Page 36 of Harvest Moon (Riverbend 3)

Laurel addressed Emma. “Uncle Gavin has to leave for a while, but he’ll be back later.”

Emma laid her head on Laurel’s shoulder, her body shuddering in the aftermath of her tears.

Gavin tugged Emma’s ponytail. “Bye, Emma Bear. Be back soon.”

Laurel toted Emma toward the house, distracting her by talking about what they would have for supper.

Gavin watched them go, guilt pricking him for leaving at all. She’d be fine. Laurel was good with her. And man, could he use a break.

By the time he arrived at his parents’ house, the family was already gathered around the picnic table in the backyard. It was a perfect evening—barely into the eighties with big, fluffy clouds hanging on a backdrop of clear blue. He drew in a lungful of oxygen and blew it out as he approached the group.

Jeff was the first to spot him. His blue eyes lit up as he lowered his burger. His light hair had receded in recent years, but he was still attractive for a man nearing sixty. “Hey, come join us. We just started.”

Cooper and Katie, who’d celebrated their first anniversary earlier this month, made room on their bench.

Avery handed him a water bottle. “Hey, Bro. Take a load off.”

Wes, Avery’s boyfriend and Gavin’s business partner, gave him a fist bump. “How’s it going, man?”

“All right.”

“We hoped you’d make it.” Mom had gathered her blonde hair into a ponytail, and her left dimple was present and accounted for. “Where’s Emma? I thought you’d bring her. I dug up some old toys to keep her entertained.”

“She’s back at the house.”

Mom forked a burger onto his plate. “With the Claytons?”

“No, they left this morning. Emma’s with Laurel.”

His family exchanged silent glances while he added condiments to his burger, pretending not to notice.

“She’s still in town?” Mom’s casual tone sounded forced.

“The Claytons had to leave on account of Judy’s health. It was for the best. They could really use our prayers.”

“But when’s Laurel going back home?” Mom asked.

Jeff set a hand on hers. “How’s Emma doing since the funeral?”

“About the same. She doesn’t understand what’s going on, but she’s been pretty moody the past couple days.” He addressed Avery. “I told Paul what you said about Judy. Thanks for that.”

“No problem. As far as Emma goes, you can probably expect some regression. I have a colleague in Asheville who specializes in children and grief. I’d be happy to give you her number if you’d like.”

Always the doctor, his sister. “I might take you up on that.”

“Some play therapy might be helpful.”

Cooper’s brown eyes fastened on him. “Any luck getting hold of the aunt yet?”

“We don’t expect to reach her until at least Monday. She’s on a sailing expedition to San Juan at the moment,” he added for the benefit of those he hadn’t told yet. “I’m sure she’ll come once she finds out about Mike and Mallory. They seemed fairly close.”

“Is that the plan then?” Jeff asked. “That she’ll become Emma’s guardian?”

“That’s the hope.” Gavin bit into the sandwich, wishing for a change of topic. His brain needed a respite from worry.

“But won’t she want to move Emma to Florida?” Cooper asked. “She’s still working, right?”

“I think so. Obviously it would be better if she stayed here for a while at least. Plus there’s the orchard to consider. But that would be up to Patty, of course.”

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