Page 22 of Love's Harvest
They shook hands, and then Sarah said, “Please.Have a seat and tell me what I can do for you.”
He lowered himself into a chair in front of the desk and studied her.“So, this is the woman who’s been putting all kinds of ideas in my daughter’s head.”
Sarah stiffened.“I’m not sure what you mean.”
“She’s suddenly interested in clothes and is a different person talking about her job and the uniform you have her wear.I’m not sure what to think about it.”
Sarah studied him, unsure how to answer.He didn’t seem angry.Just curious.She decided to be open with him.“Between her tutor and getting this job here, I believe April is finally gaining self-confidence.I understand she’s been bullied at school but is handling herself with more strength.She’s a very bright girl.”
“I know that.That’s why we’re here,” said Blake matter-of-factly.“Someone told me about Mary Alice Toomey and the work she did for a child of his, and I decided to move to Lilac Lake for that reason.April thinks it’s because I love to hunt and fish.While that’s true, the real reason is my daughter’s happiness.”
“Very nice, because it’s working,” said Sarah.
“So, this clothing thing is important?”he asked.
“Very important,” said Sarah.“April naturally doesn’t want to be teased for her clothes and overall appearance.She mentioned that her grandmother is old-fashioned.”
“Yes, my mother is appalled by what she sees girls wearing today.While I won’t allow April to go crazy with bad choices, my daughter should not be an outcast because she’s forced to wear out-of-date clothes.”He looked down at the T-shirt and jeans he was wearing.“I’m no fashionista, but there’s nothing wrong with clothes like these.”
“I agree.April is someone who’s eager to please, and with you away, she didn’t want to fight with her grandmother.”
Blake looked down at the floor.When he lifted his face, Sarah could see sadness in his eyes.“After my wife’s death, I decided to leave my corporate job and do something entirely different.Maybe I’ve been selfish, but I thought having my mother living with us would help us all.Now, I’m not so sure.We’ve all been a little lost.”
Sarah’s heart went out to him.“I lost my husband, which is why I moved back to town.You’ll find people here are very kind.In fact, I want you to meet Poppy Browning, a friend of mine, who’s willing to help April with smart shopping.A group of us in town likes to meet up at Jake’s in the evening.Why don’t you join us Thursday night anytime between 6 and 10?And if you’d like, I’ll take you to Poppy’s store so you can meet her.”
“That would be nice of you,” said Blake.“I’m ready anytime.”
Sarah checked her watch.“April isn’t scheduled to come into the store today.Let’s go.”
###
As they walked down the street to Poppy’s store, Sarah talked to Blake about some of the shops and people in town.“I really think it would be helpful for you to meet us at Jake’s.It’s a great group of people.You might even know of Ross Roberts.”
“Ross Roberts, the baseball player?”Blake asked.
Sarah grinned.“He’s part owner of the Lilac Lake Inn and is married to one of my friends.You’ll like him.”
“You sure know how to convince a guy,” said Blake.
Sarah laughed.“Like I said, it’s a good group.
As they approached The Wild Flower Boutique, Sarah wondered how Poppy would react to her bringing a very handsome man into her store and announcing that he was April’s father.
Poppy was standing on a stool with a long-handled duster in her hand when we walked inside the shop.
“Hi, Poppy.I have someone I want you to meet.April’s father.”
When Poppy turned to stare down at us, the ladder wobbled.
Blake moved quickly to steady Poppy and held onto her as she climbed down awkwardly.
“Sorry about that,” Blake said staring into Poppy’s face.
Poppy’s cheeks turned pink as she gazed at him.
Sarah waited a few seconds, enjoying the way they were looking at one another, and then cleared her throat.“Poppy, this gentleman is April’s father, Blake Loomis.When I told him you were going to help his daughter, he wanted to meet you.Blake, this is Poppy Browning, owner of this store.”
They shook hands and then Blake gazed around with confusion.
