AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I pick up the check.“While she’s getting that, I’m going to go pay for our food.Then we can leavelickety-split.”
Jasmine slaps a hand over her mouth to hold in her laugh, and I strut to the register like a man who has just won the grand prize.Because that’s exactly how I feel.
It’s latewhen I wind through the ranch.But when I see Ava’s car outside the main house, I stop and run into the dining room.
She’s humming as she covers pans in foil.“Tyler, to what do I owe this surprise?”
“I saw your car.Have a minute?”
“For you?Of course.Need a snack?There’s still chocolate cake left from tonight’s dessert.”
“No, ma’am.I’m good.I wanted to update you.That night I talked to you about the date who didn’t show up.”
“And I told you to try again.”
“You were right.She’s the woman I brought to the cookout on the Fourth.”
Ava grins.“I talked with her a little.She’s very sweet.”
“She is.I just wanted to thank you for that advice.I’m lucky to have people like you in my life.”
She waves the box of foil back and forth.“I’m going to get all emotional if you keep talking like that.”
“Then I’ll stop after I say this.You’re one of a kind, Miss Ava, and this place wouldn’t be the same without you.So when Mr.Right sweeps in and tries to steal you away, we’re going to miss you.A lot.”
Her head tilts back, and she laughs.“That’s something you don’t have to worry about.No one is coming to steal me away.This is home.”
“I’m glad I landed here.”I won’t argue with Ava about the possibility of a Mr.Right.
She may laugh at the idea, but the crazy thing isn’t the idea of someone wanting her.It’s that he hasn’t shown up yet.
I give her a hug.“You’re a prize, Miss Ava.You need to remember that.”
She swats my arm.“I can see why that girl likes you.Sweet words like that.”
“Good night.”I climb back into the truck, pop a few Bottle Caps in my mouth, then drive to the cabin.
As soon as I’m inside, I text Jasmine.
Me:Sweet Dreams.I love you.
Jasmine:Love you too.More than I love chocolate.
And I know how much she loves chocolate.
