Page 54 of Love's Bloom
Misty gave Crystal a pat on the shoulder. “Crystal more or less raised me. She’s going to make a wonderful mother.”
“Oh, my! I hope you have children quickly,” Natalie said to Crystal. “I’m told grandchildren are a real blessing.”
Misty could see that Crystal was uncomfortable.
“Emmett and Crystal will be excellent parents,” Misty said, giving her sister an encouraging smile.
“I hope you have more than one child,” said Natalie. “As a boy, Emmett always wanted siblings.”
“One step at a time,” said Crystal, chuckling. “I’m hoping we can get through this day.”
Natalie’s usual serious expression softened. “I’m sorry about Everett and his demands. I’ve tried to talk to him about it, but as usual, he’s bent on having his own way.”
“This time, he may have met his match,” said Crystal sweetly, but Misty knew how determined she was.
Natalie held up her hand. “You’ll have no trouble from me.”
Misty’s food came, and she ate quickly so they could be on their way to their appointment.
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At the nail salon, Misty was relieved to see Natalie enjoying herself. She’d even told the manicurist that Crystal was her new daughter, which touched them all.
As they left, Natalie requested to go back to the Inn to rest before getting ready for the wedding.
“Why don’t I take you in my car so Crystal can go home? I’m sure she has a lot of things to take care of there,” said Misty.
“That would be nice,” said Crystal.
“Okay, I’ll see you later,” said Natalie, giving Crystal an unexpected kiss on the cheek. “Anything to help on your big day.”
Misty and Natalie said goodbye to Crystal and climbed into Misty’s used gray Honda.
“It’s not fancy, but it’s perfect for me,” said Misty, dusting an imaginary speck of dust from the passenger’s front seat. Proud of the car, she kept it spotlessly clean.
“This is fine,” said Natalie. “I appreciate the ride.” She slid into the seat and waited while Misty went around the car and got behind the wheel.
On the way to the Lilac Lake Inn, Misty debated and said, “I’m glad you’re supporting Crystal and Emmett. They’re a wonderful couple and are very much a part of this community. I’m sorry that Emmett’s stepfather is difficult.”
“He’s an important man,” said Natalie, “but that doesn’t make it right that he wants to overrule others’ choices.”
“I know he didn’t support your sobriety at first. Crystal has told me how proud she is of you. Our mother wasn’t as strong.”
“I’m sorry,” said Natalie. “It’s a struggle, but I’m proud of myself too. That kind of attitude helps and is something I’ve had to learn to accept. All women should take a moment, recognize their own strengths, and applaud themselves as they move forward.”
“Yes,” said Misty, aware of the times she didn’t feel strong.
“Simply surviving is a sign of strength,” Natalie said, and Misty wondered if that’s how Natalie made her marriage work.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Misty went to Emmett’s house and into the backyard. Though it had been a gray morning, the sky had brightened, and if they were lucky, the sun would come out. Two men were putting up the tent. A tall, broad, dark-haired man turned to her. Startled, she jumped. The man looked very much like Vince Tucci. Maybe this was the man JoEllen saw.
She went over to him. “You look like someone I used to know. Do you live in the area?”
“In Portsmouth,” the man said.
“Then I think a friend of mine recently saw you in a nearby bar. Is that possible?” Misty knew she was a little pushy, but she had to know.
