Page 4 of Love’s Harvest (Lilace Lake #3)

Saturday evening, Sarah closed and locked the store’s door behind her, ready for an evening of fun.

Saturdays were the busiest days of the week because every “do-it-yourselfer” needed supplies and usually helpful advice.

But tonight, she’d brush off any fatigue and enjoy the friends she had in town.

As Sarah walked home, she took her time, trying to decide what to wear to the party. It would be cool, and dress would be casual on this autumn evening. She wanted to look her best, be part of the more carefree group members.

The girls were already staying at her mother’s house for the evening and overnight. With plenty of time to prepare, Sarah decided to soak in the tub. She’d washed her hair this morning and would need to do little else to get ready.

She drew the bath and had just lowered herself into the warm, scented water when her cell rang. Hazel.

Sarah reached for the phone sitting on the nearby counter. “Hello?”

“Hi, Sarah . It’s me, Hazel. Do you want a ride to the party? I'd be happy to drive.”

“Sure. That would be nice. Thanks.”

“I think you ought to know that when Aaron returned to Jake’s the other night, Tessa all but draped herself over him. She asked him to show her around town this weekend, and he said he would.”

Sarah swallowed hard. “That was nice of him.” She and Aaron had agreed to be friends, nothing more.

“I’m trying not to be quick to judge, but honestly, there’s something desperate about Tessa that is uncomfortable.”

“I don’t want to get caught up in any negativity,” said Sarah. “As you can imagine, I try to avoid that.”

“I understand,” said Hazel. “That’s why I wanted you to know about it so you wouldn’t be caught off guard.”

“I appreciate that,” Hazel said honestly. “But Aaron and I are just friends. So, I should be glad for him if Tessa is making her interest obvious, shouldn’t I?”

“Theoretically, yes. But I’m not sure that’s the real situation between you two. But I won’t get involved except to make sure you know what’s going on.”

“Yes, it’s best that way,” Sarah said, feeling her stomach knot.

They ended the call, and when Sarah slid back into the water, she hugged herself, knowing she hadn’t told the truth to Hazel. She wanted much more with Aaron, but she didn’t see it happening. He deserved someone better than her. But she had the nagging concern that Tessa wasn’t that person.

###

When Hazel picked her up for the party, she inspected Sarah’s appearance and gave her a thumbs-up signal. “You look terrific. Are those leather pants new?”

“Yes, I got them at the Wild Flower Boutique. Poppy helped me pick them out. The brown leather and boots go well together, and I love the burnt orange sweater she sold me. Very fall-like.”

“Very stunning,” said Hazel. “Tessa is no match for you.”

“Thanks, but I don’t want to compete with her or anyone else. I’m pretty fragile.”

Hazel gave her a quick hug. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to push you. I just see the way Aaron looks at you and … ”

Sarah held up her hand to stop her. “Thanks, but please stop.”

“Okay, I promise,” Hazel said, starting the car.

They were quiet on the way to the party, which suited Sarah. Like any small town, people got involved with other people’s business. Hazel had meant only to be helpful, but Sarah realized she wasn’t ready to move forward, not when she had so many doubts.

###

They arrived at Lilac Lake Cottage to find the porch and lawn filled with guests. Music played from speakers placed on the porch, almost overcome by the sound of laughter and conversation. It had been several weeks since Labor Day Weekend, and the group was ready to party.

“Let’s join the fun,” said Hazel, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Sarah grinned. “I’m ready to unwind.”

They moved through the crowd to the bar set up on the porch.

Sarah was careful how much she drank because of the girls, but she eagerly accepted a cup of beer poured from a keg.

At times like this, she knew she’d made the right decision to return to Lilac Lake.

Friends from years ago and new friends created an interesting support group.

Sarah gazed out over the crowd. She was glad to see Ross and Melissa.

She’d thought Tessa had seemed a little too cozy with him Thursday night.

She found Tessa in the crowd talking to Gage Martens, the handsome young veterinarian in town.

On a whim, she decided to talk to him about an eventual dog for the girls. They loved Aaron’s two black labs.

Gage gave her a big smile when she approached.

“I hope I’m not interrupting anything,” said Sarah.

“But, Gage, I wanted to talk to you about a dog for the girls in the future. They’ve started asking about one, and though I think it’s too early for one, I want to do some research and need to get your opinion about a suitable breed for our situation. ”

“I’ll see you later,” Tessa said to Gage, and he looked relieved.

“Should I talk to you later? I don’t want to interfere,” said Sarah.

“Not at all. I was beginning to feel as if I was filling out an online dating form,” said Gage. “I recently broke up with someone. I’m not ready to date for a while.”

“I just met Tessa, so I don’t know her well,” Sarah said.

“She seems nice enough, just a little too desperate,” said Gage. “Now, are you thinking of one dog or two for the girls?”

Sarah chuckled. “Definitely just one. And maybe something small and fun.”

“I’ll keep an eye out for you,” said Gage. “Maybe a rescue that’s already house broken?”

“That sounds perfect. I’m not in any hurry. But I don’t want to say no forever.”

Gage smiled at her. “I get it and appreciate your wanting to have things right before taking in a pet. Are you totally settled back in town? Like you, I’ve been here for only a year, but I really appreciate how supportive everyone is.”

“As a teenager, I was eager to leave town. However, after living away, I am truly glad to be back, even if my parents sometimes treat me like one.”

