Page 66 of Love's Cure

Misty had gone ahead to the barbeque, so Crystal was alone when Emmett picked her up. His lingering gaze flashed his approval. “You look fantastic.”

“Thanks. You’re looking quite handsome yourself,” she replied, admiring the way his blue golf shirt showed off his muscles and brightened the color of his eyes.

He put his arms around her and lowered his lips to hers. “We could be late to the picnic,” he murmured rubbing her back.

Laughing, she pulled away. “No way. I’ve been looking forward to this all day. But after we leave there, we can go to your place ...”

“Okay,” he said, giving her a sexy grin as he squeezed her, “Then we won’t be rushed.”

“I know the way. Shall I drive?” she asked. “I won’t have anything alcoholic and will be the designated driver.”

“Perfect. I’d like a beer or two.”

Happy with their solution they headed to her car.

As they drove, Crystal filled him in on the history of the cottage. “Two years ago, Whitney, Dani, and Taylor’s grandmother, GG, gave the cottage to them with the understanding that the cottage would be renovated. That’s how Dani and Brad met. Dani designed the improvements to the cottage. But, in renovating the cottage, the three women had to resolve the story that the cottage was haunted. They were able to figure out who the ghost was, and she has since disappeared.”

“A ghost? Really? It sounds interesting,” said Emmett.

“Pretty scary, if you ask me,” Crystal retorted. “Anyway, the women own the cottage for as long as they live in it at least six months of the year. Otherwise, the owners of the Inn have the right to buy it.”

“That will keep everyone in the family connected to Lilac Lake. That’s a cool way of ensuring the family stays close.”

“Yes, I think GG had something like that in mind. Her family has owned the land on which the Inn sits for years. You now know Dani and Brad, Whitney and Nick. I don’t think you’ve had much of a chance to know Taylor or to meet her husband, Cooper, an editor with Pritchard Publishing in New York. You’ll like them. Taylor writes romances under the name Courtney Castle.”

“Seems like everyone in this small town is interesting,” said Emmett. “I’m glad more and more of your friends are opting to live here year-round. That makes it nice for everyone.”

“Yes, it was pretty lonely for a while when everyone was off to college and new jobs leaving just a few of us behind in town. I think that’s why Nick and I ended up together for a while. Now, he’s where he should be, with Whitney, and I’m free to be with you.”

Emmett glanced at her. “I hope so.”

“What do you mean?” Crystal asked, alarmed by his words.

“I just meant I hope you can be patient with my family. They’re pretty difficult.”

“Let’s just take it one day at a time. A dear friend suggested I simply wait to see how things unfold.”

He grinned. “Are you talking about me?”

“I needed some advice. That’s all,” she said. “I don’t want to make any mistakes.”

Emmett sobered. “Neither do I. Simply put, I don’t ever want to hurt you.”

Their conversation ended when she pulled into the driveway of the cottage and parked by other cars. Painted gray and attractively landscaped, the cottage that had seemed so forlorn now looked beautiful with its wide windows and open view of the lake.

Dani came to greet them.

Crystal got out of the car and handed a basket of cookies and cake to her. “It looks like a perfect evening for a barbeque picnic.”

“And with the slight breeze, the bugs aren’t a problem. Come on around to the front.”

Crystal and Emmett followed her to the sweeping lawn in front of the house. The grass met the shoreline. Sitting in the water was the mammoth rock where they’d sunbathed each summer. A group of ducks paddled about in the shallower water near the rock.

Inhaling the aroma of pine and the distinct smell of lake water, Crystal let out a contented sigh. She could already feel the tension of the day ease from her body. Being at the lake always did this for her.

A crowd was already standing around, drinking sodas and beer, and chatting in groups.

Crystal was pleased to see so many friends. She noticed Dirk. It wasn’t until he moved that she saw Diana. Before she could mention it to Emmett, Diana jogged toward them.

---