CHAPTER NINETEEN
During the night, she’d lain awake thinking about Mike.
Between his doing her a favor and his attachment to Jed, she’d come to understand a man far different from the one she’d thought she’d known.
It was true that women fell all over themselves for his attention at the Sports Center.
But while he was polite, Mike was never rude or overtly sexual with his responses.
Knowing about his background made it easier to understand what he covered up with his easy-going manner—the basic insecurity of living without a family of his own.
The next morning, Hazel said goodbye to her mother, who was sitting on the deck sipping a cup of coffee, and left for her tennis match. Her mother planned to wander through town, and this evening, Hazel would take her to Jake’s.
She thought about Jed. In a few weeks, she’d come to love that kind, sweet boy. She’d do anything to keep him from getting hurt.
She parked her car and went to the tennis courts, and saw both Jed and Mike ready to play.
“Hi,” she said, noticing they remained seated with glum expressions. “What’s up?”
Mike shot Hazel a look of concern. “Jed overheard Lisa and her husband talk about moving. I promised him I’d ask Lisa about it.”
“I’ll go with you,” said Hazel. She placed a hand on Jed’s shoulders. “Don’t worry, we won’t let anything bad happen to you.”
Mike stood. “Okay, time for some tennis. Jed, I want to watch you do an outstanding job with your serve.”
“You serve and I’ll return it,” Hazel said, teasing Jed with a smile he returned. She got out her racket from the carrier and took a swing with it.
“I’ve got a bucket of balls for you to use,” said Mike.
They walked onto the court, and time was lost as Jed and Hazel competed.
“Okay, that’s enough,” said Mike. “We’ll stop a few minutes early, so Hazel and I can talk to Lisa.”
Jed gave them a solemn nod. “Okay.”
The three of them headed down the street.
Mike and Hazel waited on the porch while Jed went inside to get Lisa.
Lisa came to the door holding baby Simon. “Hi, there,” she said cheerfully. “What can I do for you?”
“Jed overheard you and your husband discuss moving. I promised him we’d speak to you about it,” said Mike.
“We want to make sure he’ll be fine,” Hazel said.
“I see,” said Lisa. “At this point, it’s just talk. My husband has applied for a much better job in Pennsylvania. We don’t know if he’ll get it.”
“If you move out of state, how does that affect Jed?” Hazel asked, aware Jed was listening.
“It’s something we’d have to work on,” said Lisa. She, too, was aware of Jed’s presence.
“So, no matter what, it would be a matter of time. Is that right? asked Hazel.
“Yes, I will keep you informed,” said Lisa. “Jed, can you please go check on Harry? It’s getting awfully quiet in his room.”
Jed left them, and Lisa said, “If we move out of state, we may or may not be able to take Jed with us. It has to be arranged between the states. It’s something I worry about.”
“If necessary, would you be amenable to my becoming his foster parent?” Hazel asked, surprising herself.
“Or me,” said Mike.
“You’d both have to be certified. All the information is online,” said Lisa, turning as Jed approached, holding onto the toddler’s hand.
“Here he is,” said Jed.
Harry looked up at them and grinned.
“Jed, we’ll see you tomorrow, okay?” said Mike. “We’ve talked with Lisa. You won’t be left out of any information.”
“We’re here to help if you need it,” said Hazel.
Jed studied their faces and then nodded with satisfaction.
“You two are the kindest couple,” gushed Lisa. “We appreciate all you’re doing for Jed. Isn’t that right, Jed?”
He smiled and waved as Hazel and Mike prepared to leave.
As they walked away, Mike and Hazel were quiet.
Lisa had called them a couple. Hazel surprised herself by liking the idea, then told herself to be realistic. Mike had said he was too busy to think of anything like a relationship.
Finally, Hazel said, “I’m going to find out exactly what I’d have to do to become a foster parent. I believe they let single people become foster parents for children. I’ll check on it. The cabin has plenty of room for Jed.”
Mike gave her a steady look. “Let me know what we have to do. I’ll sign up for any classes and do whatever it takes. We can’t let Jed go into another foster home. Even an acceptable one. He needs stability.”
Hazel heard the determination in Mike’s voice and knew he was remembering his childhood.
###
As soon as Hazel went to her office, she looked up information online.
