Page 59 of Love's Harvest
“You’re going to meet a lot of people,” Sarah told them.“I want you to be polite and kind.”
“Okay,” said Emily.“Will Aaron be there?”
“Yes.This is his family.He’ll help introduce you,” Sarah said, looking up to see him waiting on the front porch for them.“There he is now.”
Both girls dashed ahead to greet him.
“Glad you’re here,” said Aaron when she reached him.“Everyone is waiting to see you.I should warn you that I’ve never invited a woman to the Christmas party before.There will be questions.”
They kissed, and then Sarah straightened.“I’m ready.”
As soon as they walked inside the house, Mary Lou Collister hurried over to them.“Hi, Sarah.It’s so nice to see you here.It’s a very special occasion for us.”She gave Aaron a meaningful look.
“Thank you.It’s nice of you to invite me and the girls.”Sarah was amused by the way Aaron was shuffling his feet like an embarrassed teen.
“Aaron, will you please help introduce Mia and Emily?Sarah and I are going to have some time alone.”
Mary Lou took Sarah’s elbow and led her into what was a small room holding a lot of craft materials.“I didn’t want to embarrass you in front of everyone, but I need to know that this time you really are serious about Aaron.I’ve never seen him happier than he is now.I don’t want that to change.”
Somewhat taken aback, Sarah studied her.“I know how much you love Aaron.I promise not to hurt him.We’re seeing where our relationship goes.”
“Aaron would be furious at me for quizzing you, but he is my special child, the one who was given to us.”She glanced at the turquoise sunburst necklace Sarah wore.
Sarah stood there uncertain whether she should say something or simply leave.Before she could decide, Mary Lou wrapped her arms around her.
“We’ll welcome you into our family with open arms.I’ve known you for years, and you’re a beautiful woman, inside and out.And those daughters of yours are adorable.I hope the day comes when you all will be part of the family.In the meantime, forgive my being so protective and enjoy the party.”
Sarah returned the hug Mary Lou gave her.“Thank you.”
“If there’s anything I can do to help you two, just let me know.”
“Thanks,” Sarah said again, touched by how protective Mary Lou was of Aaron.She knew Aaron adored her, and now she knew why.
“You go ahead,” said Mary Lou.“I’ll follow in a few minutes.”She took a tissue out of her pants pocket and dabbed at her eyes.
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When Sarah entered the living room, Aaron came right over to her.“There you are.I wondered where you’d gone and then figured Mama Bear was doing her thing.It’s all part of a ritual she goes through when one of the kids is serious about a possible spouse.”
“Where are the girls?”
“They’re in the playroom, playing with cousins.Five of them are about the same age.”
“That will keep them busy,” said Sarah, chuckling.
Joe Collister came over to them.“Welcome, Sarah.Glad to see you here.Has this guy brought you a drink?”He gave Aaron a questioning look.
“What’ll you have?Wine or punch?”Aaron asked her.
“Wine, please,” Sarah said.
When Aaron moved away, Joe said, “I hope Mary Lou didn’t scare you.She always wants to make sure things are right, and she adores Aaron.”
“Yes, she told me.It’s sweet.”
“Glad you see it that way,” said Joe.
They both looked down as a small pig ambled toward them wearing a big red bow.
