Page 48 of Harvest Moon (Riverbend 3)

“Go sit with your family,” Laurel said. “I’ll be back here.”

He touched her arm. “Come sit with us. There’s plenty of room.”

She snorted. “No thanks. I’ll see you after church.” She turned left and edged down the second-to-last pew and took a seat at the far end.

Gavin paused only a moment. Then he followed her down the row and sank onto the bench beside her. Let everybody get a big eyeful. They might think he and Laurel were back together. Oh well. What was the worst that could happen? Anyway, it was a small town. By now word had circulated about Emma’s guardianship situation. He’d already fielded several questions about Emma’s aunt. Apparently, it had been a matter for the prayer chain. So they must know Laurel was sticking around for the child’s sake.

“What are you doing?” Laurel whispered.

He cut her sideways glance. “Sitting beside you.”

“You should go sit with your family.”

“I’m fine right here.”

She gaped at him. “What will everyone think?”

“I really don’t care.”

“Your family keeps looking back here.”

Just then Avery turned and gave a little wave, then whispered something to Wes, who also turned.

Gavin waved at him too. “Don’t care about that either.”

She huffed.

He bit the inside of his mouth to keep from smiling. What was it about riling Laurel that amused him so much? Even now, after all they’d been through? She’d always been so unflappable. It was just fun getting a rise out of her, seeing some emotion leak past that heart she guarded so closely.

“People are staring,” she hissed.

Good. Maybe they’d realize Laurel wasn’t the enemy. He opened the bulletin and skimmed its contents. Budget was looking good. There was a church-wide bonfire coming up. The youth were taking an overnight hike to Max Patch. The church was already collecting canned goods for the Thanksgiving boxes they would deliver to families in need.

“I don’t mind sitting by myself,” Laurel whispered.

Gavin closed the bulletin as the worship leader took the stage. “Shhh... The service is starting.”

She gave another loud huff.

And Gavin had to bite his lip again.

Chapter19

On Sunday night when Laurel saw the name flash across her phone screen, she didn’t want to answer the call. But she didn’t dare let it go to voice mail. Emma was helping Gavin load the dishwasher, so she slipped into the living room and took her boss’s call.

After exchanging pleasantries, Richard got right to the point. “Listen, Laurel. I realize you’re in a tough spot with your friends’ daughter. I admire what you’re doing, I really do. But I just wanted to give you a heads-up that your absence around here has not gone unnoticed. Greg’s got his eyes on my job, and he’s been getting pretty cozy with Diane.”

Laurel’s stomach bottomed out. Diane would make the final decision about who would replace Rich. “Are you still recommending me for the job?”

“Of course. But that only holds so much weight. Greg’s been here a few years longer than you, and he has a way with people. He’s taking advantage of your absence, Laurel, and I’m afraid what’ll happen if you’re gone much longer.”

He didn’t need to state the obvious: Laurel was much better with plants than she was with people.

“You mentioned you have some help with Emma. Have you considered commuting? Or even bringing her to Asheville until a more permanent arrangement can be made?”

Gavin would never agree to that. “We’re expecting to hear from Emma’s aunt any day now. I’m sure it won’t be much longer. Anyway, I can’t uproot her after she just lost her parents.”

A weighted silence filled the gap. “I understand. Poor kid. I’m not trying to coerce you into anything you’re uncomfortable with. I just... I wanted to make you aware of what’s happening. If you take much more time away, I’m afraid Greg will end up getting the promotion, and I didn’t want you blindsided by the news when you return.”

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