Page 94 of Harvest Moon (Riverbend 3)

“Mom. You’ve gotta drop this grudge. You of all people know marriage is complicated. What happened back then was terrible, but it’s between Laurel and me.”

Cooper chimed in. “Plus, you always say everybody’s welcome at the Robinson table.”

Mom nailed him with a look. “Aren’t you helpful.”

“He’s right, you do say that.”

Mom pursed her lips together. Studied Gavin for a full ten seconds. “Fine. Bring her along.”

“And you’ll be on your best behavior?”

“When have I ever been rude to anyone we’ve welcomed into our home?”

Well, there was a first time for everything. But rather than pushing his luck, Gavin gave her the sweet smile that always did her in. “I love you, Ma. You’re the best mother in the world.”

She swatted the back of his head. “Oh, you. You’re gonna be the death of me yet.”

Chapter34

“Maybe you should do this alone.” Laurel’s heart bucked as she stared through the windshield at the familiar farmhouse, set back off the river on several acres of wooded land. Avery’s blue Jeep was already in the drive along with Cooper’s truck. Now that she and Gavin had arrived, everyone was present and accounted for.

“I know it might be uncomfortable,” Gavin said. “But Mom promised to be nice.”

Laurel huffed. “What about everyone else?”

“Has anyone said something to you since you’ve been back?”

“Not at all—they’ve just treated me like I have a raging case of leprosy. This is a bad idea.”

“If all goes well, we’ll be raising a child together, Laurel. We can’t put this off. They’ll have to get used to the idea, and that’ll start today. I won’t leave your side, and I won’t let them be mean to you. I promise.”

She stared into his clear blue eyes. He had his faults, of course, but he’d never been dishonest. Her mind flashed back to their early relationship in high school—he’d been quite adept at standing up for her when others thought she was beneath him.

She shifted her gaze to the house once again and drew a deep, steadying breath. Once upon a time she’d loved coming here. It had taken her a while to drop her guard with the family, but she eventually let the Robinsons in. It was impossible not to. Gavin loved her and that was enough for them. They were so welcoming and loving.

After the separation, she’d missed them terribly—especially Lisa, who was more affectionate than her own mom. Laurel’s current feelings of abandonment didn’t really make sense. After all, that was what happened after a divorce. But that hadn’t made the rejection hurt any less.

“Ready?” he asked.

She let out a sigh. “I guess so.”

She exited the vehicle while Gavin carefully removed a sleeping Emma from her car seat. The toddler draped over his shoulder like a rag doll—the girl could sleep through a tornado.

Spine straight, Laurel followed Gavin across the grassy lawn toward the back of the house. She had to admit, it was a perfect day for a picnic, the temperature in the midseventies, the sun shining against a blue backdrop. The smell of grilling burgers wafted her way, making her stomach rumble. Sounds of chatter and laughter floated through the air. The siblings were probably playing cornhole while Jeff finished up at the grill. Lisa would be scurrying around with the table settings and side dishes.

Side dishes.Laurel was showing up empty-handed. Too late now. They rounded the corner of the house and came upon the very scene she’d envisioned.

There were two newcomers in the assembled group. The tall guy with the athletic build and dark-blond hair must be Avery’s boyfriend, Wes. And the beautiful, petite blonde with the pink top, white shorts, and trendy sandals would be Katie, Cooper’s newwife—and Gavin’s ex-girlfriend. No wonder he’d been attracted to her.

When Laurel pulled her gaze away, it collided with Lisa’s.

The woman offered a plastic smile. “Oh, hello, kids. Look who fell asleep on the way here. Do you want to put her down in the house, honey?”

“That’s okay,” Gavin said. “I’ll just put her here on the chaise.”

By now, of course, everyone was looking Laurel’s way. She fought the urge to turn and run. It was obvious by their lack of surprise that Lisa had forewarned them.

“Hey, Laurel,” Cooper called from his spot by the cornhole board.

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