Page 39 of Love's Bloom
“Come on inside. I’ve set out a few things for you to look at, but there’s much more. I’ve kept most of Lily’s things, but now it’s time for them to go to a new home.”
Feeling Susie’s warmth and hearing such sadness in her voice, Misty turned to her. “If this is too early, too difficult, we don’t have to do this.”
“Oh, that’s sweet of you, but I hope this will be good for both of us.”
They walked into the living room and out to the sunporch to check on Sugar. Nose to the ground, Sugar was sniffing the rocks and gravel by the water.
“She probably smells the ducks,” said Susie. “Are you comfortable leaving her there?”
“Yes. It looks like she’s having fun.”
“Okay, then, let’s go up to Lily’s room. As I’ve said, I’ve laid out some things.”
They climbed the stairs and went to a bedroom whose walls were painted a pretty lavender.
“Eventually, I’ll repaint this room and fix it up as a guestroom,” said Susie. “It has a lovely view.”
Misty walked over to the window and looked outside. Sugar sprawled in the sun on the dock. Smiling, she turned to Susie. “This is a great place for a dog.”
“I think we’re ready,” said Susie. “I understand we have a new vet at the Animal Rescue Center. I plan to talk to him about it.”
“He’s very nice,” said Misty, standing by the queen-sized bed.
“The clothing lying there are items that I think suit you.”
Misty lifted one of the sweaters Susie had placed there. It was a gray, Irish-style sweater. “This is beautiful.”
“Try it on. It should fit you. You’re about Lily’s size.” Susie picked up another sweater, a bright blue one. “This was one of her favorites. It’ll look beautiful on you.”
Misty tried on the sweaters and then some skirts, dresses, slacks, and tops that Susie brought out. The more she tried on, the more excited Susie became.
“It does my heart good to know you’re willing to put them to use,” said Susie. “Lily would’ve loved getting to know you.”
“It’s very kind of you,” said Misty. “The things you’ve chosen for me are beautiful, items I might not be able to afford on my own. Thank you.” She glanced at the pile of clothes that had quickly grown.
“You’re welcome to go through her closet, but we’ve chosen the nicest ones,” said Susie.
“This is plenty,” said Misty. The thought of going through Lily’s closet was eerie to her. She glanced at the framed photo on top of the white dresser. It was a picture of a lovely blond woman and David, taken before Lily’s illness. Lily and David looked surprisingly alike. Misty knew she could never take Lily’s place, but she also knew what a comfort she was to David’s mother.
Susie held out a large plastic bag. “We can put the clothes in here.”
They folded and placed the clothes in the bag, and then Susie let out a long sigh. “That’s a big load off my mind. Thank you, Misty.”
“I should be thanking you.” Misty reached out and clasped Susie’s hand. She searched for more adequate words but was suddenly overcome by the sadness of it all.
Understanding, Susie came over to her, and the two hugged each other silently, letting the moment say what was in their heart.
###
After stowing the bag in her car, Misty returned to the house. Susie offered her a glass of iced tea, and they each took a glass to the sun porch.
“I wonder what’s going on at the Lilac Lake Inn,” said Susie. “It looks like a wedding.”
They sat and watched from a distance as a ceremony was taking place on the Inn’s grassy front lawn.
Misty thought of Crystal’s wedding and could hardly wait. The wedding might be small, but she knew it would be lovely. If only Emmett’s family would cooperate.
She hesitated, then said to Susie, “I appreciate what you’ve told me about my mother and your experience in social work and need to talk to you. I’ve been trying to deal with the aftermath of being in an abusive situation. I’m learning to say no when I don’t feel comfortable being with someone or don’t want to do something.”
