“Guess there’s no holding back on that plan of ours,” Mike said.“It’ll be a real test to see how we handle it.”
“Yes, I guess it will,” said Hazel.“I’m glad we’ll have a few nights alone before he comes to us.”
He wrapped his arms around her.“Let’s not waste a minute.I’m going to take a quick shower, but I might need some assistance.”
“I’m happy to help,” said Hazel.She and Mike hadn’t done more than kiss and cuddle with her parents at her house, and she was ready for more.A lot more.
Later, after drying off, she dropped her towel and embraced Mike, loving the feel, the clean smell of him.
He rubbed her back and murmured, “I’m glad to have you to myself.”
They dressed and went into the kitchen, where they poured wine into two glasses and took the appetizers out on the deck.
“I heard from the realtor today.I can take over the house in a week.I’ve already talked to a paint contractor for Collister Construction about painting the interior.He also liked your idea of a softer, warm gray for the walls.With all the light from the windows in the house, he thought it was a better choice than white.”
“I’m glad.It will blend the interior much better in that open space,” said Hazel.
“Will you help me furnish the house?”asked Mike.
“Of course.But we’d better not wait.Some of it will have to be ordered.Maybe we should drive to Concord.There are a couple of design and furniture stores there that you should probably check out.”
“Okay, I’ll cancel a couple of classes in the afternoon when it’s hot and we can go,” said Mike.“I don’t want anything to interrupt our time with Jed.”
###
The next afternoon, Hazel and Mike took off for their furniture shopping.Typical of Hazel, she’d made a list of things he’d need.The furniture he had in Florida would be left with the condo to be rented out.The condo here would remain for Paco and Mallory’s use.
As they drove, Hazel talked to Mike about her ideas and what kind of look he might prefer.
They both knew what they liked when they pulled into a new furniture store in town.
Hazel had made an appointment with a designer, and she met them when they walked into the store.
“Hi, I’m Eloise, here to help you.You must be Mike and Hazel.I recognized the tennis outfit.”
“Sorry,” said Mike.“I didn’t have time to change.Hazel and I have been talking, and what we like is what Hazel calls comfortable contemporary.”
Eloise, a tall, elegant-looking woman with silver hair pulled back into a bun, smiled.“I’m sure we can find exactly what you need.Hazel said the interior of your house will be done in a pale, but warm gray.Excellent.”
Walking through the huge store and going from one room setting to another was initially confusing until Eloise noted how one item might be used with another.
“Keeping the color tones on the neutral side will allow you to use a pop of color here and there for excitement,” Eloise said.
After three hours, Mike was ready to stop.“Okay, I trust the two of you to come up with a plan.You both know what I like.And Hazel, you can choose whatever you want.”He looked at Eloise.“I’m hoping Hazel will live there with me one day.”
While Mike answered his cell, Hazel sat down with Eloise to draw up a list of items.
“I’ll email the list to you both,” said Eloise.“But, Mike, we need your signature and a deposit.”
Hazel got up and walked away while Mike took care of the finances.They’d done a lot of work in selecting furniture, but the process of furnishing the house was far from done.
###
They drove back to Lilac Lake in silence.
Hazel was almost asleep when Mike said, “I meant what I said, Hazel.I want you to live in my house with me.”
“I know,” she answered.
