Page 78 of Loving Lizzy

“How’s the dating going?” Edie asked as she picked up her own knitting and never glanced down as her fingers flew, making Lizzy envious.

“I decided to stop dating these men and have given up on Jake. I’ll content myself by enjoying my grandchildren and if I find someone to share my life with, then I’ll consider it then. I don’t need a man to make me happy.”

“Good for you,” added Maddie as she patted her friend’s knee.

The doorbell rang and Lizzy dropped her knitting to answer it when Carol gestured for her to sit back down while she handled it.

Jake walked inside and nodded to the women. “I wanted to see if you might join me for a walk.”

“No.” Carol went to sit back on the couch.

Stunned, Jake walked into the living room. He took off his hat and smoothed down his hair. “Maybe we can talk out on the porch?”

She picked up her needles and began to concentrate on her stitches. The other women suddenly appeared engrossed in their craft as he nudged her on the shoulder.

“May I at least have a word with you in the kitchen?” He shifted from one foot to the other as he waited for her response. Carol huffed and put her knitting in her lap.

“I don’t think there’s anything left to say.” She narrowed her eyes at the older man.

Jake’s chest puffed out as he scanned the room. Lizzy smiled and encouraged the older man. He appeared crestfallen and his expression tugged at Lizzy’s heartstrings. She knew Carol fought the temptation to discover what he wanted to say. Maddie nudged her friend in disapproval.

Finally getting the message, she turned to Jake. “I’ll give you five minutes. As you can see, I’m busy caring for our Lizzy and don’t care to participate in any of your shenanigans,” she told him sternly.

He swiped at his beard, waited as she placed her knitting on the table, and walked with her head held high to the kitchen. Lizzy held back her laughter as she watched Jake follow her.

Edie glanced at Maddie and winked.

Whispering ensued from the kitchen. A few minutes later, Carol’s voice rang out. “Jake Harper, where I spend my nights is none of your business.”

“You haven’t slept at home two nights this week. For all I know, a burglar tied you up or you fell and can’t reach your phone,” he countered.

“Do I appear injured to you? I assure you; my son-in-law taught me how to use a gun properly. If you keep asking me these questions, I may ask Kassie to give me instructions. She knows how to shoot a man in the ass. You don’t need to worry. I won’t be aiming for yours; I’ll be aiming for your head because it’s located in the same place.”

Edie and Maddie giggled as a red-faced Jake stomped out of the kitchen. He halted for a moment, completely embarrassed. Lizzy sent a compassionate glance his way.

“Have a good day, ladies,” he choked as he walked out and closed the door behind him.

Edie shook her head. “Love hurts, hearts mend, and life goes on. I pray Jake figures himself out soon.”

Lizzy went back to knitting. Edie’s wise words echoed in her head. She hurt Michael and their relationship seemed on the mend. Will life go on for them?

* * *

Lizzy practically jumpedup and down when Saturday arrived. The weather warmed and Ivan made his men help the kids dye Easter eggs as punishment when he snuck through security on his assigned section of the mountain.

“You’re excited,” Michael smiled at how much she grinned and seemed genuinely happy.

“I’m so glad they’re settling in, and that Debbie fits in with the grandparent crew,” she told him.

“Kassie reminded me, she’s moved chairs in a separate area for you and Diana. Her bedroom and spare room are available if either of you get tired,” Michael wrapped his arm around her as he walked with her from the driveway to the cabin.

Kassie invited the small family to join them. She secured a spot on the porch with two comfortable chairs, a portable heater, blankets, and a view of the easter egg hunting ground.

Catherine sat on the porch with them and chatted while the ladies brought out snacks with hot and cold beverages.

Diana seemed awed by all the activity. “These people are only friends? They act like family. They take care of each other’s children, and I don’t think I’ve seen my mom socialize with people her own age in forever. She’s always helping me and the kids. Which reminds me, I don’t know how I’ll pay all these medical bills. Not to mention us staying in the cabin.”

“Kassie was a single mom until she met Chase. Her daughter, Emma, suffers from a medical condition and she understands the difficulty in raising a child with medical bills. They own the hospital, and she told you the bill will be written off,” Lizzy reminded her.

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