A hush came over them as a doe emerged from the trees, her burnished-red fur sleek in the sunlight. Vanz sat still, watching the deer with an expression of pure wonder. The animal paused, ears swiveling, then gracefully bounded away into a stand of trees.
“That was amazing,” Vanz whispered.
Bennett pulled back onto the road, climbing higher. They wound past maple trees with leaves turned burnt orange and Sierra gooseberry trees aflame in a blaze of crimson. Wild turkeys decked in brown and gold feathers strutted and pecked in a meadow, their heads bobbing for grubworms.
They crested a rise, and Julian came into view, spreading before them. The small mountain town was lined with wooden storefronts preserved from another era. As they passed a cider mill and a pioneer museum, Vanz and Daisy took it all in with a sense of wonder.
Ivy called out, “Who wants apple cider? The nonalcoholic type, of course.”
“Speak for yourself,” Shelly said with a wink.
Bennett chuckled and parked by a cider mill that advertised fresh apple cider on a faded sign. When they piled out of the vehicle, crisp air stung Ivy’s cheeks. She zipped up her fleece jacket. While it was still sunny, the breeze was brisk. They’d all worn jeans, sweaters, and lightweight jackets.
They warmed themselves with hot cider and splurged on cinnamon-spiced apple pie. Ivy watched Vanz, whose mood had lifted. He seemed to be adapting and enjoying the journey.
Feeling full, they returned to the SUV to continue through town toward Volcan Valley, just a few minutes outside of town.
As they neared the apple orchard, Bennett pulled into the parking area. Families wandered through rows of apple trees, carrying paper bags. The air was sweet with the scent of fresh apples, and goats bleated nearby.
“I see red apples,” Daisy exclaimed, spying the trees.
They climbed out of the SUV, and Vanz turned slowly to take it all in. “This is like another world.”
Mitch purchased some bags and handed one to Vanz. “I love the beach, but it’s pretty cool up here. And so close. Ready to pick some apples?”
Vanz took the bag, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Shelly lifted Daisy from her car seat, and the toddler immediately reached for Vanz.
He looked uncertain, but Mitch nodded encouragingly. Vanz let Daisy hold onto his hand as they walked slowly toward the orchard entrance.
Daisy babbled happily, identifying things with her new words. “Look, birds, trees, apples.”
Mitch and Bennett followed behind them, watching them.
Ivy fell into step beside Shelly.
Her sister nodded toward Vanz, biting her lip. “Do you think he’s going to be okay?”
“I think so,” Ivy replied. “He’ll probably need someone to talk to about what he’s been through. Maybe a school counselor. But this is the best chance in life he’s ever had.”
Shelly smiled at that. “I didn’t think I’d be ready for a teenager yet, but he seems like a sweet kid. Mitch has really stepped up for him. That makes me love my husband even more.”
Ivy sensed that Shelly was mentally preparing herself. “You’re going to be okay, too. Come on, let’s catch up with them and make some memories.”
They jogged ahead to join the others. Soon they were armed with bags and began plucking ripe red Empire apples from the trees. Their sweet fragrance smelled delicious.
Ivy laughed as Shelly hoisted Daisy to pick apples.
“Hold it right there,” Mitch said, snapping a photo.
The toddler stretched her little hand toward a red apple, tore it from the tree, and dropped it into their bag. She turned her face up to Shelly. “More, Mommy. More.”
Shelly blew stray strands of hair from her face and glanced at Mitch. “Are you still taking photos? I can’t hold her much longer.”
“I’ll take her now.” Mitch switched places with Shelly.
Quickly, Ivy took her phone from her pocket to take pictures. She caught all three of them laughing. This day reminded her of how she used to take Misty and Sunny apple picking when they were young.
