“I’ve lined up a reliable babysitter,” said Hazel.“She’s a delightful woman who’s worked for a friend of mine and lives at The Woodlands.But during the summer months, when a child is not in school, I’ll work out a schedule with Mike.If we have Jed, he’ll get to spend even more time at the Sports Center.”
“And if you don’t get Jed?”the instructor asked.
“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it,” said Mike.
Hazel knew neither of them was ready to consider that.
The instructor studied them.“Yours is an unusual situation on a personal level.I understand that.If things don’t work out now for fostering, you’re the kind of parents we’re always looking for.Perhaps after your relationship is stabilized.”
Hazel and Mike exchanged glances.
Hazel sensed Mike’s reluctance to feel pushed, and she understood.Between them, they knew how they felt about one another.Surely, the timing for something more serious should be their own.
###
Over the next weeks, as Jed healed, Hazel and Mike grew even closer.
When Hazel’s mother suggested that she and Hazel’s father wanted to visit Lilac Lake to see both Hazel and Mike, she readily agreed.She knew Mike well enough to know nothing would move their relationship forward without a meeting between the two men closest to her.
“When would you like to come?”Hazel asked her mother.
“Dad and I looked over our social obligations, and as a matter of fact, we’d like to come next Monday.We’ll be able to stay for just four days.We’ll fly into Boston and drive up from there, so you won’t have to pick us up.I know how busy you are.”
“I’m happy to have the chance to see you again and to show Dad around the town,” said Hazel.
“Your father wants to meet Mike,” said her mother.“We were wondering if we could sign up to play pickleball for a game or two.That will be a way to show Dad how special the Sports Center is.”
“I agree.I’ll arrange something for you both,” said Hazel.
“Your father also wants to look into fishing in the area.If he doesn’t get the chance to do that this time, he’ll have all the information for future visits.I fell in love with Lilac Lake and love having the opportunity to visit you.”
“Okay, can’t wait to see you both,” said Hazel, realizing this was a big step toward the future.
When Mike heard the news, he said, “It’ll be nice to have more time with your mother and to meet your father.After all, you’re their only child.”
“Growing up, I wished for a sibling, but that couldn’t happen,” said Hazel.“Maybe that’s why I’m eager to help other children.The more the merrier, thing.”
“Really?You know what they say, ‘practice makes perfect’, said Mike, drawing her into his lap as they sat on the deck.
She leaned against him, loving the feel of his arms around her.For someone who grew up without a lot of love, he luxuriated in it now.She’d never realized that about him before.But it made sense.It was one of the things about him that she admired.
“I suppose we’ll have to tell them about our being certified for foster care,” she said.
“Yes, it’s important.Even though we might not need it for Jed, we’ll have that for the future when we might be in a better position to do it.”
“Of course, I want children of my own too.”
“Yes, the more than merrier thing,” grinned Mike, and they laughed together.
###
The day her parents were due to arrive, Hazel freshened the guest room, leaving the tennis posters on the wall.She put bottles of water in their room and filled a vase with fresh flowers from Petals, the florist downtown.
She wiped down the kitchen and made sure the deck was swept and the furniture was ready for guests.She loved spending time on the deck, but sometimes the wind-ridden debris that ended up on it was a nuisance.
During a break, her parents called from the airport and gave her an estimate of when they’d arrive.
Mike arranged to come to the house to be able to greet them with Hazel as a couple, something Hazel thought was important.
