Page 53 of Riverbend Gap (Riverbend 1)

“He’s a good man.” Lisa turned off the stovetop and placed a hand on Katie’s arm. “Honey . . . I can’t tell you how happy I am that Gavin has you in his life. He’s a new person since he starteddating you. We’ve been so worried about him. I can’t thank you enough.”

Katie dredged up a smile. “Of course. I’m glad he’s doing so much better.”

The front door opened and Jeff entered, followed by Avery and Gavin.

“We all arrived at once,” Avery said after the greetings.

“Perfect timing,” Lisa said. “Everything’s ready.”

Jeff pecked Lisa on the lips. “Let’s eat.”

Katie wondered about Cooper as they took their places at the table. Would it be giving away too much if she asked? She was being paranoid.

“Where’s Coop?” Avery finally asked after grace.

“He’s attending some benefit dinner in Marshall,” Jeff said.

Avery frowned. “And he didn’t think to tell his campaign manager? I would’ve gone with him.”

“He knows you’ve been busy with the clinic.” Lisa passed the salad. “He said he could handle this one on his own.”

Talk turned to Cooper’s run for sheriff, but Katie’s thoughts revolved around the staggering disappointment she felt at his absence.

This was silly. She was dating Gavin, and they made a great couple. Even his mom thought so. Feeding these feelings for Cooper was pointless. Because even if she broke up with Gavin, Cooper would never make a move on his brother’s ex-girlfriend, even if he wanted to—and she wasn’t sure he did. Sure, she’d caught some vibes, but he loved his brother and he was a loyal man.

If she broke up with Gavin she’d not only lose both men and strain her relationship with Avery, but she’d also lose Lisa and Jeff, whom she’d already become attached to.

She needed to focus on and be grateful for what she already had. She caught Gavin’s eyes and gave him a warm smile.

He took her hand beneath the table and gave it a gentle squeeze.

20

Katie’s heart kicked against her rib cage as she took a seat at the coffee shop table. She was early. Millie’s Mug and Bean was busy this Saturday morning. Patrons sat in groups of two or three, and the line was long with to-go orders. She inhaled the rich scent of freshly brewed coffee and let out a slow breath.

The front door swept open again, making her nerves jangle. But it wasn’t her mother.

Katie sipped her decaf coffee, her mind going back to last night at the Robinsons’. It had been a wonderful evening. Gavin’s family was fun and delightful. So warm and caring. Did he know how lucky he was to have them?

After a delicious supper and several rousing rounds of cornhole, Gavin had walked her out and given her a lingering good-night kiss. By the time she got into her car and drove away, she was wondering what was wrong with her. Gavin was the ideal boyfriend. His family was a dream. So what if it was taking him a while toopen up? That was probably normal for divorced people, right? She should be patient with him.

She had to put this silly infatuation with Cooper from her mind.

She could start by focusing on this morning’s meeting with her mother. She didn’t want to lie to the woman, but she had to be careful which details she revealed. She didn’t want Beth guessing who Katie was before she decided if she wanted this woman in her life. Or if Beth would want Katie in her life.

It would be a fine line to walk.

The coffee shop’s door swung open and Beth came through. Her gaze swept the room and settled on Katie.

Katie’s mouth went dry as they exchanged waves, then Beth went to place an order. The line was nonexistent now, so it wasn’t long before Beth received her coffee and joined Katie at the table.

“You’re early,” Beth said.

“I’ve been up since five.”

Beth slung her purse straps over the chair’s back. “Trouble sleeping?”

“Not really. I’m just an early riser.”