FOURTH INSTALLMENT... THE LAKE...by b. Malin

Sarah woke up just as the car was pulling onto the circular driveway in front of the cottage. She stretched, relaxed from her sleep, she stared out the passenger window at the breathtaking surroundings that lay before her. The cottage, which seemed more to Sarah a home, because of its hugeness, looked even more beautiful then the first time she and Robert had viewed it. All the trees and flowers were now in full bloom, making everything look so alive and vibrant in the late afternoon sun. Robert gently tapped her on the shoulder. She turned to him, their lips met and they kissed tenderly. Robert spoke first, "Sarah I've never felt so right about anything before as I feel about this place. I know that we are going to be very happy here darling". Having said that, he opened his door and came around to help Sarah out of the car. The air felt cool and clean, and had a perfume-like scent to it. "We must be in heaven" Sarah said as they walked up the front steps.

Robert took the keys from his pocket, then turning to her he said, "corny as this might sound, I'd like to pick both of you up, he smiled and tapped her stomach, and carry you over the threshold into our new home." With that said, he scooped her up and in they went. Robert made like he was puffing as he gently placed her down on the living room sofa, as they both laughed happily. Now they both grew quiet, as they stared about the magnificent room. Yes, Sarah thought to herself, we did make the right decision, as she mentally rearranged some of the furniture. Mr. Terrance L. Jordan, had told Robert over the phone, Thursday night, that they could do whatever they wanted with the rooms, make them to your likings. "If you decide you want to buy the place, I'll make you a very reasonable price." Before Robert could reply, he'd hung up. Robert didn't mention it to Sarah, at least not yet...he wanted to make sure this was really what they wanted. He would surprise Sarah, yes, that's what he'd do, after Labor Day...Robert stood up, "Hey, you stay there, I'll go start to unload the car." Before she could protest, he was out the front door. Sarah sat there gently rubbing her belly and suddenly realizing it had been three months since her last period. Dr. Green had said he'd be able to tell better, how far along she was when he saw her in two weeks. But she thought to herself, when I tell him this fact, he'll be happy.

She stood up and walked over to the big oval desk. There was an envelope addressed to her and Robert, from Carter. She sat down at the desk to read it. "Dear Mr. and Mrs. Blake, Your water and electric have been turned on like I promised. Mrs. Carter was here on Wednesday to do the cleaning." Sarah looked around the room, everything was polished and sparkling clean. So Mrs. Carter was the local help, nothing like keeping it all in the family, she thought smiling as she finished reading the note. At the bottom was Carter's phone number and cottage number. She was still sitting at the desk when Robert came in balancing four suit cases, which made her laugh at the sight. For wrapped around his neck were, two cameras, her cosmetic bag, with her Journal sticking out of his shaving case. "Hey, where's my Mac" she said, laughing loudly. Robert put the suitcases down in the doorway and ran back out to the car. Sarah walked over to the front door. She watched as Robert removed a small case that she had never seen before. He ran up the steps towards her saying, "go sit down on the couch, this calls for a little celebration." She did as she was told, as he went over to the dinning room table to remove all the items from around his neck, before joining her on the couch, still holding the small case, which he now placed on the silver-trayed coffee table in front of them. He clicked opened the case and took out a small bottle of champagne and some imported cheeses on a plate with crackers and olives, along with two glasses. He turned to her and said as he popped the cork, and was pouring the champagne, "to us, all three of us, and this wonderful moment in time, one of so many that we will share together". They clinked glasses and Sarah took a small sip, the bubbles tickled her nose. "That's enough mother", Robert said smiling gently at her. Her eyes filled with tears, she was going to be a mother, and this was going to be the best summer of their lives...In this perfect, perfect, house.

To be continued...