Page 40 of Riverbend Gap (Riverbend 1)

That did make her feel a little better. “I’m surprised we haven’t passed anyone yet.”

“It’s early, and anyone coming this way would’ve spent the night at Deer Park Mountain shelter. We’ll probably be passing some folks soon.”

The sun had risen a bit, and the temperature was noticeably warmer than when they’d started. The afternoon would be uncomfortable. But the cooler temperatures tonight would be a welcome reward.

How would that be—sleeping in the shelter beside Cooper? Would it be weird? No weirder than sleeping six inches from a stranger, and according to Gavin, that’s how it was done.

“So what are these shelters like exactly?”

“Well, they vary. Walnut Mountain is a three-sided log structure. Sleeps five or so. It’s right on the trail, and there’s a fire pit and a picnic table, plus a privy and water source nearby.”

“Will we have company?”

“Most likely. Hopefully we’ll get there early enough to get a space.”

“And if we don’t?”

“We pitch the tent I brought just in case.”

“Oh.” She hadn’t realized they might be sharing a tent. “That was smart thinking.”

“Best to be prepared. People are pretty good about making room, especially if there’s bad weather, but sometimes they fill up. Some people just hang a hammock, but that’s no good in bad weather.”

The ground leveled out a bit, and the inclines grew shorter. The ridge was above the trail, so the views were infrequent. When they reached a spot with a large log just off the trail beside a trickling stream, Cooper slowed.

“Ready for a water break?”

“Sure.”

Gavin sank to the log and adjusted the laces on his boots.

She shrugged off her pack, pulled out a water bottle, and drank in sips. Nature carried on around them: squirrels nattering, birds tweeting, wind rustling the treetops.

And still the pervasive anticipatory feeling Katie had awakened with persevered. What would tomorrow feel like? Would scattering her brother’s ashes be the closure she needed? Or would the rite only pick open the scab over her heart?

***

Cooper grabbed a water bottle from his pack and quenched his thirst. “Don’t hold back on the water. You don’t want to get dehydrated, and there are plenty of water sources between here and Max Patch.”

“Okay. I’m grateful for the shade. It’s going to get hot today.”

“About three in the morning you’ll wish for a little warmth.”

Cooper was enjoying the hike. Enjoying the company. Kate was easy to talk to. She didn’t complain or focus on the negative. Even though she’d had a difficult childhood, she remained optimistic. He admired that.

He’d been glad to take the lead earlier. Her shapely form was a distraction he didn’t need. And with her hair up and that long, graceful neck exposed, she was a tempting sight. What was it about her neck? And why did he feel like thatTwilightdude all of a sudden?

He looked away. She was Gavin’s girl. He took another swig of water, his thoughts going back to the night he’d run into her coming from the AA meeting. As of a week ago, she hadn’t yet told Gavin about her issue. It was a constant worry in the back of Cooper’s mind. Maybe an addiction wasn’t something you shared on a first or second date. But surely things were starting to getserious between Kate and Gavin. After all, he was bringing her around the family.

Gavin had a right to know about her addiction, even if she did have it under control. He had a right to make a decision about the relationship before he was too deeply involved. Maybe it was time to ease his worry. And when would he have a better chance?

Cooper took a quick slug of water as he formulated his thoughts. “Listen, Kate. I know you might think this is none of my business, but I was wondering if you’d told Gavin about...” He struggled with the wording, not wanting to sound overly harsh or judgmental.

She gave him a quizzical look. “What?”

He sighed. “It’s the drinking thing... It’s a big deal. I mean, I’m sure you have a handle on it, and I’m glad you’re going to meetings and everything but—”

Kate let out a laugh, covering her mouth to hold the water in.