She learned that it typically takes sixty days or more to become a licensed foster care provider. There’s no minimum age. A home study is required, and a 21-hour course completed. Background checks and medical records are required.
Hazel sat back in her chair and let out a long sigh. There was so much to think about. She wouldn’t mention this idea of hers to anyone else but Mike. It would be their secret until or if it became time to act.
Following another busy day, Hazel drove home. She was going to take her mother to Jake’s tonight, and they had enough time before then to sit with a glass of wine. Tomorrow, her mother was leaving for home. Hazel wanted to make sure her mother was satisfied with her short visit.
Later, after an easy discussion between the two of them, they got ready to go to Jake’s.
On the way downtown, Hazel explained that those who were free met for drinks and dinner once or twice a week and caught up with the news.
“It’s an interesting group of people who are very active in town with their businesses and influence,” said Hazel.
“Like having Ross Roberts so much a part of the town?” asked her mother.
“Exactly. It was helpful to have names like Ross Roberts and Mike Dawson behind the Sports Center for local and state support. But shopkeepers and small business owners all play a part. And it is these friends who make such a difference in the success of the town.”
“It’s so nice that people your age can play a part in maintaining the quality of life in this community,” said her mother. “I hope that lovely woman who owns the Wild Flower Boutique will be there.”
“That’s Poppy Browning.”
They parked behind the bar and walked around to the front entrance.
As they entered, Hazel saw that several people were already sitting at the tables in the back, reserved for the locals.
Smiling, she waved and led her mother over to them.
Still standing, Hazel introduced her mother and asked everyone there to introduce themselves, which they did, going around the tables in a big circle.
Her mother chuckled. “It’s lovely to meet y’all. Please forgive me if I don’t remember all of your names.”
Hazel chose to sit in the empty chair next to Mike, with her mother seated on her other side.
From across the table, Melissa said, “Mike was just telling us that Tracy moved back to Florida and someone else will be coming to Lilac Lake to replace her.”
“I did find her a bit abrasive,” said Sarah, sitting beside Aaron. “Maybe it’s a good thing.”
“Ross and I were doing her a favor by having her join the staff for the summer,” said Mike.
“We had no idea that she was unwilling to put in much effort,” said Ross. “But then, our business has grown at an outstanding rate due to our administrator.” He grinned at Hazel.
“I knew she’d do a fantastic job,” said Misty. “She’ll be sorely missed at school this year.”
Their waitress came to the table with drinks and food for some of the others, and Hazel and her mother ordered.
Brad began talking about Collister Construction and The Meadows, the upscale housing development outside of town. “We’re having our first family move out of the neighborhood. They just notified us of their intention to do so because he’s got a new job on the West Coast.”
“So, it’s for sale?” asked Mike.
“It’s not on the market yet, but it will be,” said Brad.
“Can I take a look at it?” Mike said. “We’re going to move our new tennis pro into the condo I’m renting, and I think it’s time for me to have something more permanent here. And with Ross and Melissa in the neighborhood, it kind of makes sense for me to be there too.”
Brad grinned. “That would be great.” He looked over to Aaron for his approval, and Aaron gave his silent agreement.
“Okay, I’ll call you tomorrow to set up a time,” said Mike. He turned to Hazel. “Maybe you’ll look at it with me. I need a woman’s opinion.”
“Sure,” she said. “I love looking at real estate.”
Hazel could feel her mother beaming at them without even looking at her. But she remained quiet. Not everyone knew what fake dating scheme she and Mike had cooked up.
The waitress arrived, and to Hazel’s relief, her mother’s attention became focused on the fish dinner she’d ordered.
Other locals came and went, giving her mother a very complete introduction to Hazel’s group of friends.
When it came time for them to leave, Mike said, “I’ll walk you out.”
They made their way to the door and stepped outside.
Her mother stood and gazed around. “I love all the sparkly lights. Honestly, this is such a charming town.”
“I know you’re leaving tomorrow morning, but I wanted to say how nice it was to meet you,” said Mike politely. He held out his hand, and Hazel’s mother took it, gazing into his face.
“And it was lovely to meet you, Mike. I’m sure I’ll be seeing more of you. I see how you and Hazel are with one another.”
Mike glanced at Hazel and winked.
Hazel couldn’t help the wave of happiness that filled her, and then chided herself for thinking that his reaction was reality. He was simply playing his part well. So well that she was charmed by him.