Hope in Our Hearts by Lydia Proffitt

Chapter Thirteen

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.

- Joseph Addison

The months were flying by. Before they knew it, it was the end of spring. Lucy's favorite holidays––Christmas and Thanksgiving––were already a thing of the past. It was now May, signaling the end of Lucy's first year at Thomas Elementary School.

The air was warmer, days were longer, and Lucy was excited to start tanning by Rebecca's pool. Though the seasons were changing rapidly, one thing remained constant––Lucy and Jason were still head over heels for each other.

Though they had been together for less than a year, Lucy felt like she had known Jason for forever. He was her best friend, and she loved him more and more each day. His presence in a room was enough to make her heart flutter like a butterfly in her chest.

Kale was growing like a weed. Once he started walking he was off to the races. Caleb was still very present in their lives. He spent more time at Lucy's house than his own. He was turning into a son for both Lucy and Jason. He even had his own room at Lucy's house, and a majority of his belongings were in there so his mother couldn't take them. His mother was becoming more absent in his life, and Caleb was okay with it. He often told Lucy she felt more like a mother to him than she ever did.

Lucy's life felt perfect. She knew her cup runneth over, and she was grateful for all the people in her life that made her feel loved. She couldn't believe how different she felt almost three years ago. She went from being in an old house feeling lonely, to being absolutely full.

"I think Amanda and Elliot, Andrea and Gavin, and Kelly and Rhett are all coming today and bringing the kids," Jason said.

"I thought you said a few people are coming," Lucy said. "Look at this house––it's a wreck." Lucy put out her hands for emphasis.

"Well don't worry. With all hands on deck, we'll get the house cleaned in plenty of time. Plus we'll probably be outside most of the time. It's a beautiful day, and you have a nice backyard."

Though it stressed Lucy out, she couldn't say no. The women often told Lucy they wanted to visit Wilton Creek and see her house. Her house wasn't in it's worst shape, especially since Jason fixed a lot the problems already.

"But––uh, first I wanted to visit Henry. When I went to play cards this morning he wasn't there, and they told me he is back in the hospital."

"Oh, bless his heart. You think the kids and I can come too? I haven't seen him or Judy in a while."

"Sure, he would love to see you all. Plus I'm sure Judy could use some distracting."

Soon, they were all piled into Jason's truck and headed in the direction of the hospital. Lucy asked Finley at the front desk where Mr. Henry Brooke's room was located. She told them room 127, and they navigated through the halls till they found his room.

"Hey, Handsome," Lucy said opening the door seeing Henry was awake.

Judy sat in the corner of the room next to the window knitting.

"Aww Lucy and Jason," Henry said. Then Caleb came in holding Kale's hand as he walked. "And they brought the boys!"

"How are ya, sir?" Jason said, shaking Henry's outstretched hand.

"Good. Good. I'm fine. I don't know why they still have me here."

"Cause you had a heart attack ya idiot. You don't take care of yourself. All you eat is junk," Judy said.