“He seems happy, and he deserves it.” Tyler’s tone softened. “You know how much he loved Mom, but it’s time he lived again. I think you’ll like Jessica.”
“I’ll talk to him later,” Ava whispered. She leaned against the car, fatigue tugging at her shoulders. “I’m tired, and this move will seem like a long trip, but I know I have to do it. I don’t want Deacon to file to get joint custody. It would make it so difficult.”
Tyler’s expression grew serious. “I’m sure that’s the last thing he wants, but if you keep him from Ellie, what choice does he have?”
“I don’t want to keep her from him, but with joint custody, I won’t see my daughter for a while.” The chill breeze tugged at her hair. “I don’t know if I can handle that.”
“Well, there’s your answer. Move to Clifton.”
Ava shook her head, brushing a tear from her cheek. “I am, but—”
“No buts,” Tyler said as he stared at her. “No excuses. Do it.”
He bent and hoisted one of the heavy bags of groceries with a grunt. “I’ll carry this inside. You wrestle with Ellie. I’m not fond of trying to deal with an angry female.”
Ava scooped Ellie into her arms, feeling the child melt into her shoulder with a soft snuffle. Tyler laughed as he hefted the other bag. Together they moved toward the door, the last light of day fading behind them.
If only she could confide in her big brother that she wanted more than to just live with Deacon. She wanted him in her life, and it scared the bejesus out of her.
Later after Tyler left, her phone buzzed sharply against the wood. She lifted it and saw her father’s name flashing across the screen.
“Hi, Dad,” she said, pushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear as she answered.
“Hey, honey. Any plans this evening?” His voice came over the liner.
“Nothing, why?” Ava propped her elbow on the table, glancing at the stack of paperwork.
“I want you to come to dinner. I’ve asked Jessicato join us.”
“Jessica?” She didn’t want him to know that Tyler told her.
“Yes. She’s who I’ve been seeing. Which I’m sure you already know.” He chuckled making Ava laugh.
“Oh, okay. What are you serving? Should I bring something different for Ellie?” Ava tucked her pencil behind her ear.
Her father exhaled. “I’d rather you didn’t bring her. Call Jeanie, see if she can watch Ellie for a couple of hours. If she’s here, you won’t have a chance to really talk to Jessica.”
Ava laughed softly. “Are you saying my daughter would distract me?”
“That’s an understatement,” he teased.
“True. I’ll see if Jeanie’s available. What time, Dad?”
“Around five.”
“Perfect. Can’t wait to meet her.” He hung up.
She exhaled, reached for her phone, and dialed Jeanie. As she arranged Ellie’s afternoon plans, she glanced at the window and imagined the first snowflake dancing down sooner than she liked. It had turned chilly, but after the blistering heat of August, she was ready for it.
At five o’clock, Ava steered her SUV onto her father’s gravel drive and parked beside the wide, weather-lined porch. The sky was streaked with the colors of salmon and lavender. She smiled as she thought about Ellie not even noticing she was leaving. Ellie, too enthralled by her cousins playing in the yard, barely glanced up to wave.
The front door opened and her father stepped out. He wore faded denim and a flannel shirt thatsoftened the edges of his broad shoulders.
“Hi, Dad.”
“Hi, honey. Come inside, chilly out here, huh?” He swung his arm wide.
“Definitely. I think snow is on the horizon.”
