“I’m sorry for your loss,” Deacon said softly, his words sincere and heartfelt.
“Thank you,” Ava replied, gratitude shining in her eyes. “My dad was devastated, but eventually he got back into the ranch. I don’t think he’ll ever get completely over her, but the years have helped him smile about her now,” she added, her voice a poignant mix of sadness and fond remembrance.
****
Deke nodded, a subtle gesture that spoke volumes. He could sense the lingering sadness in her eyes, the way she still missed her mother. Unlike him, whose memories of his own mother were as faint as a passing shadow, leaving him without the ache of longing.
“You never talk about your mother,” Ava said.
“She divorced my dad right after Case was born. Our dad raised us. She’s on her fifth marriage, and this guy is the same age as Hud, which really pisses him off.”
“How old is Hud?”
“Forty-four. She’s sixty-one, but looks ten years younger.”
“Oh, my. Do you ever see her?”
“Once in a while.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. She only comes around when she wants something. My dad said she didn’t like ranch life.” Deke shrugged as Ava nodded. “Have you decided to move to Clifton? I want to know my daughter, Ava. I’ve already missed so much,” he said, his jaw tightening with the weight of losttime.
“I know. I’m so sorry, Deacon. I thought it would disrupt your life. My dad was furious. And then there’s Joella,” Ava said, shaking her head slowly. “I don’t know if she’ll ever forgive me for lying to her.”
“What about your brother?” Deke asked.
Ava sighed deeply; the sound heavy with emotion. “Tyler doesn’t know yet.”
“Don’t you think it’s time he did?” Deke suggested gently.
“Yes, and I will tell him when I pick Ellie up tomorrow,” she assured him. “And we will move to Clifton, with you.”
“I’m happy to hear that,” Deke said, a hint of anticipation in his voice.
“Does your family know?” Ava asked, her eyes searching his.
“Not yet. I plan to tell them when I get back. So, when do you want to do this?”
“You’ll need to get some things.”
“Like what?”
“She’ll need a crib, some toys, diapers, a changing table, a highchair—” She stopped when he reached out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
Deke nodded. “I can take care of all that. Just make me a list.”
Ava’s brow lifted in a brief flicker of concern. “That’s quite a haul.”
He shrugged. “I don’t mind. I can afford it, and I want her to have what she needs. So, I’ll need all of it.”
Ava exhaled. “If you like, I can help you pick things out.” Her voice softened, offering more than mere steady support.
Deke smiled. “That’d be great.”
She reached for her laptop, lifted the top and the screen came to life. The keyboard’s soft clack filled the air as she pulled up an online store. “We can order everything here and have it delivered right to you.”
“Fine by me.”
