Page 28 of Riverbend Gap (Riverbend 1)

“I shouldn’t have been walking by so fast.”

“What are you doing here? Is this where you go to church?”

“Yes. I was running a campaign errand—official business.”

His crooked smile made her heart tilt. She just noticed the box he’d set on counter.

“What are you doing here?” he asked.

She opened her mouth but couldn’t think what to say. Did he know AA met in his church building on Friday nights? “I, uh... I’m—”

Something shifted in his eyes. His gaze darted toward the doorway before it returned to hers.

Yes, he knew about the meetings. Katie’s mouth went dry.

“Sorry. None of my business.”

Boy, she’d had a busy five minutes. After twenty years shefinally had her mother’s phone number in her pocket along with an invitation to call, and Cooper Robinson thought she was an alcoholic. And she couldn’t really explain without divulging very personal information.

He gestured to the ice pack. “How’s the burn?”

“Better. I should go home and get something on this.”

“Yeah, good idea. I’ll clean up here.” In his hurry to help her, he’d left out the ice bag and Ziploc box and a knife he’d used to chisel the ice.

She held up the ice pack. “Thanks again.”

Their eyes connected, and she saw so many things there. Affection. Concern. Questions. But she couldn’t return his affection, and she wasn’t ready to give him answers—so she just turned and left.

12

“Happy birthday, Mom.” Cooper kissed her on the cheek as she set a dish of something on the picnic table. The smell of grilling burgers carried across the backyard. “You don’t look a day over sixty.”

She swatted him on the back of the head. “I’m only forty-nine, smart aleck.”

“We should have a big bash next year for the big five-oh.”

“That’s what I told her,” Jeff said from behind the grill.

Avery set down a bowl of potato salad. “We should rent out the Trailhead and invite the whole town.”

“That’s what I’m talking about.” Jeff’s laugh lines fanned out as he smiled.

“There’s only one thing wrong with that plan,” his mom said. “It sounds like torture.”

“Wouldn’t hurt you to be the center of attention for once in your life.” Cooper got it, he really did. But his mom gave so much to the town, worked so hard behind the scenes serving as a trailangel, organizing fund-raisers, overseeing the children’s program at church. He’d love to see her recognized for everything she did.

“Where’s Gavin?” Cooper asked.

Avery grabbed a handful of SunChips from the bag. “Running a few minutes late.”

Mom was on her way back to the kitchen for more food. Cooper followed her and gave her a hand. He was setting the condiments on the picnic table when Gavin came around the side of the house.

And right on his heels was Katelyn.

“Hey, guys!” Gavin said. “Happy birthday, Mom.”

They exchanged greetings, and Kate’s gaze met and held Cooper’s for a long beat when they said hello.