Page 93 of Harvest Moon (Riverbend 3)

“Do you?”

Cooper regarded him for a long, drawn-out minute. Finally he leaned forward, planting his elbows on his knees. “Listen, that’s really great what you guys want to do for Emma. I admire your dedication. But just go with me here. This arrangement would tangle you guys up like last year’s Christmas lights. For years. What if you develop feelings for Laurel again? To be honest, you already seem a little—”

“I’m doing this for Emma.” And yes, he wanted to be there for Laurel in a way he hadn’t before. Was that so wrong?

“What was that favor you mentioned?”

Gavin shifted on the couch. “I could use some help with the family. I’m going to tell them today, and I could use a little support.”

“Are you sure this is what you want?”

“I haven’t been so sure about anything in a long time.” Gavin meant those words down to his marrow. He could feel Mike’s approval from beyond the grave like a warm embrace. His daughter would have everything she needed.

Cooper regarded him for a long moment. “Fine. If you’re sure about this, I’ll back you up.”

The sound of an approaching engine had Cooper tweaking the curtain aside.

“Who’s that?” Gavin asked.

“Mom’s here.”

“Good. I need to talk to her too.”

“Great.” Cooper’s voice was laced with sarcasm. He got up and went to the door.

“Don’t worry, I’m not breaking the news here. Better to tell the family all at once.”

“Hey, Mom,” Cooper said a minute later as he ushered her in and gave her a hug. “What brings you by today?”

“I brought some of those mums Katie was admiring at the nursery last week. I set them on the porch. Where is she?”

“At the diner with Avery.”

Mom spotted Gavin. “How lucky am I to catch both my boys at the same time?”

When she approached, Gavin gave her a hug.

“What are you two doing on this beautiful Saturday?” She glanced at the TV. “Not wasting it on televised sports, I hope. Oh, the Tar Heels are already down by seven. Good grief, this is going to be a stressful season.”

“Can I get you some coffee, Mom?”

“No thanks. I just came by to drop off the plants.” She lowered herself next to Gavin, gaze fixed on the screen. “I need to get the chili going in the Crock-Pot. Oh, come on, hold on to the ball for heaven’s sake.”

Gavin supposed now was as good a time as any to make his request. “Say, Mom, I was wondering if I might bring Emma with me tonight—and also Laurel.”

Her head whipped around.“Laurel?”

“Yes, Mother, Laurel. My ex-wife. The woman I’ve been raising a child with the past two weeks.”

Mom frowned. “I know who you—why would you want to bring her to our family supper? Wouldn’t that be a little awkward?”

“Come on, Mom,” Cooper said. “Don’t you think it’s high time we put our sticks down and played nice?”

“Don’t make light of what she did to your brother.”

“She’s not responsible for the demise of our marriage, or for what I went through afterward. It’s time you accepted that. We’ve managed to smooth things out between us, and I’d like to see the family do the same.”

“Isn’t she supposed to be leaving this weekend?”

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