Page 76 of Riverbend Gap (Riverbend 1)

“Good choice.” Lisa grabbed the spade and went to work on the hole, and Katie moved to her other side where the last hydrangea would go.

“Your new picket fence looks great. Really makes for nice curb appeal.”

“Thanks. Honestly, it was more of a project than I’d anticipated. I was planning to fence the whole yard, but after spending an entire afternoon on this one stretch, I decided a section of decorative fencing would be just fine.”

“It’s the perfect touch. You should’ve had Gavin put it up for you. He’s very handy.”

“I’m too independent for my own good.”

“Well, there’s nothing wrong with that either.” When Lisa was finished with the spade she handed it to Katie. “I just love hydrangeas—the blue ones especially. Mine are white though.”

“The pH of the soil determines the color of the bloom. Hydrangeas grow purple in acidic soil—at least they should.”

“Well, aren’t you clever. I had no idea.”

Katie warmed under the woman’s praise. “Well, we’ll have to see if it actually works—they won’t bloom for a year or two.”

A breeze whispered across Katie’s skin, cooling her flesh and stirring the fine hairs at her nape. The wind chimes tinkled out a pleasant melody.

Lisa looked over her shoulder. “I just love wind chimes. They’re so...”

“Soothing,” both women said at the same time, then laughed.

“The kids got me those wind chimes I have hanging on the back patio. When I hear them tinkle I pray for them.”

She was such a great mom. Katie’s heart squeezed. “I just love that.”

“Well, once your kids are grown, that’s about all you can do for them. Of course I’d love to give them advice at every turn, but unless they ask my opinion I try to keep my big mouth shut.”

“I’m sure you’re being too hard on yourself. You seem to have a great relationship with all your kids.”

Lisa’s eyes twinkled. “That’s only because I’ve learned to butt out and let them make their own decisions.”

“Well, you seem to handle it with great aplomb.”

Lisa waved away her words. “Jeff’s always nudging me under the table when I’m about to blow it. He’s the savvy one. He does this thing—when the kids are sharing a problem with him and he has something to say, he pulls two pennies out of his pocket and sets them on a table. If they want to hear his two cents, they pick up the pennies. If they don’t, they just move the conversation right along, no harm no foul.”

Katie’s mouth spread in a smile. “That’s genius.”

“My husband is a wise man.” They worked in silence for a minute, then Lisa spoke again. “Well, how was your day, honey? The clinic seems to be holding its own.”

“Business is down a little, but it’s been pretty steady despite the bridge closure.” She gave Lisa a sidelong glance. “Last Friday someone tried to convince Avery to treat their dog.”

“What? How did I not hear about that? For heaven’s sake, we have a perfectly good vet in town.”

“I guess the lady doesn’t get along with him too well. Avery sent her packing though.”

“Well, I should hope so. Goodness.”

“How’s the planning for Trail Days going on your end?”

“Well, that’s actually why I came by. The online marketing is going great, but we’re a little late getting the flyers up in a few ofthe nearby towns. I’m trying to get a group of people to do that on Saturday. Interested?”

“Sure. I don’t have anything better to do.”

“Terrific. So far I have you, Avery, and Cooper. If I can get a few more, you can split up and hit different towns.”

“Sounds good.” Katie’s bright smile belied the sudden tension in her shoulders. Katie, Avery, and Cooper. After the awkward moment in Lisa’s kitchen two days ago, that sounded like a fun afternoon. But maybe it was a chance to show Avery there was nothing to worry about.