“Love you too,” she said, her voice tender and full of affection.
Ava called the hotel, her anticipation crumbling as she learned there were no available rooms. Frustration washed over her. “Now what do I do?” she murmured to herself, rising from the table to refill her cup. Just then, a firm knock echoed through the room. Curious, she walked over,peering through the blinds, and her mood lifted when she saw Frank standing on the porch, his breath visible in the crisp air. She swiftly opened the door.
“Hi, Frank. Come in out of the cold. Would you like a cup of coffee?” she offered.
“Please,” he replied, removing his hat and giving his boots a quick wipe before stepping inside. He shrugged off his coat, hanging it alongside his hat on the pegs by the door, then rubbed his hands together vigorously to chase away the chill. “It’s damn cold out there,” he remarked, his cheeks tinged red from the biting air.
“I know,” Ava agreed, motioning to the seating area. “Have a seat.”
“I will, honey, after you,” Frank said with a courteous nod.
Ava grinned. “Now I know where Deacon gets his manners from.” She poured Frank a steaming cup of coffee, the aroma filling the room, and placed it gently on the table before sitting down. Frank pulled out a chair, settling into it with a contented sigh.
“Is Ellie still asleep?” he asked, lifting the cup and savoring a sip.
“Yes, she’ll be up soon,” Ava replied. “What are you doing out in this weather?”
“I was bored,” he confessed, a playful grin on his face. “This weather keeps me locked in the house.”
“I know what you mean.”
“What’s wrong?”
Ava sighed. “Remember I asked you about my best friend coming for Thanksgiving? Well, since my dad and his friend are staying here, I don’t haveroom for Joella and the motel in town doesn’t have any vacancies. I did offer her the sofa.”
“How about your dad and his friend stay at my house and you can have your friend stay here?”
“I can’t ask you to do that, Frank.”
“You didn’t ask and why not? They’re family now. If your dad and his friend don’t mind staying with me, they are more than welcome. I’d let your friend stay with me, but that might be a little inappropriate.”
Ava got up and hugged him. “True. You are the best.”
“I know,” he said with a laugh.
“I’ll talk to my dad and see what he wants to do. I’m sure he’ll be fine with it.”
A little while later, Frank left after spending a little time with Ellie and Ava called her father. He agreed that it made sense to do that, so then she called Joella and told her. She was happy to hear how things worked out. Now, all they had to do was wait for Thanksgiving so everyone could get together, and Ava couldn’t wait.
****
Thanksgiving Day dawned with a biting chill in the air, the kind that made you wrap your coat a little tighter and dream of warm, hearty meals. Despite the cold, Deke’s anticipation for the turkey feast was intense. He, along with Ava, Ellie, and Joella, bundled up and climbed into his truck. The vehicle’s engine roared to life as they set off toward his father’s house. Even before he reached the driveway, Deke swore he could catch a whiff of the savory turkey, rich and tantalizing, teasing hissenses and making his stomach rumble with hunger.
“I heard that,” Joella piped up from the back seat, her tone playful.
“I’m starving,” Deke admitted, rubbing his stomach as if to quiet its protests.
“Me too,” Ava added, her voice warm with shared anticipation.
“Hambirder, Dad-dy,” Ellie shouted enthusiastically, drawing laughter from the group.
“Turkey, Ellie,” Deke corrected gently, chuckling.
Ellie clapped her hands together in delight. “Tur-key!” she exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement.
Deke shook his head fondly and glanced at Ava, his heart swelling with affection. “I love her so much,” he said, his voice soft.
“I know. She loves you too. Just like I do.” Ava’s smile was tender, her eyes sparkling.
