Page 48 of Love's Cure

When she walked intoher apartment, Misty gazed up at her from the couch where she was watching television. “Nice dinner? It’s after one o’clock.”

Still riding high from the lovemaking, Crystal’s lips curved.

“I’m happy for you,” said Misty. “You’ve been alone too long, and even with a lot of friends, it’s nice to have someone special in your life.”

“Emmett is ... well, wonderful,” said Crystal. “Surprisingly, our backgrounds mesh, and we understand one another. In addition to that, being with him is perfect.” She took a seat next to Misty. “How are you doing?”

“I’ve gone ahead with the move. I’ve been released from the lease on the apartment in Florida, turned in my letter of resignation, and applied for a teaching position here in town. Everything has come together so quickly, I’m sure it’s the right move for me.”

“That makes me very happy,” said Crystal. “I wish I’d known earlier that your situation in Florida wasn’t healthy.”

“I appreciate that, but I’m a big girl who can take care of my problems. It’s just nice to know I have a home to come back to.”

“We’ll take it one day at a time to see how you’re doing before I push you out of the nest,” said Crystal. “But you can stay as long as you need.” She hugged Misty. “I’ve got to get to bed. Another early morning.”

“Maybe I can take over for you tomorrow until it’s time to open at seven. No reason I can’t help with the earlier baking.”

“Really? You’d do that for me?”

“Sure,” said Misty. “I can’t just sit around and do nothing this summer.”

Crystal gave her sister another hug. “You’re a doll. Thanks. I’m going to let you do it. Maybe we can make alternating early mornings part of a new routine.”

“Even when I’m teaching, I can help you,” said Misty. “I need the extra money, and you need a break.”

“Deal,” said Crystal. “Have I told you lately how much I love you?”

“No,” Misty said grinning. “But you can start now.”

Crystal hugged her. It was fabulous to have her sister at home.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Over the next severaldays, Crystal and other local merchants and restaurant owners in town started decorating for Summer Faire. Green and lavender flags and balloons were attached to the streetlamps in the colors of the Summer Faire. Store windows carried out the theme with decorations and signs welcoming visitors and offering Faire specials.

As the Faire weekend grew closer, anticipation grew. In its tenth year, the Faire was well organized and was yet another instance of the small town coming together. The town square was where the chili and barbeque cook-offs would be held. The town hall would house the baking contest entries and would serve as a place where visitors could cool off and buy lemonade from a church group. Their proceeds would go to the church refugee relief fund.

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