“I will. I have to see my goddaughter.”
“Yes, you do.”
“Ava?”
She turned to see Deacon walking toward herand snickered when she heard Joella sigh.
“He’s even hotter close up,” she whispered, making Ava agree.
“Deacon, this is my best friend, Joella Barton. Joella, this is Ellie’s father, Deacon Anderson.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Deacon.” Joella shook his hand.
“You too, but please, call me Deke. Ava is the only one who insists on calling me Deacon.” He grinned. “I’m glad you showed up.”
Joella laughed. “Me too. I’m so glad Tyler called me. I couldn’t let her go without seeing her.”
Ava hugged her again. “Please come visit.”
“I will. I’ll let you go. I know you want to get on the road.”
“Yes.”
Joella walked to the back door of Ava’s SUV and opened it. She leaned in and kissed Ellie’s cheek.
“I’ll see you soon, baby. I love you.”
“Love Jo,” Ellie said with a grin.
After one more hug, Ava climbed behind the wheel of her SUV, and turned the seat warmer on. It was chilly this morning. She started the engine, the gentle purr of the motor filling the air. With a nod to Deacon, she signaled it was time to go. After one last wave at Joella, her father and Jessica, she pulled out behind him, the tires crunching softly on the gravel, and together they headed for Clifton, the road ahead full of promise and new beginnings.
After two hours on the highway, the afternoon sun slanted through the windshield, making the dash glow. Ava tapped the little phone icon built into her steering wheel and listened while it rang through the speaker.
“Anything wrong?” Deacon’s warm voice came through.
“I’d like to stop and check Ellie to see if she needs a change.”
“Okay. I’ll pull into the next rest area.”
“Perfect. And I’d like to grab her something to drink while we’re there.”
“No problem. The one coming up has a lot of vending machines. I’ve used them plenty of times.”
Ava’s lips curved into a grin even before she answered, “Great. Lead the way.”
“It’s about a mile ahead. We’ll be turning off soon.”
“Sounds good.” She ended the call, settled her shoulders, and followed Deacon’s truck as he eased off the ramp.
They coasted into a small lot ringed with pines. A row of family cars clustered near the low building marked ‘Restrooms Visitor Info,’ so they parked at the far end, across from the glass entrance. A breeze rustled the leaves overhead, carrying the faint tang of pine and machine oil.
Ava unbuckled Ellie’s car seat and lifted her out. The toddler’s soft pink dress fluttered around her knees, and stray wisps of hair escaped her tiny barrettes. The moment her feet touched the pavement, she squirmed, ready to bolt.
“We have to walk, Ellie,” Ava said, gathering the diaper bag on her shoulder and reaching for her daughter’s hand.
“No!” Ellie planted her feet and sank to the ground.
Deacon appeared beside them, looking impossibly calm in the afternoon light. He crouched down so his eyes were level with Ellie’s.
