Page 21 of Love's Harvest
“Wow!”said April a little breathlessly.“His girlfriend is one of the meanest girls at school.”
“Really?He’s a nice young man,” Sarah said.“Hardworking.”
April stared at the doorway where Wyatt had disappeared and then turned back to the sheet they’d been working on.
Sarah was interested to see that once April understood the process, she was careful to check her numbers.She had a feeling April wouldn’t need help from her any longer, which was a good thing because overseeing inventory was just one of Sarah’s jobs.Sarah didn’t know that much about dyslexia but was determined to learn more.It was confusing that someone who had difficulty with letters could do so well with numbers.One thing was certain; April was a bright young woman.
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April and Sarah left the store together.Instead of using her bike, April announced she was walking home.“I need the exercise,” she explained.
“I like walking myself.How long have you been working with Mary Alice Toomey as your tutor?”Sarah asked.
“For about two years.We’ve only been in Lilac Lake for that amount of time.My father came here to go fishing, saw Lilac Lake, and decided to rent a house here.He thought my grandmother and I might like it better than living in a town outside Boston.”
April gave her a sad look.“My mom died a couple of years ago.That’s when my grandmother came to help my father.He’s a wonderful man who refuses to get caught up in a corporate lifestyle again.He says he likes being on the open road.”
“Do you see him often?”Sarah asked, hoping she wasn’t being too nosy.
“Pretty much.He tries to make it to important events in my life, and he likes to hunt and fish.”Love shone in April’s eyes, and Sarah wondered about the man who’d arrived in town a short while before she’d come back.
April stopped walking and faced Sarah.“I know my dad will give me the money I need for new clothes, but I don’t know exactly what to get.Will you help?”
Sarah glanced at the doorway of The Wild Flower Boutique.“Yes, I will.But I know someone who can do an even better job of that.Let me introduce you to Poppy Browning.She owns this store.”
April looked at the store wide-eyed.“But her things are so pricey.”
“She knows a lot about fashion and what’s in and out and how to make use of a few staple pieces.Trust me, it’ll be like having your own personal shopper.Okay?”
A wide grin crossed April’s pretty face.“Okay.”
They entered the store and waited patiently for Poppy to finish with a customer, who left the store carrying a large bag.
Poppy turned to them.“Hi, Sarah.How are you liking the sweater I ordered for you?”
“I love it,” Sarah said.“I want to introduce you to April Loomis.She’s my new intern at the store and is looking for a makeover of her clothes.Her budget is limited, but I knew you’d have a ton of ideas for her.Will you help?”
Poppy’s warm brown eyes lit with pleasure.She held out her hand.“It’s nice to meet you, April.You couldn’t work for a better person than Sarah.”
Sarah realized that the whole time Poppy was talking to April she was sizing her up for style and color.She was someone who knew exactly how to bring out the best appearance in another.
“Someone doesn’t have to spend a lot of money to get the right look, the right style,” said Poppy.“You just need to know quality and color.My favorite place to shop is T.J.Maxx.I bet we could find a lot for you there.”Poppy patted her pink sweater.“Cashmere at a bargain price.”
April looked as if she was about to twirl around the room with excitement.
“Of course, I’d need approval from your parents in order to do this,” said Poppy.“But I’d love to help.”
“My father is in town.I’ll see if I can get him to come meet you,” said April.“Thank you.”
“Thanks,” Sarah said.“I’ll talk to you later.”She knew that Poppy was sometimes lonely, and this would fill some hours and be a perfect way for her to help April.
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The next morning, Sarah was working at her desk when her father arrived with a man in tow.
“Sarah, this is April’s father, Blake Loomis.He’d like to speak to you about April.”
She stared in surprise at a tall, well-built man with dark hair that had turned gray at the temples.His steel-gray eyes studied her as he walked forward to greet her.He wore a pleasant smile that made it easy for Sarah to respond in kind.
