Page 79 of Love's Harvest
“I know you do, but he has his own house to take care of.He can still come and visit us sometimes,” Sarah said, feeling as unhappy about the situation as the girls.Even if she asked him to stay, she knew he wouldn’t.He thought she needed time to trust him, but that wasn’t the issue at all.It was her old wounds that had made both of them think that.But now she had a better understanding of the past and how it had affected her thinking about the future.
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As she and Dani entered the lawyer’s office with her parents, Sarah realized how much her life was about to change.
Seated on the opposite side of the conference table from her parents, she saw how much they’d each aged since her father had a stroke.It was as if time, that had been so gentle to them, had raced to make sure they now looked their age.She loved them.They deserved time away from the stress of the business, and owning part of the store meant that she had financial independence.
During the meeting, many topics were covered, including the subject of reducing store hours with no financial loss.
“With the Beckman Lumber Company opening early for the contractors and Home Depot in Concord, we don’t need to try to compete with them.We’re now offering more household items and services, and our customers don’t usually shop until nine or ten in the morning,” said Sarah.
“What are you saying?”her father asked her a bit defensively.
“I’m saying our customer base has changed within the last few years and our stock has changed to meet new customer demands.With Dani and me busy with our families, I think we should be open 9 to 5 during the week and Saturday, and 12 to 5 on Sunday.”
Sarah’s father stirred in his seat restlessly.
Her mother placed a hand on his arm to quiet him.“I think Sarah and Dani are right.When we opened all those years ago, it was a very different story.”
“We can hire staff to come in for extra hours during town celebrations and the like,” said Dani.“This store has been at the center of this town since before it became the sophisticated place it is today.The reputation you have built with it is the one reason I wanted to become part of it.To carry on what you’ve created.”
Sarah gazed at her wide-eyed.No wonder Dani was such a whiz at consulting.Both her parents looked as if they were about to cry.
“Well, then,” said her father.“It seems as if you two have thought of how you want to handle the store going forward.”
“But if the numbers are affected by the shorter business day, we’ll have to address that,” said her mother.
“Of course.It’ll be the four of us owning the business,” said Sarah.“I’m so very grateful to you, Mom and Dad, and to you, Dani, for making this happen.”
“Any other issues to resolve?”the lawyer asked, looking around the table.When nobody answered, he said, “Okay, let’s continue with the signing.The rest is clearly stated.”
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After all the paperwork was signed, the four of them exchanged hugs and then Sarah said, “As long as the store is closed, I’m going home.”
When she pulled into her driveway, she didn’t see Lucy’s car.Puzzled, she went inside.
“Hello?”
Aaron came out of the kitchen.“I’m here.Watching the kids play in the backyard.Lucy called to tell me she was sick, and I assured her I’d pick up the girls and watch them here.We didn’t want to bother you when I knew how important your meeting was today.”
“That’s so sweet of you.Thank you.”Sarah gave him a hug which turned into a kiss, which turned into a deepened kiss that made her knees go weak.
“I really missed our alone time,” she said, catching her breath.
They walked into the kitchen and gazed outside.
Simultaneously, they froze.The backyard was empty.No girls.No dogs.
“Oh, my God!”said Sarah.“Where are the girls?”
She dashed outside.
Studying the melting snow left behind after a couple of days of sunshine, Sarah saw footprints heading to the back gate.“They’ve escaped!”she cried, running to the gate which she could now see was unlatched.
Aaron was at her heels.“The river!The dogs love the water.”
In her haste, Sarah slid down the embankment, landing on her hands and knees.In the distance, she could see the bright pink jackets of the girls as they followed the dogs cavorting alongside the moving water.
