Page 82 of Love's Bloom
“I bet some would. I can ask around for you.”
Misty set down her plate and gave Susie a hug. “That would be fantastic.”
As they hugged one another, Misty realized what a blessing it was that, in addition to loving David, she’d found a family with him.
###
“C’mon. Let’s take a cruise around the lake,” David said.
The boat’s engine was small, low in power, and quiet. Large boats with powerful, noisy engines were not allowed on the lake, which made it pleasant for everyone.
As they followed the shoreline in the boat, Misty had a view of the land and houses. The Lilac Lake Inn looked as natural as the smaller dwellings as it nestled against the woods behind it.
Sugar stood at the bow of the boat, facing the slight wind as the boat slowly chugged along.
“Sugar sure loves it here,” said David.
“We both do,” said Misty, feeling a part of the family.
###
After having a simple but delicious chicken dinner at his parent’s house, David walked Misty and Sugar to her car.
“I’ll call you this week, and we can meet at Jake’s. It’s a busy time for both of us.” He leaned down and kissed her. His lips were soft but sure, letting her know how much he cared. “I’ll miss you.”
“Me, too,” she said, meaning it in a way she’d never felt.
He kissed her again, and when they finally pulled apart, they smiled at one another, content.
Misty put Sugar into the car and climbed behind the wheel, sorry the weekend was ending.
###
At home, Misty pulled into her driveway and sighed. The cabin would seem quiet and empty without David.
Startled, she heard a truck pulling up behind her, so close it almost rammed her car.
Misty got out and faced Harley. Her pulse sprinted. “What do you want?”
Anger made his face frightening.
Misty told herself to be calm and headed for the front door, aware she could push a security panic button there.
Harley caught her by the shoulder and jerked her to a stop.
“I thought I told you to mind your own business. Because of you, my wife is here, taking Brody away from me and telling me I have to get help.”
“Are you talking about help for addiction?” Misty asked as old memories surfaced.
Harley came closer.
Misty could see the glazed look in his eyes and smelled alcohol on his breath. She stepped back.
“You bitch! Don’t look at me like that. None of this is your fucking business,” he snarled and lunged for her.
Misty’s mind went into overdrive. She raised a hand, kicked out with one leg, and then slammed a hand down on his neck, karate style.
Harley tumbled to the ground and lay there, looking up at her wide-eyed. He tried to scramble to his feet and fell back.
