“Make you? You know better than that.”
Ava smiled. “I do.” She stood on her toes and kissed his lips.
“Good,” he conceded, a mischievous grin spreading across his face, “we know each other pretty well in bed.”
Ava chuckled. “We do, but it’s not enough for a relationship,” she sighed, her expression turning earnest.
“I know, but you know I think it’s a damn good start.”
“Deacon, I’m not going to lie to you. I think I could fall for you, but if that’s not what you want, maybe weshouldstay in separate rooms.”
Deacon turned fully to face her; his expression serious yet tender. He gently took her elbow and guided her from the room. Ava pulled the door closed behind them, leaving it slightly ajar. She let him lead her to the living room, where he motioned for her to sit on the sofa. He settled beside her, taking her hand in his with a firm yet gentle grip.
“Ava,” he began, his voice steady and sincere, “I’m already close to falling for you, so nothing would make me happier if you felt the same way. But I agree, we need to know more about each other. I do know that you’re an amazing mother to our little girl, and I want to be a good father.”
“You are already,” Ava assured him, her voice soft and full of conviction. “She loves you, Deacon.”
“I love her too,” he replied.
“I know,” Ava said, smiling. “I heard you tell her.” She tilted her head, a playful smile on her lips. “You’re going to spoil her, aren’t you?”
Deacon laughed. “Yep, and you too.” He shook his head. “I have never looked forward to Christmas as much as I do now.”
“Oh, great. Youaregoing to spoil her,” Ava said with a laugh.
“I want to spoil you both.” He gently squeezed her hand. “Ava, I do want to sleep beside you every night.”
“I’d like that,” she said as she touched his lightly whiskered cheek.
“How about after Ellie wakes up, we do head to the diner. I sure don’t feel like cooking and I’m sure you don’t either.”
“That sounds perfect.”
After Ellie woke up, Ava put her in a pink sundress with her white sneakers and they headed out to the truck. Deacon drove them to the diner in town. Ava was nervous, not sure about the welcome she’d receive. She knew how small towns were. Deacon pulled into the parking lot and looked at her.
“Ready?”
“No. I’m nervous. This is your hometown, Deacon and I’m a stranger.”
“No one, after moving here, is a stranger in Clifton. Since you’re with me, they’ll love you.”
“I hope so.” She nodded. “I’m ready.”
He grinned, opened his door, walked around to open her door, but she got out and opened the back door to get Ellie.
“Let’s get a hamburger, Ellie,” Deacon said from over Ava’s shoulder.
“Hambirder!” Ellie shouted, making them laugh.
“I’ll take her,” Deacon lifted her into his arms and took Ava’s hand in his, then they walked to the door of the diner. He pulled it open and nodded for her to go inside. She took a deep breath and stepped inside. She fell in love with the place immediately. But when everyone stopped eating and stared at her, she wanted to run back out.
“It’s fine,” Deacon whispered in her from behind then he looked around the diner.
“This is Ava Parsons andourdaughter, Ellie,” he announced.
Ava sighed and laughed when everyone clapped their hands. A woman in her early sixties came to them with a smile on her face.
“Hi, Ava. Hello, Ellie. I’m Connie. I own the diner, along with my husband, Owen. Welcome to Clifton,” she said then pulled Ava into a hug.
