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When Nick came to get them, the women were more than eager to follow him into a private exam room, which had been turned into a birthing room for Whitney.
“Hi, everyone.I want you to meetLily Eugenia Gilford Woodruff.Isn’t she beautiful?”
Whitney held a red-faced newborn who let out a lusty cry.
“GG will be thrilled you’ve given Lily her middle name,” said Taylor.
“That’s so adorable,” said Dani.
“We’ve decided that we’ll all be aunties to Lily,” said Crystal.“She’ll always be loved and protected and spoiled by us.”
Whitney’s face crumpled and tears escaped her eyes.“That’s the sweetest thing ever.”
Emmett walked into the room and stood by Nick.“Okay, everyone, mother and daughter need a little time to themselves.”
The women left, and as soon as they were outside, Taylor said, “Is everyone ready to return to the cottage?We have bubbly wine and lots of food for a celebration.”
The six of them returned to the cottage, feeling even closer after they’d shared this experience today.Hazel felt privileged to be part of such a giving group.This was just one reason Hazel didn’t want to leave town.
CHAPTER NINE
The next morning, a little sunburned, Hazel returned to the Sports Center for her early practice with Jed.It touched her that Jed was never late for his special time with her.
When she walked onto the court, she was confused by seeing Mike there.
“Hope you don’t mind.I thought this might be an agreeable time for both of you to work on your serves.”
“That’s fine with me,” said Hazel, hoping the wine and sun of yesterday wouldn’t affect her performance.It had been such a crazy, fun celebration.
“Line up at the baseline, one on each side,” said Mike.“I’ll watch you.And even though we’re concentrating on serving, if a ball comes over the net, the receiver should try to hit it back.Hazel, we’re starting with you.”
Hazel got into position, tossed the ball in the air, and hit it into the net.
“Okay.This is for both of you.How you toss the ball is very important.If you toss it too far forward, you’ll have to reach to hit it, swinging too late to place the ball where you want it over the net.”
For the next hour, Hazel and Jed practiced their serves.Hazel wasn’t the least bit intimidated when she realized she and Jed played equally well.She knew he’d soon move on to playing with someone better.Someone like Mike.
When Mike called an end to the practice, Hazel sat on the bench outside the court, mopping her face with her towel and sipping the water she’d brought.
Jed and Mike did the same.
They were sitting together, talking, and laughing when Tracy appeared.
“What’s going on?”she asked, frowning.
“We’ve just completed a lesson,” said Mike.
Tracy put her hands on her hips and stared at him.“So that’s where you went?When I woke up, you were gone.”
“I told you I had a lesson this morning,” said Mike evenly.
“Well, I didn’t know it was with Hazel and this boy,” Tracy responded with an annoying edge to her voice.
Jed gazed at Hazel.She decided not to speak, figuring no matter what she said, it would be misinterpreted.
Mike got to his feet.“Thanks, guys, we’ll do this again.And, Jed, remember to come to the camp tournament this afternoon.Here’s a note to take to your foster mom.”
