Page 17 of Loving Lizzy

“I believe we got everything covered, thank you,” Michael told him as he removed his card from the reader.

Mr. Henkins scratched his head uncomfortably, “I know you moved here yesterday, but we’re a small town and everyone knows everything. We want you to know you’re in our thoughts and prayers.”

“We appreciate it very much,” Michael shook his hand before turning and heading to his car.

He parked in his driveway and walked to the grocery store across the street. He grabbed a jug of milk, fresh bread, and orange juice. As he scanned the aisles, he chastised himself. In all the frenzy of getting the house ready and Lizzy’s upcoming surgery, he meant to research what foods might help her body heal. After they wheel her into surgery, he’ll find the hospital dietician and ask her a few questions. He pulled out his wallet and swiped his card. Picking up the sack, he walked back home.

The house felt eerily quiet. His phone, which usually dinged with texts and calls, remained suspiciously silent. He walked down the hall to find Lizzy. The suitcase he saw at the edge of the door before he left was now missing. She made the bed and added the fifty pillows she used to decorate it. His heart began to race as he walked through the house and found no sign of her.

“Lizzy!” he shouted. Anger flowed through his veins as he yelled again, “Lizzy!” He swallowed as he headed toward the front door, keys in his hand to begin a search for her. Did she run again? Didn’t she promise? No. She never actually said the word promise. “Damn it,” he cursed.

“What?” Lizzy opened the door to the exam rooms. “I didn’t know you’d return so fast. The contractor showed up and the crew will be here in an hour. They need to mud the walls between the rooms, and they’ll paint yours today.”

“You’re having surgery. They can return once we get you healing. I can take you to Kassie’s or Catherine’s house while they work,” he swiped his hand through his hair as he took a relieved breath.

“Don’t be ridiculous. We’re going for a walk and leaving for Seattle. We won’t get back until late afternoon or this evening. Why waste a whole day when no one will be here?” She searched his face.

“You’re right,” he told her.

“Why did you swear?” she asked.

“I forgot something I wanted at the grocery store,” he lied. “It’s nothing important.”

“We can walk over now,” she offered.

“Nah, let’s go for our walk. The weather’s perfect but bring a light sweater,” he reminded her.

“I already put it on the back of the chair. I’m ready to leave when you are.” She smiled at him.

He held the door open for her and locked it behind them. He picked up her overnight bag and noticed she packed his e-reader on the side. She always thought of everything.

He opened the door for her before placing her bag in the trunk. He slid into his seat and started the car. Lizzy rolled down the window despite the chilly air from the wind. She leaned her head out the window as they drove closer to the mountain.

“Isn’t it the best smell?” She turned in his direction.

“What smell?”

“The trees on the mountain. Once, when I visited Kassie and Chase’s, they rode horses on a trail and returned from having a picnic in the woods. I’d like to try it sometime. I’ve never ridden one. Kassie says she barely holds the reins on hers, because she’s so gentle. She claims Chase bribes it with carrots to keep her safe,” she laughed.

“Knowing how he acts concerning his wife, I think she’s on to something. I’ve never seen him act so protective with anyone,” he mused.

“What about Rachel? I can’t imagine someone like Chase not acting protective over anyone he cared about.” She pondered.

“I never saw him ever act this way with Rachel. Come to think of it, I haven’t seen her lately. I wonder if she finally gave up trying to break them up. The last time I saw her was when she showed up at the rehearsal dinner.”

“Kassie hasn’t mentioned her lately. Then again, she’s preoccupied with a million other things,” Lizzy’s voice turned sad over her friend.

Michael took Lizzy’s hand. “They’ll figure it out. He’ll move heaven and earth for his .”

“There’re some things beyond our control. Sometimes loving someone isn’t enough,” she said.

Michael squeezed her hand. She no longer spoke of Kassie. Something rolled in his gut like a premonition forewarned him of the rocky moments ahead. He steeled his expression to keep her from noticing how much her comment bothered him. No matter what, she wouldn’t fight alone.

CHAPTER TEN

They pulled into the parking lot of Chase’s hospital. Michael shut the car off. Somehow, it seemed like the trip up the mountain held a finality to it. She exited the car, taking deep breaths of the refreshing mountain air. Her heart began to pound as Michael gently took her hand and walked toward the path. Gazing at the trees and winter flowers, she memorized the beauty of her favorite spot. When they reached the top, she stopped and took in the surrounding mountains as if it were her last time ever to see the magnificent view surrounding them. Feeling on edge, she wanted Michael to remember this moment, to know she didn’t have any regrets and how much he meant to her. She wrapped her arms around his waist, her head rested on his chest.

“I love you. If anything happens to me, I want you to know I don’t regret a single moment of our time together. Giving birth to Conner without you hurt like hell. When I lost our precious boy, the pain felt endless. The day I left you, I experienced that same ache in my heart because I knew I was abandoning you. I hope one day you can forgive me.”

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