“Bite your tongue, young lady. Ranchers don’t like that kind of talk.” He grinned, the crinkles at the corners of his sky-blue eyes deepening.
Ava chuckled and took his offered arm. The porch lights cast a warm glow over the rough-hewn beams as they entered the house together.
Inside, the kitchen, she spotted a petite woman standing by the stove, her blonde hair pulled back loosely, blue eyes bright with a mix of excitement and nerves. She smoothed her blouse and offered a tentative smile.
“You must be Jessica.” Ava removed her sweater hung it up and embraced her father’s guest. Jessica returned the hug, a soft exhale of relief.
“Thank you. I’ve been looking forward to this. I told Rudy he had to introduce us.”
“Let me do that properly. Ava, this is Jessica Frazier. Jessica, my daughter, Ava Parsons.” Rudy smiled.
“It’s so nice to meet you,” Ava said. “Finally.”
“Finally?” her father said, arching a brow.
Ava laughed, glancing at her dad. “I knew you were seeing someone but you refused to admit it.”
Rudy’s cheeks flushed a deep red as he shifted his gaze to Jessica.
“You wouldn’t admit it?” Jessica tilted her head, amused.
“Are you trying to get me in trouble, Ava?”
“Never,” Ava said with an innocent grin.
Rudy folded his arms, feigning indignation. “Now, why don’t I believe you?”
“I have no idea,” Ava said. She turned to Jessica. “I just wanted to find out who my father was seeing.”
Jessica laughed, the sound light and genuine. “I would have paid to see his face when you asked him about it.”
The three of them exchanged looks and laughed.
Ava’s father shook his head, still smiling. “Okay, maybe introducing you two was a mistake, I can already tell there’ll be plenty more of this.”
Ava slipped an arm around his waist. “You should be glad we get along so well.”
He kissed her head. “I am, honey. Now, let’s eat.”
They settled at the sturdy oak dining table, laden with roast chicken, buttered vegetables, and fresh-baked rolls. As candlelight flickered and laughter wove around them, Ava’s heart swelled, so happy for her father, and charmed by the wonderful woman at his side.
Sunlight slanted through the curtains, illuminating the kitchen table where Ava and Jessica leaned in close, laughter weaving between them. Steam curled from three mugs of coffee. A sudden vibration cut through the warmth, the buzz of her father’s cell phone against the kitchen counter.
“Excuse me,” Rudy said, pushing back his chair. He strolled across the linoleum floor and retrieved the phone, eyes flicking from the screen to Ava’s anxious face. “It’s Deke. I’ll just be a minute.” He disappeared down the hallway.
Jessica watched him go, her blue eyes soft. “Ihope he has good news for your father,” she said, her voice as gentle.
Ava rubbed her palms on her jeans. “Me too. He’s been working so hard on the case.”
Jessica nodded. “Rudy mentioned that.”
Ava’s cheeks warmed. “Did he tell you about my daughter?”
“He showed me pictures of Ellie. She’s a beautiful little girl,” Jessica replied with a fond smile. “He’s a very proud grandfather.”
Ava exhaled, her laugh fragile. “Yes, but I meant about Deacon and me.”
Jessica’s brow quirked. “About him being the father? Yes. I hope that’s okay.”
