Page 24 of Love’s Harvest (Lilace Lake #3)

Christmas morning was hectic with the girls opening gifts and playing with them while still another gift waited to be opened.

Her mother and father sat in the living room watching them, delighted to be part of such excitement. On a quieter note, Sarah gave gifts she’d selected for her parents with Florida in mind. Most of them were geared toward playing golf.

As she watched her parents open them, she realized, as her mother had once said, that they all were beginning a whole new phase of their lives. It was both sad and exhilarating.

Sarah offered more coffee and food while the girls played with their new toys, and she sat with her parents in the kitchen.

“Your new necklace from Aaron is lovely,” her mother said. “It’s very tasteful.” She smiled at Sarah. “I’m really proud of all you’ve done for yourself in the past several months. The girls are content and have acclimated to life here in Lilac Lake. It’s a great place to raise children.”

“We’re thankful to have you here,” said her father. “After the holidays, we’ll work on getting things settled in the business so we’re all satisfied with it.”

“When are you driving to Florida?” Sarah asked.

“I see the doctor on the 12 th of January and then we want to leave by the 15 th ,” said her father.

“That should give us enough time to put things in place,” said Sarah, wondering if this sense of loss is how her parents had felt before she headed off to college.

“By the way, Aaron didn’t ask for my blessing, but he assured me how serious he is about you,” Sarah’s father said to her. “It was a man-to-man gesture that I liked.”

“He’s that kind of person,” said Sarah, unable to hold back a sense of pride.

“The girls speak of him with affection,” said her mother. “You won’t do anything crazy with him while we’re away, will you?”

“By crazy, do you mean eloping?” asked Sarah, intrigued by the thought.

“That or anything else that leaves your father and me out of it,” said her mother. “We had a few reservations with your wedding to Jesse, but we’re really excited about the chance for you and Aaron to be together.”

“Deal,” Sarah said, though her mind was spinning . She didn’t recall any hesitancy about her marrying Jesse. Not really. Well, maybe. She’d just known she didn’t want to go back to Lilac Lake. Not yet, anyway.

The girls came into the kitchen.

“We want juice,” said Mia.

“Do I hear a please?” said Sarah. She got to her feet. It would soon be time to put them down for a “rest” before the party at the Collister’s.

###

That afternoon, when Sarah pulled up in front of the Collister’s farmhouse, she parked in the lot near their fruit and vegetable stand and took hold of each girl’s hand.

“You’re going to meet a lot of people,” Sarah told them. “I want you to be polite and kind.”

“Okay,” said Emily. “Will Aaron be there?”

“Yes. This is his family. He’ll help introduce you,” Sarah said, looking up to see him waiting on the front porch for them. “There he is now.”

Both girls dashed ahead to greet him.

“Glad you’re here,” said Aaron when she reached him. “Everyone is waiting to see you. I should warn you that I’ve never invited a woman to the Christmas party before. There will be questions.”

They kissed, and then Sarah straightened. “I’m ready.”

As soon as they walked inside the house, Mary Lou Collister hurried over to them. “Hi, Sarah. It’s so nice to see you here. It’s a very special occasion for us.” She gave Aaron a meaningful look.

“Thank you. It’s nice of you to invite me and the girls.” Sarah was amused by the way Aaron was shuffling his feet like an embarrassed teen.

“Aaron, will you please help introduce Mia and Emily? Sarah and I are going to have some time alone.”

Mary Lou took Sarah’s elbow and led her into what was a small room holding a lot of craft materials. “I didn’t want to embarrass you in front of everyone, but I need to know that this time you really are serious about Aaron. I’ve never seen him happier than he is now. I don’t want that to change.”

Somewhat taken aback, Sarah studied her. “I know how much you love Aaron. I promise not to hurt him. We’re seeing where our relationship goes.”

“Aaron would be furious at me for quizzing you, but he is my special child, the one who was given to us.” She glanced at the turquoise sunburst necklace Sarah wore.

