Page 37 of Riverbend Gap (Riverbend 1)

The scattering of Spencer’s ashes had been heavy on her heart since she’d collected them from the funeral home. She was actually anticipating it. Spencer’s remains didn’t belong in a glossy oak urn, no matter how lovely it was. She was eager to finally lay him to rest at a place he loved, following a hike he’d always wanted but been too sick to do.

Oh, she knew his ashes weren’t his essence. His soul was in heaven. But she longed for the peace of having this last sacred rite done.

“So, hey, about this weekend... I’m afraid I have some bad news.”

She noted the flicker of regret on his face. “What’s up?”

“There’s been some major trouble with one of the cabins—plumbing issues. I have a large group coming on Monday, a family reunion, and my boss doesn’t want to cancel the booking. He’s out of town and insisting I stay and oversee the repairs.”

“Oh. I see.”

“I’m not leaving you hung out to dry though. I don’t want you doing this hike alone.” He gave her a wary look. “I hope you don’t mind, but I asked Coop if he’d accompany you, and he’d be happy to go along.”

“Coop?” Katie’s mind spun at the sudden shift of events.

“I know you don’t know him very well, and maybe you wouldn’t be comfortable with this, but I’m hoping you’ll consider it.” Gavin winced. “I hope I haven’t overstepped, but I was worried about you being out there alone. I know you can take care of yourself, but there’s no cell coverage for much of the hike, and if you have an accident... I’d trust Coop to watch out for you, that’s all.”

“I’ll just ask Avery. I’m sure she’d take the day off if I asked her to.”

“It’s your decision, of course. But I’d feel a lot better if you had the security of a man since you’ll be gone overnight.”

“Right.” She envisioned two solid days with Cooper. Overnight in the shelter. Scattering her brother’s ashes. Katie’s heart fluttered and she shifted her gaze away. She didn’t hate the idea.

“He’s also done this hike before, so he’ll know what to do if you run into wildlife.”

She imagined how the two days would unfold. Imagined having Cooper’s company on what was, admittedly, a very private affair. And she felt... okay with it. He had a calm, soothing presence, wasn’t one to intrude where he wasn’t welcome. He was intuitive. He’d give her space if she needed it. And she couldn’t imagine anyone she’d feel safer with.

“Katie?” Gavin’s hand covered hers. “Are you mad at me?”

“Not at all. It’s sweet that you’re concerned. And I really didn’t want to do this alone.”

A smile pulled the corners of his lips even as his shoulders measurably sank. His blue eyes sharpened on hers. “You’re so great, Katie. I’ve never met a woman like you.”

“Thanks. You’re pretty great yourself.”

It was true. Gavin was handsome and attentive. He didn’t have annoying habits she couldn’t live with. He was close to his family, but he was also his own man. In short, he was husband material.

His gaze grew intense. “I feel like I can breathe for the first time in a long time.”

Her heart constricted at his words, and her eyes stung because she knew what he’d suffered, even if he hadn’t told her himself. “I’m really glad. You deserve good things, Gavin.”

He squeezed her hand and cleared his throat. The moment passed.

“Are you sure Cooper doesn’t mind? It’s an awful lot to ask.”

“Cooper loves to hike.”

“I know but he’s giving up his whole weekend. Doesn’t he have campaign obligations?”

“Nope. Like I said, this is right up his alley—and there’s no one I trust more. I’ll let him know to be at your house at seven if that’s all right. He has all the gear he’ll need. You found the sleeping bag I left on your porch?”

“Yeah, everything’s packed and ready to go.”

He gave her a fond smile. “Little Miss Organized. I hadn’t packed a thing yet.”

“I guess sometimes it pays to procrastinate.”

“Usually it just stresses me out.” He turned his attention to the stage, where Lonnie Purdy, the Trailhead’s owner, introduced the band.