Moran had been watching the scene unfolding nearby, taking it all in.

He noticed York and Gaylord going out of their way to look after Charlene and Connie, but chalked it up to simple chivalry. After all, out of the eight or nine people in Charlene's group, only she and Connie were women. It made perfect sense that the guys would look out for their female friends.

Just as he turned his attention elsewhere, Vesta returned.

"There you are," Moran said, relief in his voice. "I was just about to call you. They've already got the barbecue going-come get something to eat?"

Vesta smiled. "Sounds good."

She paused, then asked, "Shouldn't we wait for Granger?"

"He's already had dinner. Told us not to hold up on his account."

"All right."

her earlier moodiness had faded. The promise of barbecue brought a smile to her face, and she was about to say

mistaken. But as she looked closer,

barbecue, but York and the others wouldn't hear of it, gently insisting

sunshade, Leah and her friends couldn't make out the faces of

and Stewart had come camping in the same area, hadn't gone out of her way to look for them since arriving. Now, hearing Leah's exclamation, she turned her head to follow Leah's gaze.

her, Charlene glanced over and met Vesta's gaze. Recognizing both Vesta and


slight sneer, she muttered to Charlene, "She's really here Like a bad penny,

Charlene said nothing.

Leah let out a short, derisive laugh. "Yeah, she

of the backstory, looked puzzled. "Who's Charlene?" one

air her family drama in public. Face

and said softly

"Yeah. Good idea."

grilled food, she felt distracted. Her gaze drifted and she was surprised to

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