Page 9 of Love’s Harvest (Lilace Lake #3)

The next afternoon, April was smiling as she walked into Sarah’s office. “What did you say to my Dad? He’s all for my getting new clothes and an updated look. He even said I could cut my hair. I think I’ll surprise him with frosted streaks.”

“Your father came into the office to meet me, and then I took him to meet Poppy. It must have been Poppy who got him to agree to everything. He seems like a very nice man and a loving father.”

Still smiling, April shook her head. “You both are amazing. Dad apologized to me for not paying attention. He even told my grandmother to trust me to choose wisely for myself.”

“That’s a heavy burden,” Sarah told April. “It means you’re going to have to really think about things because like your grandmother believes, some young girls don’t.” I felt about one hundred years old saying this to her, but the thought of my sweet little girls becoming teenagers hit home.

“What’s this about my Dad meeting a group of people in town tonight?”

“A group of grownups my age and a little older meet at Jake’s a couple of times a week. It’s a relaxing way to see people and get the latest news about what’s happening in town. I think your father will like it. Sounds like he’s been pretty lonely.”

April let out a sad sigh. “It’s been hard having my mother gone.

Her eyes welled with tears. She quickly brushed them away.

“But it’s always been my father who told me over and over again that I wasn’t stupid.

He explained about dyslexia so I could understand why my brain wasn’t functioning like the average person’s.

Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci and many others were dyslexic.

Still, try to convince some of my classmates … ” her voice trailed off.

“You’re proving how smart you are with this job,” Sarah said, giving her an encouraging smile.

“I’m really lucky to be here,” said April.

“Have you thought anymore about the Halloween party for kids here at the store? It’ll be a time to dress up and have some fun with them.”

“I’ll talk to my Dad about it tonight.”

“I could really use your help. Wyatt has already agreed to do it.”

April’s face lit up. “Okay, then. I’ll see what I can do.”

It occurred to Sarah that both father and daughter needed a proper introduction to life in Lilac Lake. Poppy was the perfect person to do it.

###

After work Sarah hurried home, grateful for her mother’s help in getting the girls from preschool and taking them for a sleepover.

At first Sarah had fought the idea of returning to Lilac Lake after such a personal tragedy.

But now she was glad she had. Without the support of her family and friends, she’d be left with nothing but her guilt for a companion.

She took time for a bath before getting ready to go to Jake’s. Time alone was such a gift.

As soon as she dressed and fussed with hair and a touch of makeup, Sarah went outside to head to town. It was a short, easy walk and one she enjoyed when she was feeling ready for some fun.

###

Jake’s was busy on this fall evening, and Sarah was excited to see her friends spread out at the two back-corner tables the group had claimed as their own.

She did a quick glance around the table and didn’t see Aaron, Poppy, or Blake. But Whitney and Dani were there with their spouses, along with Ross Roberts and Melissa Hendrickson, and a few other regulars. Holly and Misty, she knew, were coming later after parents’ meetings at the school.

A birthday cake sat in the middle of one table and pink balloons were tied to a chair.

“Guess we’re ready for Poppy’s birthday. It looks perfect.” She slid into a chair next to Whitney and turned to everyone with a bright look. “What is it about our Thursday gatherings that makes the rest of the work week seem dull?”

“It’s a fabulous break for us all,” said Dani. “Especially during the fall and winter months when we in the contracting business can’t work in the dark.”

A waitress came over to the table, and they ordered drinks and food.

Just as Sarah began to wonder if Aaron was going to show up, he appeared with Poppy and Blake.

“Hey, everyone,” said Poppy, standing with the men. “Meet Blake Loomis. He’s fairly new in town and has a daughter in high school. Please introduce yourselves.”

Aaron took a seat next to Sarah and patted her back. “I’m glad you could make it.”

“Believe me, I love these Thursday evenings. How are things with you?” Though she tried to sound as if they were talking as friends, her heart was pumping inside her chest with excitement at seeing him again.

“Happy birthday, Poppy!” cried Whitney. “Have a seat in the birthday chair. We’ll cut the cake whenever you’re ready.”

Poppy clutched her hands together. “This is so sweet. Thank you for thinking of me.”

“You’re a very important part of this town,” said Sarah, and others at the table quickly agreed.

Poppy and Blake took seats across the table from Sarah. Though she knew Poppy was interested in Blake, she realized he was still grieving his wife’s death. Still, there was something nice in the way they interacted with one another.

