Page 43 of Mulberry Hollow (Riverbend 2)

A hopeful spark lit his eyes, then extinguished. His gaze drifted around the space. “I should probably finish trimming.”

“You can do that tomorrow. Come on, if you’re going to be working practically for free, you have to allow me to provide your meals. And since I’m not such a great cook...”

His weight shifted on his feet. “I really shouldn’t impose.”

Avery laughed. “Trust me, that’s not a word the Robinsons believe in. My stepmom invites total strangers off the trail for supper. Everyone’s used to it, and there’s always plenty of food. What’s one more?”

“Your whole family will be there?”

Ah, that was the holdup. “I know my brothers can be gigantic pains in the butt, but they’re good guys—albeit completely overprotective of me. Don’t let them scare you away. And Katie will be there, of course. You know her.”

He glanced toward the fridge—thinking of its empty contents? “Well, if you’re sure they wouldn’t mind.”

“I’m positive. And my dad is grilling burgers, so you don’t want to miss that.”

“I can practically taste them now. Do I have time for a quick shower?”

“You do that while I change and grab the mac and cheese. I’ll meet you at my Jeep in fifteen.”

***

“We eat outside when the weather allows,” Avery said. “But I’m afraid we’re stuck in the house today.”

Wes followed Avery through her parents’ doorway. The boisterous conversation coming from the back of the house made his stomach churn. He didn’t know why he was nervous. After being cooped up this week, he welcomed the idea of company. But his previous interactions with Avery’s brothers hadn’t exactly given him warm and fuzzy vibes.

In the kitchen a woman—presumably Avery’s stepmom—was at the sink. Through the sliding door, Cooper and Katie watched Avery’s dad grilling out, his gray slicker dripping with rain. Gavin lingered at the island, helping himself to cheese and crackers.

“Hey, everyone!” Avery called.

Her greeting was returned. Gavin noticed Wes first, but his poker face gave no indication of his thoughts.

Cooper did a double take. “Hey there.”

Avery took the Crockpot from Wes and set it on the island.

“Oh, how nice.” Lisa approached Wes, smiling broadly as she dried her hands on a towel. “You must be Avery’s new contractor—or patient, whatever. I’m her stepmom, Lisa.”

“I’ve been a little of both.” Wes extended his hand. “Nice to meet you, ma’am.”

Lisa chuckled and went straight for the hug. “I’m a hugger. I hope you don’t mind. You don’t look at all the way I expected.”

He rubbed his jaw. “I was probably a fright, coming out of the hills.”

“We’re certainly used to that around here.”

The others greeted him. The brothers were cordial if not overly friendly.

Avery put her hand on Wes’s arm. “Wes has been stuck in the carriage house all week, so I thought I’d spring him from jail tonight.”

“Well, we’re happy to have you, honey. Go ahead and grab a seat, everyone. Your dad’s plating the burgers as we speak.”

By the time Avery set the crock on the table with the other food, Lisa had already set a place for Wes.

Avery’s dad entered, dripping rain and carrying a platter of burgers. He seemed a bit older than his wife. But the laugh lines fanning out from his blue eyes gave him a friendly appearance.

The savory smell of the grilled burgers made Wes’s empty stomach twist. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d had grilled meat.

After introductions were made, Lisa helped her husband shrug from his raincoat, then took the platter while Jeff dried off with a dish towel.