"No, I like it.” Elizabeth smiled as she watched the other women look at Aaron. One gave her a thumbs up. “See you later, ladies."
"Take your time,” Janet replied and winked.
* * * *
Elizabeth poured laundry detergent into the washing machine and added the clothes she planned on packing for her trip later today to Indiana. From upstairs, Jena's singing mingled with loud music from her MP3 player. Like most teenagers, her moods swung from one extreme to the other, but today were up. Her dad was coming to take her back to south Florida to spend the weekend. Through no fault of her own, Jena's life wasn't easy. She hadn't asked her father to leave and start a new family in another city.
But Elizabeth didn't want to think about her ex now. She didn't want anything to spoil her trip to Aaron's home. Although she had mixed feelings about telling Jena where she was going, Jena had to know. Elizabeth called to her to come downstairs.
"Okay, Mom, I'm coming.” She clomped down the stairs, suitcase thumping behind her. “What's up?"
"Come sit with me."
"Is something wrong?” Jena slumped on the sofa next to her. “Don't tell me Dad's not coming."
"No, your father's coming. He should be here soon. There's something I want to tell you.” Elizabeth rubbed her palms on her slacks, surprised at how nervous she felt.
"Spit it out, Mom. You're going to put a hole in those slacks."
"Aaron called me Thursday morning and asked if I'd come for the weekend."
"Wow. So, why don't you?"
"I . . . I'm going to. I figured since you're spending the weekend with your dad it was perfect timing. I have plenty of vacation time, so I took today and Monday off. I'm flying out at two today. I'll be home Sunday. Have your dad drop you off at Grandma's. I'll call you when I get in. I've already made arrangements.” She waited for Jena's disapproving reply.
"That's wonderful, Mom! I hate leaving you alone while I'm having all the fun. You always stay here and do nothing. You know I'm big enough to stay by myself until you get home."
"I never knew you felt like that. And I know you're old enough, but Grandma enjoys you spending time with her. It was her idea."
Jena let out a sigh. “Okay I'll stay with Grandma. I wouldn't want to hurt her feelings. And now I know you'll be having fun, too.” Are you still taking Christmas week off?"
"Yes, I've put in to take Christmas week and the week after. They told me I needed to use some of my time I've built up."
"That's super, Mom."
"Then you're really okay with me going to Aaron's?"
"Of course I am. Aaron is a nice guy. I like him."
"I'm glad.” Elizabeth hugged her. “You know, sometimes I forget how grown up you are."
"Promise me you'll go and have the best time of your life."
"I promise.” She swept a curl off her daughter's cheek. “Do you have everything you're going to need?"
"Yes, I checked it twice. Hey, I think I hear Dad now.” Jena grabbed her bag and ran out the door.
Elizabeth followed. She watched Dan step out of the truck. Thank goodness he didn't have his wife with him.
"Hello, Elizabeth."
She waved. “Hi, how was the trip?"
"Good. Traffic wasn't as heavy this way. How's work going?"
"Still getting used to the new governor. How are things with your job?"
"Same as usual, they keep me busy.” He turned to Jena. “Are you ready to go, Pumpkin?"
"Yes. Should I put my bag behind the seat?"
"Go ahead. I'll have her back by Sunday night, Elizabeth."
Elizabeth held out her arms to Jena. “Come give me a hug."
Jena ran over and hugged her tightly. “See you Sunday.” She leaned back and looked into Elizabeth's eyes. “Have fun, Mom."
"I will."
She watched Dan drive off. After five years they had little to say to each other, but at least they were cordial. Seeing him no longer hurt her. Having someone like Aaron to think about helped a great deal.
In a few hours she'd be on her way to see him. The thought gave her goose bumps. She bowed her head. God, please make this happen. You know how I feel about him. Elizabeth ended the prayer unable to say more. For the first time in what seemed forever she had something to look forward to. Spending time with Aaron, the man she'd once loved. She could almost feel his warmth. Two o'clock couldn't get here soon enough.
