The miniature dachshund barreled toward the entrance, barking like he was leading a cavalry charge.
“Frankie!” Krista cried, sprinting after him.
“Krista—” Joe lunged after her, heart slamming against his ribs.
Outside, the surrounding brush gave way with heavy limbs snapping as the bear crashed through the undergrowth.
Frankie kept barking in its wake, triumphant and relentless, until his little body disappeared into the greenery.
Joe caught Krista’s arm before she plunged after him into the brush. “Look.”
He pointed.
Up in a nearby pine, the black bear scrambled higher, claws digging into bark as it climbed with startling speed.
Krista’s breath left her in a rush.
As if satisfied with his victory, Frankie came bounding back, tail waving like a banner.
“I think that’s our cue to get the hell out of here,” Joe said.
“You did good, buddy,” Krista said, clipping Frankie’s leash back on with shaking hands. Then she looked at Joe. “But you’re right. We’re leaving. Now.”
No sentimental moment. No more kisses in the cave.
With one last glance at the singing water and the watching bear carved in stone, they retreated toward Maple Falls.
THIRTY-THREE
KRISTA
Tuesday, Day Five of the Summer Swap: The Last Day
After their adventurous hike that neither would be forgetting anytime soon, they went back to the campground together. Krista was determined for Joe to sample her cowboy coffee, and Joe promised her a rustic, homemade breakfast that “even Kit would be proud of.”
He took a sip, eyebrows lifting. “Impressive. You’ve mastered it.”
“Well,” Krista said, aiming for modest and missing by a mile, “I did have an excellent teacher.”
Joe ducked into his tent and emerged with a frying pan and the grocery bag he’d brought earlier. He lined the contents up on the picnic table, the cooking spray, pancake mix, blueberries…and a large canister of whipped cream.
Krista raised her eyebrows.
Joe’s mouth twitched. “What?”
“You did that on purpose.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” he said.
Krista reached for the canister. “Uh-huh.”
He grabbed it first, clearly fighting a grin. “I just thought…since we liked whipped cream so much.”
Krista nearly choked on her coffee. “Joe.” She quickly looked around, making sure Gramps wasn’t suddenly in earshot.
He finally broke, laughing into his cup. “What? It’s a valid point.”
“Oh? Shall I bring it over to my place tonight?” she asked sweetly. “It is the last night of the swap after all. We should celebrate.”
