Page 59 of Love's Bloom
Soon, a group had gathered on the lawn around them.
“Seems everyone has made it here,” said David, gazing around.
“Even JoEllen,” said Misty, shaking her head as she watched JoEllen flirt with Everett. He, of course, seemed to love it.
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After she had finished eating, Misty tossed her plastic plate and utensils into a trash can by the tent and walked over to check on GG and Natalie, who seemed to be congenial.
“Is there anything I can get for you?” Misty asked them.
“No, thank you. I’m saving room for dessert,” said GG.
“Melissa told us about the lemon and berry layered cake she’d made,” Natalie said.
“It’s got to be delicious. If this reception is any indication of how gourmet meals are going to be, they’re sure to be a success,” said Misty. She pulled a chair up to them.
GG beamed at her. “It’s been a lovely wedding. And you, my dear, look beautiful.”
“I saw you with your young man,” commented Natalie.
Heat flushed Misty’s cheeks. She didn’t know how to respond.
“David and Misty are friends,” said GG. A sparkle entered her eyes. “But time may make a change to that.”
Chuckling, Misty stood. “You’re incorrigible, GG.” She bent down and kissed her cheek. “I’d better go see if I can help.”
“Such a wonderful young woman,” Misty heard GG say as she left them, and her vision blurred. She loved the phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child.” In her case, it was very true.
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As it grew dark, Crystal and Emmett went into the house to change clothes and returned dressed casually.
“Okay, let the party begin,” said Emmett. He’d arranged for speakers to be set up outside, and music rocked the air of the backyard. Guests began dancing with one another.
Everett and Ike, the security guard, had already left. Misty and David offered to give Natalie a ride back to the Inn. Cooper had already left with GG.
Misty held her breath as David helped Natalie into his truck. It seemed incongruous to see stiff, formal Natalie in the passenger seat, but she didn’t seem at all fazed by it.
And later, with Misty seated behind her, Natalie opened up a bit. “I’m sorry that Everett was late to the ceremony. I wish I could agree with him that his campaign comes first, but I can’t. His ambition has always been like a woodlands creature too restless to capture.”
“That must be difficult to handle,” said Misty. “I understand why Emmett chose not to get involved. How are you going to deal with it going forward?”
“Like always, I’ll support him because I think he makes a difference for people. Unfortunately, it’s at a personal loss.”
Misty was surprised by Natalie’s frankness, but sitting with GG for hours may have played a part. GG didn’t accept any excuses from anyone. Discussions with her were always honest.
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By the time Misty and David returned to Emmett’s house, things were winding down. The backyard was cleaned up, and the only music playing now was soft and low.
“I’m going to say goodbye to Crystal and Emmett, and then I’m going home. Would you like to stop by for a cold drink before heading across the lake to your place?” Misty asked David.
“Yes. I’m not sure what you have planned for the rest of the weekend, but I hope you’ll come to my cabin for dinner tomorrow,” said David.
“Okay, that’ll be nice,” Misty said. “And then we’re both invited to the picnic at the Lilac Lake Cottage. It’ll be the last busy weekend of the summer.”
“Do you want to ride in my truck to your house?” David asked.
