Page 69 of Harvest Moon (Riverbend 3)

“This is Emma. Emma, this is my friend Brandon. Can you say hi?”

“Hi.” Emma went back to her bubbles.

Laurel turned toward Gavin. “And this is my other friend. Gavin, this is the young man who’s been taking such good care of my plants while I’ve been gone.”

“Hi, Gavin.” Brandon gave him a cheerful smile.

“Hi there, buddy. I like your trunks.”

“Hulk is the best Avenger. Avengers are the Earth’s mightiest heroes. I like Iron Man, too, and also Black Widow, but Captain America is not an original Avenger. Most people don’t know that.”

Gavin grinned at his enthusiasm. “I didn’t know that.”

A middle-aged woman approached. “Hi, Laurel. It’s good to have you back.”

“Mom,” Brandon said. “This is Gavin and Emma. She’s not back. She’s just checking on her apartment, and I did a good job with her plants.”

“I’m Sheila,” the woman told Gavin. “Brandon’s mom, obviously.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“It’s good to see you, Laurel. How’s everything going back home?”

Laurel glanced at Emma. “About as well as can be expected. I should be able to come home soon.”

“Well, no hurry on our account. Brandon loves taking care of your plants.”

“And getting her mail. I get her mail too.”

“I’m so glad I have you to depend on,” Laurel said.

“Well, it was good to see you,” Sheila said. “We have to be getting inside now. Brandon’s drawing class starts soon.”

They said their good-byes and the two of them headed through the gate.

Gavin gave Laurel a wry look. “You didn’t mention your good friend Brandon was a teenage boy.”

“Why would I?” She scooped Emma off the step and carried her deeper into the water.

***

Back in the truck again, Laurel leaned back and tried to rest. They’d let Emma play in the pool for two hours, then Laurelgathered a few items from her apartment, reset the thermostat, and locked up.

By the time they put her back in the car seat, Emma was overtired and fussy. And after the long drive to Asheville, she wasn’t crazy about getting back into the vehicle. But by the time they hit the bypass, she was sound asleep.

Laurel glanced back at the girl. Her curls were still damp and wild, and despite the sunscreen Gavin had applied, her cheeks pinkened a bit in the sun.

“I think we exhausted her,” Gavin said.

“She’s out cold.”

From beneath her lashes Laurel studied Gavin, remembering the way he’d looked in his trunks. She hadn’t been the only one who’d noticed his great physique—though he’d seemed unaware of the gaping women at the pool. He’d always been so oblivious that way. It was one of his charms.

Yes, he’d stayed in great shape during their years apart. Still had that six-pack and those strong biceps she’d always loved. When he’d wrapped his arms around her she felt so safe. So adored. She missed that.

This morning when she’d awakened in his bed, he was snuggled against her back, his arms encompassing her. She lay there, eyes closed, heart thudding in her chest. For just a moment she let herself pretend they were still married. That she could turn around and press her lips to his. That his eyes would open with that sleep-dazed look before they focused on her. Then his lips would curl into a lazy smile, and his eyes would twinkle with an idea that was sure to please them both.

“I’m sorry about last night,” he said.

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