Jed’s eyes began to droop.
Hazel came to a point in the book where she could stop and halt the reading.“We can finish the story tomorrow.Now, you need to get some sleep.Just call out if you need me.I’ll keep your door open and mine too.I’ll be reading in bed.”
“Okay, thanks,” said Jed.
“See you in the morning,” Hazel said, giving him a quick hug.She’d talked to Jed and realized between what he’d had for lunch, the popcorn, and dinner, that it was not the flu that had made him sick.
###
When Hazel felt Mike’s arms around her, she realized she’d fallen asleep in bed reading.She lifted her head, said hello, and lay down again.
“Hey, I’m going to take a shower.Come join me,” he murmured into her ear.
“Not tonight,” Hazel said, clinging to her pillow.Romance was definitely out of the question.She was still trying to recover from the effort to remain cheerful and unaffected by the throw-up she’d had to deal with.
CHAPTER THIRTY
The next afternoon, while she was meeting with Tom and Evie Jeffries, who owned the sporting goods store in Concord and with whom she’d partnered for clothing at the Sports Center, she hoped Jed was doing fine with Lucy.When she arrived to stay with Jed at the house, Lucy had brought a box full of puzzles, games, and other things to keep them occupied.
After the business portion of the meeting ended, Evie took Hazel aside.“I understand you and Mike Dawson are together.I’m very happy for you.He’s a great guy, and I think you’ll make a good team going forward.”
“I hope so,” said Hazel.Recalling the past couple of days, she realized that most of the work of raising kids would go to the mother.
###
On the way home, Hazel got a phone call from Lisa, telling her they’d be back tomorrow.“How’s it going with Jed?”
“It’s going well,” said Hazel.“But he’s attached to you, Lisa.You’ve done so much for him.”
“He’s very much a part of our family.I didn’t want to have to leave him behind.But now that I know the issue is settled, I’m anxious to move.Joe and I are going ahead and adopting baby Simon and Harry.If we ever get the chance, we’ll adopt Jed too.”
“What’s holding up your adopting him?”Hazel asked.
“Getting the parental releases,” said Lisa.“We’ll start a fresh search for them in Pennsylvania.”
Hazel heard the excitement in Lisa’s voice and felt a sting of disappointment.She’d envisioned her future with Mike and Jed.But now she knew she’d have to wait for her future to unfold in its own way.
###
That night, Mike and Hazel told Jed he could have anything he wanted for his last meal with them.He grinned.“Chicken wings.They’re Joe’s favorites.Mine, too.”
“Then that’s what we’ll have,” said Hazel.“The Chicken Licken restaurant has the best.We’ll order those, a salad, and what do you want for dessert?”
Jed’s face lit up.“I want their Apple pockets.”
“Okay, I’ll go get it,” said Mike.“Want to ride with me, Jed?”
Jed beamed at Mike.“Yes.”
After they left, Hazel searched through her teacher's items and found some paper hats to wear.She wanted Jed to remember his stay here.
The guys returned, carrying packages that emanated wonderful aromas.
“What’s this?”asked Mike, picking up one of the hats and putting it on his head.
“Me, too,” Jed said, putting on a hat of his own.
Hazel placed one on her head and said, “Okay, let’s serve up.”
