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Cooper seemed to have enough energy to continue to Max Patch tonight. Even now, instead of resting he was gathering kindling for the fire. “You’re going to have a real campfire supper tonight.”
“And what, pray tell, does that consist of?”
“Ramen noodles and beef jerky, among other things.”
She made a face. “Sounds interesting?”
“It’s tasty enough. I wouldn’t mind waiting till it’s cooled off a bit before starting a fire.”
“I’m fine for now.”
The shelter area appeared just as Cooper had described. The three-sided log structure wasn’t very big. It sported a raised wooden platform where, presumably, everyone would stretch out side by side. In front of the shelter, a sitting log rested by the fire pit, and a picnic table sat off to the side of it. The dirt paths, marked with the white blazes of the Appalachian Trail, branched out into the woods going both directions.
It was only the two of them so far, but it was early yet. Would others join them soon, or would they have the shelter to themselves? Did she want them to?
She shook the thought away and gestured toward the lines above the sleeping platform. “What are those for? To hang wet clothes on?”
“Yeah and to keep, ah, animals out of the food.”
“Oh, right, the bears.”
***
Cooper let the assumption slip. They were actually mice lines, but he didn’t want to worry Katelyn. Sometimes mice weren’t a problem at the shelters. Other times they scuttled over you in the night in search of food. Hopefully they wouldn’t be a problem tonight.
By the time he finished setting up the fire, a family had come up the trail from the south. The Cooks consisted of a mom and a dad, a twelve-year-old daughter, and a ten-year-old boy. They were hiking from Max Patch to Riverbend and peppered Kate and him with questions about where to stay and the best places to eat.
As was tradition they introduced themselves by their trailnames: Daddy Bear, Mama Goodstuff, Topknot, and Dragon Slayer.
They went about supper preparations, Cooper cooking up his beefy noodles alongside Daddy Bear. Kate chatted with Mama Goodstuff at the picnic table while Topknot and Dragon Slayer played cards in the shelter.
Cooper hoped no one else showed up. Six would probably be the limit, and that was squeezing in pretty tight. He could always set up his tent, but it was pretty small. And while the idea of Kate nestled up against him was tempting—it was tempting.
“You’re a good brother.”Gavin’s words rang in his ears.
He’d noticed the looks Kate gave him today. Was he only imagining the affection in her eyes as she laughed at his jokes? Did she really hang on to his hand an extra moment as he helped her over logs and streams, or was that only wishful thinking?
He gave his head a sharp shake.Knock it off, Robinson. You’re feeding the fire.
They were definitely sleeping in the shelter tonight. If someone showed up without a tent, he’d lend them his, but he wouldn’t put himself in that position.
The evening had cooled as the sun sank in the sky. They’d both changed into tomorrow’s clothing, wanting to sleep in something clean.
When the onions and greens were sufficiently cooked through, he removed the pot from the fire and set it on the table.
Kate’s smile was like a rainbow after a storm, bright and hopeful. “Smells good.”
“Hope you don’t mind eating from the pot. I usually don’t bother with plates.”
“Fine by me. I’m starving.” She blew on a bite before she stuffed it into her mouth. “Mmm. Delicious.”
“Eat plenty—you earned it.”
The Cooks joined them a few minutes later with their beef hash.
Daddy Bear gave Cooper’s dish an approving glance. “Not bad, Banana Split. You’ll have to share the recipe with me.”
“Sure thing.” While they tucked into their supper, Cooper quietly leaned over and whispered to Kate, “When are you going to stop doing that?”
