Page 42 of Love's Harvest
Standing in front of The Wild Flower Boutique, she studied the new items placed in the window and was startled when Poppy suddenly stared out the window at her.
Sarah waved and then waited for Poppy to open the door.
“Come on in.I just got in a skirt and sweater outfit that would look perfect on you.”
Chuckling at the way Poppy lured customers to a sale, she stepped inside the store.It was one of her favorites.Poppy had a tasteful eye for merchandise and didn’t allow too many items alike, which was nice in a small town.
Poppy led Sarah into the back of the store where she was unpacking some clothing.She held up a chocolate-brown suede skirt and a deep-turquoise, V-neck sweater with tiny flecks of brown in it.“This sweater can be dressed up or down and the skirt is a classy winter look, perfect for a party or something less dressy.”
“I love it,” gushed Sarah, thinking of Thanksgiving and the upcoming holiday season.
“They’re both in your size,” said Poppy.“You can take them home and bring them back if you don’t like the way they fit.But I’m certain you’ll love them.”
“Me, too,” Sarah said, holding them up in front of a mirror.She turned to Poppy.“Blake told me about the real estate arrangement he’s made with you.It sounds like a win-win situation.”
Smiling, Poppy said, “It’s such a huge relief for me.I couldn’t afford to fix up the house.Before he made the offer, Blake told me what changes he had in mind, so I’d be comfortable selling it to him.”
“He’s a very nice man.His daughter, April, is too.”
Poppy’s eyes sparkled.“April is lovely.She and I have worked well together in getting her outfits updated.It’s been loads of fun.”
Sarah paused and then blurted out, “Is anything going on between you and Blake?”
Poppy grinned.“We are seeing where our feelings for one another will take us.We need to be discreet with April and Blake’s mother, so we’re taking it slow.But Sarah, I’ve never felt this way about anyone.He’s a wonderful man.”
Sarah hugged Poppy.“I’m happy for you, Poppy.It seemed as if the two of you clicked right away.”
“Yes, that’s it.We’ve talked and talked and have the same ideas and feelings about many things.At my age, I’d given up finding a man.”
“Poppy, you’re only in your early forties,” Sarah protested.
“I know, but while men can choose women of any age, people like me don’t have that chance.Less and less with each passing year.”
Sarah gave Poppy another squeeze.“I’m glad you found one another.It’s going to be lovely if it all works out.”
“Thanks,” said Poppy.“Let me get these wrapped for you, and then I’ve got to get going.I’m meeting Blake at my house shortly.”
A few minutes later, Sarah left the store with her package.She couldn’t stop smiling at the thought of Poppy and Blake together and what it might mean for April.
She arrived home to find her parents and the girls reading together in the living room.
“Thanks for watching the twins,” she said, grateful for their help.
“We always love being with them.”Her mother gave each girl a kiss and rose from the couch.
Her father hugged the girls and followed Sarah’s mother out of the house.
###
That evening, Sarah fixed herself a cup of hot tea and sat in the living room in front of the gas fire.Taking a deep breath, feeling stronger than ever, she dialed Aaron’s number.
When she heard Aaron’s deep voice and his sexy hello, a shiver of anticipation swept through her body.
“Hi, Sarah,” Aaron said.“It’s good to hear from you.”
“Thanks.I just wanted to say hello.I’m ready to sow those seeds for that harvest you’re always talking about.”
He laughed softly.“I’m glad to hear it.”
