The ball thwacked the deputy on the shoulder. “Hey!”

  “Stop hitting on my mom.”

  * * *

  Katie’s heart gave a start when the knock came at the door.

  “Would you mind getting that, honey?” Lisa called from the kitchen where she was pouring iced tea into glasses.

  “Not at all.” Katie’s legs trembled as she stood from the armchair and approached the front door. For three weeks she’d managed to keep Beth and Lisa apart. But Lisa more or less insisted on meeting the woman who was heading up the online marketing for Trail Days, and resisting would’ve seemed odd.

  So here she was, about to introduce Lisa to her birth mother, only no one—except Cooper—knew who she really was. How did she get herself into these messes?

  Katie arranged her features into a welcoming expression and pulled open the door. “Hello, Beth.”

  The woman’s lips split into a warm smile. “Hi, Katie. I hope I’m not late.”

  “You’re right on time. Come on in.”

  Beth swept past her, that citrusy scent now familiar in a pleasant way. They’d met up last week to go over the social media plan Beth had put into place. Katie had tried to explain it to Lisa, and that’s where she’d gone wrong. Marketing wasn’t her forte, and she’d done nothing but confuse Lisa.

  As soon as Beth and Katie took seats in the living room, Lisa swept into the room with a tray of drinks, ice clinking in the glasses with each step. The women exchanged pleasantries as Lisa handed each woman a glass, then they got down to business.

  “It’s so nice of you to pitch in like this,” Lisa said. “I’ve already seen an uptick in visits to the Trail Days website.”

  “I’m glad to hear that. There’s been a lot of interest in the posts. You won’t regret diverting your advertising budget to online ads. Newspaper ads are something we refer to as ‘spray and pray,’ meaning that you’re targeting a lot of people but no one in particular. Online ads allow us to target people with specific interests like hiking, the Appalachian Trail, or festivals in general. I’ve also narrowed down the target audience geographically. And all those people who visit your website . . . I’m retargeting them with ads.”

  “Well, that just sounds wonderful,” Lisa said, “even if I don’t have the least idea how you’re going about such a thing.”

  “You don’t have to worry about the particulars. That’s my job. I just want to give back to this community for everything it’s given to me.”

  “Well, who am I to turn away help?”

  Beth spent a while explaining her strategy, and Lisa seemed satisfied with her explanations and the cost of online advertising.

  Katie let the ladies talk since she didn’t have much to add to the conversation. She shifted in her seat, antsy to have Beth gone. Being with her birth mother was awkward and scary enough without adding other people—people she cared about—to the mix.

  “How long have you lived in Riverbend, Beth?”

  The question jerked Katie from her reverie.

  “Seven years this fall.”

  “What brought you here? Do you have family around these parts?”

  “No, unfortunately. My parents have passed and I never married.”

  Katie tensed, waiting for a mention of children.

  But just then Jeff came through the door. He greeted the women, gave his wife a kiss on the cheek, then excused himself to shower.

  “Goodness.” Lisa glanced at her watch. “That hour sure slid right on by. Why don’t you stay for supper, Beth? We always have more than enough.”

  Katie’s stomach twisted in a knot. She’d been so careful in what she mentioned to Beth. She wasn’t ready to reveal the truth to her mother. The Robinsons knew she was from Asheville and that she’d been a foster child. What if someone gave away too much? Sweat broke out on the back of her neck.

  “Oh, I don’t want to be in the way,” Beth said.

  “Nonsense. The more the merrier. Katie’s staying—she’s dating our son. Our daughter, Avery, will be here and our deputy son, Cooper, is coming too—he’s running for sheriff.”

  “I’ve seen the signs around town,” Beth said. “How wonderful. Well, if you’re sure. I don’t have any other plans, and I set a mean table.”

  “We’ll put you right to work then. It’s only a Chinet kind of occasion though.”

  “My favorite kind,” Beth said.

