Page 48 of Love's Harvest
“Let’s eat,” said Sarah’s father.
With mouthwatering anticipation, they all dug into the food.From a distance, Luke watched them.
Later, after the girls were tucked into bed, Sarah went through the boxes of decorations, setting aside those for a tree.Aaron had mentioned taking the girls to cut down a fresh Christmas pine on a nearby farm.She hoped that was something he was able to do.
She walked through the house, placing the decorations the girls had played with.A couple of decorations, sad reminders of Jesse, she put in a box to be given away.After straightening and storing the empty boxes, she climbed into bed.Tomorrow was a big shopping day at the store.
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The next morning, a few people were already waiting when Sarah went to unlock the front door of the store.
After greeting her customers, Sarah went about lighting up the place, making mental notes of things to be done, displays to be tweaked, items to be ordered.Wyatt and April had worked together to display holiday and home items in various locations as well as in the special Christmas shopping area she’d set up next to the front window.She’d learned the more convenient an item was to buy, the better the chance it would be sold.The store now had several spots holding irresistible items, both practical and for pure fun.
She’d also learned she couldn’t sell what she didn’t have.Many items that were sold needed to be replaced by back stock or quickly reordered.It was almost a game, keeping things stocked in the store without overdoing it.
Dani walked into the store carrying a cup of coffee for her.“Thought you could use this to start the day.It’s going to be a long one.”
“Thanks,” said Sarah.“You have no idea how much I appreciate your help.”
“It’s fun for me.I’m comfortable answering questions about construction or home improvements.Truthfully, I’ve been thinking of finding something to do when I’m not needed at The Meadows construction site.I’m available for consulting jobs.I’ve done a few out of town.But I want something steadier, close to home.Especially because we’re hoping to start a family.”
“After the holidays are over, perhaps we can talk more about it.”
Sarah loved having Dani at the store, where she didn’t need much training and had already taken the initiative to list an order in construction supplies.
She started upstairs to her office and turned back.“If Blake Loomis comes into the store, please have him come see me.I want to work out a plan with him to buy all his supplies from us at a discount.My father has done that for other people in town.It’s a win-win situation.
“Will do.”
Sarah went to her office to go over the financials of the week.The more she thought about Dani working at the store on a permanent basis, the more she liked it.Who knew what was going to evolve from her father’s stroke?
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Saturday evening, Sarah closed the store right on time, excited to think of having some time with her friends.It meant the world to her that she had people around who supported her.And she was anxious to see Aaron.He’d called to check on her, of course, but she needed to see him in person to know how things really stood between them.
She drove into her driveway, saw her mother’s car there, and let out a sigh of relief.Lucy had worked the morning shift and her mother had spent the afternoon with the girls.It was a test of how a schedule might be going forward with Lucy’s friend.
Inside, the girls greeted her and then went back to the coloring books they were working on.Sarah turned to her mother.“Thanks for taking care of them.How did you like Lucy?”
“She’s lovely and fun,” her mother said.“You’re lucky to have her.She told me she has a friend who’s willing to babysit.”
“I’m still trying to decide about staff assignments at the store.Are you ready to show me what work you do at the office?”
“I think so.I wanted these first days at home for your father to be easy.But I think I’ll have more time to spend with you.”
“Thanks.I’m going to take a shower and get ready for tonight.”Sarah gave her mother a hug.“I feel like I’m in high school about to go to a dance.”
Her mother laughed.“It’s nice to see you like this.Go, get ready to have some fun.”
A few minutes later, Sarah stood in the shower letting the warm water sluice over her, loosening muscles tightened by a busy day.After having the twins, she’d worked hard to get back in shape, but she’d soon realized her body would be forever changed.She didn’t mind.It was more important to be healthy.And happy.And she adored the girls.
She decided to wear the new slacks and sweater outfit she’d bought from Poppy’s store.She wanted to feel special tonight because she hoped to have a chance to spend some time alone with Aaron.She wanted to make clear to him that her becoming busier at the store didn’t mean any less interest in moving forward with him.
When it was time to leave, Sarah kissed the girls and promised them a lazy morning the next day.The store didn’t open until noon, and she intended to have some special time with them before Lucy came for the rest of the day.
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When she walked into Jake’s, several people waved to her from the locals’ tables in the corner.Her gaze settled on Aaron, and he stood holding out the empty chair next to him.
