Page 73 of Love's Harvest
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Later, in the girls’ room, Sarah talked to them about their weekend and learned that they, as usual, had had a fun time.
“Starting tomorrow we have to get in our school routine,” said Sarah.“And then in a couple of weeks, we’ll have another routine when your grandparents go to Florida.”
“We know, Mom,” said Mia.“Mimi already invited us to visit in Florida.”
“To see the beach,” Emily added.
Sarah was surprised.It was hard keeping up with these two.
“Now that Aaron is staying with us for a few days, I want you to remember he has to get lots of rest.So, no fighting and fussing around him.”
“Is he going to be our daddy?”asked Mia, settling a gaze on Sarah.
“He’s a friend, a good friend,” said Sarah hoping to put an end to the conversation.“Guess what’s for dinner.Lasagna that Mrs.Collister made.It’s delicious.”
“Yay,” cried the girls together, their voices blending beautifully.
Satisfied that she’d reconnected with the girls, Sarah left their room and went to the kitchen to organize supper.She saw the opened bottle of wine she’d brought from the cabin and poured herself a glass, unwilling to end what was supposed to be a romantic weekend.If she was honest with herself, she’d even hoped Aaron might profess his love.But that seemed a long time from happening.
She set the table for dinner and stood back gazing at it.Settings for four seemed so right.But she’d have to be careful how she handled Aaron’s presence.She didn’t want to mislead the girls in any way.
Aaron walked into the kitchen and sat down at the table.“Wow!I have a headache.Where is the medicine Dr.Chambers gave me?”
“It’s right here in the cupboard.Stay there.I’ll bring it and a glass of water to you.”
“Thanks.”He gave her a weak smile.“I appreciate being here.I hope it won’t be too much trouble for you.I know you have your own life and are busy with the kids.”
Sarah got Aaron the medicine and water and brought it to him.She looked into his eyes.“I’m glad to do this for you, Aaron.”
“Okay.Things suddenly seem a little off with me crowding into your home…”
Sarah’s fingers turned ice cold.“Are you having second thought about our relationship?”
His eyes widened.“No, why would you say that?”
Sarah drew a deep breath and decided not to hold back her hurt.“When the EMTs thought I was your wife, you told them very plainly that I was just a friend.I’m not your wife, but I hope I’m more than ‘just a friend’.”
“Come here,” said Aaron, drawing her into his lap.“I didn’t really know what I was saying.You’re much more than that.”
She nestled against him, loving the solid feel of him.It would take some time before she got over the unbelievable sight of him sprawled on the ground like her dead husband, leaving her with too many uncertain feelings.
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After an uneventful night in which Sarah, the girls, Aaron, and the dogs had an uninterrupted sleep, Sarah got up ready to get back to her usual routine.She couldn’t allow the fact that Aaron was in the house to stop her from taking care of her business.Not when her parents were about to leave her handling the store.
Luke left the girls’ room and followed Sarah to the kitchen where she let him out to the backyard.Soon Knight and Coal came into the kitchen, and she let them out.
While she was standing at the sliding door watching them play, she felt rather than heard Aaron approach.She turned around.“’Morning.Did you sleep well?”
“Not really,” Aaron said.“I figure I can take a nap today.”He kissed her.“It was hard knowing you were asleep a couple of rooms away.”
She gave him a teasing grin.“I can’t believe I slept well.”
He chuckled.“I’m going to grab a drink of water and go back to bed.It might be easier if I’m out of the way.I don’t want to disrupt their routine.”
“Can I bring you anything else?Something to eat?”
