The Heart Left Behind

Chapter 38 Jonas mumbled sleepily , Daddy , when can we hang out with Ms.

Sommerton again ? I paused before answering softly , Well invite her when shes free , okay ? Jonas nodded and drifted back to sleep .

Once I tucked him in bed , I quietly closed his door and walked to the living room .

I let out a long breath , only to be startled by the sudden chime of the doorbell .

I opened the door to find my neighbor , Ms.

Harris , looking distressed .

Mr.

Joplin , Momo is sick , and all the regular vers are closed .

Could you drive us to the 24 hour vet ? I agreed , leaving a quick note for Jonas before driving Ms.

Harris to the emergency vet .

By the time I got home , it was nearly midnight .

I collapsed onto the couch , my mind drifting back to our picnic Lorraines smile , Jonas laughter , and her delicious food .

I pulled out my phone , hesitating briefly before typing a message to Lorraine , Thank you for todays picnic .

Jonas had such a great time .

I quickly added another message , By the way , Im thinking about taking Jonas to the beach .

Do you have any suggestions ? I set my phone down and went to shower .

When I returned , I found several messages from Lorraine .

Youre welcome ! I had fun too .

A beach vacation sounds perfect ! I can help you plan the trip if youd like .

Just as I was about to reply , another message came , Its peak season , though , so booking .

might be tricky .

I have a friend at a travel agency who might be able to help .

I thought for a moment and replied , That would be great , thanks .

Do you like the beach ? Her reply came instantly , I love it ! Especially the sunrises and sunsets theyre absolutely magical by the ocean .

We ended up chatting for two hours, discussing everything from travel plans to childhood .

memories .

Just as the conversation was getting lively , I heard a noise from Jonas room .

I quickly told her goodnight and went to check on my son .

It turned out , Jonas had a nightmare .

As I held him until he fell back asleep , I realized it might be time to bring more joy and adventure into our lives .

The next morning , I woke up to a message from Lor and hotel but had also created a detailed itinerary Just as I was about to reply , the doorbell rang .

To my breakfast for three .

She smiled and said , Good mo to make breakfast , so I brought some .

Hope Im not Touched by her thoughtfulness , I invited her in .

N in .

Jonas ran out when he heard us and exclaimed happ The three of us sat around the table , enjoying our Lorraine and Jonas chat and laugh , I felt a warmth this was what a real family felt like .

After breakfast , Lorraine offered to help clean up .

V over little things .

When we finished , Lorraine turned to me with a se dont mind , could I join you both on the beach trip I froze , unsure how to respond .

Chapter 28 The next morning , I woke up to a message from Lorraine .

She had not only booked our flights .

and hotel but had also created a detailed itinerary Just as I was about to reply , the doorbell rang .

To my surprise , Lorraine stood there with breakfast for three .

She smiled and said , Good morning .

I thought you might not have time to make breakfast , so I brought some .

Hope Im not intruding .

Touched by her thoughtfulness , I invited her in .

Not at all ! Thank you so much.

Please come in .

Jonas ran out when he heard us and exclaimed happily , Ms.

Sommerton ! The three of us sat around the table , enjoying our unexpected breakfast together .

Watching Lorraine and Jonas chat and laugh , I felt a warmth I had not experienced in a long time .

Maybe this was what a real family felt like .

After breakfast , Lorraine offered to help clean up .

We worked together in the kitchen , laughing over little things .

When we finished , Lorraine turned to me with a serious expression .

I was wondering … If you dont mind , could I join you both on the beach trip ? I froze , unsure how to respond .