Page 104 of Not So Very Sensible

“That’s right,” Mum chimed in. “You’re fine just the way you are.”

“No, I’m not,” Katie objected. “I know I’ve been selfish, and I really wish I didn’t get so emotional about things. I am praying to be more self-controlled.”

Huh. So this was what maturity looked like. Ellie squeezed her hand. “Proud of you.”

“Thanks. And I’m proud of you. It must’ve been hard to keep applying for jobs and getting all those rejections.”

“It’s not been easy, and nothing is guaranteed yet, but it’s nice to have something encouraging for a change.”

“I’ll be praying for you.”

“Thanks.” Her heart warmed. It felt like her sister was transforming before her very eyes.

“So, Katie, does Ellie’s good news give you any more thought about what you want to do with your life?” Dad asked. “You’ve got that degree; what do you think you might want to go into?”

“I don’t know. I’ve enjoyed watching the historical stuff, so maybe I could do a bit more study and do archaeology.”

Dad’s brow pleated. “Do you really want to do more study?”

“No. But I would like to do something useful with my life. I watch all these true crime shows, so it would be good to feel like I could contribute to helping people find the answers to some of the more painful parts of their lives.”

“You mean like Chris Brandon?” Ellie suggested, slyly.

Her sister sighed. “You know, I’ve been thinking about him ever since you mentioned him in Sydney. I think it would be interesting to get into that kind of work.”

“You want to become a police officer, do you?” Ellie teased.

Dad perked up. “Really?”

Mum shook her head. “No. Absolutely not. I forbid it. The hours are insane for a relationship.”

“You two made it work, though,” Ellie said.

Dad grimaced. “Not without some compromises, and I can see your mother’s point. It’s not easy when you have a young family.”

“Maybe I’ll not marry,” Katie mused.

“What?” Mum’s eyes rivalled saucers. “Of course you’re going to marry and have a family.”

“There’s no ‘of course’ about it,” Katie objected.

Ellie bit back a smile. “Yeah, lately I’ve been thinking the same. Husbands are overrated. I think I’ll be the maiden aunt to Liv and EJ’s children.”

“Hey, I thought that could be me,” Katie said, winking at Ellie as Mum stared aghast.

Dad laughed. “Okay, girls, that’s enough teasing your mother now.”

Ellie smiled. “But seriously, I don’t think I need a relationship to be used by God. And if that means I get this job in Canberra, then great. If not, that’s okay too. I’m trusting that God can use me wherever He wants.”

Katie nodded. “I’m trying to do that too.”

“That’s my girls,” Dad approved. “Well, we’ll be praying, and we’ll see what happens.”

“Bring it on,” Katie said, catching Ellie’s eye.

She nodded. “Bring it.”

“Ellie, would you mind answering the phone today?” Nicola asked. “I’ve got a meeting in Picton, and I’ll be out all morning.”