Hazel stopped in front of the house Mike had bought.Seeing it again, knowing that one day she might live there, Hazel looked at it with fresh eyes.It was a beautiful home.
Seeing the toddler and older child playing in the front yard, Hazel wondered if that’s what it would look like when she and Mike owned it.
“It’s a lovely house.The entire neighborhood is beautiful.And look, it’s delightful to see children playing.An appealing place for growing families.”
“The ex-governor and his wife live in the woods at the far end of the development.And there’s Melissa and Ross Roberts’ house,” said Hazel.
Her mother gazed at everything with delight.“I admire your cabin on the river, but this is much better for a family.”
“I agree,” said Hazel.“But the cabin has served me well.I love being in the center of everything.”
“Yes, Lilac Lake is such a charming town.”
“Ready for lunch?”Hazel asked.“We’ll stop at the Inn.The Inn was owned by Genie Wittner, the Gilford girls’ grandmother, GG.She was forced to sell it but retained some acreage and a cottage on the property, which she has given to her granddaughters, who are friends of mine.”
“Interesting,” said her mother.“Is their grandmother still alive?”
“Oh, yes,” Hazel said, smiling.“She’s the grand dame of the area, the sweetest, most generous woman ever.She’s always doing something kind for someone.On another visit, I’ll try to arrange for you two to meet.”
“Where does she live?”her mother asked.
“She moved to The Woodlands, an assisted living facility at the edge of town.You met Brad and Aaron Collister.Their company was the main contractor for its construction.”
“I just love how everyone is connected,” said her mother.
“It took a while to get used to small-town living, but I like it now,” admitted Hazel.
She pulled into the parking lot for the Inn.
Hazel and her mother got out and stood momentarily, inhaling the smell of pine and something undefined but fresh coming from the lake.
They walked up to the front of the building, which still held some of the original fixtures and finishing touches from the original inn.
Inside, an antique reception desk made a bold statement in the contemporary lobby.
A sign pointed them in the direction of the dining room, and they headed there.
On this summer day, the dining room was crowded with hotel and regional guests alike, distinguishable by their attire.
A hostess took the information and led them to a table for two overlooking the front lawn.
Hazel made sure her mother got the best seat for a view out the window.
After a waitress had given them menus and filled their water glasses, she left.
Hazel pointed outside.“Across the lake, you’ll see a large gray house.That belongs to the Grahams.Someday, David and my friend, Misty, will live there.His parents want to retire soon.”
“How are the winters here?”asked her mother.
“They’re cold, for sure,” Hazel said.“Summer is a better time for you to visit.”
“I do enjoy warmth,” said her mother.“Now, what are you going to order?”
“I’m going to order clam chowder and a salad,” said Hazel.“Their clam chowder is fabulous summer or winter.”
“Okay, that’s what I’ll order too,” said her mother, setting down her menu on the table and gazing out the window.“Oh, look!A cardinal!How pretty.”
“We have lots of birds,” said Hazel.“I’ve been meaning to buy a bird feeder.”
