Page 65 of Love's Harvest
She met his passion with her own, and when he helped her remove her top and sweater, he was as excited as she.
Soon they were naked on the blanket.
The twilight darkened the skies outside, and the fire flickered, sending light on his sharp, strong features.His eyes swept her body and he murmured, “Beautiful,” before he took her in his arms.
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Later, sitting in front of the fire sipping wine, Sarah felt contentment she’d never known fill her.Aaron was a generous lover with few demands.He didn’t need them.It was as if they’d always been lovers, knew how to give one another pleasure.
Even now, just relaxing next to him, Sarah knew she was loved and protected.It was such a different feeling from what she’d gone through with Jesse’s last years that she silently whispered thank you to whoever might hear.
“You hungry?’Aaron asked, rubbing her back.“I’m ready for dinner.I’m grilling a steak.Mary Lou sent over her famous Collister potato casserole, and David Graham’s mother baked us an apple pie.”
Sarah’s eyes widened and she couldn’t hold back a chuckle.“Do you always get food provided to you?”
He gave her a sheepish look.“They like to do it.It makes them feel needed, and though I can cook, things like that are always appreciated.”
Laughing, she hugged him.“You’re so spoiled.”She loved that other people were drawn to Aaron.He was such a kind, thoughtful man.
They got up and headed to the kitchen.Sarah heard movement behind her and realized the three dogs were hungry too.
While Sarah fed the dogs, Aaron opened a bottle of merlot.
“This is a terrific red wine,” said Aaron, handing her a glass of it.“I think you’ll like it.”
She accepted the glass from him and clinked it against his.“Here’s to a happy, healthy New Year!”
“Yes,” said Aaron, settling his gaze on her.“I’m glad you’re here.It means a lot.”
“To me, too,” she said.“It’s already been fantastic.”
He winked at her, sending a warm wave of happiness through her.
As they sipped their wine and talked, they worked together to get dinner on the table.Because of the growing storm outside, Aaron decided to pan fry the beef filets and add a garlic herb butter sauce.That, scalloped potatoes, and a green salad which Sarah put together made a scrumptious meal.
When they finished, Sarah said, “I don’t think I have room for dessert.Do you want to save it for later or even for breakfast?”
“Breakfast?I like that idea,” said Aaron.“Leave the dishes.”
“No,” said Sarah.“I like to leave the kitchen clean after a meal.I’ve learned it’s better that way.”
Surprised, Aaron said, “Okay, I’ll help.”
Such simple words, but to Sarah they meant everything.As Jesse grew worse, he wanted nothing to do with helping in the house or with the girls.She recalled how she’d begged him to go to the doctor to adjust his medications.But he thought it was a sign of weakness and didn’t like how the drugs made him feel.
Tears suddenly stung her eyes.She turned away so Aaron wouldn’t see.
“Hey, what’s up?”Aaron asked, coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her.
“Just a bad memory,” she said.“I’m having such a lovely time here that it hit hard.”
“C’mon, let’s go see that movie you wanted to see,” said Aaron.
“While you get it ready, I’ll finish here.”She looked out the window at the snow falling at a steady pace.“Good thing we’re well supplied.It looks pretty bad out there.”
“I don’t know about you, but I like snowstorms.It’s great being in the woods, listening to the quiet and connecting all over again to nature.”
Sarah faced him.“I love that about you.You see beauty where others don’t.”
