“For a couple of years now. Lark has a terrific singing voice, too. She used to sing in the church choir, but now she wants to play in a band.”
“You don’t sound very enthusiastic about it.”
“She’s still so young. I don’t want her to quit the other things she’s good at.”
Ivy giggled. “Lark’s great at getting into trouble.”
Rachel frowned at her youngest. “Let’s just say she doesn’t always follow the rules. She’s a free spirit.”
“Is that why she has pink hair?”
Jade poked her sister. “And a tattoo. Don’t forget the tattoo.”
Rachel grimaced. “Enough. I think they’re ready to begin again. Are you two comfortable down there?”
“The ground is kind of sandy, and we can lean against the log.” Ivy looked up. “You should try it, Mom.”
“I’m all right where I am.”
“You can lean against me.” Kane scooted closer and put his arm around her. “How’s that?”
“Nice.” Rachel rested against his shoulder, letting his strength surround her. It had been a long time since she’d leaned on anyone, and it felt good. She tried not to think about the fact that any relationship she forged with Kane would only be temporary. Her sister’s words echoed in her head. Kane has problems. Don’t let yourself get hurt.
She let out a sigh. His problems, not to mention her own, were a non-issue. In a week, she’d go back to her normal life, and he’d go back to his. The burst of happiness fizzled.
Jed and the girls played for another half hour before quitting for the evening. Reluctantly, Rachel left Kane’s side to make her way around the circle of campers. Darkness encroached as the campfire settled into glowing embers. When she stumbled on a loose rock, a hand reached out to steady her.
“Careful, you could twist an ankle.”
Rachel smiled at Bob. “I guess I should have used a flashlight.”
“Would you like to borrow mine?” Chip held out a red plastic light. “We only need one to get back to our cabin.” He rose to his feet. The light from the fire gave his cheeks a warm glow above his beard. “Or, I could walk with you.”
“Thanks, but I’ll be fine.”
“Have a good night then.”
Rachel slipped past part of the Dawson group and reached Lark. “You were terrific, honey. So were you, Lauren.”
“Thanks, Mrs. Carpenter. It was fun.”
Jed turned away from a conversation with George Dawson. “Too bad I can’t hire you both for the summer. This was our best campfire night yet. Maybe you’d like to play for us again before you leave?”
The girls nodded and smiled.
Jed gave Rachel a curious look. “I get the feeling you and Kane knew each other before tonight.”
“My sister is dating one of his friends on the force. We met just before he came up here.”
“Ah, you’re the one.”
She shifted and frowned. “The one, what?”
“The one he mentioned. Excuse me. It looks like the Dawsons could use some help with those chairs they brought down.”
Jed hurried off, leaving Rachel to wonder what he’d meant.
“Can I go for a hike with Lauren tomorrow?”
“Please, Mrs. Carpenter. My mom said it’s okay.”
Rachel smiled at the girls. “It was kind of you to include Lark. Of course she can go.”
“That’s great. I’ll tell my mom. See you in the morning.” The girl hurried toward her waiting parents.
Lark picked up her guitar case and followed Rachel back around the fire. “Where’re Jade and Ivy?”
“They’re over there with Kane. I told them to wait.”
“So, who’s this Kane guy?”
“He knows your Aunt Grace, and he seems like a nice man. He swam out to the big rock with Ivy while you were canoeing.”
“You looked awfully cozy with him earlier.” Lark’s voice held an edge. “Do you like him or something?”
“Sure I like him.” Rachel spoke with deliberate cheer.
“You know what I mean.”
She turned to face her daughter. “I just met the man. Don’t make a big deal out of nothing.”
“If it really is nothing.”
“Can we please drop it?”
“Hey, Lark, you actually sounded pretty good.” Jade strolled up with Ivy and Kane following.
“I would hope so with all the time I spend practicing.”
Kane handed Rachel her flashlight and the end of Daisy’s leash.
“Thanks.” A familiar tingle sizzled along her nerve endings when their fingers brushed. “Kane, this is my daughter, Lark.”
“It’s nice to meet you.”
Lark mumbled an acknowledgement. “Can we go? I’m cold.”
“Sure. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He touched her shoulder. “Ask Ozzie for a sack lunch in the morning. We probably won’t be back until mid-afternoon.”
She nodded. “Good night.”
“Night, Rachel. Sleep well, girls.”
“What was that all about?” Lark kicked a rock in the path as they left the campfire area. “Where’s he taking you tomorrow?”
“For a hike.”
“I’m going on an art walk to paint flowers.” Ivy skipped ahead.
“So you’re just taking Jade with you?”
“Nope. I’m going to be in a race.”
Lark snorted. “That’s convenient.”
Rachel gritted her teeth. “All of you head down to the outhouse before getting ready for bed. You don’t want to have to get up in the middle of the night.”
“And run into a bear.” Ivy shivered.
Lark stopped as Rachel stepped off the path. “Where are you going?”
“Up the hill so Daisy can do her business. I don’t want to take her out again later.”
The stars shone brightly overhead as the dog stopped to sniff a bush. Behind her, a branch snapped. Rachel glanced over her shoulder.
“Come on, Daisy. Go pee and make it snappy. Ivy has me imagining bears behind every tree.”
Finally, Daisy squatted.
“Good girl.”
When the dog finished, Rachel took a quick trip to the outhouse then hurried back to the cabin. The girls were already in bed. Someone had lit the lantern, and a soft glow illuminated the room. She brushed her teeth at the basin, undressed and pulled on a pair of sweats then turned off the lantern before climbing into her bunk.
“G’night, Mom.”
At Ivy’s whisper, Rachel smiled. “Good night, girls. Sweet dreams.”
Jade turned in her bunk. “I’m glad we came.”