“It’s just getting started. I’ll admit it’s taken some getting used to, but at least the winters are shorter and milder.”
“Where are you from originally?” Gunner asked.
“You know, people think I’m prevaricating when I say the Midwest, but I’m not. My dad and I moved around so much, there’s no one place I call home. So I guess we have the vagabond lifestyle in common.”
Gunner grinned. “You make that sound like a bad thing.”
“When you never start and finish a school year in the same place, it can be a little hard to make friends or settle in.”
“Maybe not the ideal lifestyle when you have a child in tow.”
“Unfortunately my dad didn’t consider that. But you like moving around a lot?”
“It’s kind of my thing. I love to travel and I like the challenge new jobs offer.”
“More power to you, man. I’m enjoying the settled life myself.”
“What brought you to town—the job?” Robinson Construction seemed like a pretty good gig. The business was apparently thriving and Gavin appeared to be a good boss.
“Nah. I was hiking southbound on the Appalachian Trail and got sick. Avery found me on her clinic’s porch basically passed out.”
“That’s how you met your future wife?”
“So much for a good first impression. I was sweating up a fever and stank to high heaven.”
“I guess it didn’t bother her any. What kept you around?”
“Have you seen my wife?” Wes slid him a droll look. “Don’t answer that—I’m a jealous man,” he added lightly. “No, I offered to help her with some remodeling to pay off my medical bills, and I guess you could say the rest is history. I had other plans after that hike... but those flew right out the window when I fell for Avery.”
“And now you’re working for her brother.”
“Technically we’re partners now, but yeah.”
“And your wife works with your sister-in-law?”
“It’s a close-knit family.”
“I guess so. I was actually at the clinic last night with my neighbor, Mr.Dixon. He had some kind of diabetic episode from rationing his insulin. Your wife was kind enough to help him out.”
“I hear that stuff’s expensive. He have any family around here?”
“His wife passed a few years ago and they never had any kids. I was worried about leaving him this morning. He said he wouldn’t skimp on his meds anymore, but I don’t think he can afford what he needs. If I hadn’t found him yesterday, he could’ve died.”
“Maybe there’s some way to help him financially.”
“I tried to pay for his insulin. He wouldn’t let me, stubborn old coot. I wonder if there’s some kind of fund he’d be eligible for. Or government assistance of some kind. It doesn’t seem right he can’t afford something he needs to live.”
“Avery says there are a lot of people around here in similar circumstances. They end up in emergency situations because of it. Especially the elderly on fixed incomes. Medicare doesn’t cover everything.”
Gunner wouldn’t be here forever, and he hated the thought of Mr.Dixon being left to his own devices. The man reminded him of his grandfather. But his grandfather hadn’t been poor and he’d had Gunner to care for him. Mr.Dixon seemed to have no one. “Maybe I could do a fundraiser or something. I wouldn’t have a clue where to start though.”
“You should talk to Lisa. She runs all kinds of events. If nothing else, she’d have some good ideas for you.”
“That’s a great idea. Thanks.” Gunner wasn’t one to get overly involved, but someone should look out for Mr.Dixon. And Lisa had seemed friendly enough, though she must have her hands full with Trail Days. He’d heard them talking about it at their cookout. Maybe she wouldn’t mind if he picked her brain.
The path left the river and turned back to climb up the mountain. He welcomed the smell of pine and the forest’s shade. A ground squirrel scampered through the dense undergrowth, and a robin tweeted from the canopy of an oak tree. He loved being out in the mountains. The trail rides took him into the forest, of course, but he had to keep his monologue going while also being mindful of his guests’ safety. It didn’t leave much time for enjoying nature.
“How do you like working at the ranch so far?” Wes asked a few minutes later. “Charlotte seems happy with your work.”
