“Maggie, this meal is really good.”Mac Miller took another bite of the potato.
“Thank you, Mr.Miller.It’s a recipe that I found on Pinterest.Hobo meal.You can add whatever you want, season it and wrap it in aluminum foil.I didn’t know if you guys liked spicy stuff like peppers so I just added chicken, potatoes, squash and onion.”Maggie took another sip of water and watched how closely Joy sat next to Cindy at the picnic table.The mom couldn’t stop smiling at her prodigal daughter.
Joy caught her watching and smiled.“Maggie, I can’t thank you enough for all you did for Cindy.Thank God you were there at the right time to pick her up.I don’t think we’ll ever be able to make this up to you.”
Maggie’s face went hot with embarrassment.She took a piece of chicken and held it out for Walker.“You don’t have to thank me.I’m just glad your family is reunited.”Walker rested his head on her leg, begging for more table food.
“Maggie, how long will you be in Colorado?”Mac asked before taking another bite.
“That’s a good question.I’m out on summer break so I’m not real sure right now.This trip was a bit of a spur of the moment.”
Mac nodded.“My dad used to take me fishing on the weekends.We would camp out by the river.It was one of the best times of my life.Being out in nature creates the best memories.”
Maggie glanced up at the starry sky.“You are right, Mr.Miller.I won’t ever forget this trip.”She glanced over at Cindy.“What do you have planned for tomorrow?”
Cindy’s face lit up.“We are going to the wolf sanctuary in Divide, Colorado.It’s about a three-hour drive, so we are going to leave around seven.Do you want to go?”
Joy touched Maggie’s arm.“Yes, Maggie, you should come with us.”
Maggie was touched by the gesture.“I appreciate the invitation but I’m thinking of doing some sightseeing in town with Walker.I saw a cute bakery that had dog cupcakes.I think I’ll treat him.”
Mac held out a piece of potato to Walker.“He’s such a good boy.I’m glad Walker’s been with you both for protection.”Walker took the offered treat and gobbled it down.He sat at Mac’s feet waiting for more food.
Maggie laughed.“Yeah, he’s enjoyed this trip as much as I have.”
Walker whined.
Maggie pushed herself up from the picnic table.“He needs to go for a walk.”
Cindy scrambled up.“I’ll take him.I am going to miss him when we leave.I want to spend a little extra time with him while I can.”
Maggie handed her the leash.“Of course.He’s going to miss you too.”
Cindy snuggled Walker before standing and snapping on his leash.“Come on, boy.Maybe we will see a squirrel.”
When Cindy was out of earshot, Maggie turned to Joy.“I’m glad today went well.”
Joy shook her head, her eyes filling with tears.“Maggie, I can’t thank you enough for taking care of Cindy.I can’t imagine what she would have done if you had not stopped.”
Maggie smiled.‘I’m just glad everything worked out for the best.What are Cindy’s plans once she gets home?”
Mac set his drink down.“She wants to be a vet.So we are going to get her enrolled when we get back.Arkansas has some really great vet schools.”
Maggie closed her eyes.“I’m so glad to hear that.I was afraid she would have second thoughts about going back to Tony.”
Joy’s eyes darkened.“She told me some of the things he did and said to her.If I ever get my hands on him, I’ll strangle him.”
Mac snorted.“Not if I get to him first.”
Maggie suppressed a grin.She liked Cindy’s parents.
A dog’s bark drew their attention, heads turning toward the sound—then a woman’s scream shattered the quiet of the campground.
Mac was the first one on his feet.“That sounds like Cindy!”He raced down the trail where Cindy had taken Walker.
Chapter38
Maggie ran behind Mac toward Cindy’s scream.Campers were standing at the end of their camping spaces looking wide eyed.
