“All I’m asking for is one weekend. Let me get to know Maisie—as a family friend. We can go on a hike today, sit together at dinner. Just let me be around. Let me show you I’ve changed.”
She crossed her arms, her throat working as her gaze looked everywhere but at me. She didn’t want to agree. I could see it on her face.
“I’m not walking away, Ava.” I forced a thread of steel into my voice. “But if you still don’t trust me after the weekend—if I haven’t convinced you—I promise we can do this your way. On your terms, with paperwork, schedules, and distance. I’m asking for a chance. Let me prove I can be a good father without it.”
Her eyes met mine then. Searching for something.
She gave a sharp nod. “Fine. We leave for home on Monday morning. You have until then.”
“Thank you.” I watched her walk by me into the room. I wasn’t ready to face everyone yet, so I stepped outside for some air.
I had two days to win them over.
I clung to the porch railing, gripping it hard enough that I thought the wood might cut into my palms. I was no stranger to stress. I’d been raised to one day take over as CEO of the family business. But nothing had ever mattered as much to me as this. I stared at the mountains I’d come to love, but they suddenly weren’t enough.
Ava and Maisie were everything. And I couldn’t lose them.
Chapter 5
AVA
“Stay close to me,Maisie. I mean it. No wandering off.” I kneeled in front of my daughter, who vibrated with anticipation. She couldn’t wait to go on the hike I’d promised her. I was dreading it more by the minute.
My body was in turmoil. It didn’t know whether it should look forward to seeing Cole again or run the other way. My attraction to him was still there. His quick grin and blue eyes that sparked when he laughed hadn’t changed, but he had a depth now that had been missing then. A steadiness in his gaze and movements that didn’t match what I remembered.
Part of me wanted to believe he had changed. That Maisie could have the father she deserved. But I refused to get my hopes up. I needed to be strong and absolutely certain that Cole wouldn’t walk away from Maisie like he did me.
“Let’s go wait outside.” I took her hand and led her onto the front porch just as Cole came around the corner. He looked the part of the mountain man, with a long-sleeved flannel shirt over his T-shirt, worn jeans, hiking boots, and a small pack. His face lit up when he saw us.
“Just the girls I was looking for.” His long strides covered the distance between us, and he kneeled in front of Maisie as he held out a carved stick a little shorter than her. “I made you a hiking stick, Maisie.”
Her eyes sparkled as she took it from him and studied it. “Momma, look!”
I followed her finger to the carving. He’d carved a rough, jagged shape at the top. It looked a bit like a horse with a pointy hat. My gaze cut to Cole, whose cheeks flushed red under my curious stare.
“It's supposed to be a unicorn.” He rubbed the back of his neck, looking more nervous than a man his size should be. “Saw her shirt. Figured it would be a safe bet.”
“They’re her favorite animal. She’s convinced they’re real.” I lowered my voice so only he heard me as Maisie continued exclaiming over the walking stick. “It’s a very thoughtful gift.” The words were tight in my throat. It was true, but it annoyed me that he was good at this. It would be easier if he was a jerk, if I could hate him without this confusing tug in my chest.
“I wanted her to have something to remember me by, just in case.” He cleared his throat, his eyes darting away. “I picked an easy path for today, but it has great views.”
We crossed the open yard of the inn to a trailhead. The walkway was well-maintained and wide enough for us to walk next to each other. Maisie darted ahead. “Maisie. Stay with us.”
She slowed, but the hum of excitement running through her was visible as she tried to use the walking stick Cole had given her. Her rhythm was off, making her movements awkward. He moved to her side. “Let me show you how to use that.”
He demonstrated by walking on his knees so that the stick wouldn’t be too short for him, making Maisie giggle. She copied his actions. He made a slight correction before she moved easilywith the stick. She grinned up at him—so much like him my heart hurt—and said, “Thanks, Mr. Cole.”
Then she started with the questions. She wanted every tree named. I knew some answers, but soon Cole had to step in and take over. He was patient with her and able to talk on her level without making either of us feel stupid for not knowing.
“A bluebird.” Maisie pointed at a flash of color in a nearby pine tree.
Cole followed her finger, a small smile tweaking his lips. “Close. That’s a Steller’s Jay. See the black mohawk?” He glanced up at me, a playful glint in his eye that made my stomach flip. “He’s the rebel of the bird world. Loud. Flashy. Probably trouble.”
Maisie giggled. “He’s a rock star.”
“Exactly,” Cole agreed, voice low and warm. “He’s loud like one, too. Listen.”
The bird squawked loudly, over and over again, as if making sure we didn’t miss him. Cole laughed with Maisie as she giggled, their heads close together. My heart thawed slightly. He was so gentle and easy with her, and she had accepted his presence so readily. Whatever happened to him in the last six years to bring him to this place had changed him. That was clear.
