Page 8 of Love’s Harvest (Lilace Lake #3)

The next day when April walked into Sarah’s office, she was wearing her jeans and the polo shirt. She took one look at Sarah’s new hairdo and clapped her hands. “That’s what I want to do with my hair.”

“No problems wearing the jeans and polo shirt today?” Out of her usual skirt and blouse, April’s figure was both sleek and appealing. She’d also tied her hair back into a ponytail.

“My dad came home last night,” said April.

“He said I could wear them, no problem. My grandmother had become very strict and old-fashioned since my grandfather died. I’m going to ask Dad for some new clothes.

” She held a finger to her lips. “And I’m going to surprise him with a new hair style like yours. ”

Sarah was both touched by April’s desire to change and concerned. She didn’t want any problems with April’s grandmother once her father left again. After the time spent training her, Sarah needed to know April would be able to work for them without any problems from home.

“Take it one step at a time,” said Sarah. “We’ve got a big Christmas shipment in. Are you ready to get to work?”

They were busy unpacking the boxes and doing content checks when Wyatt Wilson appeared. He was the picture of a healthy, outdoor-looking guy with blond hair and blue eyes.

He looked startled to see April.

“Hi, Wyatt. Do you know April Loomis? April, this Wyatt Wilson. I believe he’s a year ahead of you at the high school.”

April’s cheeks turned a pretty pink. She glanced at Wyatt. “Hi.”

Wyatt gave her an appreciative look and turned to Sarah. “Your mother says I need to bring in some of the bigger boxes of stuff.”

“Yes. It’s those three boxes by the back door,” Sarah said.

He gave her a salute, grabbed all three boxes in his strong arms and left them by April, giving her a last look before leaving.

“Wow!” said April a little breathlessly. “His girlfriend is one of the meanest girls at school.”

“Really? He’s a nice young man,” Sarah said. “Hardworking.”

April stared at the doorway where Wyatt had disappeared and then turned back to the sheet they’d been working on.

Sarah was interested to see that once April understood the process, she was careful to check her numbers.

She had a feeling April wouldn’t need help from her any longer, which was a good thing because overseeing inventory was just one of Sarah’s jobs.

Sarah didn’t know that much about dyslexia but was determined to learn more.

It was confusing that someone who had difficulty with letters could do so well with numbers.

One thing was certain; April was a bright young woman.

###

April and Sarah left the store together. Instead of using her bike, April announced she was walking home. “I need the exercise,” she explained.

“I like walking myself. How long have you been working with Mary Alice Toomey as your tutor?” Sarah asked.

“For about two years. We’ve only been in Lilac Lake for that amount of time. My father came here to go fishing, saw Lilac Lake, and decided to rent a house here. He thought my grandmother and I might like it better than living in a town outside Boston.”

April gave her a sad look. “My mom died a couple of years ago. That’s when my grandmother came to help my father. He’s a wonderful man who refuses to get caught up in a corporate lifestyle again. He says he likes being on the open road.”

“Do you see him often?” Sarah asked, hoping she wasn’t being too nosy.

“Pretty much. He tries to make it to important events in my life, and he likes to hunt and fish.” Love shone in April’s eyes, and Sarah wondered about the man who’d arrived in town a short while before she’d come back.

April stopped walking and faced Sarah. “I know my dad will give me the money I need for new clothes, but I don’t know exactly what to get. Will you help?”

Sarah glanced at the doorway of The Wild Flower Boutique. “Yes, I will. But I know someone who can do an even better job of that. Let me introduce you to Poppy Browning. She owns this store.”

April looked at the store wide-eyed. “But her things are so pricey.”

“She knows a lot about fashion and what’s in and out and how to make use of a few staple pieces. Trust me, it’ll be like having your own personal shopper. Okay?”

A wide grin crossed April’s pretty face. “Okay.”

They entered the store and waited patiently for Poppy to finish with a customer, who left the store carrying a large bag.

Poppy turned to them. “Hi, Sarah. How are you liking the sweater I ordered for you?”

“I love it,” Sarah said. “I want to introduce you to April Loomis. She’s my new intern at the store and is looking for a makeover of her clothes. Her budget is limited, but I knew you’d have a ton of ideas for her. Will you help?”

Poppy’s warm brown eyes lit with pleasure. She held out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, April. You couldn’t work for a better person than Sarah.”

Sarah realized that the whole time Poppy was talking to April she was sizing her up for style and color. She was someone who knew exactly how to bring out the best appearance in another.

“Someone doesn’t have to spend a lot of money to get the right look, the right style,” said Poppy. “You just need to know quality and color. My favorite place to shop is T.J. Maxx. I bet we could find a lot for you there.” Poppy patted her pink sweater. “Cashmere at a bargain price.”

April looked as if she was about to twirl around the room with excitement.

“Of course, I’d need approval from your parents in order to do this,” said Poppy. “But I’d love to help.”

“My father is in town. I’ll see if I can get him to come meet you,” said April. “Thank you.”

“Thanks,” Sarah said. “I’ll talk to you later.” She knew that Poppy was sometimes lonely, and this would fill some hours and be a perfect way for her to help April.

###

The next morning, Sarah was working at her desk when her father arrived with a man in tow.

