Page 24 of Love's Harvest
A birthday cake sat in the middle of one table and pink balloons were tied to a chair.
“Guess we’re ready for Poppy’s birthday.It looks perfect.”She slid into a chair next to Whitney and turned to everyone with a bright look.“What is it about our Thursday gatherings that makes the rest of the work week seem dull?”
“It’s a fabulous break for us all,” said Dani.“Especially during the fall and winter months when we in the contracting business can’t work in the dark.”
A waitress came over to the table, and they ordered drinks and food.
Just as Sarah began to wonder if Aaron was going to show up, he appeared with Poppy and Blake.
“Hey, everyone,” said Poppy, standing with the men.“Meet Blake Loomis.He’s fairly new in town and has a daughter in high school.Please introduce yourselves.”
Aaron took a seat next to Sarah and patted her back.“I’m glad you could make it.”
“Believe me, I love these Thursday evenings.How are things with you?”Though she tried to sound as if they were talking as friends, her heart was pumping inside her chest with excitement at seeing him again.
“Happy birthday, Poppy!”cried Whitney.“Have a seat in the birthday chair.We’ll cut the cake whenever you’re ready.”
Poppy clutched her hands together.“This is so sweet.Thank you for thinking of me.”
“You’re a very important part of this town,” said Sarah, and others at the table quickly agreed.
Poppy and Blake took seats across the table from Sarah.Though she knew Poppy was interested in Blake, she realized he was still grieving his wife’s death.Still, there was something nice in the way they interacted with one another.
Blake began talking to Ross about baseball and several other conversations came up around the table.
Sarah turned to Whitney.“How are things coming for the Halloween parade?It’s a good thing you’re in charge because everyone seems to want to be part of it.I’m getting the stop at the hardware store organized.It should be fun.”
“It’s going to be spectacular,” said Whitney.“Like you said, everyone in town wants to participate in the festivities.The Lilac Lake Inn is offering special meals for guests, and they will hold fireworks at nine.And the community center is being used for teens for a haunted house.”
“It sounds like you have everything covered,” Sarah said.“We’ve been selling witch’s hats like crazy.”
Whitney chuckled.“It’s going to be so much fun.”
Tessa, sitting next to Blake across from Sarah and Aaron, reached across the table and grabbed Aaron’s hand for attention.“I heard you love being outdoors.So, do I.Maybe we could go canoeing on the lake sometime.If I pack a lunch, will you take me?”
Sarah could sense Aaron’s hesitancy before he spoke.“We can think about it.”
“I’ll call you soon, and we can set it up.I know you’re busy at The Meadows with all the houses you’re building.But I’m sure we can make time for a little fun.”
Sarah took a sip of wine and turned to Whitney, desperate to get a conversation going with her.She didn’t want to react to Tessa’s invitation to Aaron, didn’t want him to see her sudden jealousy.After all, how many times had she backed away from his advances when she knew he wanted more than friendship.
Whitney, who’d overheard Tessa, gave Sarah an encouraging look and said quietly, “Tessa’s new and has no idea who Aaron is besides a hot guy.”
As if reassuring her, Aaron turned to Sarah.“Can I walk you home tonight?”
“Yes.It’s a beautiful evening.And I have the night free.”
He clasped her hand and gave it a squeeze.
Tessa stared at them and finally turned to Melissa sitting beside her.
As Sarah had mentioned to Blake, it was fun to catch up with everyone’s activities.This group represented a lot of important working people in their small town.
After the birthday cake had been cut, a horrible song had been sung, things began to die down,
“Ready to go?”Aaron said to Sarah, He held out his hand and she took it, knowing he was eager to talk to her.
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