her breath.

“Oh, you two are so funny,” Kelsey said with a smirk. She reached for their hands, gave them a squeeze and smiled.

25

Kelsey was about to call Isabella and let her know they’d made it home when the girls sat down on the couch with her.

“Uh, Mom,” Dana began nervously. “We need to tell you something.”

“Okay,” Kelsey said, raising her brows.

“You know when I graduate I’ll be moving,” Emma said. “I’ve applied for several positions in DC and I’m sure to get one of them.”

Kelsey nodded. “That was your plan all along. I’m happy for you, honey.” She reached over and squeezed Emma’s hand. This wasn’t news to her. Emma had been planning to make this move since she started college.

“But she’s not the only one moving,” Dana said.

“Oh.” Kelsey nodded.

“I’m going to be a traveling nurse. I’ve been thinking about it for a while now. It’s time for me to live somewhere besides Colorado.”

Kelsey smiled. “Good for you.” She looked from Dana to Emma and furrowed her brow. “Why are you both so serious? This is exciting news!”

“It means you’ll be here all by yourself,” Emma said.

“I’ve been by myself since you both went to college. I think I’m doing okay, don’t you?” Kelsey said, amused.

Dana sighed. “What we’re trying to say is that we know we were diva bitches growing up.”

Kelsey laughed. “What?”

“You never had a girlfriend for long when we were growing up and we had a lot to do with that,” Emma said.

“No, you didn’t,” Kelsey said.

“Oh, yes we did,” Dana said. “Isabella mentioned to me that we’re protective of you and she’s not wrong.”

“Yeah, if you’ll remember, you couldn’t get away from us to talk.” Emma winced.

“I guess what we’re trying to say is, don’t let us keep you from being with Isabella,” Dana said.

Kelsey smiled and patted both their knees. “Next month our trip is just for us,” she said. “We’ve kind of been dating this whole time, but just now realized it. We’ll talk about everything and see where we go after this year. I hope Isabella will always be in my life, but this is all new to us. Okay?”

“Okay,” Emma said.

Dana nodded then chuckled. “She’s so into you, Mom.”