  Since it wasn’t too hot outside, they set the picnic table on the back porch, working together as they chatted about a little bit of nothing. Katie’s pulse raced as she waited for the other shoe to drop. She should have at least told Avery about her mom. They’d grown closer since Katie had moved to Riverbend. And after all, Avery had confided in her about the possible genetic defect. But it was hard for Katie. There was still some part of her that felt deeply ashamed that her mother had chosen substance abuse over her.

  She wished she could come up with an excuse to leave, but that wouldn’t fix anything. At least if she was here she had some control over the conversation.

  By the time the table was set, Avery had arrived and Jeff rejoined them. Beth remembered Avery from the clinic. Cooper was the last to arrive. Katie hadn’t seen him since the coffee shop run-in two weeks ago, and her heart stuttered at the sight of him.

  He must’ve gone home to shower because the hair at his nape was damp. He looked fresh in a crisp white T-shirt that stretched over his broad shoulders. When his eyes locked on hers and his lips tipped in a smile, she could hardly breathe.

  “Hey, Katelyn.”

  Oh, she’d missed that voice. “Hi.”

  He set his dish on the table and came up beside Katie, catching sight of Beth. He shot a glance at Katie and back, recovering quickly. “Hi there.”

  “Cooper,” Lisa said. “This is Beth Wallace, a friend of Katie’s. She’s doing wonders for our online marketing for Trail Days.”

  “That’s great. Nice to meet you, ma’am.”

  “My pleasure.” Beth glanced between Katie and Cooper. “Well, don’t you two make the cutest couple.”

  The temperature in Katie’s cheeks shot up by ten degrees. “Oh . . . no, we’re not—”

  “Together,” Cooper finished.

  “She’s dating our other son, Gavin, who can’t make it tonight.” Lisa patted Cooper’s shoulder. “We’re still working on getting this one to settle down.”

  “I’m so sorry,” Beth said. “I just thought . . .”

  “No worries,” Jeff said.

  Avery dropped an arm around Katie’s shoulder. “Katie fits in around here so well we’re always happy to have her, Gavin or no.”

  “She’s like family already.” Lisa beamed. “All right, the food smells great. And Cooper even made an actual dish.”

  “Well, well.” Avery took her place at the table. “Green bean casserole. Where’s the standard bag of chips?”

  Cooper sat across from Katie and gave Avery a mock scowl.

  “Your recipe repertoire is expanding,” Jeff said. “Must be getting tired of pizza and Hot Pockets.”

  “I can follow a recipe.”

  “But it’s ever so much easier to have a woman cook for you,” Avery teased.

  He probably had women inviting him over for meals all the time. Trying to impress him with their culinary skills.

  After Jeff said grace they all dug in. As usual conversation flowed easily, quickly hopping from one topic to another. They did a good job of including their guest in the exchange.

  After they finished eating there was a brief lull in conversation. Avery pushed back her plate. “Do you have any kids, Beth?”

  Katie’s fork froze halfway to her mouth. Would her mother admit to having children? Or would she deny Katie’s existence? She was suddenly unsure if she wanted to know the answer.

  Beth’s face had drained of color. She cleared her throat in the sudden silence. “I do, actually. But . . . I’m afraid it’s a little complicated.”

  “Don’t mind Avery,” Cooper said. “She’s too inquisitive for her own good.”

  Katie could’ve kissed him for smoothing over the moment. But she couldn’t help but wonder if Beth would’ve continued the story if pressed.

  “Sorry,” Avery said. “Didn’t mean to be nosy.”

  Beth gave her a warm smile. “Not at all.”

  “It’s her curiosity that drove her into med school, I think,” Lisa said. “She loves solving problems. Katie, honey, would you mind getting the banana pudding from the fridge?”

  “Of course not.” She wasted no time getting up from the table. Her face felt like it was on fire, and her legs trembled as she made her way up the steps and through the back door.

  23

  Cooper frowned at Kate’s back as she retreated. He couldn’t have been more surprised to find her birth mother here, and judging by Kate’s nervous demeanor, it hadn’t been her choice. Conversation at the table resumed, but he could only think about what Katelyn must be dealing with.

  His mom fetched another water bottle. “Oh, Cooper, could you run inside and get the dessert cups? They’re above the stove. Katie won’t be able to reach them.”

