CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
The soft morning light filtered through the curtains as Aussie carefully slipped out of bed. Ava was still sound asleep, her dark hair fanned out across his pillow. Her breathing was steady and peaceful. He paused for a moment, taking in the sight of her. There was no way she was ever sleeping alone again. She belonged in his bed and in his arms.
Quietly, he grabbed a pair of sweatpants and a hoodie and made his way downstairs. The house was silent, save for the faint ticking of the grandfather clock in the hallway. The warmth of the kitchen greeted him, and he moved on autopilot toward the coffee maker, his mind replaying the events of the night before.
Their date had been nothing short of perfect. Dinner, dancing, and laughter had led to a night that had changed everything. After spending hours wrapped up in each other, they’d reluctantly pulled themselves from bed to clean up the barn house. Ava hadn’t even put up a fight when he asked her to stay in his room, and the memory of her shy smile was seared into his mind.
They’d also decided to talk to Christian about Aussie moving in with them when they got back home. It wasn’t just about keeping them safe. It was about starting something real. Something permanent.
Pouring himself a cup of coffee, Aussie leaned against the counter. He’d never felt like this about anyone. Ava wasn’t just someone he cared for. She was it. She was his everything. She was smart, strong, and fiercely compassionate, and he knew deep down that he’d never find another woman like her.
“Merry Christmas Eve, sweetheart,” came a cheerful voice behind him.
Aussie turned to see his mom entering the kitchen, her robe tied loosely around her waist and her slippers shuffling softly against the tile. She leaned up to kiss his cheek before reaching for a mug.
“Merry Christmas Eve,” he replied, smiling as he sipped his coffee.
His mom gave him a knowing look, the corners of her mouth twitching upward. “How’d the date go?”
Aussie chuckled, recognizing the playful gleam in her eyes. She knew exactly how it had gone but was clearly enjoying making him squirm.
“It was amazing,” he said, deciding to play along. “Thanks for helping with dinner and everything. It wouldn’t have been the same without your touch.”
She patted his arm. “It’s what moms are for. But I can tell by the way you’re glowing that it was more than just dinner.”
He shook his head, grinning. “Okay, fine. It wasn’t just dinner. It was perfect.”
Her eyes softened as she leaned against the counter. “I know you like her, but how serious is it, Ty?”
He didn’t hesitate. “I love her.”
His mom’s face lit up, and she clasped her hands together. “Oh, honey, I’m so happy to hear that. Ava is wonderful, and Christian? That boy has stolen my heart. I can already see them both as part of our family.”
Aussie’s heart swelled at her words, but he tempered his excitement with caution. “I feel the same, but we don’t know how Christian’s situation will play out. The courts and the state could still—”
She held up her hand, stopping him from continuing. “I believe everything will work out. Ava is exactly the person Christian needs. Anyone with half a brain can see that. You just keep doing what you’re doing, supporting them both. The rest will fall into place.”
Before Aussie could respond, the sound of footsteps approached, and Christian appeared in the doorway. His shoulders were slumped, and his expression was clouded with uncertainty.
“Morning, buddy,” Aussie greeted, setting his mug down. “What’s wrong?”
Christian hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. “It’s nothing,” he muttered.
Aussie turned to face him and met his gaze. “Hey, if something’s bothering you, you can tell me.”
Christian sighed, his cheeks turning pink. “It’s just I wanted to get Ava something for Christmas. Something meaningful, you know? For everything she’s done for me. But I don’t have any money.”
Aussie’s heart broke a little, but he was also deeply impressed by the boy’s thoughtfulness. He reached out, placing a hand on Christian’s shoulder. “You know what? I was planning to run to the store this morning. How about you come with me, and we’ll pick something out for Ava together?”
Christian’s face lit up, his eyes wide with excitement. “Really?”
“Really,” Aussie confirmed, ruffling his hair. “Go grab your shoes and coat.”
Christian bolted out of the kitchen, leaving Aussie standing with his mom, who was watching him with tears glistening in her eyes.
“I’m proud of you, honey,” she said softly. “You’ve got a big heart. Just keep following it, and everything will be okay.”
Aussie smiled, her words sinking deep into his soul. “Thanks, Mom.”
She reached up to squeeze his hand before turning to refill her coffee. As Christian reappeared, ready to go, Aussie grabbed his keys and gestured toward the door.
◆◆◆
Ava slowly blinked her eyes open and looked around the room. At first, she was confused, but then she remembered that she was in Aussie’s room.
