Page 20 of Love’s Harvest (Lilace Lake #3)

Thursday, Thanksgiving morning, Sarah prepared the turkey she’d ordered several weeks ago from a local farmer and slid it into the oven.

Crystal had called earlier that week to say she was preparing extra side dishes and desserts for Sarah and her family.

Sarah gratefully accepted her offer. Crystal was the former owner of the Lilac Café and was an excellent cook.

Her mother and father would come for the meal but wouldn’t stay long because this first week after his stroke was important for her father.

He was to rest as much as possible when he wasn’t working on his physical therapy exercises.

The chances for a second stroke were still there, even though his had been a mild one.

Still, Sarah wanted the girls to have all the fun of drawing pictures for each of them, to be placed on their chairs at the dining room table. Because Sarah would be working all day on Friday, she was allowing the girls to set out some of the Christmas decorations they loved.

By the time her parents were due to arrive for dinner, the place was a chaotic mess, but Sarah didn’t care.

It was nice to have a bit of Christmas in the house after an awful scare with her father.

Besides, it kept the girls busy while Sarah researched Millie Harriman, Lucy’s friend at The Woodlands.

She’d already called to wish GG a Happy Thanksgiving and had been given a kind word about Millie.

Still, she liked to check online to see if there were any hidden tidbits good or bad about the woman.

Satisfied that there were no issues with Millie, Sarah decided she’d go to see her over the weekend.

“Happy Thanksgiving!” the girls cried when her parents entered the house.

“Remember to be gentle,” Sarah told them softly before they ran to her mother and father.

“Hi, PopPop, are you resting?” Mia asked.

Sarah’s father grinned. “I’m supposed to rest. But I’m glad I’m here. Something smells delicious.”

“It’s the turkey,” said Emily. “It’s big.”

“It’s a special one,” said Sarah. “And Crystal has made side dishes and one of her famous pecan pies for dessert.”

“I’m so glad she did that. I brought my pumpkin pie but that was all the time I had,” said Sarah’s mother.

“I’ve been setting up the books for next year so you wouldn’t have to do that.

We’ll meet a little bit each day next week to go over things.

And this week, I’ll help out with the girls while you hold a couple of his and her Christmas shopping events at the store. ”

“Excellent,” said Sarah, glancing at the look of disappointment on her father’s face. “Don’t worry, Dad, I’ll fill you in on the activities.”

Satisfied, her father relaxed.

Sarah led her parents to the table and while the girls explained the pictures they’d made for them, Sarah carried the turkey into the room to show them.

“We have so much to be thankful for,” said Sarah’s mother. “And this is a beauty.”

Sarah took the turkey back to the kitchen to carve it.

Her mother came to help her carry the side dishes into the dining room and wrapped an arm around Sarah. “Thank you, darling, for making this so nice.”

“Like you said, we have a lot to be thankful for,” said Sarah, realizing how much she meant it on many different levels.

Once the food was on the table, Sarah said, “Today, both girls get to say grace.”

Emily went first. “Thank you for this food. It’s my favorite.”

Mia said, “My turn. Thank you for the turkey and pie.”

“And I’m sure we’re thankful for the vegetables and PopPop’s healthy recovery,” said Sarah’s mother.

“Amen,” said Sarah and her father together, amused.

“Let’s eat,” said Sarah’s father.

With mouthwatering anticipation, they all dug into the food. From a distance, Luke watched them.

Later, after the girls were tucked into bed, Sarah went through the boxes of decorations, setting aside those for a tree. Aaron had mentioned taking the girls to cut down a fresh Christmas pine on a nearby farm. She hoped that was something he was able to do.

She walked through the house, placing the decorations the girls had played with. A couple of decorations, sad reminders of Jesse, she put in a box to be given away. After straightening and storing the empty boxes, she climbed into bed. Tomorrow was a big shopping day at the store.

###

The next morning, a few people were already waiting when Sarah went to unlock the front door of the store.

