Page 75 of Love's Harvest
Sarah laughed.“It’s a test for him to see how to deal with children.I just don’t want the girls to be disappointed when the time comes for him to leave.”
“Maybe it’s wise of you to have him stay a while,” said Dani.“It’ll give him an idea of how it might be going forward.By the way, how did you like the cabin?You haven’t seen it since all the upgrades and additions.”
Sarah clapped a hand to her chest.“It’s amazing.I had no idea it was so luxurious.”
“Once I talked Aaron into making the additions, he became excited by the concept.He’s content to have little, but the idea of the cabin becoming a family home really caught his attention.”
“He said you sometimes show it to potential customers,” Sarah said.
“Yes.It gave us a chance to try out some new ideas.”Dani gave her a quick hug.“It would be fantastic if you and the girls ended up living there someday.”
“Whoa!”said Sarah.“Aaron told the EMTs we were just friends.He doesn’t remember doing it, but it’s made me realize not to take anything for granted.”At the look of disbelief on Dani’s face, Sarah held up her hands.“I know, I know.I shouldn’t rush to judgement, but I don’t want the girls or me to get hurt.”
“I don’t believe that’s going to happen but better to be safe than sorry.It hasn’t been very long since you guys officially made the decision to be together,” said Dani.“One more bit of news.You know how Tessa always talked about finding a man.”
“Yes.It was always so annoying,” said Sarah.“She was very interested in Aaron.”
“It seems that she was caught stealing from guests over the New Year’s s weekend.I don’t have all the details.Just that she was fired, and Melissa is helping out at the Inn until they hire someone to take Tessa’s place permanently.”
“Enough people were put off by Tessa that we should’ve known she had some real problems,” said Sarah.“We’re usually an inviting group.”
“Yeah, we are,” said Dani.“Blake has stepped right into our circle.Everyone likes him.Poppy most of all.”
Sarah felt a smile cross her face.“I have a feeling that a Lilac Lake wedding will take place this year and Poppy will end up moving back into her old house.”
“I hope so,” said Dani.“They make a great couple.”
“And I adore April.She’s a wonderful girl.”
“Agreed,” said Dani.
A customer came to the front door, and their conversation ended.
There was no further talk about Aaron as the day took shape.Both she and Dani remained busy looking over figures.They drew up a list of items to order as they discovered empty places in their merchandise.
In the afternoon, Wyatt and April came into work and were sent to two different areas to start counting merchandise to compare with the computerized sheets.
By the time Sarah headed home, she was tired and a little grumpy.She hated doing an inventory of the store because they carried several thousand items from small screws to lawnmowers and grills.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Sarah pulled into the driveway and was pleased to see the lights on in the living room welcoming her.And when she opened the front door and three dogs greeted her, she couldn’t help but grin.
Lucy came out of the kitchen.“Oh, good.You’re home.I’m sorry but I have to leave right away.There’s an important meeting at The Woodlands, and I promised to attend.It’s been a pleasant day.Aaron is delightful, and the girls adore him.”
Lucy left, and Sarah made her way into the kitchen to find the table set and dinner ready to cook on top of the oven.
As she texted a thank you to Lucy, Aaron came into the room.“Lucy made one of her favorite casseroles for dinner.The girls are playing in their rooms.And I fed the dogs.”
“Wow.That’s so helpful,” Sarah said, kissing him.“I’ve forgotten what it’s like to have this kind of partnership.How are you doing?”
Aaron shrugged.“I’m frustrated by being so inactive, but I know Emmett is right about my needing rest.Whenever I try to do too much, I end up with a bad headache.”
The girls walked into the room dressed up in costumes.Her mother had given the girls a cardboard chest filled with old clothes and jewelry she’d bought for them to play with.
“Hi, Mommy!”said Emily, wearing a dress and a string of fake pearls.“I’m a teacher.Like Ms.Cherie.”
“And I’m a cowgirl,” said Mia.She wore a cowboy hat, a fringed skirt, and cowboy boots Sarah’s mother had picked out.
