“We left them with Darlene’s parents for a littlegetaway,” Brian said, chuckling. “It’s good to step away once in a while.”
“Speak for yourself. I miss them already,” Darlene admitted, her eyes softening as she glanced at the distant tree line where geese flew low across the sky.
“See? We haven’t even been on the road for an hour.” Brian nudged Darlene’s shoulder and looked back at Deke.
“I do.”
Brian held out his hand. “Well, you have a wonderful trip, wherever you’re headed.” They shook hands firmly, then Brian tipped his cap and walked back toward the row of cars on the other side.
Darlene lingered beside Deke. “Be careful out there,” she said, voice gentle but sincere. “Some folks think they own the road.” She gave him one last smile before turning to join her husband.
Deke touched the brim of his hat. “Yes, ma’am. You too.” As the couple’s SUV disappeared around a bend, he lowered himself onto the bench and waited, the wind tugging at his flannel shirt.
“Ten kids? Hell no,” he muttered, watching Ellie chase a falling leaf.
Ava dropped onto the bench beside him. “Who was that?” she asked, brushing her hair from her face.
“Just a couple being nice,” Deke said, stretching his arms.
“Couple? I only saw a woman.”
“They have three kids, seven, five, and three, and her husband said if it were up to her, they’d have ten more.” Deke raised an eyebrow.
Ava laughed, shaking her head. “Ten? Oh, hellno.”
Deke chuckled. “That’s what I said.” He stood and held out his hand to her. “Let’s get back on the road. Ellie? Come on, sweetheart, we’ve got to go.”
“‘Kay!” Ellie sprinted toward them; her arms flung wide. Deke scooped her up and tossed her high into the crisp air. For a heartbeat she seemed to hover, wide-eyed and astonished, before a burst of giggles lifted her cheeks. “More!” she cried.
Ava watched, amusement in her eyes. “What is it with men? Tyler’s always tossing her and his kids into the air.”
Deke shrugged, cradling Ellie against his chest. “It’s fun?”
The little girl’s laughter trailed behind them as they got into their vehicles and turned toward the open road.
****
Upon arriving in the charming town of Clifton, Ava’s eyes roamed eagerly over the quaint streets, her anticipation bubbling over as she imagined exploring every nook and cranny. The storefronts seemed to beckon her with their inviting displays—a bakery with the sweet scent of freshly baked goods wafting through the air, an ice cream shop with vibrant tubs of creamy delights visible through the window, a cozy candle store flickering with warm, aromatic light, and a coffee shop exuding the rich aroma of roasted beans. Yet, it was the antique store down the street that truly captured her interest, promising treasures from the past waiting to be discovered. However, themouthwatering aroma drifting from the local diner was irresistible, causing her stomach to churn with hunger despite the snacks she’d nibbled on earlier at the visitor center.
With a quick press of the call button on her steering wheel, she reached out to Deacon. His voice came through the speaker.
“What’s up?” he inquired.
“You’re going to have to get us burgers from that diner. The smells are absolutely driving me in sane,” she replied with a grin, delighted by his responding chuckle.
“If you think they smell good, just wait until you taste them. I can pick us up some Monday after I get off work,” he assured her.
“That sounds perfect,” she agreed, savoring the thought.
“Okay, that’s what I’ll do then.”
Ava ended the call with a satisfied smile, anticipation mingling with a flutter of nerves as they pulled into the driveway of Deacon’s house. Her stomach twisted with a mix of excitement and anxiety, but it was a necessary step to ensure they could both be with Ellie, but the fear of failure loomed large. What if things didn’t work out? Would Deacon resort to legal battles, or could they find a way to manage the logistics of travel amicably?
“You have to give this a chance,” she whispered to herself, determination mingling with hope.
She glanced into the rearview mirror to find Ellie peacefully asleep, her small head resting gently against the side of her car seat. As the SUV came to a halt in front of the house, Ava turned off the engine and quietly stepped out, opening the backdoor with care. She unbuckled Ellie, lifting her sleeping daughter into her arms. Deacon appeared by her side.
“Is she asleep?” he asked softly.
