Lakehouse

Chapter 10

Parker finds us and eventually calms both of us down. Catherine helps me get ready for dinner with complete grace.

William shows up and she smiles as I walk down to his boat with him.

After our short boat ride to the restaurant William spills his life story.

"I married my wife pretty young. We fell in love in college and I knew I wanted to marry her. So we went to Hawaii and had our best friend marry us. We started trying to have kids almost instantly. We both really wanted them. It took us about a year before we finally got pregnant. A few month later, she miscarried and we found out that she had ovarian cancer. The doctor gave her 6 months to live and she lived a year."

I wipe my eyes. "I'm so sorry William."

He smiles. "Thanks. But I've accepted it. I got 2 wonderful years with my soulmate."

"How long has it been?"

"About 2 years."

"Have you started dating yet?"

He nods. "About a year after it happened. I didn't want to be alone. But I haven't met anyone yet."

I twirl the straw of my drink absentmindedly. "Can I set you up with someone?"

I can tell he is a little nervous but eventually he nods. "I'm not opposed. Who is it?"

"Catherine."

He raises his eyebrows. "Catherine? Really?"

I shrug. "Maybe."

He takes a swig of his beer and leans back in his chair. "Tell her I'm interested."

"Good! She'll be so excited."

"Look, I read countless books and talked to so many people about when it was too soon to date again. And let me tell you, one day you'll wake up and know."

"I don't know if I'll ever get there."

"I didn't think so either. But I did."

I nod. "That's what I'm afraid of."

"Don't be. Everything happens for a reason."

The rest of dinner is really fun. We talk and I have a really good time.

Catherine is watching a movie on the couch in her pj's when I come back. She smiles when I walk in.

"How was it?"

I sit down next to her and kick off my heels. "You free tomorrow night?"

She cocks her head. "Why?"

"You have a date with William."

She sits up. "What? Are you serious?"

I nod. "Yes."

"I'm going on a date with him?!"

I chuckle. "Yes Cath."

She smiles. "Thank you."

"Sure."

Parker joins us downstairs. "My parents are leaving in the morning. But Juliette and Harrison would like to stay, if its cool with you guys."

"Of course." I say.

"Why are your parents leaving?" Catherine wonders.

He shrugs. "I guess they just wanted to see me but my mom isn't a fan of the great outdoors."

I chuckle. "Why does that not surprise me?"

"Lets take the boat out." Parker suggests.

I nod. "We should!"