Page 53 of Love's Harvest
“Thank you for all you’ve done for the girls and me,” said Sarah, clicking her glass against his.“You’ve made it very special for all of us.”
“I enjoyed it,” said Aaron.“This time of year always makes me remember my mother.I think she’d be pleased for me to be with you and the girls.”
“Did you celebrate the holidays in the same way as a child?”Sarah asked.
Aaron shook his head.“For one thing, we never cut down our Christmas trees, but decorated a living one for birds and other animals.Remember, I grew up poor in things, but rich in blessings, even after the Collister family took me in.”
Sarah went to him and wrapped her arms around him.“That’s why we, who know you, are so lucky to have you in our lives.You make us better people.”
Aaron drew her closer before giving her a long, deep kiss that left her reeling.
“You’re kissing!”came a cry beside them.
“Are you Mommy’s boyfriend?’asked Emily, standing by her sister looking up at them.
“Aaron is special to all of us.Right?”asked Sarah, pulling herself together the best she could.
Mia and Emily nodded solemnly.
“Okay, we’re about ready to eat.You may set the table.”
Sarah put placemats, napkins, and silverware on the table.“Remember how?”
“Yes,” said Mia.She took the placemats and set one in front of each chair.Emily followed, placing a paper napkin in the center of them.Together, they figured out where the silverware went.
Sarah oversaw them, proud of the way they worked it out between them.She’d vowed to begin early to teach the girls some basic living habits.
After Aaron and the girls were seated, Sarah dished up the meal—baked chicken with a creamy sauce, peas, and mashed potatoes on each plate.
“Remember, no complaining about the food.You must have at least a bite of the peas,” said Sarah.
Aaron looked on without commenting, but Sarah saw approval in his eyes.Having her daughters be part of the equation of getting back together with him was a challenge not many young men would agree to take on.
They finished the meal in relative quiet, and then Sarah instructed the girls to get ready for a bath.
As Sarah stood at the sink rinsing dishes, she felt Aaron come up behind her and sighed happily when he nibbled on her neck.She turned around and nestled against him.After feeling so alone, so unsettled for such a long time, she filled with contentment.
“Thanks for dinner,” he said, kissing the top of her head.“Sorry, but I have to go.”
She looked up at him.“Thanks for a great day.It was special for so many reasons.I wish you could stay.”
“Me, too,” said Aaron, “but ask me again, and I’ll arrange things so I can say yes.”
“That’s a deal,” said Sarah, accepting another kiss before he pulled away.
Later, after the girls were in bed and asleep, Sarah wondered what it would be like if the day came when it was right for Aaron to spend the night.She could hardly wait.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
With the Ye Olde Christmas Faire going on in Lilac Lake, things became even busier for Sarah and the store.One afternoon, after her mother had shown her the financials for the month, Sarah said, “Mom, we need to talk honestly.”
“Yes, I think so too,” said her mother sitting back in her desk chair.
“We need to think about the future, not just this winter but going forward,” said Sarah.“You and Dad are going to be away like you planned.And I’m pleased for you.But I need more help at the store when you’re gone and beyond.”
“I agree.I’ve been wondering what we can do about it,” said her mother.“Dad and I are pretty well able to retire.We’ve bought and paid for a condo in Florida, our home here is paid off, and we have a nice retirement savings program.All those years of hard work are finally paying off.”
“After Dad’s stroke, I think you two should be able to relax and enjoy life.I’ve always known you wanted me to take over the business, and I’m pleased to do it.But I want to be able to have my own life and time with the girls.”