* * * *
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter Three
* * * *
Terryville, Indiana
The farm lived up to Aaron's descriptions. Elizabeth sat on the couch in front of the fireplace, savoring the sounds of the crackling logs as the flames danced. After a while, she walked over to gaze out the window at the snow covered pasture where hundreds of cows grazed on bales of hay. Off to the side of the house loomed a two-story red barn. From what Aaron told her, red barns were popular in Indiana.
On the drive from the airport on Friday she'd had a chance to see some of the area and liked what she saw. She was amazed at everyone's friendliness. It sure wasn't like being in a big city. She thought about Jena and how much she'd like the small farming community. Last night Elizabeth had called her and told her a little about the farm. Jena informed her that she'd said nothing to her dad about Aaron. It wasn't any of his business. They'd shared a good laugh over that.
Aaron came into the room and handed her a mug. “Thought you might like some hot chocolate. So, what do you think about Terryville?"
"It's a beautiful place."
"I'm glad you like it.” He led her toward the couch and they sat. “Mom invited us to dinner."
"Do you think she's up to that?"
"Yes I do. She loves to entertain. The fact that she wants to cook again is a good sign she's feeling better."
"That's wonderful. I'm excited about seeing her again."
"She doesn't look like she did when you knew her.” He ran his finger around the edge of the mug he held.
"Well, neither do I.” She smiled at him, took a sip of the hot liquid, then set it down on the coffee table.
"You know, you're good for me.” He set his cup down, stood, and took her hand, pulling her up to him. “I'm going to do something I've wanted to do the first moment I saw you at the airport."
"What?"
"Kiss you."
"Oh.” She looked up into his deep blue eyes. Her heart began to race.
"If you don't want me to, better stop me now, Beth."
"Why would I want to stop you?” She rose up on tiptoe and leaned forward.
Aaron lowered his head and in one smooth movement covered her mouth with his. The world drifted away as she returned his kiss, feeling as though they floated above the earth in a heavenly cloud, lost in the moment.
The ringing of her cell phone plunged them back to earth.
"Wow!” Aaron released her from his embrace. “I knew kissing you was going to be something, but—"
"I better answer that.” She crossed the room and grabbed her cell phone out of her purse, drawing in a long breath to steady herself and her heart. “Hello."
"Hey, Mom, what're you doing?"
"Nothing much, just sitting by a warm fireplace. Enjoying its warmth.” Her face flushed with warmth. When she fanned herself and looked at Aaron, he grinned.
"Is it okay if I speak to Aaron?"
"Sure.” She held out the phone to him. “Jena wants to talk to you."
* * * *
He took the phone, unable to suppress the pleasure of having the teenager ask for him. His earlier misgivings about getting along with her had faded. “Hi, Jena, what's up?"
"I just wanted to tell you that it was really nice of you to ask Mom to visit you. Is she having fun?"
"Yes, I think so.” He took Beth's hand. “We were just getting ready to go to dinner at my mom's house."
"Does she remember that my mom was your old girlfriend?"
"Yes, she does."
>
"Mom told me about your mom's cancer. I've been saying extra prayers for her."
"That's very thoughtful, Jena. Thank you."
"Okay, you can put my mom back on now."
"Jena, next time I want you to come for a visit. Would you like that?"
"Yes!"
"Then plan on it. Have fun with your dad.” Aaron handed the phone back to Beth.
"Thanks for calling, honey. Be good . . . I'll talk to you later. Love you, too.” Beth closed the phone. “What was that all about?"
"She thanked me for inviting you here. She also told me that she's been saying extra prayers for my mom. You know, Jena's a special girl."
"I know.” Beth grabbed his hand. “Come on. Let's go see your mom."
* * * *
Elizabeth sat on Aaron's mother's overstuffed, powder blue couch admiring the flowered borders running along the top of the light blue walls. Vases of fresh poinsettias adorned two tables, creating a holiday setting. She smiled as Aaron walked into the room carrying a tray with chocolate cake and milk. His mother followed him to the sideboard.
