Page 95 of Harvest Moon (Riverbend 3)

“Hi, Cooper.”

“Come help me out.” He tossed the sandbag. “I could use a better partner.”

“Hey, I’m having a bad day.” Avery sent Laurel a reluctant smile. “Hi, Laurel.”

“The burgers are ready,” Lisa said before Laurel could respond. “Come eat while it’s still hot.”

Lisa had added a seat to the end of the table. Where should she sit?

A hand on the small of her back nudged her forward. “Come on. Let me introduce you to Wes and Katie.”

Thirty minutes later the burgers were gone, but the conversation continued. Laurel had forgotten how easily the chatter and teasing flowed in this family. At the beginning of the meal, Lisa, Jeff, and the siblings had made a point of speaking to her, each of them so carefully cordial. Cooper and Katie were especially gracious.

But during the past ten minutes Laurel had gladly retreated into her shell and become an observer. Except for a curious glance or two her way, she was almost able to pretend she was watching the gathering on TV.

She observed Katie, who added so naturally to the banter, fitting in perfectly with the Robinson clan. She seemed positive and cheerful, always offering words of encouragement or playfully teasing. It was difficult to dislike her, and somehow that made it even harder to accept that last summer Gavin had been dating her. Laurel could see why though—not only was Katie beautiful but she seemed so open, so uncomplicated.

So unlike Laurel.

The sting of jealousy made her squirm. She couldn’t develop feelings for Gavin again. Talk about complicated. But why else would she be feeling jealous of Katie?

The reminder of their upcoming announcement made the food in her stomach churn. She and Gavin hadn’t discussed how he would broach the subject, but surely he would do it soon. She almost wished Emma would wake up so she’d have a distraction. She glanced at the sleeping child, but Emma didn’t so much as stir.

At least her conversation with her mother had gone well. Mom’s marriage seemed to have softened her up on the subject of men. And realizing Laurel would now move back to Riverbend helped Mom overcome her bitterness toward Gavin. A grandchild only sweetened the deal. Maybe Laurel and her mom could even work toward a closer relationship now that she was coming home to stay.

A clinking sound quieted the group. But it was Wes who’d demanded everyone’s attention.

The group went silent as every head turned his way.

“Wow,” he said. “If I’d known that would work, I would’ve done it a long time ago.”

The family chuckled.

Wes flashed a grin. “Avery and I have an announcement to make.” He gazed adoringly at her on the bench beside him. “Last night I asked her to marry me—”

“And I saidyes!” Avery whipped out her hand and waggled her fingers, flashing the solitaire diamond.

The table broke out in pandemonium. Congratulations and well-wishes flowed like water over Walker Falls.

Laurel’s own wishes were swallowed up by the exuberant response. Even if her and Avery’s relationship was now strained, Laurel was glad she’d found someone special. After all the other woman had been through, she deserved a nice guy like Wes. And since Gavin had chosen him as a business partner, she had to assume that’s exactly what he was.

Gavin made eye contact with her and lifted his shoulders. He hadn’t known the announcement was coming.

Laurel hated to steal Avery and Wes’s thunder, but she and Gavin still had to tell the family. She returned his shrug. It was what it was.

Gavin waited until the excitement died down. Until the group was finished fishing for a date, weighing the pros and cons of personal vows, and discussing how many attendants might be involved.

He waited until Lisa stood and began clearing the table. “Wait, Mom. Can you sit down for a second? I have something I need to say.”

His mom sank back onto the bench, a frown creasing her forehead.

Everyone stared at Gavin now. He gave Avery and Wes a painedlook. “I’m really sorry to do this today, guys. I’d wait till next week, but I feel you should know.”

“What’s up, son?” Jeff asked.

Lisa gave a strained smile. “You have us worried.”

“No need for concern. I have good news—at least that’s the way I see it.” He glanced at Laurel.

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