Page 49 of Love's Harvest
She approached and greeted everyone before sitting next to Aaron, loving how he’d put his arm around her.She ached to turn into his embrace and kiss him but held herself back.He’d let her know when he was ready for that kind of display in front of others.
Several people asked about her father.
“He seems to be doing fine.He’s frustrated he can’t do more, especially at this busy time of year.But my mother is making sure he follows the doctor’s instructions.”
“Someone in my family, an uncle, had a stroke,” said Tessa.“He was getting better, then he had another stroke.That time, he didn’t make it.”
Sarah could only stare at her, feeling as if she’d been slapped.
“Tessa, why do you do that?”asked Misty.“You make everything about you, and it’s always so depressing.”
“I’m just trying to be part of the group.So, maybe it wasn’t an uncle, maybe it was a relative of a friend.It doesn’t matter,” said Tessa, tossing her shoulder in dismissal.
“It wasn’t helpful,” said Sarah quietly.“Everyone knows how worried I am about my father recovering.”
Whitney spoke up.“Dani and Brad are on their way.She’s loving helping at the store, Sarah.”
“She’s such a wonderful addition,” said Sarah.“Has everyone ordered?”She needed to talk about anything else but her family and the store.
Damon left the bar and came over to them to say hello and take orders.
After Sarah ordered a small bowl of clam chowder and a salad, Aaron turned to her.“We need to talk about a Christmas tree.”
“Yes, you mentioned an outing with the girls.We’d love it.”
“I can come too,” said Tessa, leaning across the table to face them.“It seems like such a New Hampshire thing, cutting down your own Christmas tree.”
“This is a family thing for Sarah and her girls,” said Aaron quietly, apparently annoyed by the intrusion.
Dani and Brad arrived and nothing more was said about Tessa going with Sarah and Aaron.Still, Sarah felt uncomfortable with Tessa’s obvious attraction to Aaron.
After spending a few hours with the group, Sarah was more than ready to leave when Aaron quietly asked if he could spend some time alone with her.
She climbed into his truck so they could sit and talk.
Behind the wheel, Aaron pushed back the seat and faced her.“You look beautiful tonight.”
“Thank you.It’s been a hectic several days, but I’m glad to have this chance to be out of the house and to be able to spend some time with you.”
They stared at one another for a moment and then Aaron reached over and cupped her face in his hands.Then, keeping his gaze on her, he lowered his lips to hers.
Sarah closed her eyes, savoring the wave of heat racing through her body.
When he pulled away, Aaron smiled at her.Then his lips met hers for a deeper, longer kiss.All the worries of the last few days grew smaller.If she had Aaron’s love, she could manage the challenges she’d been given.Tears of relief stung her eyes.
Aaron ended the kiss and rubbed her back.“How are things, really?”
“They’re a bit hectic, but lots of pieces are falling into place.I told you I was going to hire Lucy to help with the girls.She’s turned out to be a true gem.She has a friend who’s willing to exchange places with her on weekends and perhaps other times.My main concern is seeing that Mia and Emily are taken care of.Dani and a couple of high school kids have stepped in to help the regular staff at the store.I’ll be training with my mother to go over the financial work she normally does.I’m pretty sure I can hire out some of that.”
Aaron studied her thoughtfully.“Sounds like you have things covered.How about you?Have you had time to deal with your personal issues?”
Though he asked her in a soft gentle tone, Sarah knew how important her answer was.
“Next week will be my last time at grief counseling.I needed a new perspective on things, and I’m comfortable with my emotions.The group is there if I need a few reminders.But I’ve taken steps of my own to help me be able to move on.”
Aaron gave her a steady look.“Then, I’m ready to start dating you.Is that what you want?It’s not like I’m asking you to the prom.This is serious on my part.”
“On mine too,” said Sarah.“And though it isn’t wise for you to spend every night with the girls and me, I want to make sure that we can be together.”
