Page 94 of Love's Match

“I’m so sorry,” said Sarah, giving her a hug.“I know how much you loved her.”

“Thanks,” said Misty.“I still miss her.”She’d adopted a dog from a woman at The Woodlands assisted living facility.“But you two go ahead with your plans.”

“What do you say, Sarah?”asked Hazel.“Shall we go?We don’t have to stay late.”

“Are you sure you don’t mind, Misty?asked Sarah.

“Go, get out of the house, have fun.David already told me he won't be there.”

At first, Misty and David had seemed an unlikely match, but after seeing them together and their growing love for one another, Sarah thought they were one of the sweetest couples in town.

“Okay, then I’ll join you, Hazel.Let me make sure supper is ready.How do you like spaghetti, Misty?”

“It sounds delicious,” said Misty.“This will give me the opportunity to spend some time alone with your daughters.I love kids their age.”

“See?”said Hazel.“She’s a born teacher.”

“You’ll find it easier,” Misty told Hazel.“It takes time to learn a few of the tricks.”

Sarah went to the girls’ room to tell them about the change in plans.

“Hooray!”they cried, racing to the kitchen to find Misty.

“Guess they don’t mind at all,” said Sarah, chuckling.“Even so, I won’t be gone long.”She kissed each girl, picked up her purse, and left the house with Hazel.

Outside, Hazel turned to her.“It’ll be nice to spend some time with you.”

“For me, too,” said Sarah, wishing she’d taken time to brush her hair.Hazel always looked so put together.

“Let’s walk,” said Hazel.“I need the exercise.”

“Fine with me,” said Sarah.One benefit of being back in Lilac Lake was her ability to walk everywhere.It always made her feel healthy.

“So, what’s the deal with you and Aaron?I know he likes you,” said Hazel.“And it’s easy to see you’re attracted to him.”

“He and I were high school sweethearts.If I hadn’t gone away to college and met my husband, who knows what might have happened with us.Now, as much as I care for him, I won’t let our friendship be more than that.”

“For heaven’s sake, why?”asked Hazel, giving her a steady look.

“Because of my husband,” Sarah said quietly.“But I don’t want to talk about it.Not ever.”

Hazel held up a hand at the firmness in Sarah’s voice.“Okay, I won’t.”

“Thanks,” said Sarah.She’d discussed the situation with a counselor, but she didn’t want to talk about it outside that room.It hurt too much.