She finished her water and set the empty glass in the sink. “Yeah, some guy is scheduled to arrive later this afternoon. It’s slow, but a start.” Wanting to cut the conversation short, she moved to his wheelchair and patted his shoulder. “I’ve got a lot to do, Dad. We’ll talk later.”
Outside, the Camerons sat in the Adirondack chairs nestled under the pines beside the river. Edith had a book in her hand and waved. Charlie Grace waved back.
The Carter kids were helping their father unload bikes from a rack on top of their SUV. Charlie Grace wandered over. “Looks like you’re about to have some fun.”
“The map shows there’s a trail not far. Is that true?” Jay asked as he lifted one of the bikes to the ground.
“Oh, yes. There are many hiking trails, nearly all of which would accommodate bikes.” She pointed in the direction of the south meadow. “If you follow the highway to the edge of those pines in the distance, there is a trailhead there that will take you along the river. It’s an easy ride and beautiful.” She directed her gaze to the children. “If you’re lucky, you’ll see some wildlife.”
“Bears?” Kaylie asked, her face filling with concern.
“It’s possible. Mostly brown bears, but a few grizzlies wander through. More often than not, at this time of the year, you’ll find them in the higher elevations with their coy.”
“Coy?” Kaylie asked.
“Their offspring.” She turned to Jay. “There is a can of bear spray in your welcome basket in the cabin. I’d take it with you, just in case.”
Charlie Grace let her face break into a smile. “There is a much better possibility you’ll see elk and maybe a wolf in the distance. Keep your attention on the tops of the pine trees, and you might even spot an eagle.”
“Cool,” answered Kyle. “But I’d still like to see a big grizzly.”
Charlie Grace’s phone buzzed in her pocket. She excused herself and pulled it out to find Gibbs was calling. “Are you still in town?” she demanded. “I told you not to be long. We have…”
Before she could finish, Gibbs interrupted. “Flat tire. I was lucky to catch a ride back to town to the tire shop. When it’s finished, I’ll find a way back out to the truck and change it. Then I’ll be back.”
Charlie Grace groaned.
“Just a warning, from the looks on the tread, the tire may need to be replaced. Frankly, all four are worn to the point that the cords are showing through.”
She did a quick calculation in her head. The operating loan was currently designated for other things, but she was used to robbing Peter to pay Paul. She’d have to juggle some expenses and make it work. “Replace all of them. But, Gibbs?”
“Yeah?”
“I don’t need to tell you I’m on a budget.”
“No worries. I got you covered. ‘Ole Nigel down at the shop owes me. I’ll negotiate a good deal.”
She thanked him and hung up before returning to the Clarks. “Sorry about that.”
“Trouble?” Jay motioned for Kyle and Kaylie to follow him as he wheeled the bikes toward their cabin.
She gave him a weak smile as she walked alongside. “Nothing that can’t be handled.” She invited him to pack up some of Aunt Mo’s sandwiches to take with them on their biking adventure. “We have plenty of coolers in the kitchen for you to use. And don’t forget…tonight we’re having a cookout around the campfire. Bring your appetites, because Ford is cooking some rib eyes and baked potatoes. Aunt Mo made huckleberry cobbler and homemade ice cream.”
“Yum!” the kids said in unison.
By midafternoon, her final guest had yet to arrive. She pushed back a niggle of worry, hoping he hadn’t changed his mind. She lifted her iPad and checked his reservation which allowed cancellation. But without the requisite two-day notice, he’d forfeit his deposit. Still, she didn’t relish losing the income for the three-day stay.
Before she could give the concern more thought, a vehicle turned onto the dirt lane from the highway and wound its way in her direction. The approaching car looked like a Lexus RX she’d seen recently in a magazine, a hybrid luxury sports utility vehicle. She groaned, knowing her dad was likely watching out the window and would have a lot to say about it later. He often voiced how this country was “going to hell in a handbasket” with all the climate control “nonsense.”
While balance was always called for, anything that protected the beauty surrounding them here in Wyoming was welcome, at least in her mind.
The car pulled up next to the Camerons’ Mustang and cut the engine. Charlie Grace walked across the lawn to greet her new guest when suddenly her breath caught.
It was him…the guy from the Rustic Pine Tavern.
12
Charlie Grace fought to hide her surprise as she extended her hand to the handsome stranger. “Hi, I’m Charlie Grace, the proprietor here at Teton Trails. You must be…” She glanced down at her iPad reservation. “Nick Thatcher.”
