Page 50 of Riverbend Gap (Riverbend 1)

His soul gave a heavy sigh. He opened his arms and she stepped right into his embrace. He wrapped his arms around her, cradling the back of her head. He buried his face in her hair and breathed her in. He’d been worried about her. It had been hard to stay here, knowing she was up there alone, hurting.

“You okay?” he asked softly.

“Oh, Cooper—there was a hummingbird. I was praying, staring out at the view, not really seeing anything, then there it was.” She gave a choked laugh. “A hummingbird. It floated around some flowers for a minute and then it was gone.”

Cooper had been up here two dozen times, and he’d never seen a hummingbird. “Oh, honey.”

“Isn’t it crazy?”

“Crazy wonderful.”

“It really was. I just feel so...”

“What?” he asked when she didn’t continue.

“Good,” she said finally. “At peace, I guess.”

“I’m so glad.” He dropped a kiss on the top of her head, his throat tightening at God’s goodness. He held her for a long moment, letting her decide when she’d had enough.

When they drew apart they shared a smile. He glanced at the top of her head. “Where’s your hat?”

She looked around, frowned at her bag. “I must’ve left it up there.”

“I’ll get it.” Before she could argue he jogged up the path and onto the summit. He found the hat lying near a rock. The hummingbirdwas gone. There were no signs of ashes in the air. Just a lonely breeze rustling through the meadow of flowers.

He grabbed the hat and took in the panoramic vista, Mount Mitchell to the east, the Smoky Mountains to the southwest. No matter how many times he saw it, the sweeping view was still breathtaking.

God, whatever You did up here... Thank You.

After a moment he made his way back down the dirt path and found Kate waiting where he’d left her. He set the cap on her head.

From beneath the brim she gave him a saucy grin. “Thought you didn’t like my Yankees hat.”

“I don’t.” His lips curved of their own volition. “But I like the woman wearing it.”

18

Cooper took his time driving Katelyn’s car down Max Patch, not because the gravel road was windy and bumpy—although it was. But because his time with her was ticking down one second at a time. He was already thinking ahead to when he might see her again. This coming Friday at the family supper?

When they finally reached the paved road, he increased his speed. She checked her phone and must’ve had a signal because she started typing. Probably letting Gavin know they were on their way back.

“How are you doing over there?” Cooper asked when she put her phone away.

“I feel really good. Today was just what I needed.” She shifted to face him. “Thank you again, Cooper. I mean it. You gave up your whole weekend for this, and I really appreciate it.”

“It’s nothing. It was good to get out and hike again.” He glanced her way, just long enough to catch and hold her smile foran exhilarating moment. “Quite a week for you. I’ll be praying about your meeting with your mother Saturday.”

“Thanks. I should see you before that, though. Family supper Friday?”

That seemed so far away. “Right.”

Their relationship had deepened significantly over the past two days. Despite his best efforts, Kate had wormed her way even further into his heart. He didn’t know what to do about that. But he didn’t want to waste these last moments alone fretting about it.

“What’s on tap for the rest of your day?” he asked.

“I have no idea. I could hardly think beyond this morning. Maybe I’ll do a little gardening.” She stifled a yawn. “Or maybe I’ll take a nap.”

“You could probably use one. The weekend took a lot out of you, physically and emotionally.”