he could get something done at the hardware store and keep busy while they were on their camping trip.
As he entered the kitchen, Ella held up a box of Life cereal in offering.
“Thanks. That would be great. Do you want me to start some water for hot cocoa?”
“Yeah.” She pulled down two bowls.
He cherished this nearly choregraphed time with Ella in the mornings. “So where did you two decide on?”
“I think Lake Bend. But you know Mom; she could change her mind again.” Ella rolled her eyes. “She wants to make sure that I try out some new skills.”
“How many Thanksgivings have you been doing this?”
“All of them. As far back as I remember.” Ella pulled the milk out of the refrigerator and handed it to him.
“Can you do me a favor?” he said. “Can you run into my office and bring me the box on my desk?” It was weird that he’d called the office his and not Grandpa’s.
Ella gave him a look. “Do I have to run? Can I walk?”
“You must be wide awake if you can sass me so early in the morning.”
She smiled and strolled leisurely from the room.
Donovan watched her go, smiling just because he had a daughter.
Ella returned, holding the box. “So what’s this?”
“You tell me,” Donovan said.
Ella flipped it open. “It’s a cell phone.”
“Correction, it’s a satellite phone.”
“What’s the difference?” she said.
“Satellite phones don’t rely on cell towers; they bounce off satellites.”
“And you have this why?”
“It’s a gift for you and your mom to take on your camping trips. I know your mom is hell-bent on teaching you survival skills. I want to contribute to your camping safety.”
Hope appeared in the doorway. “I’m hell-bent on what?”
Ella used the phone to point at him. “Donovan got us a satellite phone.”
Hope frowned and opened her mouth, but he cut her off before she could complain.
“You’re welcome.” He took a seat across from Ella.
Hope strolled over to the coffeemaker. “Are you sure you don’t want to go to Piney’s?”
He thought she was about to ask if he wanted to come along on their camping excursion. He recovered quickly. “I’m sure. I heard what was on Piney’s menu. It makes sense now why you have a standing date to get out of town and go camping on Thanksgiving.”
Ella laughed. “Don’t worry about missing out. There’ll be leftovers.”
Thank goodness a new garbage disposal had been installed last week.
“What are you going to do for food today?” Hope asked.
“Don’t worry about me. I have an important date with a paintbrush. I’ll make a sandwich and take it with me.”
“If you’re sure . . .” Hope said.
“I’m sure.”
“Ella, hurry up and eat your breakfast so we can get going,” mother said to daughter. “I want us to get our camp settled while it’s still light.”
They were gone within a half hour. Donovan didn’t dally either and was gone shortly afterward with his lunch and a thermos of coffee for his day alone at the hardware store. On his way into town he called and wished his dad and Rose a happy Thanksgiving. Yes, he felt a little alone, but he was looking forward to getting the break room painted as a surprise for the workers who would return on Monday.
The day flew by and only once or twice did he think longingly about Hope and Ella. He pictured them catching a few fish to add to their turkey roast on the coals and making s’mores over an open fire. He hoped they were staying warm.
Just as he was cleaning up his paint brushes around five, he received a text from Piney informing him that there was an emergency at the lodge.
He threw the dirty paintbrushes in a bucket and rushed to his vehicle. As he sped to the lodge, he tried to get hold of Piney. And when he got no answer, he called Hope’s new satellite phone. No answer from her either. Had Hope and Ella been in an accident? He drove faster.
Cars were parked along the road as if it were a normal workday at the lodge. He pulled into the driveway, and before he could turn off the vehicle, Ella and Hope stepped out on the porch.
“What’s going on? Why are you back?”
“We decided not to go.”
“Why?” He looked around. “And why is the whole town here?” At least it looked that way.
“Talk to Ella,” Hope said.
“Dinner’s ready.” Ella went back inside but Hope stayed where she was.
He searched her face but he didn’t see any sign