CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
The next morning, Misty awoke, thrilled to see David sleeping beside her.
At the bottom of the bed, Sugar eyed her with a knowing look from the blanket Misty had placed there for her.
She and David had needed privacy, but after they’d made delicious love, Sugar wanted her nightly sleep on the bed—a fair compromise.
Misty patted the space next to her, and Sugar crawled up and spooned beside her. Behind them, David stirred and reached for Misty.
Sugar leaped over Misty and snuggled with David.
“Guess that’s good as a sign that Sugar approves of you,” said Misty, rolling over and patting David’s stubbled cheek.
“Morning,” said David, lifting her hand and kissing it.
She loved how, even now, he was both passionate and gentle.
“Why don’t I fix coffee for the two of us and take care of Sugar?” she asked him.
“Great. If you don’t mind, I’ll grab a quick shower, and then I’ll be ready for the day. My treat for breakfast at the café.”
“Deal,” she said.
Misty wrapped a robe around herself and padded into the kitchen to let Sugar out. She made a pot of coffee and decided to take a cup to David.
He was in the bathroom drying off when she handed him the coffee. “Ah, just what I need. Thanks.”
“I’m going to take a shower, and then I’ll be ready to go to the café,” she said.
“No problem,” said David. “I’ll help.” He set down the coffee cup. “I’ll wash … your back … or whatever.”
She laughed. Their lovemaking last night had been filled with joy. And by the look of it, it was going to move forward that way. She was thrilled she’d taken a chance on him, on herself.
###
At the café, Emmett and Crystal were sitting at a table outside with a crowd gathered around them.
Misty waved at Crystal, and Crystal motioned her forward. “Come sit with us. We’ve hardly been able to eat with everyone greeting us. You two sitting here might make it seem as if we’re too busy to answer a lot of questions.”
“I’m sure everyone wants to know how your trip to Paris went,” said Misty.
Crystal pulled on the shoulders of her T-shirt. “See? J’aime Paris . That should be a sign of how much I liked it.”
“Yes, but people are still curious. I have lots of questions about it myself.”
Emmett and David shook hands, and after David had taken a seat in a chair next to him, the two men began to converse.
Crystal nudged Misty. “Is this, the two of you together, what I think it is?”
Misty’s smile was an answer of its own. “David and I are taking our relationship seriously. I haven’t told him, but I love him.”
“And David?” Crystal asked quietly.
“Before last night, he said he was falling in love with me,” whispered Misty.
“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.
###
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?”
“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.
Misty stood, poised to strike again. Exhilaration filled her. She’d never felt this strong, so unafraid. In her mind, she knew if she ever had to face Vince again, she could do it.
Keeping watch over Harley, Misty punched in Nick’s number and asked him to send someone over to take care of Harley, who lay sprawled on the ground.
###
A few minutes later, Nick arrived in his police car and hurried over to her. “Are you okay?” He glanced at Harley on the ground.
“I had to do a few karate moves on him, but I’m fine,” said Misty. “David’s lessons and my practice paid off.”
Nick clapped her on the back. “Good job. We’ll put him in jail and let him sober up.”
“Thanks.” She realized Sugar was still in the car and let her out. Her friendly, sweet dog growled at Harley as he was taken to the police car, and then Sugar ran back to her.
Trembling now, Misty picked up Sugar and hugged her.
###
Later, giving David the news, she said, “It was as if a gray cloud blocked out anything else and I remembered all the moves you showed me. And best of all, I finally feel free from the past. I have you to thank in more ways than one.”
“You deserve it,” said David. “I love you, you know.”
“And I love you, David,” she said, delighted to be able to tell him at last.
“I’m coming over.”