Page 67 of Love's Harvest
As he kissed her, all three dogs hurried over and nosed them playfully.“Go away!”he cried, pushing at them, which made them more excited.
“Crap.Let me help you up,” Aaron said to her.He pulled her to her feet and hugged her.“Let’s try snowshoes.”
Moments later, Sarah walked on the trail Aaron had made in the woods.It took a sort of rhythm to use the devices.But she could see how much easier it was to walk.
After a while, Aaron said, “I’m ready to go inside.I bet you are too.”
She laughed.“More than ready.I’m using muscles I didn’t know I had.”
“That’s why I don’t want to have you overdo it today.It’s supposed to be nice tomorrow and I want to take you on a hike.”
As they were taking off the snowshoes on the back deck, Sarah looked out at the garage and barn.“I had no idea you owned so much land and that your cabin was really a gorgeous home.”
“I like to keep my retreat private, except when it’s used for business.”
The dogs came inside with them and rushed over to the fireplace hearth to warm up.
“What can I get you for lunch?”Sarah asked.“Would you like another sandwich?Or maybe some clam chowder I bought from the Lilac Lake Café.”
“The chowder sounds delicious,” said Aaron, taking off his jacket and hanging it on a hook in the back hallway.
“What do you want to do for the rest of the afternoon?”Aaron asked her as they spooned the delicious hot soup into their mouths.
“I’m reading a good book, but if you have something else planned, I’m up for it.”
“While you read, I’m going to work on a project I’m doing for the local schools,” said Aaron.“It’s a history of the Abenaki tribe.It’s the one Hazel talked me into doing for her class.”
“That sounds terrific,” Sarah said.She liked that they didn’t have to do everything together.
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Sarah was involved in her book when Aaron sat down beside her.“How’s the book?”
“It’s really interesting,” she said, suddenly aware it was growing dark outside.“I didn’t realize it was so late.”
“It’s time to get ready for cocktails and dinner.Mary Lou made us a lasagna unless you want something fancier.”
“Lasagna sounds perfect.I’m going to freshen up,” Sarah said, noticing Aaron’s hair still a little wet from a shower.He’d changed into a black V-neck sweater and jeans which looked sexy on him.
He stood and pulled her up into his arms.“You look fine to me.But while you’re gone, I’ll open some wine for us.I also have some cheese and crackers.”
“Sounds delicious.I’ll be right back.”
A few minutes later, when Sarah walked into the kitchen, Aaron let out a low whistle.“You look amazing.”
She’d changed into a pair of black wool slacks and the green sweater she liked.To match the sparkles in the sweater, she’d brushed her hair back from her face and added dangly earrings.
“That’s about as dressed up as I can get here in the woods,” she teased.
Aaron handed her a glass of red wine.“Here’s to a Happy New Year and the rest of the weekend.”
“I can’t think of a better way to spend it than to be here with you.It’s been a special day.I really appreciate it.”
“I’m glad you like being here,” Aaron said, and Sarah knew how important it was to him.
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Later, as the time headed closer to midnight, Sarah got up off the couch where they’d been watching a movie and went to get the two paper party hats and several rolling noisemakers she’d brought with her.
