Page 13 of Love's Bloom
“Graham Landscaping is a much bigger operation than one would think,” said Misty.
“Yes, it’s grown a lot. Aaron Collister owns acreage in that area, too. He has a maple grove that he uses for his maple sugar production. It’s a cool setup.”
“He lives there too?” she asked.
“Temporarily. He’s building a house in a far corner of The Meadows development,” said David. “I may eventually move there too. I’ve bought a lot, in case I want to do that. Aaron and I share a love of nature and have been friends for years. He gave me a deal on the land.”
“It’s nice to have that flexibility,” Misty said.
“My parents want me to take over the cottage for them. They’re looking to downsize,” said David. “I’m not sure what I want to do. They’ve got a big place.”
“I feel very lucky to have the cabin. It was sweet of Crystal to give me a room in her apartment when I first returned, but I love living on my own.”
“Yeah, me too,” said David. He headed down a long, paved driveway to a large, two-story building with a white clapboard exterior.
Misty stared at it, realizing the word “cottage” was a deceiving description. Even from the rear of the house, Misty could see the end of what she thought must be a sweeping front porch, and she studied the three greenhouse windows in what she guessed must be the kitchen.
David pulled up to the paved parking area beside a three-car garage. “Well, here we are. Come on in.”
Before they could reach the house, David’s mother greeted them at the door.
“Welcome! I’m very happy you could come, Misty. It’s a beautiful day.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Graham. I’m happy to be invited.”
David’s mother waved away her formality. “Please call me Susie. Come inside. David’s father is watching the end of the Red Sox game. They’re losing, but there’s always hope.”
Misty entered a back entry hall that served as a mud room and entered the up-to-date kitchen that had a homey, country feel to it. The three window greenhouses on the outside wall added a pleasant touch of greenery. An island with bar stools lined up on one side filled the center of the room, and two long interior walls held appliances and white cabinetry.
One end of the room opened into a dining area, which opened to the living room. A riverstone fireplace sat on the exterior wall between the dining and living rooms, adding a warm touch to each.
At the sound of their approach, a tall, gray-haired man rose from the leather couch and turned to face them. A smile lit his tanned, weathered face, and he walked over to them.
“Hi, you must be Misty Owens all grown up,” he said. “I’m Rod. I’m glad you could join us. It’s nice to have a young woman in the house again.”
“Thanks for inviting me,” Misty said, noting the sadness in Rod’s hazel eyes.
Rod clapped a hand on David’s back. “Great to have you here, son.”
“Now that the game is over, let’s sit in the sunroom,” said Susie. “It’s such a lovely day.”
The four of them went to the front room, where three outside walls held large windows with views overlooking the lake. Beyond the sunroom was an open porch that curved around the corner, so the views from there were of the water or a small flower garden.
“This is very pretty,” said Misty, taking a seat on the couch. “You have the best views across the lake to the Lilac Lake Inn.”
“It’s relaxing to see what’s going on there without being part of it,” said Susie. “It’s nice now that the Inn has been renovated.”
“How about something to drink before dinner?” Rod said. “We have beer and wine or something stronger.”
“Or lemonade, if you prefer,” said Susie.
“A glass of wine would be lovely,” Misty said. “Red, if you have it.”
“I have a nice Chandler Hill Inn pinot noir,” said Rod. “Sus, does that suit you?”
“Lovely,” she said, smiling at him.
Misty looked out the front windows and saw a boathouse on the shore.