"This has been so much fun, Elizabeth. It was so good to hear about your job and your daughter. I hope the next time you come, she can come with you.” His mother served her a piece of cake and a glass of milk. “Cake tastes so much better with milk. Plus it's good for the bones."
"You have a beautiful place, Mrs. Blake. I'm happy to see you're doing so well after your surgery. How long will you have to do the chemo?"
"Thankfully, I've only got a couple more weeks left.” She touched the scarf she wore on her head. “Losing my hair is hard, but knowing that the medicine will keep me alive longer is worth the hair loss."
"Mom's a fighter,” Aaron said proudly, patting his mother's shoulder, “so I know she's going to beat this. Right, Mom?"
"With God's will, yes I am.” She took a bite of cake.
"The cake is very good.” Elizabeth took another forkful, grasping for a happier topic. “That's something from my childhood I remember very well. What a great cook you were and how all the kids liked coming to your house for goodies."
"And I liked having all of you.” She smiled and looked at her son. “Aaron's a good man. Make some woman a wonderful husband, don't you think?"
"Yes, he would.” Elizabeth smiled at Aaron's reddening face.
"I hear you're not married anymore."
"No, I'm not."
"Mom, where did that come from?” Aaron shook his head. “Sorry about that, Beth."
"There's nothing to be sorry about. She's right.” Elizabeth stood.
"You can't blame a mother for wanting to see her son happy before she goes."
"No, but you're not going anywhere anytime soon.” He bent down and kissed the top of her head. “You look tired,"
"I'm getting there.” She yawned.
"Well then, I think we should leave, Aaron, so she can rest.” Elizabeth leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I'll keep you in my prayers."
"Oh, I almost forgot. I talked with Beth's daughter today and she also said she was saying extra prayers for you."
"Sounds like a wonderful girl. Tell her thank you for me.” She stood. “I'll walk you to the door."
"No need, Mom. I'll put the dishes in the sink."
"No, that's all right. I can do it myself. You get on back home."
Elizabeth smiled as Aaron gave his mother another kiss. He was so gentle with her and so loving. His mother was right. He was a good man and would make a good husband for someone. In Indiana. A reminder that she lived a great distance from here.
* * * *
Elizabeth's last day at work before her vacation started had been hectic. She'd met with several agencies from out of town, talked with the managers of three new programs, and ended the day with having to transfer two boys from one foster home to another.
Elizabeth was happy Saturday had finally arrived, even if it meant doing household chores. She bent down and grabbed an armful of clothes out of the washing machine and tossed them into the dryer. Thoughts of Aaron were always on her mind. She could hardly believe that Aaron had come into her life again. She thanked God everyday for that. The phone rang just as she set the timer on the dryer. She sprinted out of the utility room and grabbed the phone on the third ring. It would be her mother asking if she wanted to go shopping. She'd have to tell her she really wasn't in the mood to trek through a crowded mall.
"Hello."
"Hi, what are you doing?"
Elizabeth smiled at the sound of Aaron's deep masculine voice. “Washing clothes. Why?"
"Because I thought I'd come over and take you and Jena to lunch."
"You're here?” Elizabeth squealed.
"Yes. I finally caught up on the work at the farm and my sister is staying with Mom. I had the time and wanted to see you."
Her heart warmed at the sweet words. “How's your mom?"
"Good. She has her last chemo today. She'd already had two treatments by the time you visited. They only had to do it for three weeks."
"Oh, Aaron, that's wonderful. I know she's happy to have that over with."
"Yes, she is and so am I. One thing her cancer has taught me is to cherish the important things in my life. You are one of those, Beth. That is why my time with you means so much."
"I feel the same way you do."
"Mom told me a light snow fell this morning."
"Makes it more like Christmas,” Elizabeth replied.
"I'd like you to think about something and you can tell me before I leave to go back."
"What is that?"
"How would you and Jena like to come and spend a few days with me?"
"I'd have to talk it over with her but I think we could work it out. Jena starts her Christmas vacation on the twenty-third.
