Page 44 of Mulberry Hollow (Riverbend 2)

Once they were all settled around the table, Jeff said grace and they began passing the food around the table. Wes intended to take everything offered—it all smelled so good.

Gavin met Wes’s gaze. “So I hear you’re hitting the trail again tomorrow.”

Wes scooped mac ’n’ cheese on his plate. He must’ve gotten that tidbit from the phone conversation he’d overheard Monday. “Actually, I decided to stick around a few more days.”

“He didn’t want to leave my roof half-done and tarped over,” Avery said.

“Well, that’s very nice of you,” Lisa said. “Avery said you’re doing a great job. So I have to ask, what made you decide to hike the AT, Wes? I’m always interested in what drives a person to embark on such a long and difficult journey.”

Wes finished chewing a bite of burger. “Actually, I’m doing it in honor of a friend. He passed away a while back.”

“Sorry to hear that,” Jeff said. “Was the AT on his bucket list?”

“Yes, sir.”

Lisa gave him a warm smile. “What a lovely thing to do. Have you experienced any trail magic along the way?”

“I didn’t even know what that was when I started out—I was pretty green. But I happened upon a hiker feed in Virginia. I’ve never been so happy for a home-cooked meal, I can tell you that. And just across the North Carolina border, some friendly folks were passing out energy bars and water.”

“We host hikers from time to time,” Jeff said. “Sometimes for a meal and sometimes even overnight.”

“I’m sure the hospitality is appreciated. You don’t really appreciate a mattress until you’ve spent weeks on the ground. I’ve hitched a ride or two along the way. People are very supportive along the trail, and the hikers are grateful.”

“What’s your trail name?” Katie asked.

“I, uh, decided to take my buddy’s since I was hiking in his honor—Avocado.” His face heated because, of course, they were going to ask.

“I’m guessing there’s a story behind the name,” Jeff said.

“There is, but it’s, uh, not for mixed company, I’m afraid.”

Avery arched a brow at him in a way that implied she would pry the story from him later.

“My trail name is Skittles,” Katie said. “You can probably guess where that came from.”

Cooper gave her an adoring look. “Let’s just say she has a sweet tooth that defies logic.”

Katie returned the look, giving him a nudge.

“Where are you from, Wes?” Jeff asked. “Certainly not the south by your accent.”

Funny how southerners thoughthehad an accent. “The Midwest originally, but I’ve been working in South America for the past several years.”

“He worked for Emergency Shelter International in Colombia, building homes for refugees.”

“That’s a good organization.”

“Yes, ma’am.” The back of Wes’s neck heated at the attention—at Avery’s efforts to boost her family’s opinion of him. “Overall, it was a great experience. I met some fine people down there. Sure makes you grateful for all the blessings we Americans take for granted.”

“Amen,” Jeff said, then addressed Avery. “Any luck in your pursuit of a doctor, honey?”

“I had a résumé come in last week. But when I interviewed him it was obvious he viewed the clinic as a stepping-stone. I need someone willing to stick around for the long haul.”

“You might have to take what you can get,” Gavin said.

“Maybe, but I’m not giving up just yet.”

Over the next several minutes other conversations struck up around the table. Cooper told Gavin about some skirmish that happened on the job, and Lisa complimented her husband on the grilled burgers. The din grew louder as time passed.