After greeting her customers, Sarah went about lighting up the place, making mental notes of things to be done, displays to be tweaked, items to be ordered.

Wyatt and April had worked together to display holiday and home items in various locations as well as in the special Christmas shopping area she’d set up next to the front window.

She’d learned the more convenient an item was to buy, the better the chance it would be sold.

The store now had several spots holding irresistible items, both practical and for pure fun.

She’d also learned she couldn’t sell what she didn’t have. Many items that were sold needed to be replaced by back stock or quickly reordered. It was almost a game, keeping things stocked in the store without overdoing it.

Dani walked into the store carrying a cup of coffee for her. “Thought you could use this to start the day. It’s going to be a long one.”

“Thanks,” said Sarah. “You have no idea how much I appreciate your help.”

“It’s fun for me. I’m comfortable answering questions about construction or home improvements.

Truthfully, I’ve been thinking of finding something to do when I’m not needed at The Meadows construction site.

I’m available for consulting jobs. I’ve done a few out of town.

But I want something steadier, close to home.

Especially because we’re hoping to start a family. ”

“After the holidays are over, perhaps we can talk more about it.”

Sarah loved having Dani at the store, where she didn’t need much training and had already taken the initiative to list an order in construction supplies.

She started upstairs to her office and turned back. “If Blake Loomis comes into the store, please have him come see me. I want to work out a plan with him to buy all his supplies from us at a discount. My father has done that for other people in town. It’s a win-win situation.

“Will do.”

Sarah went to her office to go over the financials of the week. The more she thought about Dani working at the store on a permanent basis, the more she liked it. Who knew what was going to evolve from her father’s stroke?

###

Saturday evening, Sarah closed the store right on time, excited to think of having some time with her friends.

It meant the world to her that she had people around who supported her.

And she was anxious to see Aaron. He’d called to check on her, of course, but she needed to see him in person to know how things really stood between them.

She drove into her driveway, saw her mother’s car there, and let out a sigh of relief. Lucy had worked the morning shift and her mother had spent the afternoon with the girls. It was a test of how a schedule might be going forward with Lucy’s friend.

Inside, the girls greeted her and then went back to the coloring books they were working on. Sarah turned to her mother. “Thanks for taking care of them. How did you like Lucy?”

“She’s lovely and fun,” her mother said. “You’re lucky to have her. She told me she has a friend who’s willing to babysit.”

“I’m still trying to decide about staff assignments at the store. Are you ready to show me what work you do at the office?”

“I think so. I wanted these first days at home for your father to be easy. But I think I’ll have more time to spend with you.”

“Thanks. I’m going to take a shower and get ready for tonight.” Sarah gave her mother a hug. “I feel like I’m in high school about to go to a dance.”

Her mother laughed. “It’s nice to see you like this. Go, get ready to have some fun.”

A few minutes later, Sarah stood in the shower letting the warm water sluice over her, loosening muscles tightened by a busy day.

After having the twins, she’d worked hard to get back in shape, but she’d soon realized her body would be forever changed.

She didn’t mind. It was more important to be healthy. And happy. And she adored the girls.

She decided to wear the new slacks and sweater outfit she’d bought from Poppy’s store.

She wanted to feel special tonight because she hoped to have a chance to spend some time alone with Aaron.

She wanted to make clear to him that her becoming busier at the store didn’t mean any less interest in moving forward with him.

When it was time to leave, Sarah kissed the girls and promised them a lazy morning the next day. The store didn’t open until noon, and she intended to have some special time with them before Lucy came for the rest of the day.

###

When she walked into Jake’s, several people waved to her from the locals’ tables in the corner. Her gaze settled on Aaron, and he stood holding out the empty chair next to him.

She approached and greeted everyone before sitting next to Aaron, loving how he’d put his arm around her. She ached to turn into his embrace and kiss him but held herself back. He’d let her know when he was ready for that kind of display in front of others.

Several people asked about her father.

