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The other guys echoed similar apologies.
“What else?” River prompted, sharp gaze pinning him in place.
Another breath heaved out of his chest. “And I apologize for embarrassing you both. I should’ve been more civilized, and I shouldn’t have accused him of anything.”
Speechless, I couldn’t think of what to say to it. I blinked back at him, unsure if he meant it or if he was just trying to keep River happy.
When I didn’t say anything, she gave him another stern look.
Finn scratched the back of his neck absently. “Where might I find Rowan so we can apologize to him, too?”
Unable to help myself, I snorted. Finn was so beneath River’s thumb, but I was grateful for it.
Relaxing more then, I crossed my arms over my chest. “Rowan’s on watch in the woods. He won’t be done until five.”
Finn nodded as he deflated enough to relax a bit more, seemingly glad to get it out of the way.
“And I accept your apology. I just want everyone to give him a chance,” I said, glancing at the others to make sure my point was heard by all of them. “He’s not the monster you might think he is.”
“Thanks, Willow,” Finn murmured, seemingly coming around again. “Congratulations on your pregnancy. I hope everything goes well for both of you.”
I gave him a gracious smile, instinctively bringing a hand to my small belly.
The tension lifted easily enough, as everyone seemed to feel better about it, and I didn’t feel as on guard near Finn.
“We’ll see you around then,” he said, to which the others nodded in agreement, and they began in the other direction, leaving the core that was busy with working bodies.
The moment they were gone, the three of us broke into laughter.
“Thank you for that,” I said to River, wiping a tear away from my eye.
She put a hand against my arm supportively and chuckled, just as amused. “Anytime. He deserved it, honestly. I won’t hesitate to make him apologize a hundred times over if he starts anything else.”
Smiling, I was glad to have it behind us. “That works for me.”
“Everything looks great, by the way. You’re doing great work,” River said with an appreciative tone as she looked around. “Apparently, Sara needs help with grabbing some things from the community center, so I’m going to lend a hand over there. Let me know if you two need anything.”
We both nodded and wished her luck, then returned to our decorating with amused smiles.
“Even if River had to drag him over here, he’ll mean it eventually. You know how the guys are with their pride,” Alora said, giving me the support I needed.
Nodding, I rifled through one of the boxes and started pulling more items out. “Do I ever.”
While we spent the rest of the day in brighter spirits, I only hoped that everything would go over well with Finn’s extended apology to Rowan.
Chapter 22 - Rowan
Everyone from all over town gathered in the heart of Rose Valley to attend the long-anticipated harvest festival, and I was honored to be one of them.
Since the streets were busy with vehicles, Willow and I decided to walk, which was a good start to it all.
As we walked in, strolling beneath a large welcome sign decorated in fall colors and pictures of carefully crafted crops, I was immediately impressed by how everything looked.
I had always heard that the people of Rose Valley take their celebrations very seriously, and that was more than evident to me.
It was all there, from hanging decorations to freshly picked sunflowers and cornstalks, strategically placed pumpkins, food stands, and even a corn maze.
The sun’s warmth helped to keep the chill out as we walked further in, pointing at various things that caught our eyes.
