Page 78 of Love's Harvest
More than that, Dr.Fitzpatrick was a realist.She understood what people were going through and was clear about healthy ways to deal with it.Sarah had trusted her enough to decide to make the move to Lilac Lake, after her parents wanted her back in town.This last bump in letting go of her past was the most important to Sarah, because she truly wanted to move forward with Aaron.
When she arrived at Dr.Fitzpatrick’s office, a client was leaving through another door.
Dr.Fitzpatrick appeared in the waiting room.“Good timing.Come on in, Sarah, and let’s talk.”
Once they were both seated in comfortable chairs facing one another, Dr.Fitzpatrick gave Sarah a steady look.“What brings you here today?You seemed stressed on the phone when you called for an appointment.”
“You know that Aaron and I have been seeing one another.I spent New Year’s Eve weekend with him.”
Dr.Fitzpatrick gave her an encouraging look.
“Aaron was involved in an accident.A heavy tree limb snapped in the winter storm and hit him on the head.When one of the EMTs referred to me as his wife, Aaron quickly informed them that I was just a friend.”
“And how did that make you feel?”Dr.Fitzpatrick asked.
“Betrayed,” said Sarah so swiftly that she surprised herself.“We’d just spent the weekend together which was very nice, very romantic.And it made me remember how Jesse would accept or reject me at times.Aaron says I have to learn to trust him, but he hasn’t even mentioned anything permanent.”
“Has he shown you that he’s serious?”asked Dr.Fitzpatrick.
“Yes.Many times.”
“Has he given you a reason not to trust him, other than his statement about being just friends?”asked Dr.Fitzpatrick.
“No,” Sarah admitted.“So many times I’ve envisioned our being a family—Aaron, the girls, and me.They love him.”
“And do you?”asked Dr.Fitzpatrick.
Sarah slumped in her chair.“Yes, I do.I just question whether it will last.But Aaron and I have been given a second chance, and I don’t want to lose that.”
“You have your answer, Sarah.As always, follow your instincts and your heart.You have good ones.”
Sarah gave her a thoughtful nod.“Thank you so much for listening to me.It always helps.”
“Good luck, Sarah.You’re a wonderful woman and an excellent mother.”
Dr.Fitzpatrick stood, and Sarah realized her time was up.
She left and drove home feeling much better about her relationship with Aaron.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
The next day, Sarah told Aaron the store would be closing early, that she and Dani were meeting with her parents and a lawyer to draw up details for allowing Dani to buy into ownership of the store.
“I’ll come home as soon as I can,” Sarah assured him.“Is there anything I can do for you in the meantime?You seem to be getting better.”
“I’m starting to feel more like myself.I think Dr.Chambers will agree that I can go home tomorrow.”
“That will be a sad day for the girls and me,” said Sarah.“It’s been nice having you and the dogs here.We’ve all enjoyed it.”She wrapped her arms around him, trying not to think how empty the house would be without him.
The girls hugged Aaron goodbye and then Sarah got them into the car to drive to their school.
“Why did Aaron say he was going home?”asked Mia.
“Why can’t he stay with us forever and forever?”Emily asked.
“Aaron lives at his own house.He was just staying with us until his head injury got better,” said Sarah.
“But I want him to be with us,” said Mia.
