Page 50 of Love's Bloom
“I’m not surprised. Emmett has always been interested in helping others. And I know he’s grown to love this town,” Natalie admitted.
“Has Natalie met GG?” Misty asked.
Crystal smiled at them. “We’re having lunch tomorrow. I know they’ll like meeting one another.” She explained to Natalie, “GG is the grandmother many of us think of as our own. She’s a very generous woman who’s made a great impact in our small town.”
“She seems lovely,” said Natalie. Her face lit up when Emmett walked into the room.
“Great to see you women chatting,” he said, giving Crystal a kiss on the cheek before greeting his mother the same way. “Let me change my clothes, and then we’ll head to the Lilac Lake Inn for dinner. Are you coming too, Misty?”
Misty shook her head. “Thanks, but I have to prepare for school tomorrow.”
“How’s it going?” Emmett asked. “You start up again after Labor Day?”
“Yes,” she said. “It’s been going well. The kids are very cute at that age.” She wouldn’t say anything about her concerns for Brody but knew if the time came when she should, Emmett would be a great help. “I want to thank both of you for the security system you had installed at my house. It was such a nice thing to do.”
“We thought it was important,” said Emmett. “Both of us feel better about you having it. The same security service is doing one for our house, too.”
“They seemed to do an excellent job,” said Crystal. “I assume you got all my notes on it.”
Misty chuckled. “It’ll take me a while to get used to it, but I think you covered everything.”
Sugar barked at the door, and Crystal let Sugar come inside.
“Oh, my! What a cute dog,” said Natalie.
Sugar went right over to her and sat by her feet, allowing Natalie to stroke her head.
“She’s trained as a therapy dog,” said Misty, watching Sugar do her thing as if the dog knew instinctively that Natalie needed attention.
“Maybe we should get you a dog, Natalie,” said Crystal.
Natalie shook her head firmly. “I’ll be traveling for Everett and can’t handle a dog. But maybe later. This one is darling.”
Misty and Crystal exchanged looks of surprise, and then Misty stood. “I’d better be going, but I’m pleased to see you, Natalie.”
“Thank you,” said Natalie, studying her.
Misty forced a smile and pushed away thoughts of not measuring up, even though that’s exactly how Natalie made her feel.
Crystal, ever the big sister, walked over and gave her a hug. “Thanks for stopping by,
sis.”
Happy she’d made the effort to come, Misty left with Sugar, knowing the weekend ahead wouldn’t be easy.
###
Friday night, following a one-hour nap, Misty sat in Jake’s. She needed to be with friends for their usual end-of-week celebrations. Even those with children, like Whitney and Beth Beckham, got babysitters so they could join in. And tonight was special because Crystal and Emmett’s surprise wedding would take place tomorrow.
Misty noticed that Melissa and Ross hadn’t joined them and suspected Melissa was busy prepping some of the food for the wedding.
Conversation, as usual, was easy among the group. Everyone was eager to celebrate the long weekend.
“A picnic at Crystal and Emmett’s place is a great way to start the holiday,” said Dirk. “Any idea what to take to it?” he asked her.
Misty worked hard not to give anything away. “My understanding is no one needs to bring anything. Crystal and Melissa are practicing catering, and everything will be prepared in time for the picnic at four o’clock.”
“If you come to Lilac Lake Cottage on Monday, you need to bring your own drinks and a dish to pass,” said Dani. “You can come when you want and leave when you’re ready.” She faced the group. “That goes for everyone. Right, Whitney? Taylor?”
