“I’d love that.” Ava stepped into the warm, inviting kitchen, a welcoming contrast to the biting cold outside. She gently set Ellie down on the floor, then shrugged off her coat, hanging it neatly on a peg by the door. She pulled out a wooden chair from the cozy kitchen table and settled into it, feeling the warmth seep into her bones.
Frank placed a steaming cup of coffee on the table in front of her, the rich aroma filling the air, then poured one for himself and joined her at the table.
“I want you to know that we are all truly happy you moved here,” he said, his voice full of sincerity.
“I’m glad we did too. Frank, I’m sorry for keeping her from all of you. You didn’t deserve that,” Ava replied, her eyes downcast with a hint of regret.
He reached across the table and gently touched her hand, his touch warm and reassuring. “We understand, honey. We’re going to make up for lost time.”
Ava nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. “That sounds good. May I ask you something?”
“Of course, anything,” Frank replied, leaning back in his chair.
“Thanksgiving is next month. What do you do for the day?” Ava inquired, curiosity mingling with hopefulness.
“We all gather here for dinner. I’ve gotten very good at roasting a turkey,” he said with a proud grin.
Ava laughed. “Would it be alright if my father and his...” She paused, shaking her head with amusement. “It doesn’t sound right calling her his girlfriend at his age.” She chuckled again. “But, heis seeing a woman, and I think it’s getting serious. Anyway, could they come here for Thanksgiving?”
“Absolutely,” Frank agreed without hesitation, his warm smile matching hers.
“Oh, and my best friend. She usually spends it with me and my dad.” Ava nibbled on her bottom lip.
“That’s fine. The more the merrier.”
“Thank you. I’ll even help you cook,” she said with a smile.
Frank shook his head. “Too many cooks spoil the meal,” he said, then winked at her.
Ava chuckled. She enjoyed talking with Frank. He was a good man and did one hell of a job raising three boys on his own.
“Okay, but I can at least set the table, right?” She tilted her head.
Frank rubbed his chin as if giving it some serious thought, then nodded.
“I can let you do that.”
After she left with Ellie, she entered the house, then got started with dinner. Deacon had sent her a text telling her he was leaving the office. She’d wait until he got home before starting dinner. She was sure he’d want to shower when he got home.
****
As Deke stepped into the warmth of the house, his stomach let out a low, rumbling growl. He shrugged off his hat and coat, hanging them on the rack by the door. The air was filled with the comforting aroma of home, and he turned at the sound of small, rapid footsteps accompanied by peals of laughter. Just in time, he saw Elliebursting into the kitchen, her face beaming with pure joy, her eyes sparkling.
“Dad-dy!” she squealed.
Deke crouched down, catching her in a warm embrace that felt like coming home, planting a tender kiss on her rosy cheek. “Hi, baby girl. How was your day?” he asked.
Ellie giggled, her little hands clapping with uncontainable excitement as she launched into a stream of animated chatter, her words tumbling over one another. Her boundless enthusiasm was infectious, and Deke couldn’t help but chuckle along with her. Then, Ava entered the kitchen, and his heartbeat intensified. The sight of her never failed to stir something deep within him. He knew he was in love with her and it often left him awestruck by its intensity. He set Ellie on the floor, then approached Ava slowly, each step deliberate, stopping just before her to press a gentle, lingering kiss to her soft lips.
“Hi, sweetheart,” he murmured.
“Hi, yourself,” Ava replied, a playful smile dancing on her lips. “I hope you’re hungry.”
“Always for you,” Deke quipped.
“That’s dessert, remember?” Ava teased, her eyes glinting with playful challenge.
“I’ll try to hold on for that,” he said with a wink. “Did you check out the barn?”