“He seems to be doing fine. He’s frustrated he can’t do more, especially at this busy time of year. But my mother is making sure he follows the doctor’s instructions.”

“Someone in my family, an uncle, had a stroke,” said Tessa. “He was getting better, then he had another stroke. That time, he didn’t make it.”

Sarah could only stare at her, feeling as if she’d been slapped.

“Tessa, why do you do that?” asked Misty. “You make everything about you, and it’s always so depressing.”

“I’m just trying to be part of the group. So, maybe it wasn’t an uncle, maybe it was a relative of a friend. It doesn’t matter,” said Tessa, tossing her shoulder in dismissal.

“It wasn’t helpful,” said Sarah quietly. “Everyone knows how worried I am about my father recovering.”

Whitney spoke up. “Dani and Brad are on their way. She’s loving helping at the store, Sarah.”

“She’s such a wonderful addition,” said Sarah. “Has everyone ordered?” She needed to talk about anything else but her family and the store.

Damon left the bar and came over to them to say hello and take orders.

After Sarah ordered a small bowl of clam chowder and a salad, Aaron turned to her. “We need to talk about a Christmas tree.”

“Yes, you mentioned an outing with the girls. We’d love it.”

“I can come too,” said Tessa, leaning across the table to face them. “It seems like such a New Hampshire thing, cutting down your own Christmas tree.”

“This is a family thing for Sarah and her girls,” said Aaron quietly, apparently annoyed by the intrusion.

Dani and Brad arrived and nothing more was said about Tessa going with Sarah and Aaron. Still, Sarah felt uncomfortable with Tessa’s obvious attraction to Aaron.

After spending a few hours with the group, Sarah was more than ready to leave when Aaron quietly asked if he could spend some time alone with her.

She climbed into his truck so they could sit and talk.

Behind the wheel, Aaron pushed back the seat and faced her. “You look beautiful tonight.”

“Thank you. It’s been a hectic several days, but I’m glad to have this chance to be out of the house and to be able to spend some time with you.”

They stared at one another for a moment and then Aaron reached over and cupped her face in his hands. Then, keeping his gaze on her, he lowered his lips to hers.

Sarah closed her eyes, savoring the wave of heat racing through her body.

When he pulled away, Aaron smiled at her. Then his lips met hers for a deeper, longer kiss. All the worries of the last few days grew smaller. If she had Aaron’s love, she could manage the challenges she’d been given. Tears of relief stung her eyes.

Aaron ended the kiss and rubbed her back. “How are things, really?”

“They’re a bit hectic, but lots of pieces are falling into place.

I told you I was going to hire Lucy to help with the girls.

She’s turned out to be a true gem. She has a friend who’s willing to exchange places with her on weekends and perhaps other times.

My main concern is seeing that Mia and Emily are taken care of.

Dani and a couple of high school kids have stepped in to help the regular staff at the store.

I’ll be training with my mother to go over the financial work she normally does.

I’m pretty sure I can hire out some of that. ”

Aaron studied her thoughtfully. “Sounds like you have things covered. How about you? Have you had time to deal with your personal issues?”

Though he asked her in a soft gentle tone, Sarah knew how important her answer was.

“Next week will be my last time at grief counseling. I needed a new perspective on things, and I’m comfortable with my emotions. The group is there if I need a few reminders. But I’ve taken steps of my own to help me be able to move on.”

Aaron gave her a steady look. “Then, I’m ready to start dating you. Is that what you want? It’s not like I’m asking you to the prom. This is serious on my part.”

“On mine too,” said Sarah. “And though it isn’t wise for you to spend every night with the girls and me, I want to make sure that we can be together.”

Grinning, Aaron tugged her closer. “I want to make sure of that too.”

Sarah’s eyes filled at the tender way he was gazing at her. She’d been so foolish to think she’d have a better life away from Lilac Lake and him.

He wrapped his arms around her, and she leaned up against him, never wanting to leave.