Standing in the living room, Ava watched Ellie zoom around like a bundle of energy, wishing she could borrow even a fraction of that vitality. “Enjoy it while you can, kiddo. Come here, Ellie. I need to put your sweater on since we’re going to walk. It’s a little chilly today. Fall is finally here,” Ava said, her voice tinged with amusement.
Ellie bounded over to her, and Ava crouched down, catching her in a warm embrace, laughter bubbling up as Ellie giggled against her. Ava skillfully guided Ellie’s small arms into the sleeves of her sweater before donning her own, the fabric soft and comforting against the crisp air. Taking Ellie’s tiny hand in hers, they stepped out onto the porch. Ava shivered slightly as the cool breeze kissed her cheeks, a stark reminder of the rapidly changing weather. The air whispered of fall’s arrival, hinting at the snow that could soon follow.
On the porch, Ava pulled the door closed behind them, clasped Ellie’s hand firmly, and they descended the steps, crossing the yard, heading toward her father’s welcoming home. As they approached, the wooden steps creaked under their feet, and just as Ava was about to knock, the door swung open. Ellie let out a delighted scream at the sight of her papa.
“Hi, we wanted to come see you,” Ava greeted with a smile.
“You know I’m always happy to see you both,” her father eyes crinkling with warmth.
“How are you, Dad?” Ava asked, wrapping him in a hug.
“I’m fine, honey. How are my girls?” he replied, lifting Ellie into his arms, his expression softening.
“We’re wonderful.” Ava smiled.
“Are you?” he asked.
“Yes, I am. Really,” Ava said with a chuckle as she removed her sweater, and her father helped Ellie with hers.
“I’m glad. How about a cup of coffee?” he offered, already moving toward the coffee maker.
“I’d love one,” Ava replied, the thought of warmth and comfort appealing.
“I’ll get that in a minute. Ellie? Would you like some chocolate milk?” he asked, setting the little girl gently on her feet.
“Yep!” Ellie nodded enthusiastically.
“Have a seat, Ava,” he said, gesturing to the kitchen table, then he set Ellie in her highchair.
Ava let out a contented sigh as she pulled a chair away from the sturdy wooden table and settled into it, feeling a sense of belonging and peace in the familiar surroundings.
A few minutes later, her father set a cup of hot, steaming coffee before her. Wisps of dark roast curled upward, filling the kitchen with a rich, familiar aroma. He settled into the chair opposite her, his own mug in hand, and for a moment they simply watched the light dance across the wooden table. Ava glanced over at Ellie, who sat strapped safely in her highchair, sipping chocolate milk from her pink sippy cup with a contented hum. Her father’s lips curved into a gentle smile as he watched.
“Are you all packed?” he asked, leaning forward and resting his elbows on the table.
Ava wrapped her hands around her coffee, feeling its warmth seep into her palms. “God, I hope so.” She laughed.
“Something is on your mind, though. What is it?”
She dropped her gaze. “I’m scared, Dad.”
“Of Deacon?”
“Oh, no. I’m not afraid of him. I know he’s a good man.” She paused, tracing a crack in the table with her fingertip. “What happens if we can’t make this work?”
He sighed, the lines around his eyes softening. “Then you take it from there. Ava, life doesn’t come with guarantees. If things don’t work out, you’ll figure a new plan.”
She swallowed hard, the memory of Deacon’s grim warning flickering in her mind. “You know he threatened to take me to court for joint custody if we can’t make this work.”
Her father’s brow furrowed. “What do you expect, Ava? He wants to be part of his daughter’s life.”
“But not mine.” Ava’s voice cracked. She shook her head.
Her father sat back, studying her. “Ah, I see. Is that what this is really about? Are you in love with him?”
Her chest tightened. “I have strong feelings for him, and I don’t want to get hurt. I don’t want Ellie to get hurt either.”
He offered her a steady look. “I don’t think you have to worry about him hurting Ellie.”
