Page 11 of Love's Harvest
Aaron left her talking to Whitney.Because of her husband’s job as police chief, Whitney was well-informed about what was happening in town.But she was discreet about not spreading information.
“I’m getting a little worried about handling a new baby with a toddler.How do you do it with twins?You always seem so calm.”
“It can be difficult tracking the girls, who may be going in two different directions,” Sarah admitted.“It’s exhausting.It’s one strong reason for my returning to Lilac Lake.”
“Are you and Aaron seeing one another?”asked Whitney.
“We’re friends.But that’s all we’ve promised one another,” Sarah said, realizing how sad that sounded.
“He’s always been one of my favorite people,” said Whitney, watching as he stood talking with a group of men.“Sexy, too.”
Sarah felt her cheeks flush but said nothing.He was even sexier now than he’d been in high school.
Dani joined them.“It’s turning into a wonderful party.Everyone seems to be having fun.I’m glad to see you here, Sarah.I know you can’t always get out.”
“Thanks.It’s great to be here.”She watched from a distance as Tessa approached Aaron.
“Tessa seems nice but a little overzealous about meeting new men,” commented Dani.“I hope she doesn’t make a mess of things.”
As she spoke, Aaron gazed over to them with an unhappy expression.
“Oh, I'd better go rescue Aaron,” said Dani.“As hostess, I don’t want any of my guests to suffer.”She winked at Sarah and hurried away.
Sarah went to talk to Melissa about her cookbook.
Melissa greeted Sarah with a warm hug.“How are you?”
“Good,” said Sarah.“Ross proudly told the group at Jake’s about your new cookbook.How’s that going?”
“It’s a lot harder than one would think,” said Melissa.“I have to make sure all the recipes are tested for appearance, taste, and accuracy of measurements.Some of the recipes are from my work at Fins, but since the fire destroyed my parents’ restaurant, I need to arrange a place to test the others.”
“So, it’ll be a while before it’s ready?”
“Yes,” said Melissa.“The fancy dinners Crystal and I had planned to put on every month or so will be a perfect place to start.”
“You don’t miss working at the restaurant?”Sarah asked.
Melissa shook her head.“No, especially now that I’m married to Ross.I need to have the flexibility to travel with him.”
Taylor joined them and soon they were talking about her new book.
After a while, Sarah slipped away.
Aaron came over to her.“Are we still on for apple picking tomorrow?Can I pick up you and the girls around ten?”
Feeling grounded once more, Sarah said, “That would be lovely.”
CHAPTER FOUR
Sarah arose to a bright, crisp October day, and the sound of her two daughters squabbling over a doll’s dress.Turning her frown into a smile, Sarah got out of bed to see how she could help settle the feud.She’d picked them up from her mother’s late last night so they could have a peaceful morning together before going apple picking with Aaron.
Mia and Emily loved one another dearly, but following the other’s instructions didn’t always happen.It was helpful that they were both independent and strong-minded, but it was exhausting to see this struggle being played out day after day.
She walked into the girls’ bedroom.“Good morning!Let’s have a nice day.What would you girls like for breakfast?After that, I have a treat for you.We’re going apple picking with Aaron.”
“Yay!”cried Mia and Emily together in a little chorus of joy.
“Let’s put down the dolls and head to the kitchen for breakfast.Emily, it’s your turn to choose.”