  “Sure, Mom.” Relieved for the chance to check on Kate, he made his way across the patio and up the steps. The patio door swung open silently.

  He found her hunched over the sink, head hanging low. “Hey, you okay?”

  She whirled around, bearing a forced smile, and reached for the fridge handle. “Yeah, of course. I’m fine.”

  He placed a hand flat against the door. “Don’t do that. You don’t have to pretend with me. I know this must be hard for you.”

  Her face fell and her shoulders sagged a good two inches. “I didn’t intend for this to happen. For her to get in the middle of your family. It’s so awkward. She volunteered to help with Trail Days, and your mom wanted to meet her, then she invited her to stay for supper and—”

  “It’ll be okay. Nobody knows a thing.”

  “That’s the problem, though, isn’t it? What if someone says something and she figures out who I am? It’ll ruin everything.” Kate’s eyes grew glassy.

  He slid his hand over hers. “Come on now. That’s not going to happen. Let’s just get through the meal. It’s almost over and I’ll help out where I can.”

  “But what about next time? She’ll be working on Trail Days for the next month, and Lisa will want updates. This is getting so messy.”

  “Let’s not borrow trouble. Mom doesn’t know anything about you that would give you away.”

  “I should’ve at least told Avery about her. She’s going to be hurt when she finds out I kept this from her.”

  “This is your private business. It’s up to you when to share it—not anyone else.”

  “I haven’t told Gavin yet either.”

  “Well, he hasn’t told you about Jesse yet, has he?”

  Relief washed over her features. “No.”

  He loved that he could read her so well. She wore her feelings like a neon sign. “Try not to take that personally, by the way. He doesn’t talk about Jesse with anyone. He’s still dealing with a lot of guilt.”

  He was still holding Kate’s hand. He should probably let go, but he couldn’t seem to make his muscles cooperate.

  “Your relationship with your mom is intensely personal—I can see that. Childhood wounds go deep. She broke your trust in the worst way, and you have a right to get to know her at your own pace. If you find she’s worthy of your trust, you can tell her who you are. If not . . . you don’t owe her anything, Katelyn.”

  A weight seemed to fall away from her. “Yeah. Thanks. I seem to keep forgetting that.”

  “For what it’s worth, she seems pretty nice.”

  “Not at all like a woman who would abandon her kids and never look back, huh?”

  “Drugs do terrible things to people.” Unfortunately he saw it all the time on his job. “But she’s off them now.”

  “She admitted she had kids . . .” Kate’s gaze clung to his, impossibly blue. Impossibly hopeful.

  If that woman hurt Kate again, he’d hunt her down himself. “She was honest. That’s something, I guess.”

  “I was so afraid she’d say no. I didn’t think I could take it if she just . . . acted like we never even existed.”

  “Well, that didn’t happen. But even if it did, you’re a strong woman, Kate. You can handle whatever comes your way.”

  She offered a tiny smile. Her eyes beamed at him with warmth and affection that soaked right through his skin. “You always say the nicest things.”

  Of its own volition, his hand palmed her cheek. He was only a breath away. He took in her lovely features. Those almond-shaped eyes, the smattering of freckles on her nose, the sweet curve of her mouth. How had he made it two weeks without seeing her? It was like coming up for oxygen after holding his breath for five minutes underwater. Suddenly he could breathe again.

  “It’s the truth,” he said softly.

  Somewhere behind him feet shuffled to a stop.

  He stepped away and glanced over his shoulder.

  Avery stood on the kitchen threshold, gaze toggling between them. “What’s going on?”

  “Nothing.” He turned and opened the cupboard over the stove. “Just helping Kate with the dessert dishes.”

  She arched a brow at him. “‘Kate,’ huh?”

  The fridge opened behind him with a sucking sound. “Oh wow. This looks delicious.”

  “Need some help?” Avery’s voice was tight.

  “I got it.” The air stirred as Kate brushed past him. A moment later the door clicked shut behind her.

