Page 15 of Love's Harvest
Sarah put Emily down and picked up Mia.When Sarah glanced at Aaron, he was smiling.
She had a flashback to the time when Jesse was alive and stood scowling at her when she was hugging the girls.It wasn’t that Jesse was mean; he just had nothing to give them.
“How about a glass of wine while I get dinner ready?”she said to Aaron, putting Mia on her feet.
“Thanks.Do you need help?”
“Emily and Mia will set the table.If you’d like to pour the water and milk, that would be helpful.”
She mixed a salad, adding slices of apples to the greens as a treat for the girls.She worked hard to make sure they ate balanced, healthy meals and weren’t afraid to try something new.
After setting the table, Mia and Emily climbed into their booster seats and watched Aaron pour the drinks.
Sarah brought the salad and casserole to the table and allowed Aaron to help her get seated.
“Smells delicious,” said Aaron, watching as she served the girls, then him.
After serving herself, Sarah looked at Mia.“It’s your turn to say grace.”
“Thank you for our food,” said Mia.“And thank you, Aaron, for helping with my bee sting.”
Sarah and Aaron exchanged smiles, and then everyone dug in.
They’d just finished their meal when Sarah’s mother called.
Sarah let it go to voicemail.She didn’t want anything to ruin this time with Aaron.Her mother hadn’t thought Aaron was good enough for her in high school when he’d decided not to go to college.Now that Aaron was a successful owner of a business, he was deemed very suitable.Sarah wanted this time with Aaron to be private.
After dinner, the girls raced to their room to play.
While Sarah was putting dishes in the sink, Aaron came up behind and gave her a hug.“Thanks for a special time.I’d better leave.It’s a busy day tomorrow, and I’ve got dogs waiting for me at home.”
She turned around and faced him.“It’s been a fun-filled time together.It means a lot to me that you enjoy the girls.”
“And you,” he said, his dark eyes twinkling.He straightened and grew serious.“Let me know when we can do something together again.I’ll try to make it to Jake’s next Thursday.”
“I will too,” said Sarah, purposely avoiding saying more.She couldn’t push a relationship between them when she knew from her past how everything could change and become something horrible.That’s how it had been with her and Jesse.
CHAPTER FIVE
On Monday afternoon, Sarah waited in her office to meet April Loomis, the high school girl who was starting her part-time job with them.She’d spoken with her tutor, Mary Alice Toomey, and they’d decided it was important for April to arrive by herself.
Sarah and Mary Alice had already discussed aspects of April’s dyslexia and how capable she was with numbers.
“She’s a lovely girl but needs help with her self-esteem.Needless to say, she’s been bullied by others in school,” said Mary Alice.“She lives with her father and grandmother, neither of whom is helpful when it comes to styles and such.I think spending time with you will be helpful in many ways.You might even be able to guide her toward a better appearance.”
“I’ll try,” said Sarah.“Appearance does matter.Especially in high school, which is a tough place for many at best.”
“I’m sure your parents are delighted to have you back in town.And I hear your daughters are adorable.”
“Thanks.They’re a handful but a lot of fun,” said Sarah.“I’ll get back to you in a day or two, after I’ve had a chance to see how April will fit in.”
“Thanks.And if you need me at any time, just phone or text me.I appreciate your help,” said Mary Alice.
Sarah ended the call and sat a moment.Being a part of the summer gang had helped her through high school.That, and the fact that she was easy-going and liked to have fun.It made it easy to be included in the group of fun kids.She sometimes wondered what had happened to that lucky girl.One thing was for sure, if April needed her help, she would be glad to do so.
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April arrived right on time at two thirty.
