That’s great to hear. He is sexy. I’m sorry, but I have to run, lunch break’s over. Love you. Give Ellie a hug for me.
We love you.
Get me that picture!
Ava smiled as she slipped her phone into her back pocket and glanced toward the tack room door. She pictured Ellie, up by now, probably being doted on by her Pap, Frank, who had insisted she call him Pap the moment they arrived, his grin so warm she couldn’t refuse. Deacon’s family already felt like home.
She turned and left the barn. In the driveway, she ran inside the house to retrieve her keys, and climbed into her SUV. The scent of pine from the pinewoods that bordered the ranch mingled withthe faint residue of hay on her jacket. She drove down the dusty lane to Frank’s house, knowing her daughter would be delighted by the toys Frank had already piled around the living room.
Halfway there, her phone buzzed again. She pulled the vehicle over, heart pounding when she saw her father’s name on the screen. A sudden wave of homesickness hit her. She swallowed hard, then answered.
“Hi, Dad.”
“Hey, sweetheart. How’s Clifton treating you?”
“It’s beautiful. You have to see it.” She glanced out at the rolling hills. “I’m so happy we moved.”
“We’ll come visit once you’re settled,” he said. “You sound good.”
“I am.” She brushed a stray lock of hair from her face. “I know Jessica would love it here, too.”
“I’m sure she would. I’d like to meet Deke’s family.”
“They’re wonderful.” Ava exhaled, her gaze drifting toward the winding road out front. “I’m going to pick up Ellie now, Frank has her.”
Her father chuckled. “So, she’s already spoiled more than usual.”
“Yes.” A lump formed in her throat at the thought of her little girl with her doting grandfather. “He asked if she could call him Pap.”
“Are you all right?”
“I am.” She forced a smile, though he couldn’t see it. “It’s just… sometimes I feel guilty for keeping Ellie from them. It’s hard to think we’ve been here almost a month now, and already everyone loves her.”
“Who wouldn’t?” He chuckled. “We miss you both, but you’re where you belong.”
Ava watched snowflakes drift down in lazy spirals. “It’s snowing here. Any at home?”
“Not yet, but they’re calling for it.”
“I don’t know what Deke’s family does for Thanksgiving, but I’d love if we could all spend it together.”
“That sounds wonderful.” He paused. “Jessica and I could come there, if his family’s okay with it. You know that Ty and Jeanie go to her family’s place. What about Joella though? You know she always spends it with us.”
“I did mention it to her, but I’ll ask Frank.” She glanced at her watch. “I should go.”
“Okay, honey. We love you.”
“I love you, too.” She ended the call, shifted into drive, and headed to Frank’s.
When she arrived, she shut her vehicle off, opened the door and ran up onto the porch and knocked. The door swung open, and there was Frank, arms full of Ellie. Her little girl’s curls bouncing. Ellie shrieked and reached out for her, and Ava’s heart swelled.
“Have you put her down at all?” Ava teased, draping Ellie across her hip as the child giggled and pressed her cheek against Ava’s. Frank just laughed, and in that moment, Ava knew she was exactly where she belonged.
“I think I set her down once or twice,” he said with a mischievous grin that lit up his features. “Are you in a hurry?”
“Not at all,” Ava replied, her breath visible in the chilly air.
“Then come in out of the cold and have a cup of coffee with me.”