Blake began talking to Ross about baseball and several other conversations came up around the table.

Sarah turned to Whitney. “How are things coming for the Halloween parade? It’s a good thing you’re in charge because everyone seems to want to be part of it. I’m getting the stop at the hardware store organized. It should be fun.”

“It’s going to be spectacular,” said Whitney. “Like you said, everyone in town wants to participate in the festivities. The Lilac Lake Inn is offering special meals for guests, and they will hold fireworks at nine. And the community center is being used for teens for a haunted house.”

“It sounds like you have everything covered,” Sarah said. “We’ve been selling witch’s hats like crazy.”

Whitney chuckled. “It’s going to be so much fun.”

Tessa, sitting next to Blake across from Sarah and Aaron, reached across the table and grabbed Aaron’s hand for attention. “I heard you love being outdoors. So, do I. Maybe we could go canoeing on the lake sometime. If I pack a lunch, will you take me?”

Sarah could sense Aaron’s hesitancy before he spoke. “We can think about it.”

“I’ll call you soon, and we can set it up. I know you’re busy at The Meadows with all the houses you’re building. But I’m sure we can make time for a little fun.”

Sarah took a sip of wine and turned to Whitney, desperate to get a conversation going with her.

She didn’t want to react to Tessa’s invitation to Aaron, didn’t want him to see her sudden jealousy.

After all, how many times had she backed away from his advances when she knew he wanted more than friendship.

Whitney, who’d overheard Tessa, gave Sarah an encouraging look and said quietly, “Tessa’s new and has no idea who Aaron is besides a hot guy.”

As if reassuring her, Aaron turned to Sarah. “Can I walk you home tonight?”

“Yes. It’s a beautiful evening. And I have the night free.”

He clasped her hand and gave it a squeeze.

Tessa stared at them and finally turned to Melissa sitting beside her.

As Sarah had mentioned to Blake, it was fun to catch up with everyone’s activities. This group represented a lot of important working people in their small town.

After the birthday cake had been cut, a horrible song had been sung, things began to die down,

“Ready to go?” Aaron said to Sarah, He held out his hand and she took it, knowing he was eager to talk to her.

###

Outside in the clear, crisp air, Sarah was satisfied she’d worn her new, warm sweater. She looked up at the stars in the sky, twinkling with messages for those who wanted them, and drew in a long breath. Fall was such a gorgeous time of year in New England.

Aaron put his arm around her, and they began their walk through town.

“It’s always so pretty,” sighed Sarah. Main Street was decorated at night with small white lights in and around the store fronts, in the potted plants and flowers, and wrapped around the decorative light poles. She chuckled. “The girls think it’s a real fairyland.”

“How are they?” Aaron asked. “No more bee stings?”

Sarah beamed at him. “They’re fine. Busy as ever.”

They approached the empty bench sitting in front of Petals, the flower shop in town, and Aaron pulled her to a stop. “Let’s sit a moment.”

They lowered themselves onto the bench and Aaron turned to her.

“Growing up with my mother, I learned to wait for the things I wanted. I was taught to wait until the apples turned ripe or until the wheat was ready to harvest. That’s how I feel about us.

I love you, Sarah, and I will wait until we can harvest our love together. ”

Sarah’s eyes stung with tears. She fought to contain them.

He lifted her chin and kissed her.

Even as she relaxed in his arms, she felt a part of her hold back. She’d loved him as a young, na?ve girl who’d jump at the chance to say she loved him back. As an adult woman who carried such awful memories and blame for them, she hesitated.

“What if I can’t move on?” she finally asked, like a weakling

“The sun and the moon will continue to rise and set, giving you time. But don’t ask me to wait too long. I’m a man who is lonely for you.”

“You know how I feel about you,” she said. “But …”

“You need to let the past go,” Aaron said gently.

Crying now, she said, “I was the first one who found Jesse in the woods at a park. I will never forget what he did to himself. Maybe because of me.” She covered her mouth at the sudden queasiness she felt.

“His spirit was sick, unable to heal,” said Aaron. “Don’t wait until it’s too late to harvest what we have together.”

“I understand. And if you want to go canoeing with Tessa, I’m sure she’d like it.”

Aaron gazed into her eyes and chuckled. “You’re a bit jealous.”

Sarah could feel her cheeks grow hot and looked away.

“C’mon, let’s get going,” said Aaron getting to his feet.