"Whatever works best for you. I know you're a busy lady. I know it's only been six days since your visit, but I need your company, Beth."
"I will. Jena's at a friend's house, but I'll call and tell her you're coming over. I know she'll want to see you."
"Okay, I'll be there in thirty minutes."
After calling Connie and asking her to send Jena home, Elizabeth looked at her watch. Thirty minutes didn't give her a lot of time to style her hair and get dressed. She hurried to her bedroom and chose a pair of her good stretch jeans and an emerald green cardigan to change into.
The back door slammed as she slipped into her jeans.
"Jena, is that you?"
"Yes, what's up?” Jena entered Elizabeth's room, munching on an apple.
"Guess who just called."
"I don't know. Grandma?"
"No, Aaron. He's in town and wants to take us out to lunch."
"Cool! Can we go to the mall? I could get those shoes you've been promising me?"
"We'll see if Aaron would like to eat lunch at one of the restaurants there. But that's all you're getting."
"Okay. Thanks, Mom."
"Keep an eye out for him, please. I still have to fix my hair."
"Gee, Mom, stop being so nervous. You always look great."
"I'm not nervous. Well, maybe a little."
"Are you getting serious about Aaron? I mean, should I start worrying?"
"Worrying? What about, Jena?"
"It's just . . .” Jena dug her toe into the carpet. “I don't think Aaron wants to leave his farm."
"Hey, it's lunch, not a marriage proposal"
"Not yet.” Jena winked.
"Get out of here."
Her daughter giggled as she fled the room. Was it Elizabeth's imagination, or was the laughter forced?
* * * *
"Jena, could we please sit down for a while? You've walked us to death. You're acting like you've never been to the mall before."
"I want Aaron to see everything, especially all the great Christmas decorations. I just love this time of the year."
"I've counted at least twelve stores we've gone into. Haven't I seen it all yet?” Aaron collapsed
on the bench. Elizabeth sat next to him. I'll Be Home for Christmas played through the intercom system.
"Okay, we can rest for a while.” Jena plopped down on the other side of him.
Aaron reached in his pocket and pulled out a bag. “Here, I brought you something from Indiana."
Jena tore open the bag and she gasped. “Oh, wow, it's one of those photo key chains. How cool is that?"
"I put some pictures of the farm and one of my mom in it."
Jena browsed the photos. “Your place is so pretty.” Leaning toward him, she asked, “Is this your mom?"
"Yes, that was taken a few years ago, before she was diagnosed with cancer."
"She looks like she'd be a lot of fun."
"She is. Ask your mother."
Jena turned toward her. “Did you have a good time with her when you were a kid?"
"Oh, yes. Everyone liked going to Aaron's house. Mrs. Blake always had something good for us to eat after school.” Elizabeth smiled at the memories. She looked over at Aaron and touched his hand, gently running her fingers across it. “Those were the best times of my life."
"Mine, too.” Aaron entwined his fingers with hers.
"I bet the farm is a fun place to live."
Aaron cleared his throat. “I might be jumping the gun here because your mom probably hasn't had time to talk to you about this yet, but I asked her if you both could come for a visit."
"You did?” Jena looked down at her new shoes and then up at him. “I understand you wanting Mom to come, but why me?"
"I thought we could get to know each other better, and I'm proud of the place. Plus I know you'd have a good time, especially with all the snow."
"I've never been anywhere outside of Florida except the water park in Valdosta. Going to Indiana would be fun, I think. Could I ride one of those horses I saw in the picture?"
"Sure, if your mom agrees, but you need to bring some real warm clothes."
"Mom, you know what would be cool? If we could spend Christmas there. Could we do that?"
"Sounds like a good plan to me. That is,” she looked at Aaron, “if the time is okay with you."
"That sounds wonderful to me. Having you both for Christmas would be the best gift I could ever get. Mom will be happy to see you again and to meet Jena."
"Are you sure she'll feel up to it?” Elizabeth asked.
On A Cold Winter's Night Page 14
