Page 31 of Love's Bloom
She heard a sound at the front door.
Sugar barked, ran to the door, and stood by, alert and cautious.
“Okay. Let’s see who’s visiting,” said Misty. She opened the door and found Crystal standing there. “Hi. Are you here to see my new dog?”
“Yes. I’m curious to see if she’s going to work out. I hear she’s cute.”
Misty stood back to allow Crystal inside.
The dog looked at Misty. “It’s okay,” she said.
Only then, wagging her tail, did Sugar allow Crystal to touch her.
“Wow, she’s beautifully trained,” said Crystal patting Sugar.
“She’s a therapy dog. Her previous owner is a new resident at The Woodlands from Portsmouth. I’m told she’s glad that Sugar will remain close by.”
“Well, she’s adorable. But I’m also here to find out how you’re doing. The thought of Vince being nearby was scary. I just came from seeing Nick at the police station. He doesn’t think the man JoEllen saw was Vince Tucci, but he says this is a wake-up call to all of us. We must be vigilant for one another.
“Learning about ‘stranger danger’ is important for kids of all ages old enough to understand,” said Misty. “Maybe Sugar can help in some way.”
“That’s a great idea,” said Crystal. “I know Emmett keeps a little booklet about the need to be careful with strangers for patients at his office.”
“Can you stay for a cup of coffee or some lemonade?” Misty asked.
“Thanks. I’d like to,” said Crystal. “I haven’t been here since you first moved in. You’ve decorated it very nicely. It’s a wonderful spot.”
“Yes, it’s perfect for me. And after this scare, I’m grateful to have other cabins around. It makes it seem safer,” said Misty, leading her sister into the kitchen.
Crystal studied her. “Do you want to make more appointments with your counselor to talk about the trauma?”
“No, my counselor and I discussed the work I need to do for myself. But I’m excited that David is going to teach me some defensive karate moves.”
She handed Crystal a glass of lemonade and fixed one for herself. “Let’s go outside. I want to see what Sugar does about staying close to the house.”
They went out to the deck and sat in chairs facing one another.
“David is a great guy. I’m happy you trust him,” Crystal told her.
“I do trust him. He’s a special man. He was a great comfort to his sister through the months she was dying. He says they had a sibling relationship a lot like ours, with his sister keeping an eye on him.”
“He comes from a lovely family. I didn’t get to know his mother very well. I can’t imagine how much she missed her daughter. I think it’s nice that you and she have a growing relationship.”
“That, and her connectionto my birth makes it important to me. Susie was there when I was born, and that means a lot to me, especially when she tells me I was loved.” Misty felt a knot in her throat and stopped talking.
Crystal reached out a hand to her, and Misty took it. “You’ve always been loved,” Crystal said softly.
“I know,” Misty said. “You made sure of it. I’m eternally grateful to you.”
“How is the preparation for school going?” Crystal asked, changing the subject just as Sugar began barking.
A squirrel scrambled up the trunk of a tree while Sugar watched helplessly. Misty and Crystal laughed at the scene.
“Guess she’s going to keep me safe from squirrels,” said Misty. “So far, she’s staying pretty close. When I eventually talk to her previous owner, I intend to ask her all sorts of questions about the dog.”
“Nice for both of you that you’ll be able to do that,” said Crystal. Smiling, she leaned forward and grinned at Misty. “I have a question for you. Emmett and I are talking about a surprise wedding over Labor Day. Something small and intimate at Emmett’s house. Will you be my maid of honor?”
“Yes! I’m very honored. But what do you mean ‘surprise wedding’?”