Her thoughts drifted back to the night before, their date replaying in vivid detail.The sleigh ride, and then the way he held her close as they danced. The way his eyes locked onto hers was like she was the only woman in the world. And then the way he’d kissed her and made love to her, taking her breath away and unraveling her defenses completely.
She blushed, her smile deepening as she thought about their night together. Aussie had been everything—passionate yet gentle, assertive yet tender. He hadn’t just made her feel wanted. He’d made her feel loved. Ava ran her fingers across the pillow next to her, already missing him.
But reality was beginning to settle in.She would have to talk to Christian about all of this. They had to be honest with him about how serious her and Aussie’s relationship was becoming. Deep down, she knew he wouldn’t mind. Christian adored Aussie, but it was still a conversation that couldn’t wait.
With a sigh, she rolled out of bed, shivering slightly as her bare feet touched the cool floor. The room smelled of pine from the Christmas tree in the corner, and the festive decorations made her smile again. Grabbing her robe, she slipped out of Aussie’s room and padded back to her own to shower and get ready for the day.
After freshening up and pulling on a long-sleeved t-shirt and jeans, Ava made her way downstairs. The enticing aroma of fresh coffee and baked goods greeted her as she entered the kitchen. Aussie’s mom was there, humming softly to herself as she worked at the counter.
“Good morning,” Ava greeted, grabbing a mug and pouring herself some coffee.
Aussie’s mom turned, her smile warm and inviting. “Good morning, sweetheart. Did you sleep well?”
Ava felt a flush creep up her neck, but she nodded. “I did. Thank you.”
“Good.” Aussie’s mom wiped her hands on a towel and gestured to the empty room. “Aussie had to run into town for a few things. He took Christian with him.”
Ava smiled, glad they were spending time together. Christian admired Aussie so much, and she knew it would mean a lot to him.
“Can I help you with anything?” Ava asked, setting her coffee down and moving toward the counter.
“Desserts,” Aussie's mom said with a grin. “I’ve got all the ingredients ready for the cookies and pies. You just tell me what you want to start with.”
Ava glanced over the array of ingredients and pulled her hair back into a ponytail. “Let’s do cookies first. I feel like I’m becoming a pro at those.”
As they worked together, Ava couldn’t help but feel at ease. Aussie’s mom was warm and kind, her laughter filling the kitchen as they chatted and shared stories. Ava felt a pang of longing for her own mother, but she also felt a sense of belonging here.
Aussie’s mom glanced up from the dough she was rolling, a playful glint in her eyes. “So, how was the big date?”
Ava froze for a second, heat rushing to her cheeks. “It was really nice,” she said, trying to keep her voice casual, though she could feel the blush creeping up her neck.
“Really nice?” Aussie’s mom repeated with a chuckle. “That’s all I’m getting? Come on, I’ve known Aussie his whole life. I can tell when something’s different, and something is definitely different.”
Ava laughed nervously, brushing her hands on her apron. “Okay, okay. It was amazing, from the sleigh ride to the dinner. It was all just perfect. It was like something out of a movie.”
“That boy,” Aussie's mom said, shaking her head with a proud smile. “He’s always been a romantic at heart, even if he tries to act tough.” She paused, her expression turning sly. “And how about after the date? Did he behave himself?”
Ava nearly dropped the cookie cutter she was holding. “Uh, well, he was a gentleman,” she stammered, her face practically glowing now.
Aussie’s mom let out a hearty laugh, waving a hand. “I’m just teasing you, dear. I’m glad the two of you were able to enjoy the night together.”
Ava smiled. “Me too.”
Aussie’s mom reached out and gave Ava’s hand a gentle squeeze. “I’m so glad that you came with Aussie. We’ve loved having you and Christian here. It’s been such a joy sharing the holiday with you both.”
Ava felt a lump form in her throat. “Thank you for letting us be a part of it. This whole experience has been more than I could have hoped for.”
Aussie’s mom smiled warmly, her eyes shining with emotion. “You’ve made my son happy, Ava. I haven’t seen him this lighthearted in years. And that makes me happy, too.”
Ava blinked back the sudden sting of tears. “He’s made me happy, too,” she admitted softly.
“Well,” Aussie's mom said, her voice brightening as she gestured to the tray of cookies, “then it sounds like this is the start of something wonderful. Now, let’s get these in the oven before the boys come home and eat all the dough!”
Ava laughed, her heart feeling full. She knew she’d found something special here—not just with Aussie but with his family.