Page 81 of Love's Bloom
“Hey, you two? Ready to order? I see a waitress heading our way,” said Emmett.
The four of them ordered, and Misty listened as Crystal told them about her favorite parts of Paris.
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After their meal was finished, Misty and David left.
“It’s a nice day. Want to go to the cottage? I need to check on my family's little fishing boat there.”
“Sure. It’ll be fun as long as I can bring Sugar. I’m forced to leave her alone during the week. I don’t want to leave her alone too much over the weekends.”
“That seems fair, and you know my family and I love her.”
When they went back to her cabin to pick up Sugar, Misty decided to follow David in her car to save him a trip back to town.
Sugar seemed to know an adventure was in store for her and eagerly jumped into the back seat.
Misty and David headed out together.
As she drove, Misty’s mind flooded with sweet memories of last night. David had been gentle with her. Even as their passion rose, he’d sensed her moment of panic at being beneath him and eased away for a moment until the feeling passed. She’d never experienced that consideration and realized how lucky she was to find someone so strong and yet so caring.
When she pulled into the cottage’s driveway, Sugar rushed to the door, yipping with excitement. Misty let the dog out and stood a moment studying the cottage. The idea of living there someday made her view it in a whole new way. It was a lovely home, a great place for animals and children. But she’d want to put her mark on it, change things in the interior.
David walked over to her. “What do you think?”
“It’s a beautiful spot,” she said, unwilling to say more. Neither of them was ready for a major commitment beyond the one they’d made. But the idea that the possibility was there filled Misty with anticipation.
Susie came out of the house and walked toward them.
“You’re in time. I’ve just pulled carrot cake muffins from the oven. Come on in.”
Misty laughed at the grin on David’s face. She knew that carrot cake was his favorite.
As they walked into the house, Susie put an arm around Misty. “I have some news to share with you. It’s about Brody.”
“I hope it’s good news,” said Misty.
“I’d say it’s encouraging,” Susie said. “Can I get you coffee, lemonade, or something else to go with a muffin?”
“I’d love a glass of lemonade, and I certainly won’t say no to a muffin,” said Misty.
Susie served them all drinks and muffins and suggested to Misty that they sit in the sunroom to talk.
Seated there, the two of them faced one another. “I know how concerned you’ve been about Brody Kirk. I’ve learned that though the parents have been separated for a while, the family moved here recently to be with Brody’s grandparents. I met his grandmother at church this morning. She told me her daughter had been away in an addiction recovery program and that while she was gone, Brody’s father had insisted on raising him alone. Brody’s mother is better and now is able to take care of Brody with the grandmother’s help.”
“What about Brody’s father?” Misty asked.
“I’m not sure. Brody and his mother are staying with her parents.”
“Are Brody’s parents going to get back together?” asked Misty.
“I don’t know. It wasn’t mentioned,” said Susie. “But the grandmother did say that they have you to thank for the changes. A teacher at your school mentioned your concern for Brody to her.”
“I’m glad I could help, but I hope it won’t be seen as meddling by Harley. He was very angry at me for speaking out about Brody’s welfare. He still is.”
“Some changes are in store for him, but if Harley really loves his son, he’ll go along with them,” said Susie. “Time will tell. How is your volunteer program going?”
“I haven’t approached many of the parents yet because most of them work.” Misty smiled at her. “But you’ve given me an idea. Would the older women at your church be willing to volunteer?”
