Page 50 of Love's Cure

They pulled up in front of the house and got out. The evening was cooling off. In another couple of hours, the sun would end its daytime journey. The sky was already embracing a pale-yellow tinge that would eventually hold a pinkish tone.

Crystal stood a moment and inhaled the clean air. She loved living in the Lakes District of New Hampshire with its lakes, mountain views, rivers, and woodlands.

Emmett came to her and put an arm around her. “Pretty night, huh.”

“Yes, I love this time of day.”

Whitney opened the front door and waved them inside. “Timothy is just about ready for bed. Auntie Crystal, come say hi.”

Crystal had been thrilled to be asked to be Timothy’s godmother. She eagerly made her way to the door and after seeing Emmett inside, she hurried to the baby’s nursery, which had once been the master suite.

When she stepped inside the nursery, a sigh escaped her. It was decorated as a baby boy’s room. The blue walls were decorated with puffy white clouds and other hand-painted pictures in keeping with the theme of an airplane visiting different places and animals in the world.

“I love this room. It’s very clever,” said Crystal, going to the crib. She leaned over and watched the baby kicking his feet and waving his arms at her. “And this little boy? I love him, too.”

She picked up the sweet-smelling baby and held him close. “Hi, sweet boy,” she murmured. “It’s Auntie Crystal.”

He studied her, and then a wide smile spread across his face.

Crystal’s heart melted. “He knows me.”

“I had to show him off, too,” said Nick, coming into the room with Emmett.

Emmett walked over to Crystal and gently lifted Timothy into his arms. “Hey, buddy. Looks like you’re going to be a big boy.”

Timothy gave him a quizzical look but as Emmett continued talking to him, he smiled and reached to touch him.

“Guess he likes you,” said Crystal watching with interest.

“Most babies do,” Emmett said. “Until it’s time for a shot or two.”

Emmett handed the baby to Whitney. “I’ll leave it to you to put him down for the night.”

Whitney nuzzled Timothy’s neck and then placed him in the crib on his back.

Crystal and Emmett left the room as Whitney began to croon to the baby. Nick stood by them, forming a tiny circle of new parents with their baby.

Outside the room, Emmett studied her. “I take it you want a family one day.” His gaze focused on her.

Crystal tried to keep her yearning out of her voice, but after seeing Timothy, the hunger for a child was something she couldn’t hide. “For years I was afraid I wouldn’t make a decent mother after the example I had. But I’m stronger now, more confident that I’m my own person. I think I’m ready.”

“In many ways, you’ve always been a mother by taking care of your sister.” He gave her a sympathetic look. “That was a big job for a girl on her own.”

“I suppose,” said Crystal, blushing at his compliment. “Thanks.”

Just then, Whitney and Nick stepped out of the nursery.

“Are you ready to relax? I’ve got wine and appetizers on the porch,” said Whitney.

“And beer and sodas if you prefer,” Nick said to Emmett.

“Lead the way,” said Emmett.

Moments later, the four of them were seated outside chatting comfortably.

Crystal listened carefully as Whitney asked Emmett about his father’s visit and the information on the news that he was considering a run for president in two years.

“How is that going to affect you?” Whitney asked. “I know what it’s like to be in the spotlight. And I know you’re trying to fit into our small community.”

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