“I love you too,” she replied, her heart swelling with emotion.
“I was hoping so,” he said with a chuckle, his eyes twinkling. “I told you we could make this work.”
“I’ll never doubt you again,” she laughed, her voice light and filled with joy.
They slowly drifted off to sleep, wrapped in each other’s embrace, only to awaken later. They took a refreshing shower together, the warm water cascading over them, before falling back into a peaceful and restful slumber until the gentle morning light began to filter softly through the curtains.
****
Ava sat at the kitchen table, cradling a steaming cup of coffee in her hands, the rich aroma mingling with the crisp morning air. She watched Deacon as he slipped on his sheepskin coat, the fabric rustling softly, and reached for his hat hanging from a wooden peg by the door. His eyes met hers and he grinned. He crossed the room to her side, leaned down, and pressed a tender kiss to her lips, the scent of his aftershave lingering in the air as he straightened up.
“I’ll probably be late this evening,” he said, a hint of frustration in his voice. “This case I have isdriving me nuts. No leads whatsoever, and it feels like I’m just beating my head against a wall.”
“Okay. I’ll be here,” she replied softly, her smile reassuring and steady.
“Thank God for that,” he murmured. “I’ll try to text or call you later. Have a good day, sweetheart.” With a final glance, he opened the door, set his hat firmly on his head, and stepped out into the day.
As she worked on the sales records for her father’s cattle, the familiar buzz of her phone interrupted her concentration. She picked it up to see a call from Joella flickering on the screen.
“Finally,” she muttered under her breath before answering. “I’ve been worried about you.”
Joella’s voice came through, a bit breathless with excitement. “I’m fine. The gallery has been so busy. People are already shopping for Christmas.”
“Already?” Ava said with sarcasm. “It’s next month, but I know how you are. You always wait until the last minute.”
“I do, don’t I?” Joella chuckled softly.
“Will you be able to make it for Thanksgiving?” she asked, her voice laced with yearning. “I’d love to see you. I miss you so much.”
“I’ll be there,” Joella promised, the warmth in her voice evident even over the phone. “I’ll have to find a hotel room.”
“I wish you could stay here,” she said regretfully. “But with my dad and Jessica coming, there’s just no room. I’m so sorry.”
“Hey, don’t be,” Joella reassured her. “I don’t mind staying in a hotel. You know I like my privacy.”
“I do,” she replied, nodding to herself. “There’s a motel in Clifton. I can call and get you a room.”
“Please do. I cannot wait to see you and Ellie.”
“Oh, guess who else is coming for Thanksgiving?” she asked, a teasing lilt in her voice.
“Who?” Joella inquired.
“Jonah. Deacon said he’s there every holiday. I don’t know anything about his family, but Deacon mentioned he’s been joining them since he started working for him, and that’s been twenty years.”
“Oh, my God!” Joella exclaimed, her voice rising with excitement. “That hot ass is going to be there. Now I know I’ll be there.” Laughter bubbled up between them, light and infectious.
“I’m so glad. Let me get off here and see about getting you a room. I’ll text you to let you know.”
“Okay,” Joella said, her voice full of anticipation. “I can’t wait to see you. And that hot ass better be as good-looking as you said he was.”
“He is,” she assured her friend, grinning widely. “Oh, and Deacon and I said we loved each other.”
Joella gasped, her delight evident. “I’m so happy for you both.”
“Me too,” she replied, her heart swelling with contentment. “Well, I’ll get back to you as soon as I find you a room. If I can’t get you one, we do have a sofa you could sleep on.”
“Okay. Whatever is fine. Love you.”
