That evening, after seeing her parents off to visit Elliott, Mike wrapped an arm around Hazel and drew her close.“Alone at last.”
She leaned against him, smelling the lemony soap he’d used for a shower.“It’s important that we have this bit of breathing time away from my parents.We need to talk about a phone call from Lisa.I didn’t want to do it in front of my parents.”
Hazel filled him in on the details.“So, next week we’ll have Jed for probably a week.After talking to her, I have the feeling that Lisa and her husband will be able to keep Jed.With a foster parent shortage in each state, I can’t imagine them being denied.”
“I think you’re right,” said Mike.“I just want to make sure it happens.I’m willing to step in and take Jed if it becomes necessary.”
“Me, too,” said Hazel.“It’s something we’ve always agreed on.By the way, I was impressed seeing your house again through my mother’s eyes.It’s beautiful and in a nice neighborhood for children.”
“No matter what happens, it’s a smart investment,” said Mike, bursting Hazel’s bubble of the images she’d conjured up of the two of them living there with a family.
Hazel told herself to slow down such thinking.A lot could happen in the next couple of weeks as they took on their first foster child, if only for a week.
“Let’s skip dinner for now.I have a better idea,” Mike murmured in her ear, and all thoughts of any trouble disappeared as Hazel gazed up at him and said, “Me, too.”
###
Later, still energized from their lovemaking, Hazel put together a salad while Mike grilled some chicken breasts out on the deck.Observing him from this vantage point, Hazel could imagine what it might be like someday.It almost scared her that this visit with her parents was going that well and that Mike seemed at ease with them.He’d told her he’d fight for her.Maybe this was how he was doing it.
She set places at the kitchen bar for them and went out to the deck to check on the chicken.“Everything’s ready inside.How are we doing here?”
“Almost ready,” said Mike.“I have been thinking about tomorrow.I have an early morning meeting with Ross, then I’m going to pick up Jed to see if we can get in some time for him to practice.The doctor has given his go-ahead for Jed to run on that ankle, but we don’t want him to twist it.I’ve found a brace he can use on it.”
“My parents have a couple of morning sessions to play pickleball, and then they want to take some time on their own to look around the area.So, I’ll be at the office most of the day but will try to get out to watch you and Jed practice.”
“Then, we’re all going to Jake’s.Right?”
“Yes,” said Hazel.“I’m anxious for them to spend time with our friends.”
Mike loaded the chicken breasts onto a platter and brought it inside.
Hazel poured them each a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio and served up the salad.
As they were eating, their parents returned.
“My!You’re eating late,” said her mother.
“We had lots to talk over,” Hazel said, willing herself not to blush.Her parents didn’t need to know that she and Mike had enjoyed a sensational time of making love.
“Help yourself to chicken,” said Mike.
Hazel’s father laughed.“I’m stuffed.Elliott served us a delightful meal of lake trout.”
“Sounds delicious,” said Hazel.
“It was, and a good time was had by all,” said her mother, smiling with satisfaction.“I’m really glad that we had time with him.Aren’t you, Ray?”
Hazel’s father nodded agreeably.“It was nice to see him happy.”
“That’s all any parent wants—for their children to be happy,” said Hazel’s mother.“That’s why this visit has been such a pleasure.”
“It’s going to be a busy day tomorrow,” said Hazel.“Remember, we’re going to Jake’s for dinner.”
“I’m delighted to have the chance to meet more of your friends,” said her mother.“I’m going to sit outside for a bit, and then I’m coming to bed.”
“If you don’t mind, I’m going right to bed after I clean up the kitchen,” said Hazel.“Like I said, it’s going to be a busy day.Can I get you water, coffee, or wine?”
“Nothing for me, thanks,” said her mother.
