She pretended to take it and eat it, sending Harry into peals of laughter.
It became a game until they both tired of it.
Gazing at that sweet, brown-skinned boy, she reconsidered her thoughts about having children as long as it wasn’t too soon.
Janis carried Lucinda into the kitchen.“Where’s her bottle?Will you feed her?”
Hazel held up a bottle.“It’s ready for her.Where do you want me to feed her?”
“On the couch in the living room.She likes to feel a part of the family,” said Janis.“It looks like you have everything cleaned up.I’ll check on Lisa.I’ll leave to go home, but I’ll be right back after I get dressed.”
“Thank you.I’d appreciate that.I’m already late for work,” said Hazel.
She went and sat on the couch and allowed Janis to lower Lucinda’s body into her lap.Lucinda’s dark eyes never left her face even as she took to the bottle that Hazel held for her.
Jed came and sat beside them.
Lucinda’s eyes brightened at the sight of him.
He reached over and took hold of Lucinda’s hand.“She’s been eating some food lately.She’s getting stronger every day on the shakes that Lisa makes for her.”
Hazel nodded, too touched to respond.Jed was one of the sweetest people she’d ever met.
Janis came back and stood smiling at them.“Lucinda loves Jed.”
“I can see why,” said Hazel.“Did you know he’s also a terrific tennis player?He’s very talented, which is why the Sports Center is sponsoring him.”
Janis smiled at Jed.“That’s wonderful news, Jed.I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks,” said Jed shyly.
“I’ll take over from here,” Janis said to Hazel.“Thank you so much for your help.Lisa is such a dear woman, I’m glad to step in whenever I’m needed.”
“She certainly works hard,” said Hazel, allowing Janis to take Lucinda from her.
“An angel on earth,” agreed Janis.“Jed, after Joe gets home, I’m sure you’ll be able to join your tennis class.”
He walked Hazel to the door.
“I hope to see you at the Center later,” said Hazel.“If you need me for anything else, you can call.Okay?”
He nodded and gave her a thumbs-up.
Hazel walked back to the Center, hoping she wouldn’t be called upon to help with any entitled kids.Not after being with Jed and his family.
###
When Hazel returned to the Sports Center, Tracy approached her.“Where were you?I needed you to help teach my beginners’ class.”
“I’m sorry.Jed’s family had an emergency, and I was helping them out.I didn’t think you’d mind.It’s a small, early class,” said Hazel as Mike approached.
“I heard you.Is everything all right with Jed and his family?”he asked Hazel.
“Lisa is sick, and things were in a bit of a mess.A neighbor is now helping out, but I had to lend a hand.”
“She was supposed to be with me, teaching a class,” said Tracy.“Not with our little tennis star’s family.”
Mike blinked and straightened.“Hazel was helping them, Tracy.You have no idea what Jed’s family is like.If I were you, I’d back off.”
