The Heart Left Behind

Chapter 37 Lorraine beamed .

Thats great ! Im pretty good at planning trips , so feel free to ask for help .

whenever you need it .

I glanced at her gratefully .

Thanks .

Ill definitely reach out when the time comes .

On the way to drop Lorraine off , we talked about all kinds of things .

I realized that being with Lorraine always helped me relax like I could finally let go of all the stress that usually weighed me down .

The next morning was a Saturday , and I decided to start the day by making a big breakfast .

Jonas asked between bites , Daddy , where are we going today ? I smiled and ruffled his hair .

How about Mecca Park ? Jonass eyes lit up .

Awesome ! Can I bring my sketchbook ? Of course , I said .

By the way , Ms.

Sommerton mentioned she could teach you some drawing techniques sometime .

Jonas perked up at the mention of Lorraine .

Really ? Ms.

Sommerton is so nice ! At the park , Jonas immediately pulled out his sketchbook and started drawing .

While sitting on a nearby bench watching him , I thought about what Lorraine had said yesterday .

Maybe I really did need to spend more time with Jonas .

Work was important , but his childhood was fleeting .

Determined to make a change , I pulled out my phone and started researching family friendly vacation spots .

Suddenly , Jonas excited voice broke my concentration .

Ms.

Sommerton ! Looking up , I saw Lorraine walking toward us , dressed in casual clothes and carrying a picnic basket .

She smiled warmly and exclaimed , What a coincidence running into you both here ! I stood up , surprised .

Lorraine , what brings you here ? Lorraine lifted her picnic basket .

Its such a beautiful day , and I thought Id have a picnic .

I cant believe I ran into you two ! Jonas eagerly grabbed Lorraines hand .

Ms.

Sommerton , youre just in time ! Would you look .

at my drawing ? Lorraine smiled gently .

Of course , let me see what youve got .

Watching Lorraine and Jonas discuss his artwork stirred something inside me .

The scene Charic looked so natural , as if we were already a family .

After giving Jonas somie drawing tips , Lorraine turned to me .

Since were all here , why dont we picnic together ? I packed plenty of food .

I didnt answer her immediately , but I agreed when I noticed Jonas hopeful expression .

We spread out a blanket under a shady tree .

Lorraine had packed an impressive spread sandwiches , fruit salad , cupcakes , and fresh juice Jonas ate happily , repeatedly complimenting Lorraines cooking .

She smiled and said , If you like it , I can make it more often .

Her words touched something in me .

Watching her gentle smile , I realized she had somehow life .

become a natural part of Jonas and my After the picnic , we took a walk together .

Jonas can ahead , occasionally turning back to show us interesting things he had found .

As the sun began to set , we wrapped up our perfect picnic day .

Jonas had worn himself out and fell asleep against my shoulder on the way home .

When we got home , I carefully carried Jonas to his bed , but just as I was about to leave the room , he opened his eyes .

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