Page 15 of Harvest Moon (Riverbend 3)

Gavin sat on the sofa beside Laurel and turned the child to face him on his lap.

Sunny nosed into the middle of them, seeking attention.

“Go sit down,” Gavin said firmly and the dog obeyed.

Emma’s expression held no hint of worry or concern. Simply a question.

Laurel hated that the answer was going to change everything. “Sweetie, we have something very sad to tell you.”

When she paused, Gavin gave her a slight nod.

“Honey . . . your mom and dad had an accident.” She forced the final words out of her mouth. “And they won’t be coming home.” Tears burned behind Laurel’s eyes. She wanted to wail. Shewanted to promise Emma she would be all right. She wanted to gather the child in her arms and never let her go. Did she understand at all? If nothing else, she knew whatsadwas and what it looked like.

Emma blinked up at Gavin, who watched the child as if his heart had just broken in two—as if he was afraid hers might too.

Laurel fought the strong urge to keep talking. But the articles said to go at the child’s pace and keep things simple. So she forced herself to wait for Emma’s response. For more questions.God, give me the words.

Emma’s gaze, more somber now, returned to Laurel. “Waurel make pancakes?”

Laurel’s breath froze in her lungs. Her gaze darted to Gavin, whose expression reflected the same shock and relief she felt. Her breath tumbled out. Her smile wobbled. “Yes, angel. Laurel will make you pancakes.”

***

Gavin set Emma down in the living room by her basket of toys. “I’m going to help Laurel make the pancakes.”

Emma walked over to the bookrack instead and pulled one down. “Princess book!”

“Are you going to read your princess book?”

“Yeah!” She plopped down on the floor and Sunny curled up beside her.

“All right, Emma Bear. I’ll be in the kitchen.”

He found Laurel pulling out a bowl and a whisk.

He got down a mug and poured the coffee he’d brewed earlier. “That is not what I expected,” he whispered.

“Am I wrong for feeling profoundly grateful she didn’t understand?”

“I feel like I just got pardoned for a heinous crime.” He added a bit of cream and a little sugar, then handed her the mug.

She set down the box of pancake mix and took the cup. “Thanks.”

While Laurel made the batter, he refilled his own mug, then began setting the table.

Before he finished, his phone buzzed with a call. His mom.

“I have to take this.” He slipped through the French door onto the back patio and answered the phone.

“Hi, honey,” Mom said. “How’s it going? I just can’t believe this is happening.”

“I know. It’s... still sinking in.”

Mom sniffled quietly. “Do they have any idea what caused the accident?”

“I haven’t even asked. I’ve been too worried about Emma to think about that.”

“Poor child. How is she this morning? Has she asked about...?”

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