Page 28 of Love’s Harvest (Lilace Lake #3)
As interesting as the movie was, Sarah felt her eyelids closing. She couldn’t remember having such a feeling of peace. She didn’t have to worry about the girls. Luke was lying in front of the fire with Knight and Coal. And the store was closed for the holiday.
She felt rather than saw Aaron lift her off the couch and carry her to his bed. She stirred enough to take off her clothes and then climbed into the bed beneath the fluffy, warm duvet he kept there.
Sometime in the night, she awoke. When she realized where she was, she rolled over to find Aaron curled beside her. It was deliciously surprising, as if he’d appeared from one of her dreams of him.
She got out of bed to go to the bathroom and hurried back to the nest they’d made beneath the duvet. Aaron stirred enough to reach for her but then went back to sleep.
###
In the early morning, Sarah got up, found her bathrobe, and padded into the kitchen, leaving Aaron in bed.
She made coffee in the kitchen and stood looking out the window at the snow that had piled onto the ground. She, too, loved the peaceful quiet following a snowstorm, the way the white snow covered so much, like frosting on a cake.
She heard Aaron come into the room and turned to find him in his pajama bottoms smiling at her.
“The princess awakens,” he said, walking over to her and giving her a hug.
She laughed. “Thanks for taking care of me last night. The food, being outdoors, everything here combined to make it impossible for me to stay awake.”
“This air has that effect on some people,” he said. “I’m going to grab some coffee and then go out and clear the driveway and other areas in case we get more snow. I’ve discovered it’s best to be prepared.”
“Sounds like a plan. I’m going to soak in the tub and hopefully do some reading.” She let Luke and the other two dogs outside. They were big enough to romp in the six or more inches of snow before being called to come back inside.
“Enjoy yourself,” said Aaron. “It will be another day of relaxation. I know you don’t have many.”
She kissed him. “Thanks.”
###
Later, lying in the tub, she thought about the possibility of living here one day. She’d inspected the bedrooms upstairs and could envision the girls settled in two of them. It would be healthy for them to have their own space.
Sarah hadn’t realized Aaron lived in such luxury. He’d kept it quiet. And in all the time they’d been seeing one another, he’d never invited her to come see it. She supposed this time together was a greater test than she’d thought.
She got out of the tub, dried off and dressed in jeans and a cozy sweater. She’d save the sparkly green sweater for tonight’s New Year’s celebration. She brushed her hair, put on some makeup and sprayed a bit of her favorite perfume on her wrists and behind her ears.
When she walked into the living room, she saw that Aaron had started a fire in the fireplace. She called to him but when she heard the rumble of the tractor plowing snow outside, she realized that’s where he was.
She went to the window to check on him. With his long dark hair tied back, she could see the happiness on his face. He loved being outdoors.
She took the book she’d brought with her and went to the couch. Reading was a true luxury for her, and she intended to make use of the time she had here to enjoy it.
After a while, Aaron came inside. “It’s beautiful out there. Come see.”
She set down her book and went to him.
“Get your snow gear and hiking boots. I want to teach you to snowshoe.”
###
Outside, light snow was falling, flakes floating down from the sky, making Sarah think of the snow globes the girls had received for Christmas.
She stuck her tongue out to catch a few and then picked a clear space to lie down to make a snow angel.
Laughing, Aaron threw himself down on top of her. “M-m-m, I like snow angels. A certain one in particular.”
As he kissed her, all three dogs hurried over and nosed them playfully. “Go away!” he cried, pushing at them, which made them more excited.
“Crap. Let me help you up,” Aaron said to her. He pulled her to her feet and hugged her. “Let’s try snowshoes.”
Moments later, Sarah walked on the trail Aaron had made in the woods. It took a sort of rhythm to use the devices. But she could see how much easier it was to walk.
After a while, Aaron said, “I’m ready to go inside. I bet you are too.”
She laughed. “More than ready. I’m using muscles I didn’t know I had.”
“That’s why I don’t want to have you overdo it today. It’s supposed to be nice tomorrow and I want to take you on a hike.”
As they were taking off the snowshoes on the back deck, Sarah looked out at the garage and barn. “I had no idea you owned so much land and that your cabin was really a gorgeous home.”
“I like to keep my retreat private, except when it’s used for business.”
The dogs came inside with them and rushed over to the fireplace hearth to warm up.
“What can I get you for lunch?” Sarah asked. “Would you like another sandwich? Or maybe some clam chowder I bought from the Lilac Lake Café.”
“The chowder sounds delicious,” said Aaron, taking off his jacket and hanging it on a hook in the back hallway.
“What do you want to do for the rest of the afternoon?” Aaron asked her as they spooned the delicious hot soup into their mouths.
“I’m reading a good book, but if you have something else planned, I’m up for it.”
“While you read, I’m going to work on a project I’m doing for the local schools,” said Aaron. “It’s a history of the Abenaki tribe. It’s the one Hazel talked me into doing for her class.”
“That sounds terrific,” Sarah said. She liked that they didn’t have to do everything together.
###
Sarah was involved in her book when Aaron sat down beside her. “How’s the book?”
“It’s really interesting,” she said, suddenly aware it was growing dark outside. “I didn’t realize it was so late.”
“It’s time to get ready for cocktails and dinner. Mary Lou made us a lasagna unless you want something fancier.”
“Lasagna sounds perfect. I’m going to freshen up,” Sarah said, noticing Aaron’s hair still a little wet from a shower. He’d changed into a black V-neck sweater and jeans which looked sexy on him.
He stood and pulled her up into his arms. “You look fine to me. But while you’re gone, I’ll open some wine for us. I also have some cheese and crackers.”
“Sounds delicious. I’ll be right back.”
A few minutes later, when Sarah walked into the kitchen, Aaron let out a low whistle. “You look amazing.”
She’d changed into a pair of black wool slacks and the green sweater she liked. To match the sparkles in the sweater, she’d brushed her hair back from her face and added dangly earrings.
“That’s about as dressed up as I can get here in the woods,” she teased.
Aaron handed her a glass of red wine. “Here’s to a Happy New Year and the rest of the weekend.”
“I can’t think of a better way to spend it than to be here with you. It’s been a special day. I really appreciate it.”
“I’m glad you like being here,” Aaron said, and Sarah knew how important it was to him.
###
Later, as the time headed closer to midnight, Sarah got up off the couch where they’d been watching a movie and went to get the two paper party hats and several rolling noisemakers she’d brought with her.
“I thought we could have some fun with these,” Sarah said plopping a paper crown on his head.
Aaron picked up one of the noisemakers she handed him and blew on it, tickling her cheek with the feather at the end of it.
Laughing, Sarah did the same to him.
A harmless battle broke out, sending them into gales of laughter.
“Oops! We’re almost missing the countdown,” said Aaron.
On the television, an on-air party was counting down to one, then a barrage of fireworks went off.
Aaron drew Sarah to him and gave her a kiss that deepened as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
When they pulled apart, Aaron said, “I want this to be a special New Year for you and the girls. For us.”
“Me, too,” she said. “For all of us.”
She waited for Aaron to say how much he loved her, but he’d already turned off the television and announced he was ready for bed.
He held out his hand to her and she took it, but doubts pushed in when he didn’t declare his feelings.