“Sarah, this is April’s father, Blake Loomis. He’d like to speak to you about April.”

She stared in surprise at a tall, well-built man with dark hair that had turned gray at the temples. His steel-gray eyes studied her as he walked forward to greet her. He wore a pleasant smile that made it easy for Sarah to respond in kind.

They shook hands, and then Sarah said, “Please. Have a seat and tell me what I can do for you.”

He lowered himself into a chair in front of the desk and studied her. “So, this is the woman who’s been putting all kinds of ideas in my daughter’s head.”

Sarah stiffened. “I’m not sure what you mean.”

“She’s suddenly interested in clothes and is a different person talking about her job and the uniform you have her wear. I’m not sure what to think about it.”

Sarah studied him, unsure how to answer.

He didn’t seem angry. Just curious. She decided to be open with him.

“Between her tutor and getting this job here, I believe April is finally gaining self-confidence. I understand she’s been bullied at school but is handling herself with more strength. She’s a very bright girl.”

“I know that. That’s why we’re here,” said Blake matter-of-factly.

“Someone told me about Mary Alice Toomey and the work she did for a child of his, and I decided to move to Lilac Lake for that reason. April thinks it’s because I love to hunt and fish.

While that’s true, the real reason is my daughter’s happiness. ”

“Very nice, because it’s working,” said Sarah.

“So, this clothing thing is important?” he asked.

“Very important,” said Sarah. “April naturally doesn’t want to be teased for her clothes and overall appearance. She mentioned that her grandmother is old-fashioned.”

“Yes, my mother is appalled by what she sees girls wearing today. While I won’t allow April to go crazy with bad choices, my daughter should not be an outcast because she’s forced to wear out-of-date clothes.

” He looked down at the T-shirt and jeans he was wearing.

“I’m no fashionista, but there’s nothing wrong with clothes like these. ”

“I agree. April is someone who’s eager to please, and with you away, she didn’t want to fight with her grandmother.”

Blake looked down at the floor. When he lifted his face, Sarah could see sadness in his eyes.

“After my wife’s death, I decided to leave my corporate job and do something entirely different.

Maybe I’ve been selfish, but I thought having my mother living with us would help us all.

Now, I’m not so sure. We’ve all been a little lost.”

Sarah’s heart went out to him. “I lost my husband, which is why I moved back to town. You’ll find people here are very kind.

In fact, I want you to meet Poppy Browning, a friend of mine, who’s willing to help April with smart shopping.

A group of us in town likes to meet up at Jake’s in the evening.

Why don’t you join us Thursday night anytime between 6 and 10?

And if you’d like, I’ll take you to Poppy’s store so you can meet her. ”

“That would be nice of you,” said Blake. “I’m ready anytime.”

Sarah checked her watch. “April isn’t scheduled to come into the store today. Let’s go.”

###

As they walked down the street to Poppy’s store, Sarah talked to Blake about some of the shops and people in town. “I really think it would be helpful for you to meet us at Jake’s. It’s a great group of people. You might even know of Ross Roberts.”

“Ross Roberts, the baseball player?” Blake asked.

Sarah grinned. “He’s part owner of the Lilac Lake Inn and is married to one of my friends. You’ll like him.”

“You sure know how to convince a guy,” said Blake.

Sarah laughed. “Like I said, it’s a good group.

As they approached The Wild Flower Boutique, Sarah wondered how Poppy would react to her bringing a very handsome man into her store and announcing that he was April’s father.

Poppy was standing on a stool with a long-handled duster in her hand when we walked inside the shop.

“Hi, Poppy. I have someone I want you to meet. April’s father.”

When Poppy turned to stare down at us, the ladder wobbled.

Blake moved quickly to steady Poppy and held onto her as she climbed down awkwardly.

“Sorry about that,” Blake said staring into Poppy’s face.

Poppy’s cheeks turned pink as she gazed at him.

Sarah waited a few seconds, enjoying the way they were looking at one another, and then cleared her throat. “Poppy, this gentleman is April’s father, Blake Loomis. When I told him you were going to help his daughter, he wanted to meet you. Blake, this is Poppy Browning, owner of this store.”

They shook hands and then Blake gazed around with confusion.

“I’m not proposing to help your daughter find bargains here,” said Poppy. “I’ve suggested finding clothing for her at discount prices. I love fashion for all ages and think I can help your daughter find suitable clothes and show her what to look for at the same time.”

“Why would you do that?” he asked.

“Because I know what it’s like to need some help,” Poppy said kindly. “I don’t have children of my own, but I do understand the need for kids to fit in. I was like her at one time.”

Standing in black pants with a white sweater and wearing a colorful French scarf tossed casually around her neck, Poppy was the picture of an attractive professional woman.

Blake seemed to think so too as his gaze lingered on her and a smile played at his lips.

“Well, I’m sure you have a lot to talk about, logistics and all that,” Sarah said. “Blake, if you have any questions about April’s job, feel free to ask. Poppy, I’ve invited Blake to join our get together Thursday night. Make sure he comes.”

“Okay,” said Poppy, her cheeks now a bright red.

Outside the shop, I turned and looked at the two of them still facing one another, thanking my lucky stars that my intuition was right on this. They seemed very compatible. And they both needed something like this.