The three of them sat around the kitchen table chatting about a tennis game Jed had played, giving Hazel a glimpse of what having a family might be like.
They finished their meal, and the three of them sat out on the deck.The day's heat had gone, and the birds in the trees were calling out to one another.
“What will you remember most about your stay with us?”Hazel asked Jed.
“Throwing up,” said Jed.“I didn’t like that.”
“Oh, no.I hope you had some happy times here,” said Hazel, mortified that’s how he’d think of his time with them.
“Oh, yes.I played tennis and went to the movies and read a book with you,” said Jed.“Those parts were fun.”
“I’m glad,” said Hazel, grinning at him.
“You know, if it’s all right with Lisa and Joe, you might be able to come to tennis camp and stay with us next summer,” said Mike.“We’ve talked to them about it.”
“Really?”said Jed.“I want to be number one at tennis someday.”
“It’ll take lots of practice to get there, but I believe you have the talent to do it,” said Mike.“I’ll help in any way I can.”
Jed and Mike exchanged long looks, and Hazel was proud of Mike for his commitment to the boy who worshipped him.She knew Mike would follow through.
When it was time to tuck Jed in for the night, both Mike and Hazel made sure he was comfortable.He’d had a bath, had read a book with Hazel, had a last drink of water, and lay in bed staring up at them.
“’ Night, sport,” said Mike.“See you in the morning.For your last day here, you can join the kids in tennis camp.”
“Really?”said Jed.
“We want you to have fun.Lisa will return before suppertime.”Hazel leaned over and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.“You’ll have lots to tell her.Have a good night’s sleep.”
Hazel and Mike left the room, keeping the door ajar, and slipped out to the deck for some quiet time alone.
“The day after tomorrow, I’m heading south to Florida to take care of some problems and ship some of my things up here.The interior of my house should be painted by the time I’m home, and then the delivery of furniture will begin.I want my first night in the house to be with you.”
“I’d love that.It’s such an exciting time for you.”
Mike grinned.“Growing up, I never dreamed I’d own a house like it.”
“It’s beautiful,” said Hazel.“You should be very proud.”
They smiled at one another.
“Let me tell you about my phone call with Lisa.It seems Jed’s future is pretty settled.He’ll not only live with Lisa and her family in Pennsylvania, but they hope to adopt him.They’ve already received permission to adopt the two smaller boys.It seems like such a perfect ending for them all.”
“I’m happy for them.It often doesn’t work out that way.”
Hazel heard the sadness in his voice, and her heart went out to him.He was being more open about his past, which she thought was healthy.
“It’s going to be another busy day tomorrow,” said Mike.“Are you ready for bed?”
His sexy grin sent a surge of anticipation through her.She’d been too tired to even think of making love for the past couple of nights.But maybe tonight…
“Go ahead.I’m going to wash Jed’s clothes, so they’re all set for Lisa tomorrow, and then I’ll be in.”
She tiptoed into Jed’s room and gazed at him sprawled across the bed before gathering his clothes.Then, after the washing machine was running, she hurried into her bedroom, anxious for some “Mike and me” time.
She stopped short.
Mike softly snored as he lay atop the covers in his pajama bottoms.Too tired, apparently, even to get under the covers.
