Page 6 of Love's Bloom
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That evening, Misty and Hazel headed to Jake’s.
The bar was busy and looked like most sports bars, with an array of televisions blaring a variety of games. Crystal waved to them from the large “locals” table at one corner of the room.
“Hi, y’all,” said Hazel, settling in an empty chair beside Misty.Wearing blue jeans that clung to her long legs and a white T-shirt, she looked stunning. Her brown hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and her dark brown eyes sparkled.From a wealthy family, Hazel liked to downplay her appearance. But with her natural beauty, it worked in the opposite way.
From the other side of the table, David caught Misty’s eye. She returned his smile, happy to see him.
By the time Melissa arrived with her fiancé, Ross Roberts, a former professional baseball player, there were sixteen people crowded around two large tables. Misty listened as Dani talked about the new cottages The Meadows would build along a section of lakefront property. Taylor shared news of a book she was writing, and others, including Dirk McArthur, the new young dentist in town, talked about what they were doing in their jobs. As they spoke, Misty realized how intertwined their lives were.
When Crystal told them she and Emmett were thinking seriously about eloping, Misty clapped with the others. Emmett’s family situation was proving to be more and more awkward between his father, a U.S. Senator running for President, and his mother, who was recovering from alcohol addiction.
“The one reason I hesitate is that I want all of you to be part of the celebration,” said Crystal.
“Just invite us to a party afterward,” said Dani. “We definitely want to celebrate with you.”
“I’ll help you with that,” Nettie said.
Crystal looked at Emmett, and they both smiled.
Though she was unsettled, Misty was delighted to see how happy her sister was.
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At home, Misty walked through the rooms, making sure everything was all right, and then she headed to bed. Tomorrow, she and Hazel wouldgo through the rest of the books in the box, hoping no others had become tainted by Vince’s crude words. Misty supposed she could do the task herself, but when Hazel suggested she help, Misty couldn’t turn down the offer.
She lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling. David’s image came to her. She hoped they could become even better friends. Though she wasn’t sure she was ready for anything more, the thought of a deeper friendship with him was intriguing.
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When she awoke, Misty lay in bed listening to birds making music in the trees outside, and a smile tugged at her lips. This was the first day of the rest of her life, and it was going to be different from what she’d known. She could feel it in her bones.
She looked forward to her early morning walk to what she thought of as “David’s Park” and decided to do it again. There was something special about sitting there. Maybe because David and his family had created the park with such love.
Misty got up and dressed for her walk. If she were lucky, David would be there.
After preparing for the day, Misty headed out.
As she looked up at the sky, she saw storm clouds gathering on the horizon and wondered if the weatherman was right and it would become a rainy day. The idea didn’t depress her. They needed the rain, and a cozy day indoors would be peaceful.
Moving quickly, Misty soon arrived at the park. She scanned the area, but David wasn’t there. Disappointed, she sat on one of the benches and looked out at the flowers. Each bed held different varieties of flowers, yet they all complemented one another.
While she was sitting on one of the back benches, she observed an auburn-haired woman walk into the park, go over to one of the rosebushes, and lean down to sniff one of its yellow buds.
The woman bowed her head and spoke softly before moving to a nearby bench.
“Lovely, isn’t it,” said Misty as she walked by the woman on her way out of the park.
The woman said, “Very special.”
Out on the sidewalk, Misty looked back and noticed the woman had moved to the bench where she’d been sitting. Misty couldn’t help but wonder about her. She’d seemed so sad.
Misty walked into town and went to the Lilac Lake Café for her morning coffee.
Nettie greeted her at the door. “Another day of settling in?”
Misty let out a weary sigh. “I’m loving the space. I feel like I’m living in the woods and love all the activities of the birds there.”
