Page 19 of Love's Bloom
Curious to see his house, Misty leaned forward as they approached the small cottage on what was clearly a landscaper’s farm. Row after row of trees and bushes filled the land around the cottage. A large red barn nearby housed equipment, as seen through its half-open doorway, where the white truck was parked.
She got out and studied the landscape. “Are those Christmas trees?” she asked, pointing to a large section of spruce trees.
“Yes,” said David. “Our Christmas trees are the best in the area. People come from all around to pick one. It provides a nice income for us during the slow winter months.”
“It’s smart to provide your own plants for landscaping work,” said Misty.
“Individuals can order specific trees and bushes from us, even if we don’t plant them,” said David. “After graduating from Cornell, I was able to put to use a lot of new ideas for increasing productivity and income.”
“I didn’t realize this was such a big operation. No wonder you’re busy all the time.”
He grinned. “But not too busy to have fun.”
She laughed. “Guess we’re both ready for some fun.”
She stared at the cottage. It looked a lot like her cabin, with gray clapboards and white trim. “It’s cute.”
“And practical. We don’t want people on the land without permission. By living here, I can keep watch. And it gives me the freedom I need from living with my parents. As long as Lily was alive, I spent a lot of time at home with her. Now, with both of us out of the house, my mother has been especially lonely. I’m grateful that you and she are forming a friendship. It’s been a huge help to her.”
He took hold of Misty’s hand to lead her inside the cabin.
At his firm grip, she stiffened.
“Anything wrong?” he asked, giving her a look of concern.
“It’s something I have to get over,” she said, telling herself to relax. “Let’s enjoy the evening.”
They walked to the cabin, where the front porch overlooked the lake.
David led her up the steps and opened the front door.
When Misty walked inside, she immediately felt at home. The layout was similar to her cabin, with a large living and dining space and a kitchen visible from the doorway.
David showed her the master bedroom suite, the laundry/mud room, and the one-car garage, which was currently filled with equipment.
“Nothing fancy, but it’s workable,” said David. At the sound of whining at the back door, he went to answer it. “Meet Homer. My neighbor’s dog.”
He opened the door, and a big black lab stood wagging his tail at them.
“My elderly neighbor owns him. But when I’m around the cottage, Homer comes to visit me.”
“He’s a lot like Dani’s dog,” said Misty, rubbing Homer’s ears.
“I’ve promised my neighbor that if anything happens to him, I’ll take care of Homer. But, needless to say, I don’t want that to happen. Besides, Lily’s Dachshund, who she’d had for many years, died soon after Lily did, and neither my parents nor I are ready to take on a new dog just yet.”
“I love dogs,” said Misty, “but I understand you need time before getting another one.”
Homer came inside and plopped himself down on the kitchen floor. David chuckled. “That’s right, Homer. Just lie there in the way of everyone else.”
The dog wagged his tail, thumping it against the floor happily.
“We can sit on the porch while I grill the chicken,” said David. “What’ll you have to drink? How does a glass of wine sound?”
“Delicious,” she said, forcing herself to relax.
“I’ve got a nice chardonnay from Chandler Hill,” said David.
“Is there anything I can do for you?” Misty asked.
