Page 113 of Harvest Moon (Riverbend 3)

Not far away, Cooper danced more reservedly with a very pregnant Katie. Her blue bridesmaid dress fit like a glove, outlining hergenerous baby bump—a boy. The two of them had eyes only for each other. They fit together like two puzzle pieces.

That little wave of jealousy she used to feel toward the woman had faded months ago in the wake of Gavin’s extravagant love. The way he held Laurel, the way he looked at her, the way he loved her every day soothed her insecurity.

Her gaze drifted across the floor to where her husband, holding Emma in his arms, was dancing like a fool. Emma laughed at his antics, and Laurel found herself smiling too. Two days after the hearing they’d remarried in an intimate ceremony, surrounded by family. It had been a beautiful day.

The past seven months had been an adjustment, but their little family was running along pretty smoothly. Emma had made great strides. She progressed with her potty training and was sleeping through the night again. She still mentioned her mom and dad often, and each time Laurel and Gavin took the opportunity to remind her of her parents’ love. To reminisce about Mike and Mallory, to keep their memory alive for Emma.

In December Paul and Judy had moved into a senior living community in Riverbend. The initial months were difficult as Judy adjusted to her new surroundings. But she was doing better now, and the two of them spent time with Emma frequently.

In January Laurel and Gavin had started the adoption process—they were on track to become her legal parents by July. In April they’d gone to visit Patty and her new husband in Florida. Emma had enjoyed playing in the sand and riding in her aunt’s sailboat.

Laurel’s mom had resumed her role as nana in a way that surprised Laurel. She and Brad were regular visitors in their home these days.

Darcy had yet to pursue her visitation rights.

Laurel was enjoying her work in the orchard. Each season brought its own rewards, and tending the land that Mallory had treasured was a labor of love.

Gavin was leaning into his new business, and it was well off the ground. He’d officially quit his position at the campground. They’d bought a renovated house near town from which they ran Robinson Construction. They had one custom home completed, one in process, and another on the drawing board. Most importantly, Gavin seemed happy to have returned to his calling.

On the dance floor her husband lowered Emma in a deep dip. When he raised her up again, she laughed. Laurel loved watching them together.

She and Gavin had grown so close since that hearing in the fall. Closer than they’d ever been before. They formed the kind of bond only two wounded survivors could enjoy. Her eyes stung as she focused on the man she had never stopped loving.

Thank You, God.Sometimes she couldn’t believe the way He’d brought them through the fire and out the other side, happier and healthier than they’d ever been before.

The patio door opened, and the boisterous music flooded inside.

Laurel blinked back tears as Lisa entered, carrying an armload of empty cups. Speaking of relationships that had come a long way...

“It’s getting crazy out there!” Lisa said. “I can see why you beat a hasty retreat.”

“Guess I needed a quiet moment.”

“Well, a moment’s all you’ll get. I was asked to come find you.” Lisa set the dishes in the sink. “Your dancing partner wants you back.”

“My feet are killing me.”

Lisa gave her a sideways hug. “Told you to go with the flats. I hear the happy couple’s leaving soon, so you’d better go claim one last dance. Jeff’s already getting the sparklers ready—I get a terrible feeling every time a Robinson man mixes matches and fireworks.”

“Oh boy.”

“Those boys better behave tonight!”

Laurel laughed as she slipped out the door. “I’ll pass the word along.”

She made her way through the milling crowd, and just as she stepped onto the dance floor, the song segued into a slow melody. Laurel stepped up to her family and put her arms around her husband and Emma, who looked adorable in a wispy silver princess dress.

Gavin’s eyes softened as they fell on Laurel. “There you are. I’ve been looking all over for you.”

“I was in the house. Your mom sent me out.”

“Gabin dancing with me.”

“I saw him dip you all the way to the floor.”

“He won’t drop me.”

“No, he’d never do that.”

---