“I’ll have a beer,” her father said.“Then, I’m going to sit with your mother.I like this cool, clean air.”
“Goodnight,” said Mike.“I’ll help Hazel with the kitchen, and then I’m going to bed.I have a very early morning meeting with Ross.It’s the only time we seem to have for them.”
Mike shook hands with her father with confidence, and she felt as if he’d come a long way.
Later, in bed, she told him so.But he shook his head.“I have a distance to go to match the kind of life you’ve had.”
“But I want a life with you, no matter what that might look like,” said Hazel, suddenly worried.
“I want you now,” said Mike playfully, leaving her with unsettled feelings even as he kissed her.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
The next day was as busy as everyone had planned.When it came time to go to Jake’s, Hazel, her parents, and Mike were ready to sit and relax.
“Mom’s already been to Jake’s, but Dad, I’m anxious for you to meet everyone.My friends are the so-called ‘movers and shakers’ of this small town.I think you’ll enjoy meeting them.”
“It’s a lovely group of friends,” said her mother.
“I’m looking forward to it,” her father said.
Hazel was glad to see most of her friends were already sitting at the locals’ tables when they walked into the bar.She waved and led her parents over to them.
After she’d introduced her parents and saw that they were seated, she sat in an empty chair next to Misty.She nudged her.“I showed Mom the house where you and David might live after his parents retire.”
“It might be sooner than we thought.David’s father is suffering from arthritis in his knees, and he can’t wait to get to Florida.”She shook her head.“There’s always something happening.Who would’ve thought you and Mike would be together?At one time, you weren’t interested.”
“I’ve gotten to know the real him, and I’m definitely interested.”She glanced at Mike talking to her Dad and felt a spark of happiness zing through her.Everything seemed to be falling into place.
The group was full of news of the town’s activities.As usual, the Labor Day Weekend was a time for picnics and barbeques throughout the town.This year, the high school was putting on a band concert on the town green, and the local summer drama club was presenting a play about the origin of Lilac Lake.
Hazel turned to Whitney.“Were you in charge of the play?”
“For most of the summer, until my sweet baby girl, Lily, arrived.”
Hazel and Whitney exchanged smiles.
Hazel’s mother seemed happy talking to Taylor about books, and her father was now talking to Gage about veterinarian matters.She felt Mike’s eyes on hers and returned his grin.She’d loved having her parents visit, but now she couldn’t wait for some alone time with him.
###
The next morning, Hazel woke to see her parents off to Boston for their return flight home.Mike had already left the house to give a tennis lesson, leaving Hazel to feel like a little girl again with her parents as she went outside with them to say goodbye.
Her father had his turn for a hug, giving her a big squeeze before pulling away and giving her a misty-eyed gaze.“Take care, Hazel.You know I’m always here for you.”
“I know.Thanks, Dad,” she said, feeling as if she were young again, and headed off to her first overnight camp.
“Say goodbye again to Mike for us.We enjoyed spending time with him,” said her mother, hugging her again before sliding onto the passenger seat of their rental car.
“I will,” said Hazel.She stood and waved as they pulled out of the driveway.
###
That night, when Mike was due to come home, Hazel was ready for him, wearing a swishy pink sundress he liked.In the kitchen, a bottle of white wine and a cheese and fruit tray waited for them.
When he walked into the house and saw her, he grinned.“Don’t you look delicious?”
She laughed.“I thought we’d enjoy this evening together because Lisa called to say they will leave early.The day after tomorrow, we’ll get Jed.”
