Page 58 of Harvest Moon (Riverbend 3)

Laurel tried to keep pace, but with Emma needing her attention, she gave it up and decided they’d be the cleanup crew instead.

Emma reached for the fallen apple, and Laurel held out the bag. “Careful... we don’t want to bruise it.”

“Careful.” Emma set the apple into the bag. With the early arrival of the crew, Laurel hadn’t taken the time to put up the girl’s hair so her wild blonde curls framed her face.

“Good job. Do you see any more?”

Emma dashed through the grass to the next fallen fruit. “Got it!”

“You’re so good at finding apples.”

Emma studied the fruit in her hands, then took a big bite.

“Is that your way of saying you’re ready for supper?”

“Supper!” she said around a mouthful of apple. “Emma hungry.”

Sunny stared at Emma’s apple, licking her chops. When that didn’t work, she barked.

Laurel laughed. “I guess you both are.” It was after six. Laurel walked toward the nearest bin. The crew would work until twilight or till the last Red Delicious was picked, then the fruit would be off to the packaging facility.

Laurel paused to take in the orchard, smell the hint of fruit in the air. This work wasn’t unlike her job at the Biltmore. In some ways, it was more satisfying because it was so personal. She could understand the appeal it had for Mallory—the tending of her own land, the ability to be self-sustaining, enjoying the fruit of herlabors—literally. Laurel felt at peace working this property, much as Mallory had.

Laurel carefully rolled the apples into the bin. “Let’s go back to the house so we can make supper. I’ll bet Sunny needs a drink of water.”

“Sunny thirsty.”

“That’s right.”

Emma took off toward the house. “Gabin.”

“He’ll be home soon.” Or so she supposed—he didn’t exactly report in. But that was okay. He had a business to run and a campground he half managed. He’d always been a hard worker. And she was content to take care of Emma and oversee the harvest.

Once inside Laurel filled Sunny’s water dish, then helped Emma wash her hands. When they were dry, Emma went off to put Bunny down for a nap while Laurel pulled a dish from the freezer and put it in the microwave to thaw. She’d add some veggies and the fresh loaf of bread Lisa had sent home with Gavin yesterday.

The doorbell rang and Sunny flashed by, claws sliding on the kitchen floor in her rush. Emma got up and ran toward the door. “Mama! Dada!”

Laurel’s heart faltered. She went after Emma and caught her before she opened the door. She swept the girl into her arms. “Baby... Oh, honey, I’m sorry, but it’s not your mommy and daddy.”

Laurel peeked out the sidelight and saw her mother on the stoop. “See, it’s MissDonna.”

Emma’s lip quivered and her big blue eyes filled with tears before she let out a heart-wrenching wail. Laurel pulled the girl close. She pressed her hand to the child’s back and swallowed thelump in her throat. “I’m so sorry, honey. It’s going to be okay. I love you, sweet angel.”

Laurel opened the door, letting her mom inside.

“Oh dear. Poor darling. What happened?”

Laurel shook her head and kissed Emma’s temple. “I know you miss your mommy and daddy, sweetheart. I know you’re sad. I’m sad too. But it’s going to be all right. Laurel’s here. I’ve got you.”

Her mother followed her quietly into the living room where they sat down. But they were unable to talk over the wailing. Laurel continued to murmur whatever hopeful things she could think of, but the child was inconsolable.

Her mom tried to distract her with toys, but Emma was too distraught. Even Sunny couldn’t cheer her up. Laurel gave up trying and just prayed. Maybe the child was starting to understand her parents were never coming home.

The front door opened and Gavin entered, his brows drawing together when he heard Emma’s cries and found her wailing in Laurel’s arms.

“What happened?” He barely acknowledged Laurel’s mom as he dropped his keys on the table and headed straight for the child.

Upon hearing his voice, Emma turned and reached for him, tears streaming down her pale face. He lifted her into his arms and she clung to him. “It’s okay, Emma Bear. I’ve got you.”

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