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The words ushered in a cloud of tension because something similar had happened to Avery and they both knew it. But she wasn’t about to open that subject today. Time for a change of topic. “Any wedding details I can help with?”
“I don’t think so. The cake and flowers are ordered, invitations out, and we’ve made final arrangements with the caterer. It’s all under control.”
“It’s sweet that your mom’s walking you down the aisle.” Katie had been raised in foster care after her mother’s addiction had cost her her children. But Beth was in recovery now, and the two had reunited last year. They seemed to be on a good path.
“It was the right choice. She’s my only family, after all, and even though she wasn’t there for me as a child, she’s trying to make up for that.”
“I think it’s amazing that you’re giving her another chance. Not just anyone could do that.”
“Everyone makes mistakes—and she’s deserving of a second chance.”
Avery groaned as the masseuse began work on her hip flexors. “So, when’s Cooper moving his things to your place?”
“The boys are handling that the week before the wedding. You think Coop might ditch that ugly recliner of his somewhere between his place and mine?”
Avery laughed. “Yeah, I think you’ll be stuck with that for a while. But it’ll be good to have him all moved in when you return from your honeymoon.” Katie and Gavin had rented a cabin in Gatlinburg.
“That’s the plan.” Katie shifted on the table. “Lucy’s really working out well, don’t you think? She even got little Simon Reeves to take his vaccine without that ear-piercing scream.”
“She’s a gem. I don’t know how we got so lucky. And so far she seems to love the town.”
“Well, what’s not to love? It’s a great place to live. But I get it. A lot of doctors would prefer a more exciting locale and a more lucrative position.”
“I think she got enough excitement in Boston.”
The masseuse wiped the oil from Avery’s back and lifted the silky sheet into place. “All right, ladies. How are you feeling?”
“Marvelous,” Katie said.
“I think my bones have melted.”
“Then our jobs here are done.” The women said their good-byes and left.
Katie’s phone buzzed an incoming call. She wrapped her sheet around her and grabbed her phone. “Hi, honey.” She flashed a grin at Avery, then headed for the attached bathroom.
Avery got up slowly, stretching. Her muscles felt gloriously loose and limber. After she dressed she sat in the wingback chair and pulled out her phone to kill time while she waited for Katie.A message from Wes appeared as a notification on her screen. Her pulse quickened as she clicked on it. He’d sent a photo of himself, standing in front of the stone archway at Springer Mountain. His text simply said,Made it!
The sight of him made her heart buckle. She zoomed in on his face. His beard was growing back once again, reminding her so much of those first days together. She pressed a palm to her chest. His big smile was testament to his joy and relief that the long, arduous journey was complete.
His message had come in seventeen minutes ago. He’d made what was normally a fourteen-day hike in only twelve days.
Must be in a big hurry to reach Lillian.
The thought soured her stomach as she contemplated her response.
***
What was taking her so long to reply? Wes took a sip of the delicious coffee and settled back in his chair, staring at his phone as if he could will Avery to respond. After completing the trail at long last, he’d hitched a ride to the nearest town. Tonight, he’d enjoy creature comforts once again before boarding a plane for Albany and Lillian.
He stretched his back, which felt pretty good, all things considered. Other muscles complained, sore from the arduous hike and nights on the hard ground. He wasn’t nineteen anymore.
His phone vibrated and a text appeared on the screen.Congratulations, Wes! I’m so happy for you.
He sagged from sheer relief that she’d responded. He reread the text, then stared at the words for a while. He hadn’t consideredwhat he’d do after she replied. But his thumbs hovered over the phone, at the ready. He wanted to ask how the clinic was going. Wanted to ask if Dr. Chan had accepted the position.
But was continued correspondence a good idea?
He’d pushed himself hard on the trail, trying to drive thoughts of Avery from his mind. But it hadn’t worked. He kept reviewing their time together—playing cards, chatting, and laughing. That amazing kiss, so fiery. Their last embrace, so bittersweet. Then he envisioned her going on another date, swaying with that slick guy she’d danced with at the Trailhead. The thought of another man’s hands on her made him want to—
