Page 17 of Designs on You

This would give Natalie some time to go over some design options for the backyard. Hazel had a decent enough setup for the dogs to frolic and for entertainment purposes, but with all that land, they could do so much more. Linc had told her to draw something up for them and present options to Hazel, so she had.

She appreciated that Linc hadn’t taken over any part of the design process for their new home, allowing Hazel to make the lion’s share of the decisions. Hazel had picked out the house, which had needed some renovations. Hazel had included Linc in discussions, but he’d deferred to her wants and needs. Natalie knew how little input she’d had in any life decisions in her first marriage, so she just loved how Linc asked her how she wanted things.

Probably why Hazel had fallen in love with him. He knew exactly what she needed. And that made Natalie love him, too.

Once she got to the house, she rang the bell, smiling at the sound of barking dogs. Hazel appeared at the door not long after, shushing the dogs and enveloping Natalie in a hug.

“I’m so glad you’re here. Lunch is just about ready.”

After Natalie loved on the pups, they all ran off behind Hazel, so she gathered her tote bag and followed Hazel into the kitchen.

“Something smells good.”

“I’m baking bread. I also made a flavored tea. Does that sound good?”

“Sounds perfect. And you didn’t need to go to the trouble of making bread.”

“It’s not trouble at all.”

Hazel poured a glass and handed it to her, then took a sip from her own glass. Natalie took a seat at the island and watched as Hazel prepped kale and put it into the salad bowl, along with red quinoa, sliced dates, almonds, and a few other ingredients.

“Let’s go sit at the table,” Hazel said, bringing the bowl over and setting it in the center. “I’ll get the bread.”

The salad looked amazing. Hazel put dressing on the table, then added the bread that smelled so good it made Natalie’s stomach rumble with hunger.

“It’s a citrusy dressing and should meld well with the salad,” Hazel said, taking a seat. “I hope you like it.”

“You’re a superb chef, Hazel. I already know I’m going to love it.”

She took a bite of the salad and made a low moan. So good. The bread? Even better.

“I could not live with you anymore,” Natalie said. “I’d gain so much weight.”

Hazel made apshsound. “The salad is very nutritious and low in calories. Though I do agree the bread is killer.”

Natalie tore off a piece, shoved it in her mouth and chewed, then took a sip of tea. “Worth it, though.”

Hazel laughed. “So true.”

They ate and talked about family things, mostly their mother, who was acting typically like…their mother. Loving. Annoying. In their business.

“She told me I need to get remarried as soon as possible because the children and I need a man to support us.”

Hazel made a face. “That’s antiquated and sexist as hell. What did you say to her?”

“Exactly what you said. I told her I didn’t need or want a man to take care of me, that I could take care of both myself and my children just fine. Naturally, she disagreed.”

“Yikes. I’m sorry, Nat. I know she comes from a good place, but good lord she can be a pain in the ass sometimes.”

“Oh, you haven’t heard the worst part yet.”

Hazel’s eyes widened. “There’s more?”

“She told me she can set me up with men.”

Hazel gave her a horrified look. “What? What men?”

Natalie shrugged. “I have no idea, and I don’t care, since I don’t plan to go out with anyone she suggests.”

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