Page 52 of Beneath the Harvest Moon

She changed her mind before.

“Let us not steal the attention from Jane.” Her fingers tightened around his. “We should wait a day or two before we make our announcement.”

He urged the nagging doubt within him to remain silent.

“I meant what I said, Gabriel. I swear I will not betray you again.” She wriggled out of his grasp. “You believe me, do you not?” She wrapped her arms around her middle. “We must learn to trust each other again.”

“And we can only do so by taking a leap of faith.” He cupped her face. “I love you. Let John and Jane enjoy the expansion of their family, and we will celebrate soon.” He pressed a soft kiss on her lips.

A loud moo interrupted their bliss.

Blythe giggled. “I forgot to milk them.”

“Then I shall distract you no more, my love.” Following a quick peck, he returned to the merriment of the tithe barn.

CHAPTER 18

Blythe reached out for the precious bundle in Jane’s arms. “Allow me.”

Jane handed over her daughter, and Blythe perched on the edge of the bed.

“You are glowing.”

Blythe ignored the statement.

“You are radiant.”

She nuzzled her namesake’s shock of dark hair and inhaled. “Why do babies smell so sweet?”

“Have you and Doctor Sharpe come to an understanding?”

The urge to shout out her joy almost overcame her, but it was too soon.

“You have, haven’t you?” Jane persisted. “Don’t ignore me, Blythe. Yesterday, you were both awkward until you had to work together to ensure little Blythe’s safe arrival. Then you disappeared.”

“I had to tend to the cows, and he returned to the supper.” Blythe caressed the babe’s cheek. “Her skin is so soft.”

“Stop changing the subject. Have you resolved things between you?”

“Stop asking questions. You should focus on your recovery and this little one.”

Jane maintained a pointed gaze.

Blythe sighed. “Very well, we have reconciled.” She could no longer hold back a huge grin.

Jane clapped. “This is wonderful, and you are finally to marry?”

Little Blythe wriggled at the noise. “Yes.”

“I’m so happy for you both. Why did you not tell me yesterday?” Jane’s face fell. “You aren’t going to change your mind, are you?”

“Of course not! Gabriel wanted to announce our betrothal at the supper, but I did not wish to take the attention from you and your beautiful daughter.”

“You mean you don’t want to deal with your mam and the villagers, so you’re trying to delay the announcement.”

Her stomach tightened.

“Why do you care about what the villagers think? Most of the women are only jealous because they’ve been trying to catch Doctor Sharpe since you left, for themselves or their daughters.”