Page 49 of Love's Bloom
The next morning, Misty awaited the children in her classroom, excited to show them the pictures she’d posted of them on the bulletin board. She also planned to ask students' parents to volunteer for one-on-one reading sessions. She wouldn’t go to the principal until she had a few parents interested.
Her students arrived en masse. There were a few tears from two children that quickly went away after they sat in their chairs at their tables, where Misty had placed a worksheet in front of each one.
“First of all, I thought you might want to see what our class looks like in pictures. Each one of you is a member of this class. Remember, our class motto is KINDNESS. That means we are kind and helpful and nice to each other.”
Her students, even Brody, agreed as one.
“Good. Now, on three, what is our motto? One, two, three.”
“Kindness” came a chorus of replies.
“We’re going to remember that every day,” said Misty, directing them to go to the paper on their tables.
While her students worked, Misty walked around the room to assess each child's skills. She quickly picked out a few who might need extra help. Though he hadn’t interacted with the others earlier, Brody wasn’t one of them.
Later, when the children lined up to go outside to play at recess, Brody hung back.
“It’s time to go outside for some fresh air. I think you’ll enjoy it.” She studied him. “Don’t worry. You’ll be fine there. I’ll see to it.”
Misty led him outside and watched as he sat on the ground under a tree and studied the kids running on the playground. A sweet girl in her class, Violet Allen, went over and sat beside him. They didn’t talk, but neither did Brody move away.
When the bell rang for the students to line up, Violet took Brody’s hand, and they came to the line together. Observing them, tears blurred Misty’s vision. It reminded her how lucky she’d been to have found friends in school.
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After school, Misty came home, set her alarm for thirty minutes, and collapsed on her bed with Sugar by her side. After her nap, she’d visit Crystal and Natalie. She couldn’t let Crystal down. Her sister didn’t ask too much of her, and Misty knew thatany break with Natalie would be appreciated.
When her alarm sounded, Misty got up, feeling somewhat rested.
Wiggling with happiness, Sugar waited for Misty to freshen up, and then they both climbed into Misty’s car.
As Misty entered the driveway of Emmett’s house, she took a moment to study her surroundings. Since purchasing the house from Dr. Johnson, who formerly had lived here, Emmett had made a lot of changes to the house. Collister Construction had helped to update both the interior and exterior, and with a fresh coat of light-gray paint, the building sparkled. Graham Landscaping had updated the landscaping, adding new plants, flowers, and a few touches like stone or wood benches. Seeing it now, as she headed out back, Misty thought the setting was superb for a wedding.
Sugar ran ahead. Laughing, Misty tried to keep up with her. She approached the screened-in porch out of breath and saw Crystal sitting there with Natalie.
“Hello,” said Misty, climbing the few steps.
Crystal opened the door. “Welcome. Natalie and I were just sitting here admiring the view.”
“It’s a lovely sight, isn’t it?” said Misty, holding out her hand to Natalie.
“You remember my sister, Misty,” Crystal said to her.
“Yes, it’s nice to see you,” said Natalie, smiling and shaking her hand.
“I’m glad you could come to town a little early,” said Misty. “I’d like you to join Crystal and me at our favorite nail salon on Saturday morning. My treat.”
“That’s very kind of you,” said Natalie. “I just had my nails done while I was staying at our summer place in Maine, but I’m sure they could do with some refreshing.”
“You must be excited about the wedding,” said Misty, and she watched as Natalie struggled to smile. “I was hoping it could take place in Maine, but I understand the problems it might present by doing so.”
“Many of Natalie’s old friends are in Maine. But it would mean making the wedding larger than we wanted. That, and the conflict with Emmett’s father,” explained Crystal.
At this, Natalie’s lips narrowed, but she said nothing.
Misty knew a major reason Crystal and Emmett wanted a small wedding in Lilac Lake was dealing with his parents. Small and simple is what Crystal and Emmett told everyone they wanted—a joyous occasion. With Natalie and Everett Chamberlain together, that was almost impossible. Though they presented an impression to the press of being happily married, everyone knew it was just to win votes for Everett.
“Well, I think having the wedding here is going to be beautiful. Emmett has become a well-respected member of the town. We all love how he treats everyone—adults and children—as his patients.”
