“See you at the Sports Center later this week,” said Mike.
“Okay,” said Jed.
“Have fun at home,” Hazel said, faking a bright smile.
As the car pulled out of the driveway, Mike wrapped an arm around her.
Hazel sighed.“The house is going to seem very empty without him.”
“I know, but this will give us time before following through with fostering another child.I’ve realized I’m not ready.Not until things are settled between us.”
“I wish you didn’t have to go to Florida tomorrow,” said Hazel.
“Yes, but now that I can get into my house here, I’m anxious to get my things,” said Mike.“And tonight?I want to show a certain someone how much I love her.”
Hazel leaned against him, and they walked inside the house together and right into the bedroom.
###
Later, as they sipped glasses of wine on the deck, Hazel said, “It was heartwarming having Jed here, but I understand why people say to wait to have children until after you’ve had plenty of time together.Still, I don’t want to give up on my dream of having many children with you.And a dog or two.I miss my dachshund at home.It won’t seem like a family without one.”
The corners of Mike’s lips curved.“I love that about you.”
Their future held so many possibilities.
###
The next day, she hugged and kissed Mike and then headed to work feeling very alone.She remembered how her mother had cried when she went off to college and understood better what she must have been feeling.
Being back amid activity helped lift her spirits.And when Dani called her cell to say the gang was meeting at Jake’s that evening, she agreed to join them.
Later, as she sat with her friends at the locals’ tables, she knew why she loved Lilac Lake as much as she did.They were a friendly, caring, smart group of people.
Everyone asked after Mike, and she told them he was shipping his things from Florida to his new house and that the furniture they’d ordered would be delivered soon.
“I’m delighted to have you as a neighbor,” said Melissa.“Ross and I love having Dani and Brad there.It’s like one big family.”
The conversation turned to the upcoming tennis tournament planned at the Sports Center.Hazel knew that they'd be busy for the foreseeable future between getting Mike’s house settled and the tournament.
After she left Jake’s and went home, she received a phone call from Mike.
“How are you doing?”he asked.“Still missing me and Jed?”
“Oh, yes.I’m at loose ends.The house is empty and quiet.”
“I have a favor to ask.I’m having something delivered to you tomorrow morning at nine o’clock.Can you arrange to be there at the cabin?”
“Sure, but why would you need me to be here?”
“You’ll see,” said Mike.“I’ve got to go.I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
###
The next morning, Hazel checked her watch.It was five minutes past nine o’clock, and she worried that her workday would be behind if she was forced to wait for too long for Mike’s delivery.
Gage Martens’ truck pulled into the driveway.
Puzzled, she went to greet the veterinarian as he climbed out of his truck.“Morning.What are you doing here?”
