Elliott grinned.“Your group of friends is the best.Poppy will be moving out of her cabin in the next few weeks.I’ve already agreed to take over her lease.In the meantime, Craig said I could bunk with him for a while.He has a guestroom that isn’t often used.”
“All these decisions in a matter of days.I’m impressed,” said Hazel.“It takes a small town like this to make it work.”
“That’s for sure.Everyone knows someone who knows something.Amazing,” said Elliott, chuckling.
“I’m so relieved for you.Being open about yourself has already made you some new friends,” Hazel said.
Elliott gave her a thoughtful look.“Tell me about your day.”
Hazel took a sip of wine and set down her glass.“It was tough.Jed lost a foster sibling when her heart gave out.She was a child with many health issues and wasn’t expected to live very long.But Jed was very kind to Lucinda, helping her to exercise in the hopes that she would walk one day.”
Hazel took a deep breath to calm her emotions.
Elliott handed her a cocktail napkin to wipe her tears.
She took it, dabbed her eyes with it, and continued.“It’s made me realize a lot of things about myself and the life I hope to have.”
“What do you mean?”Elliott asked.
“I’ve wanted a family someday, but now I think I want to include a child that might not be my own.Someone who needs a loving home.Like Jed.”
“You’ve always been kind, Hazel.Maybe, this is a way to continue that,” said Elliott.“But first, don’t you think you’d better find a mate?It would make it a lot easier.”
Hazel chuckled at his teasing look.“I guess I’m getting way ahead of myself.But I have Mike agreeing to make my mother think we might be dating.That’s a first step.”
“He seems like a likable guy who’s being a good sport about helping you.But I don’t think his girlfriend, Tracy, will be pleased.She doesn’t seem like the sharing type.”
“You’re right, which is why Mike and I need to be careful.”She held up her empty glass.“How about a refill?I want to toast a little girl named Lucinda.”
Elliott left and quickly returned with the bottle of wine and a can of peanuts.
After he refilled their glasses and handed her the peanuts, he sat in his chair,gazing at her.“We’ve known one another all our lives, but I believe this is the first time we’ve both stated exactly what each of us wants for the future without filtering it through others’ expectations.”
Hazel smiled and lifted her glass.“Here’s to us.We’re finally growing up.”
Elliott laughed and saluted her with his wineglass.“You could say we’re late bloomers.It’s taken us a while to understand what we want from life on many levels.”
“I have plenty of time to make my plans come true.As you said, I don’t even have a boyfriend,” said Hazel.“And right now, I’m not looking.”
“Probably just as well,” said Elliott.“I’m impressed by how busy you are at your job.Your father would be proud of all your skills.”
Hazel snorted.“But my mother would be disappointed if she knew I’m not considering any serious relationship.And now that I know what I want in a family, I’m not likely to find anyone who shares my views.Not easily, anyway.”
“Listen, we have a few days before your mother comes, let’s just enjoy ourselves,” said Elliott.“I heard there’s a superb Mexican place outside of town.Are you up for that?”
“Yes, but I also want to go with you to Stan’s for some delicious seafood.Maybe we can do that tomorrow night.”
“Deal.”
“Tonight, I’m too tired to do anything else but enjoy the food you brought home,” said Hazel.She couldn’t get memories of Jed’s sad face out of her mind.
“Just relax.I’ll take care of everything.”
Hazel took Elliott at his word, sat back in her chair, and lifted her feet onto the deck railing, telling herself she deserved some downtime.Elliott wasn’t really company but a friend staying with her for a while.
Later, when Elliott suggested they go to Jake’s, Hazel shook her head.“You go.I’m off to bed to read.It’s the only way for me to relax before going to sleep, and I have to get up early.”
After seeing him off, she picked up the book she was reading and headed to her bedroom.
