CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
The next morning, Misty stood inside her classroom, anxiously anticipating the arrival of her students. She could hardly wait to see Brody.
Even before he reached the door, she could see a difference in the way he walked, with more confidence than usual. It looked as if he was wearing a new shirt and pants, and his hair was combed.
When he saw her, he came forward to hand her a note. He stood by as she opened it and read:
Dear Ms. Owens,
I want to thank you for caring so much about my Brody. I’m told your concern for him at school helped get my family involved in making better changes for him. I’m back home now, and Harley, Brody’s father, has agreed to get some help so he can stay in contact with his son.
Sincerely,
Karen Kirk
“Thank you,” Misty said to Brody.
Brody looked up at her and studied her with big brown eyes. Then, after pausing a moment, he quickly hugged her and hurried away.
Misty’s vision blurred. She’d do anything to help keep a child safe. This was proof of her efforts.
Later, when Nolan called her to his office, all she cared about was having Brody safe and loved.
Nolan greeted her at the door. Instead of asking her to take a seat, he closed the door behind her and stood facing her.
“I heard from Brody’s mother, and though I certainly don’t approve of you getting overly involved in a student’s family, I’m pleased Brody’s family is making some changes, and Brody is staying at this school. ”
Misty stared at the floor, remembering how Susie had told her to take a deep breath and quietly state your position. “Are you okay?” Nolan asked. “I must ask if you’re going to be comfortable having Brody in class after his father attacked you.”
Surprised that he’d asked, Misty said, “Definitely. I really believe Brody’s place is in my class.”
“Okay. That will be all,” said Nolan.
Misty studied him. After listening to him sound so self-important and noting his thin, lank figure, she was pretty sure she could take him down.
A slight smile lifted her lips.
###
Tuesday night, sitting with her friends at Jake’s, Misty fielded their questions about how she’d handled Harley. As can happen in a small town, the more people heard about it, the more exaggerated the story became.
“All I can tell you is that karate lessons helped me. I still practice them at home as part of my exercise routine.” She smiled at David. “I’ve got the best tutor around.”
“I think we should all sign up for some classes with David,” said Hazel.
“While we wouldn’t want to intrude on Kung Fu Karate’s business, a defensive class at our sports center might be a smart idea,” said Ross. “I’ll bring it to Mike’s attention when he returns to town.”
The conversation moved to other things, and Misty leaned back in her chair, content to let others talk. She liked simply being there.
###
When David called on Friday afternoon to ask her to meet him at the family garden to help with a special project for his mother, she was eager to comply. They had planned the whole weekend together.
Misty hooked Sugar to her leash and headed out the door.
The weather was lovely this afternoon in September, and Misty was delighted to be able to do something for Susie. She was a wonderful mother to David, and Misty felt as if Susie was becoming a mother to her.
Sugar trotted happily beside Misty as they made the familiar walk through town. Though the colors of Fall were beginning to appear, she knew that come May, the entire town would be showing off the beautiful purple colors of lilacs.
Misty waved to a neighbor and marveled at how comfortable she felt in Lilac Lake.
Her fears from the past had been put in their proper place, and she was ready to move forward with her life, freer and happier than she’d ever been.
The song of a cardinal trilled above her, and she stopped and looked up at the red bird, her favorite.
When they arrived at the garden, David waved at her from a back corner and motioned her forward.
“Hi, I’m here to help. What do you need me to do?” she asked, approaching him.
David held up a small rose plant. “My mother wants this garden to be important for all family members. She’s asked me to plant this one here, by your favorite spot. I thought you might like to help me. It’s for you.”
Tears blurred Misty’s vision. She realized this was Susie’s way of welcoming her into the family. To be part of such a warm, loving one was a gift she’d always treasure. She fought for self-control.
“How sweet,” she said, kneeling beside him.
David had already dug a hole. Together, they lowered the small plant into it, handling it carefully.
“It’s such a beautiful pink color,” said Misty, patting the earth gently around the plant, thinking about the honor that had been given.
“It’s perfect,” agreed David.
Still on their knees, they faced one another.
“I know it may seem soon, but my feelings for you have been growing for a long time. I knew I had to be patient, give you a chance to strengthen your roots, and become strong enough on your own to blossom. But I can’t wait any longer.
My love for you is like one of these beautiful blooms, ready to share with everyone.
I need you. I love you. Will you marry me? ”
Misty looked at him through fresh tears. She knew her life with David would be filled with the gentleness and care he gave all his seedlings, and like the one they’d just planted together, it would be healthy and beautiful.
David gazed at her with a loving expression and took hold of her hands. “Will you?”
“Yes, oh yes, David. I’ll marry you.”
They held onto each other, and then David lifted her face to his. And with his kiss, she knew that true love was like a bloom opening to life. And now she was ready.
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