  Cooper pulled down two stacks of glass dessert dishes. He wasn’t looking forward to the coming confrontation. He knew how that moment with Kate must’ve seemed. And he couldn’t even admit she was in the middle of a crisis because Avery would want details.

  “What was that about?”

  “What was what about?”

  “Don’t insult my intelligence. You were holding her hand and touching her face, and she was staring at you like . . .”

  It was a sad state of affairs that he desperately wanted her to finish that sentence. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. Here, make yourself useful.” He handed her one of the stacks.

  When he tried to pass she grabbed his arm. “Cooper, you need to answer me. That’s our brother’s girlfriend you were ogling.”

  “I haven’t forgotten, Avery.”

  “Well, excuse me, but it kind of seems like you have.”

  For crying out loud, he was doing his level best. How many times had he resisted pulling Kate into his arms and kissing her senseless? Didn’t he get any credit for that?

  He jerked his arm away and headed toward the door. When he reached it he turned. A question burbled in his throat until he couldn’t hold it back any longer. “Just tell me one thing, Avery. Why’d you set her up with Gavin and not me?”

  She gave her head a shake. “Seriously?”

  “What? I’m not good enough for her?”

  “Come on, Cooper. You run through women like I run through latex gloves.”

  He flinched. “Maybe I’m just particular, ever think of that?”

  “Cooper, please. You can’t do this to Gavin.”

  “I’m not doing anything, Avery. There’s nothing going on.” He pinned her with a long, unswerving look, then proceeded outside.

  * * *

  As Gavin walked Katie to her car, quiet chatter carried from neighboring campsites, and crickets chirped from someplace nearby. She crossed her arms against the breeze that brushed her skin. She felt bad staying only an hour, but she was tired.

  At the car she turned, yawning. “Sorry. I promise I’ll be more lively tomorrow night.”

  “You’ve had a long day. How’d that meeting go with Mom and the marketing lady? You never said.”

  “It went well, I think.” This would be a great time to mention that Beth was actually her mother, but it was late and she didn’t want to get into it tonight. “She seems to be drumming up a lot of interest in Trail Days. Your mom’s pretty excited about it.”

  “I appreciate everything you’re doing to help her.”

  “Your mom’s a doll. I might just be willing to walk through fire for her.”

  Gavin chuckled as he set his hands on Katie’s waist. “She has that effect on people. Look out . . . We Robinsons are pretty addictive.”

  “I noticed that.” She gave him a cheeky smile but found herself thinking of Cooper instead.

  “You did, huh?” Gavin leaned close and gave her a sweet, lingering kiss. As usual it was technically perfect, soft and slow, never sloppy or rushed. Altogether pleasant.

  He eased away. “Go home and get some rest. I’ll see you tomorrow night.”

  On the way home Katie reflected on her fireside chat with Gavin. There’d been a moment when he brought up the end of his marriage. He mentioned Laurel by name and referred to the mounting tension that preceded their divorce. He stared at Katie, the glow of the campfire flickering in his sad eyes, and she was sure he was going to tell her about Jesse. But he looked away, his jaw knotting with emotion.

  Katie’s heart squeezed tight at his struggle. Poor guy. He was trying. She kissed the back of his hand and said a little prayer that God would give him peace.

  Even as Katie turned in to her driveway, the melancholy lingered in her mind. Once inside her house she checked her phone. A text from Avery had come in while she was at the campground.

  Can I swing by tonight?

  Gravel popped in Katie’s driveway, rattling her nerves. It didn’t take a genius to figure out what this impromptu visit was about. A moment later she opened the door as Avery ascended the porch steps.

  Her friend’s tepid greeting was less than encouraging.

  “Come on in.” She moved aside as Avery brushed past. Katie decided to cut to the chase. “I can guess why you’re here, but let me assure you, there’s nothing to worry about.”

  “I know it’s none of my business, but I can’t seem to help myself.”

  “Have a seat. Want something to drink?”

  “No, I want you to put me out of my misery.” They settled on the sofa. “All I can think about is Gavin getting his heart broken again and you—my best friend—right in the middle of it all.”