Page 23 of Love’s Harvest (Lilace Lake #3)
Christmas Eve festivities at Sarah’s house always began a little late because there were usually last-minute shoppers at the store who needed to be catered to.
No one was more anxious than Sarah to close up and go home to the girls.
Her parents normally came for a dinner of Chinese takeout but had opted out this year.
Instead, they were coming to tuck the girls in bed for the night and then leaving so Sarah and Aaron could have some time alone.
Her mother greeted Sarah at the door when she got home. “Merry Christmas Eve!”
“Thanks,” said Sarah giving her mother a kiss. “See you a little later.”
“Enjoy the evening,” said her mother. “Dad and I will be back soon. He’s resting before the big reading event.
” Tucking the girls in bed on Christmas Eve was a ritual everyone loved, especially her father.
He’d read them special Christmas stories in their bedroom before turning out the light and leaving the door ajar in case Santa needed to peek inside to make sure Mia and Emily were sound asleep.
She turned as a knock came at the door. “This must be Aaron now.”
When Sarah opened the door, Aaron stood there holding a sack of Christmas presents and a big bag from the Won Ton restaurant. Wearing a Santa hat, he looked adorable. Emily and Mia looked on wide-eyed and mouths agape.
“Perfect,” said Sarah. “Come on in. Mom’s here, but she’ll leave and return with my father.”
“Merry Christmas, Mrs. Bullard,” Aaron said.
“And to you,” her mother said cheerfully. “But, please call me Edie.”
“Thank you, Edie ,” Aaron replied with a big smile and then moved toward the kitchen.
Sarah’s mother gave her a wide smile. “He’s so nice. I’m glad he’s back in your life, Sarah.”
“Me, too,” said Sarah, knowing their growing relationship was the best gift anyone could have.
She showed her mother out and returned to the kitchen. Aaron had set the food down on the counter and was stacking his gifts on the kitchen table.
“I thought you and the girls could open my gifts tonight, if that’s all right with you.” He turned to her and wrapped his arms around her before lowering his lips to hers.
When they pulled apart, the girls were climbing into their kitchen booster seats.
“Presents!” cried Mia.
“Are they for us?” Emily asked.
“Yes, they’re from Aaron. We’re going to open them after we eat. But, if you want, you can open the cards he’s giving you while I serve dinner.”
She turned to Aaron. “What would you like to drink? A beer?”
“Yes, thanks,” he replied, sitting at the table so he could tell the girls about the Native creatures drawn on the cards.
The girls listened intently as he told about the loon who was sometimes called a “spirit bird” who took messages to the Abenaki god.
Overhearing him, Sarah was elated that he wanted to share a bit of his heritage with them.
She served the girls plain chicken pieces, rice, and some carrots.
“Okay, come help yourself, Aaron. We’ve got a lot to choose from.”
By the time Aaron was done, Sarah was chuckling at the amount of food on his plate. That was something she’d have to keep in mind going forward.
Aaron kept the girls’ attention with stories of his own Christmas celebrations as a young boy.
“Maybe next year we can feed the birds,” said Emily.
“I think that’s a lovely idea,” Sarah said.
After the meal was over, Sarah said, “Why don’t you girls take your gifts from Aaron into the living room. You can open them there.” She looked at Aaron. “If you don’t mind, I’ll open your gift to me later when we’re alone. I have one for you too.”
###
The girls were still playing with the stuffed animals Aaron had given them when Sarah’s parents walked inside.
“Look what I got,” said Mia running to them with a stuffed raccoon. “He plays funny tricks on people.”
“And I got a turtle who helped the world,” said Emily importantly.
“What thoughtful gifts,” said Sarah’s mother smiling at Aaron as he rose from the floor to greet them.
Aaron shook hands with Sarah’s mother and then with her father. “Glad to see you looking well and up and about.”
“Thanks. It’s been a wake-up call for me. We’ll do our story book routine and then go home.” He glanced at Edie. “Maybe I could have one beer?”
“Maybe a cup of tea,” said her mother pleasantly but firmly.
“I’ll get that for you,” said Sarah. “Mom, can you help the girls into their pajamas? I’ll see that they have baths tomorrow before we go to the Collister’s party.”
Left alone in the living room, the two men took seats on the couch. Sarah could hear them talking about sports, and after a pause, she heard Aaron tell her father that he was serious about her.
“I don’t play games,” said Aaron.
“I’ve always liked you, son,” said Bob. “Glad to see you two together.”
Sarah clutched her hands prayer-like. She hadn’t realized she wanted her parents’ blessing on this newest change in her life.
And later when her parents had gone and the girls were asleep, when she and Aaron sat on the couch staring into the flickering fire and relaxing, Sarah was even more grateful that she had a new family dynamic.
“I want you to open my present now,” Aaron said. He went to the kitchen and returned to her with a small, square package wrapped in something that looked like birch bark but was handmade paper, as he explained.
She removed the red ribbon and lifted the top off the box. Inside, resting on a creamy silk fabric, a gold necklace held a delicate sunburst with a stunning turquoise center.
“It’s lovely,” Sarah gushed.
“The sunburst is for happiness. And the turquoise is thought to be a protective gem. I thought it was perfect for you,” said Aaron, a bit shyly.
“Here, help me put it on,” said Sarah.
“It’s small enough to wear every day,” said Aaron, hooking the chain behind her neck. “That’s why I got it. So, it wouldn’t be just for a special occasion, but would remind you of me all the time.”
“It’s gorgeous. I love it and the feelings behind it,” said Sarah. She patted the necklace against her skin just above her heart. “Now, it’s time for me to give you your present.” She got up and reached behind the Christmas tree, where she’d placed his rather large present.
She placed it on the floor in front of him on the couch. “I hope you like it. I thought it had a special meaning for you.”
Aaron’s eyes lit with excitement. He ripped the paper off and lifted the carved wooden bird. “It’s awesome. The detail on the loon is beautiful.”
Sarah kissed him. “I know the loon has a place in Abenaki history. Just like the toy you gave Emily.”
“Yes, when the loon calls out, they are reporting news to Gluskabe,” said Aaron, rubbing his palm over the wood. He reached over and pulled her to him. “Thank you. It’s a very special present. And means a lot more coming from you.”
“Tell me about Gluskabe,” said Sarah. “I know he’s a central figure in many of the Abenaki legends.”
“He’s kind and helpful and teaches us about our culture and about the Great Spirit, who is the source of all life. He has magical powers and can turn monsters into harmless animals. That’s what makes this gift to me so special. The loon can spread the news to Gluskabe about us.”
Satisfaction filled her. She kissed him and when he deepened the kiss, she knew he, not a thing, was the best present she could ever receive.
They cuddled and talked in soft whispers so as not to awaken the girls.
“I want you to come to my cabin,” said Aaron. “Soon.”
“How about New Year’s Eve? I’m sure I can get my mother or Lucy to stay with the girls.”
“Perfect. I’m planning on having a house built at The Meadows someday. In the meantime, my cabin serves me well.”
“I remember going there in high school. Has it changed much?” she asked.
“You’ll see. It’s a lot more comfortable. I’ve added onto to it.”
“Well, then, I can’t wait to go. Why don’t we have the Lilac Lake Café put together a special meal for us? They’ve been advertising New Year’s Eve specials.”
“Sounds delicious,” said Aaron. “I keep the kitchen well stocked, but I don’t have any fancy foods.”
Though she was still waiting for him to say those three special words to her, Sarah stared at Aaron’s dark eyes. They told her how he felt about her. She could hardly wait for New Year’s Eve.