Page 80 of Love's Harvest
“Girls!Stop!”she called, hurrying after them, slipping on some of the stones and rocks near the water’s edge in her haste.
She saw one pink jacket enter the water and cried, “No-o-o-o!”
Aaron swept by her and raced to where the girls and dogs had stopped.Seconds later, he was in the river, swimming after Mia who thrashed about in the water.
Luke followed him into the water while the other two dogs waded in.
Sarah reached them and saw that Emily was crying hysterically as she watched Aaron and Mia.
A few feet down the river’s edge, Aaron emerged carrying Mia.
Sarah raced over to them, sobbing, “Oh, my God!Is she alright?”
“Quick, give me your coat for her.We need to get her up to the house to warm up.”
“Mommy!”Mia cried, holding out her arms to her.
Sarah hugged her, wrapping her coat around her, but didn’t take her in her arms.She knew Aaron was faster than she’d ever be.
Aaron took off at a run, his agility in full view as he danced around rocks and stones to get back to the house.
Sarah grabbed hold of Emily and followed as quickly as she could.
The dogs, including Luke, who was dripping wet, galloped ahead of her.
Aaron had left the sliding glass door open for them.
Once they were inside, Sarah closed and locked it.She could hear the sound of running water and found Aaron in the bathroom.
“We need to get her out of her wet clothes and let her soak in tepid water and then gradually raise the temperature.”
Mia was sobbing and when she reached for her, Sarah, on her knees, hugged her tightly while Emily clung to her backside.“You’re going to be alright, thanks to Aaron.Quickly, we need to get you warmed up.That river is dangerously cold.”
“I want to get in, too,” said Emily, taking off her clothes.
“Keep close to your sister,” Sarah said, watching as the two of them clung to each other.
Aaron handed her his cell phone.“I’ve got Dr.Chambers office on the line.”
“Thank you.”Sarah took the phone and talked to the nurse, who conferred with Emmett.
When the nurse returned to the phone, she said, “Emmett says you’re doing the right thing.Make her a hot cup of cocoa, keep her bundled up after she’s out of the tub, and watch for any adverse effects.The fact that she was in the water for so little time is important.”
Sarah sat next to the tub watching the girls, her heart still pounding at all she might’ve lost.
After they were out of the tub and dressed in warm pajamas, Sarah went to find Aaron.
“How are the girls?”he asked, looking worried.“I’ve gone outside and locked the gate.I also put an extra coil of wire around the gate latch and the post so it can’t be opened again.”
Sarah felt the floor give way beneath her feet.She hadn’t realized she was falling until she felt Aaron’s arms wrapped around her.
“Hey, steady there.It’s okay now,” Aaron said in a soothing tone.
Suddenly, all the emotions she’d stored inside to keep from frightening the girls emerged in loud, racking sobs that shook her body so hard Aaron had to hold on tight.
“You saved her!What would’ve happened if you weren’t here?I don’t know how you did it.We’re so lucky you were here.It’s where we want you all the time.”
“It’s where I want to be,” said Aaron, giving her a loving gaze.“I love you, Sarah, and I love the girls.”
