“What about your work as a tennis pro in Florida?”her mother asked Mike.
“It doesn’t mean I won’t travel there from time to time, but I’ve decided to make Lilac Lake my home,” he said.
“And he could travel to other places as well,” said Hazel.She knew he was going to play in some smaller tournaments.
“Well then, we guys will make an effort to spend some time together while I’m here,” said her dad amiably.
Hazel didn’t realize her hands had become sweaty until she almost dropped her wine glass when she lifted it to take a sip.
Her mother gave her an understanding look and held up her glass in a kind of salute.“We women need some time together, too.”
After her parents got their things settled in their room, Hazel and Mike prepared dinner.
Mike grilled the steaks, and Hazel made a salad and heated a potato casserole.
“I told your father you were learning to cook,” Hazel’s mother said to her as they ate.“This is delicious.And I love that Mike did the grilling.”
Dad said to Mike, “It’s a man’s job.Right?”
Mike nodded, but Hazel could see the surprise on his face at being included.
“Elliott wants to have you for dinner.Maybe tomorrow night,” said Hazel.Her parents glanced at one another.
“I think it’s wise for Elliott to spend time with your father.It certainly helped me,” said Helena.
“You know, people might think I had it easy growing up in my family where they determined my future and I had no financial worry,” said her father.“But I’ve had to earn my spot in the company, start at the bottom, and work hard to get where I am.”
“You’ve given us a very comfortable life,” said Hazel’s mother.“And we appreciate it.”
“Well, I appreciate how Mike has worked hard for his professional career,” said Hazel, giving him a look of approval.
“Yes, that’s very admirable,” said her father.“So, you were in the foster care system most of your young life?”
“Yes, sir,” said Mike.“It’s one reason Hazel and I have such an interest in helping Jed and others in the future.”
Hazel’s father studied her and then gazed at Mike, before nodding.
Pleased by her parents’ open attitudes, she glanced at her mother, who gave her a subtle wink, and Hazel knew she was thrilled with the idea of a future wedding.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
The next morning, instead of going to the Sports Center for practice, Hazel stayed at home with her parents while Mike left to give a tennis lesson.
“I think I’ll walk into town,” said her father.
“In that case, Hazel and I will have time for our girl talk,” said her mother.“Having coffee on the deck at this time of day is lovely.”
“Before you go, let me suggest having breakfast at the Lilac Lake Café.Their food is wonderful,” Hazel told her father.
“That sounds about perfect,” he responded.“I’m usually on the golf course at this hour, but the walk will be an interesting alternative.”
“Have fun,” said Hazel, seeing him out the door.
She returned to the kitchen, grabbed a cup of coffee, and went out to the deck to join her mother.
“What’s going on?It seems as if Dad has been prepped for the visit,” Hazel said.
“Your father and I had a very productive talk on our flight,” her mother said.“Believe it or not, it’s hard to find some time together with each of us so busy.I told him about the conversation Elliott and I had, my meeting with Mike, and the need for us to be accepting.”
