Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 110113 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 551(@200wpm)___ 440(@250wpm)___ 367(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 110113 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 551(@200wpm)___ 440(@250wpm)___ 367(@300wpm)
Ain’t my style to gloat, but I do allow myself a little smirk. “It’s a nice spot.”
“Sounds like it,” he replies.
I turn my head to look at the girls, who are busy helping each other into princess dresses. “Your daughter is adorable. She’s got a big heart, and she’s been so good to Ella. Really helping to bring her out of her shell.”
“Thanks,” Dan says. “She is cute.”
I look at Ava. “Y’all are doing a great job raising her.”
“Takes a village,” Ava replies, a small smile on her lips. “We’re so proud of her.”
“As you should be. It’s an honor to be part of that village. She’s a special little girl.” I turn my gaze to Dan, and wait for him to say something back to me along those lines.
He doesn’t.
He does, however, have the grace to look a little sheepish. He’s gotta know I spend more time with Junie than he does. He should feel shame for that. I won’t call him out on it, of course. But I can heavily imply that he’s let these girls down in a big way.
Then again, I try not to judge Lizzie for the choices she’s making, even though it’s hard not to resent her for chasing her dreams while I’m here doing the hard work of raising our kid. Who knows what Dan’s story is? Maybe he doesn’t aspire to be the same kind of involved parent that Ava and I are, but it’s obvious June adores him.
For that reason alone, I’ll never, ever start shit with this man.
“She is special, isn’t she?” Dan says at last. Rocking back on his heels, he tilts his head toward the door. “Welp, I should get going.”
“Nice to meet you,” I say. “Looking forward to seeing you next time.”
Yes, motherfucker, I’ll be here. Just like I’ll be here the time after that, and the time after that.
Dan trots to the family room to give June one last hug. He does say hi to Ella, which I have to give him credit for—the guy’s not a total loser. Ava wouldn’t have married him if he was.
Then he’s opening the door and walking through it.
“Here, I’ll walk you out.” Following him, I glance at Ava over my shoulder. “I’ll be right back.”
My heart skips at the steadiness of her gaze. She’s not worried about me doing something stupid outside.
She trusts me. In a way I don’t think she was ever able to trust Dan.
I wait until he and I are standing beside his truck to speak. I keep my voice low, tone even. Cool as a cucumber.
“So, hey,” I begin, looking him square in the eye. “I’m gonna be nice to you in front of Ava and Junie, because they really do mean the world to me.”
Dan peers at me from the corner of his eye. He’s gripping the door handle of his truck like a lifeline. “Okay.”
“But you ever make my girl cry again, I won’t be this nice. Understood?”
His eyes narrow, flashing with anger. I notice his grip on the door loosens.
For a split second, I think he’s going to do something stupid. Push me, or even try to land a punch. But I stay cool, holding eye contact despite the very real urge I have to ball my hands into fists.
“That was a misunderstanding,” Dan says at last. “I apologized to Ava.”
“I don’t care. You make her cry, you’ll see a side of me you’re not gonna like.”
His jaw tics again. “How long y’all been dating?”
“Long enough to know she deserves better’n you.”
He glares at me. “That’s uncalled for.”
“I said my piece. Long as we understand each other, Dan, we’ll be good.”
He keeps glaring at me for another long beat before finally yanking open his door. “Whatever.”
Climbing inside, he revs the engine and peels out of the driveway.
“Everything okay?” Ava asks when I’m back in the kitchen.
I pick up a wooden spoon and give the chili a stir. It’s been simmering on her stove for an hour now. “Everything’s perfect. Y’all hungry?”
“For you?” Smiling, she wraps her arms around my waist. “Always.”
CHAPTER 31
Ava
WEAR THE HAT
Sawyer dancing at a honky-tonk is sexy.
Sawyer climbing into bed naked and hard is hot.
But Sawyer doing cowboy shit in chaps and a Stetson?
Lord, that just about does me in. My mouth goes dry as I watch Sawyer emerge from the barn, a chestnut-colored calf in his arms. He carries the animal like it weighs no more than a human baby.
I mean, the guy isn’t even out of breath.
He sees me and smiles, dimples and all. “Hey, pretty girl.”
Giving him a little wave, I lick my lips. “You doing this on purpose?”
“Doing what?” Sawyer grunts when he sets the calf down.
The baby cow meanders over to a sow nearby that’s munching on a patch of newly sprouted grass.
“Getting me all hot and bothered before our date even begins.”