Sarah stood there uncertain whether she should say something or simply leave. Before she could decide, Mary Lou wrapped her arms around her.

“We’ll welcome you into our family with open arms. I’ve known you for years, and you’re a beautiful woman, inside and out. And those daughters of yours are adorable. I hope the day comes when you all will be part of the family. In the meantime, forgive my being so protective and enjoy the party.”

Sarah returned the hug Mary Lou gave her. “Thank you.”

“If there’s anything I can do to help you two, just let me know.”

“Thanks,” Sarah said again, touched by how protective Mary Lou was of Aaron. She knew Aaron adored her, and now she knew why.

“You go ahead,” said Mary Lou. “I’ll follow in a few minutes.” She took a tissue out of her pants pocket and dabbed at her eyes.

###

When Sarah entered the living room, Aaron came right over to her. “There you are. I wondered where you’d gone and then figured Mama Bear was doing her thing. It’s all part of a ritual she goes through when one of the kids is serious about a possible spouse.”

“Where are the girls?”

“They’re in the playroom, playing with cousins. Five of them are about the same age.”

“That will keep them busy,” said Sarah, chuckling.

Joe Collister came over to them. “Welcome, Sarah. Glad to see you here. Has this guy brought you a drink?” He gave Aaron a questioning look.

“What’ll you have? Wine or punch?” Aaron asked her.

“Wine, please,” Sarah said.

When Aaron moved away, Joe said, “I hope Mary Lou didn’t scare you. She always wants to make sure things are right, and she adores Aaron.”

“Yes, she told me. It’s sweet.”

“Glad you see it that way,” said Joe.

They both looked down as a small pig ambled toward them wearing a big red bow.

“Ah, have you met Pansy yet?” asked Joe.

Sarah laughed. “I’ve seen her at the vegetable stand a few times. She looks very festive.”

Aaron returned and handed her a glass of wine. “C’mon, Sarah. I want you to meet some of the family from out-of-town.”

As Sarah followed Aaron, she glanced at Dani, who was talking to a woman holding a baby. Sarah recognized the woman as one of Brad’s sisters. Seeing the expression of longing on Dani’s face, Sarah’s heart went out to her.

Aaron led her to a pleasant-looking couple. “This is one of the family’s favorite cousins from Durham, Rick Collister and his wife, Susan. They have two boys Mia and Emily’s ages. They aren’t twins. Just close together.”

“And we have an older child, a daughter who is seven, Gaby,” said Susan. “The family is growing rapidly. My sister is here somewhere. She’s pregnant with twins. You might be able to give her some insight. I met your girls earlier. They’re adorable.”

“Thanks,” said Sarah. “What do you do in Durham?” Sarah asked her.

“Rick is a professor at UNH, and I teach at a preschool,” said Susan. “We keep very busy. I understand you own Bullard’s Hardware Store. Dani was telling me she’s working there for a while.”

“Yes,” said Sarah. “She’s been taking over for my dad who’s been ill. I’m hoping to bring her on board on a permanent basis.”

Susan lowered her voice. “Poor thing hasn’t been able to get pregnant. I’m hoping that changes for her and Brad.”

“Me, too,” said Sarah.

Aaron ended his conversation with Rick, and he led Sarah around the room introducing her to other family members.

It was a congenial group, and when it was announced that dinner was ready, they all cooperated in a buffet line in the kitchen while Mary Lou and Aaron’s sisters made sure the tables were kept supplied with lots of delicious food.

A table for the children was set up in the playroom and two of the adults sat with them to make sure all went well. Sitting beside Aaron at the dining room table, Sarah was very aware of how welcoming his family was. Being with them at this older age, Sarah appreciated it more than ever.

When it came time to take the girls home, Aaron helped her strap them into their booster seats.

“I’ll follow you home,” said Aaron.

“Thanks. The girls are like rag dolls after such an exciting day,” said Sarah. “Your parents are so generous to give them each a doll.”

“You know what Mary Lou is like. She loves being able to do it,” said Aaron. “See you soon.”