Chapter 14: A Sigh of Relief
As soon as Amy got home and back to her room, she called Mitch. "Good morning, Amy! So I've been dying to know how last night went?"
"It is a great morning, Mitch! I'm talking to you, and last night couldn't have gone any better. I can tell you more details when we are together, but the best news…we are in the clear to quit hiding!"
"Amy, that's great! I'm so relieved! How soon can I see you again?"
"I think this evening for dinner here but let me confirm that's ok with Lou. Peter is to get in this afternoon."
"Are we both ready for that? I'm sure it will still be a bit awkward, but I guess the sooner we get past it, the better!"
"I know, but I really don't want to keep avoiding my family, and I want them to see that this is real between us. And I agree, the sooner the better!
Mitch took a deep breath and said, "Ok. I also need to be sure that Zeke & Charlie can take care of the evening chores. You haven't met them yet. They are my two ranch hands. I'll look forward to a text from you soon. And Amy, I can hardly wait to see you, and I really look forward to being with your clan once again!"
"It's still kind of hard to believe this is really happening! I'm sure Lyndy will be excited to see you again so soon, as well. She asked me last night when I put her to bed how soon we'd see you. And I'll tell you something else she said when we can talk tonight. I'll text you soon as I can talk to Lou. Love you!"
"I love you, too!" Mitch thought, 'It sure feels good to say that!'
Amy went to find Lou. "Lou, would you be ok with Mitch joining us for dinner tonight?"
Lou hesitated a moment, but said, "Well, I guess we've got to get past that awkward moment at some point. And tonight is good since Peter will be here, and that may make it a little less awkward. Sure, ask him."
Amy texted Mitch right away to come at around 5pm. They were both a little apprehensive but so happy at the same time.
Amy went to get Lyndy up and told her that Mitch would be coming for dinner. She was excited, too!
In the meantime, Lisa searched Amy out to tell her how happy she was for her and Mitch. "It's a little strange, but I'm sure we'll all adjust. And though it wouldn't have crossed our minds, you guys are perfect for each other!"
Relieved, Amy replied, "Thank you! We've been realizing that. We are surprised how it all happened and how quickly it's moved, but we are really happy, Lisa! And you know how good Mitch has always been with kids. He got to be with Lyndy yesterday, and it was amazing!"
"That doesn't surprise me. I'm so glad!" Lisa said as she and Amy hugged each other.
Everyone went about their day, and around 3pm, Peter pulled in. He entered the kitchen and said, "Hi, Honey!" Lou greeted him with a brief kiss and pulled him to the bedroom to kiss him more passionately. "What was that for?"
"I've just missed you, and I want you to know how much I love you!...AND, I've got some news to share with you."
"Oh, what's that?" he asked as he continued to hold her in his arms totally oblivious to what was coming.
"Well, we might want to sit down on the bed a moment." They moved to sit. "Amy and I had a sisters' night together last night, and she dropped a bit of a bombshell." Lou paused. "She and Mitch have been seeing each other for about three months now!"
Peter's jaw dropped, he ran his fingers through his hair and exclaimed, "You're kidding, right?"
"Nope, it's all true! And…he's coming to dinner tonight."
"How? When? How are you doing with this?"
Lou proceeded to tell him how it all came about, and then she assured Peter, "And Hon, I really am fine with it. Things ended with Mitch completely, and you and I are solid. No doubts there. And the more I thought about it, Mitch and Amy are so much more suited for each other than he and I ever were. It makes sense. And I'm so happy that Amy's heart is open again, and I can't think of anyone better for her to find love with again than Mitch! Are you ok with it?"
"Well, I need a little time to take this in. It will take some adjusting to. I mean, we were archrivals for quite a while. Yet we had our moments of getting along, too. You know, I do really look forward to getting to know each other as allies rather than opponents. And yes, I can see him and Amy together. Who'd have thought?!" Peter looked into Lou's eyes, they paused and shared a deeply passionate kiss acknowledging that what had happened could be a very good thing. And in fact, Peter even felt a bit relieved.