Gage laughed. “Can I get you another beer?”

Sarah shook her head. “Not yet. Thanks.”

Gage walked away, and Hazel approached her. “What did Gage have to say? I saw Tessa talking to him earlier.”

“If you’re interested in Gage, don’t appear to be desperate. He told me that talking to Tessa made him feel as if he was completing an online dating questionnaire.”

“I am interested in knowing more about him. He doesn’t come to Jake’s very often, and I haven’t had much of a chance to spend time talking to him.” She grinned. “Maybe I need a dog or a cat.”

“Or a horse or a cow,” Sarah teased.

“See you later,” said Hazel.

Sarah was standing, looking around, when she felt Aaron’s presence behind her. She turned and stared into those dark eyes of his, and a smile spread across her face.

“When did you get here?”

“A few minutes ago,” he answered. “Your cup is empty. Can I get you more?”

“Sure. Why not? I’ll be down at the rock,” she said, walking away from him.

The cottage, now a lovely house, sat atop a small hill, whose slope led to the lake and an enormous rock that sat at the edge of the water.

As kids, they’d all used the rock for sunbathing or reading or playing games.

Even during fun parties like this, Sarah liked to escape for a few minutes of private time.

The sound of the water lapping the shore and the light from the moon on the waves gave her an inner peace she knew she’d never be able to replicate anywhere else.

She was sitting on the rock, facing the water, when she felt Aaron’s silent approach. She turned as he handed her the drink.

“It feels right to be here,” said Aaron quietly as he sat beside her. “One of the things I’ve always admired about you is your ability to sit still and be quiet. How else can someone be aware of all that’s going on in nature around them?”

“Is that something you learned from your mother?” Sarah asked.

“That, and so many things from the Abenaki Indian tribe,” said Aaron. “I was lucky when my mother brought me to the Collister’s home when she learned she was dying, but I’m luckier still to have been raised by her and with her beliefs during my early years.”

“Do you go back to your family often?” Sarah asked.

“Whenever I can. My cousins live up by the Canadian border, and we like to hunt there,” Aaron said. “But my life is really here. I owe my father’s family so much.”

As Aaron continued to stare out at the dark water, he took her hand in his.

“I admire your mother so much for having the courage to bring you here,” said Sarah.

“Mr. Collister never knew about me until then. But she understood what kind of man he was and how warmly he would receive me.”

“You must miss her terribly,” said Sarah.

Aaron nodded. “But she speaks to me in the wind, and I know she is near.”

Tears sprang to Sarah’s eyes. Hearing such sweet, powerful words brought back the horror of the past couple of years. She realized that she and Jesse had never had the deep connection she had with Aaron.

Aaron got to his feet and extended his hand to her. “Let’s join the party.”

She took hold of his fingers and allowed him to pull her up, facing him. They stared at one another for a moment, and then Aaron turned away. But not before she saw desire in his eyes.

Sarah followed him off the rock and up the hill to the rest of the party.

Aaron left her talking to Whitney. Because of her husband’s job as police chief, Whitney was well-informed about what was happening in town. But she was discreet about not spreading information.

“I’m getting a little worried about handling a new baby with a toddler. How do you do it with twins? You always seem so calm.”

“It can be difficult tracking the girls, who may be going in two different directions,” Sarah admitted. “It’s exhausting. It’s one strong reason for my returning to Lilac Lake.”

“Are you and Aaron seeing one another?” asked Whitney.

“We’re friends. But that’s all we’ve promised one another,” Sarah said, realizing how sad that sounded.

“He’s always been one of my favorite people,” said Whitney, watching as he stood talking with a group of men. “Sexy, too.”

Sarah felt her cheeks flush but said nothing. He was even sexier now than he’d been in high school.

Dani joined them. “It’s turning into a wonderful party. Everyone seems to be having fun. I’m glad to see you here, Sarah. I know you can’t always get out.”

“Thanks. It’s great to be here.” She watched from a distance as Tessa approached Aaron.

“Tessa seems nice but a little overzealous about meeting new men,” commented Dani. “I hope she doesn’t make a mess of things.”

As she spoke, Aaron gazed over to them with an unhappy expression.

“Oh, I'd better go rescue Aaron,” said Dani. “As hostess, I don’t want any of my guests to suffer.” She winked at Sarah and hurried away.

Sarah went to talk to Melissa about her cookbook.

Melissa greeted Sarah with a warm hug. “How are you?”

“Good,” said Sarah. “Ross proudly told the group at Jake’s about your new cookbook. How’s that going?”

“It’s a lot harder than one would think,” said Melissa.

“I have to make sure all the recipes are tested for appearance, taste, and accuracy of measurements. Some of the recipes are from my work at Fins, but since the fire destroyed my parents’ restaurant, I need to arrange a place to test the others. ”

“So, it’ll be a while before it’s ready?”

“Yes,” said Melissa. “The fancy dinners Crystal and I had planned to put on every month or so will be a perfect place to start.”

“You don’t miss working at the restaurant?” Sarah asked.

Melissa shook her head. “No, especially now that I’m married to Ross. I need to have the flexibility to travel with him.”

Taylor joined them and soon they were talking about her new book.

After a while, Sarah slipped away.

Aaron came over to her. “Are we still on for apple picking tomorrow? Can I pick up you and the girls around ten?”

Feeling grounded once more, Sarah said, “That would be lovely.”