Chapter 32
Chapter Thirty-Two
September
Ava unfastens her seatbelt and bolts from the car the second I park the truck. I rush to catch up, sliding my hand into hers as we race down the sandy pathway to the overlook.
I’ve been tempted to stop here on both of my trips home over the past few months, but I held off because I didn’t want to experience something as incredible as the Grand Canyon without Ava. I also have something special to give her, and the timing was perfect.
Today, the judge presiding over Jeremy’s case will rule on his sentencing. I didn’t want Ava to have to revisit those memories by sticking around Finn River, so we’re kicking off our first-ever trip together with watching the sunrise from the rim’s edge.
A brisk wind rustles through the juniper trees flanking the path. Ava glances back at me, her smile so bright. I memorize the way the early morning light catches the flecks of gold in her soft brown eyes, her gorgeous face framed by the earthy hues of the canyon beyond.
“I’m so excited!” she says, tugging me along.
With each step, the darkness seems to lift, the rising sun warming the colors of the rocks from the muted grays to the dense purple, brick red, and soft green.
We round a bend, revealing the first view of the canyon’s depth. A ripple of excitement hums through me. Definitely the best way to spend this day—focusing on us and the moments we get to share and not the past or our mistakes.
I still haven’t forgiven myself for asking Jeremy to look out for Ava because what if he started stalking her because of me? Luke helped me see that Jeremy’s obsession with her started in high school and intensified thanks to his distorted mind, but I don’t know that I’ll ever be able to quit feeling guilty. If I had stayed a better friend to him, would I have seen this coming in time to put a stop to it?
Jeremy never did admit to murdering those other girls, but forensic evidence collected at that rock outcropping tied him to the scene of Marin’s death. It wasn’t enough to convict him, and in the end prosecutors had plenty to work with on the other charges. I’ll feel a lot better once I know he’s behind bars for good.
Another stiff gust whips up from below, bringing the scent of juniper and sun-washed sandstone. The walkway narrows, bordered by ancient steel post fencing, and descends to a point.
Ava shrieks. From behind us, the horizon’s soft red has turned a golden orange. We’re seconds away from the sun breaking over the rim.
The pathway narrows, the steep cliffs on either side falling away to the network of canyons and jagged fins of rock carved into the landscape like a maze. We descend the wide stairs, practically running. Just as we reach the end of the point, a ray of sunshine warms the tips of the rock promontories. I wrap my arms around Ava and hug her to me as more light spills over the rim, washing the walls with vibrant color, filling in the shadows layer by layer.
Ava hugs my arms tighter around her. “It’s so incredibly pretty,” she says, still breathing fast. “Pictures do not do it justice.”
I kiss her temple. “Worth getting out of bed early for, that’s for sure. ”
She gives me a sly smile. “Especially when you promised to make it up to me later.”
I rock her in my arms as more light washes into the maze of canyons below, the light so pure and warm, like the rocks are glowing from within. “Count on it, Greely.”
She laughs, the sound such a delightful melody in this quiet, windswept place. I kiss her softly, the love inside my chest swelling to that painful fullness that always seems to happen when I’m with her, like my heart is straining to contain what I feel.
With a happy sigh, she breaks from our kiss. “I love you.”
I bury my nose in her hair, savoring the delicate emotions swirling inside me. “I love you so much, Ava.”
A warm, dry gust tickles my cheek and the sun heats my back as more of the sun’s golden light creeps down the rock walls and fills in the canyons. It feels decadent to bask in the simple perfection of a sunrise in such a beautiful, breathtaking setting.
Ava leans back against me. “Thank you for bringing me here.”
“Sunrises are special, and this one’s even more so.”
She gives me a curious glance. “Because it’s the Grand Canyon?”
“Because there’s something I’ve been waiting to give you.” Gently, I spin her to face me, nerves fluttering up my throat.
Her eyes turn humble. “You’ve already given me everything I need.”
Unable to stop myself, I cradle her face and kiss her, drinking in the softness of her lips and her little sigh, like she’s happy. She kisses me back, sliding her hands into the back pockets of my jeans.
“What’s that?” she asks when her fingertips bump into the little box waiting there.
I lean back and give her a look. “Hmm, not sure. Maybe you should investigate.”
Laughing, she shakes her head. “What did you do?”
“Something I should have done a long time ago,” I say.
Her eyes fill with kindness. “I thought we weren’t going to beat ourselves up anymore. ”
“You’re right,” I say, and kiss her forehead. “But I wanted to do something special for you today.”
She huffs a gentle sigh. “Okay. Just know that I don’t need more. What we have is enough.”
“Noted.”
She slides the box from my pocket, then gives me a searching glance. “Hutch.”
Gently, I slip the box from her fingers and pry the lid open.
Ava clasps her cheeks in surprise. “Are you crazy?”
I laugh. “About you? Yes. One hundred percent.”
“But you’ve already given me a ring.” Her eyes lock with mine.
I take her left hand in mine and brush my thumb over the simple rose gold band I placed on her finger before leaving Finn River. “I know, but I wanted to find a ring as unique and stunning as you.”
She caresses my cheek. “You are so thoughtful.”
“Can I?” I pinch the band to slip it off.
Her smile is like my own ray of sunshine. “Okay.”
I move the temporary ring to her other hand, then pluck the new ring from the silk-lined box. The round stone catches the warm light from the sunrise and seems to reflect the earth’s pretty colors coming to life all around us. I slide it into place.
“Hutch, it’s beautiful.” Ava gazes at the stone glittering in the sun. “I love it.”
“Hoping you’d say that.” I kiss her temple.
She cups the back of my neck and pulls me close for a kiss.
I draw her into my arms, savoring the way her body always feels so perfect in my embrace, like she was made to be mine. Like we belong together.
“Thank you for turning this day into something beautiful,” she says.
“Being here with you is the greatest gift.” I rest my forehead against hers. “I’ll never take us for granted.”
She kisses me again, her lips lingering for a fraction of a second. “Thank you for filling my life with so much love.”
“You have my heart, Ava Greely.”
She wraps her arms around my neck. “You have mine.”
“I can’t wait to love you forever.”
“You’re loving me right now.”
I laugh. “You better believe it.”
She kisses me softly. “I’m starting to.”
The news comes as Ava is browsing the postcard selection in the cozy little gift shop next to the outdoor café where we’ve enjoyed a late breakfast. I slip away to answer Everett’s call.
“Hey,” I say, keeping my eye on Ava who is now chatting with a mom and her young daughters, her face animated the way it always is around children.
“He got life, no chance at parole,” Everett says.
“Thank fuck,” I say on an exhale that melts the tension from my shoulders.
“Luke’s profiling work was the nail on his coffin.”
Gratitude washes through me. “I’ll be sure to thank him.”
“How are you guys doing? Ava holding up okay?”
“We’re okay, thanks.”
“I’m glad to hear it. Hey, I hear we’re getting a new recruit next month thanks to you.”
“Oh?”
“Remember Troy Robinson?”
“No shit? That’s awesome.” Troy and I exchanged some lengthy texts about the military, but I think Zach had already wooed him by then.
“For sure,” Everett says with a laugh. “Speaking of the future, I got your save-the-date card.”
“Can you make it?”
“Already put in the time off.”
“We’d both really love to have you there.”
“Now I just have to find myself a date.”
There’s an edge to his jovial tone. “Don’t tell me you’re worried?”
“Nah,” he says quickly. “You guys have a good trip. I hope the news from today helps you rest easier.”
“It does.”
“Take care, Hutchins.”
“You too.” We end the call just as Ava finishes at the gift shop register, her gaze lifting to mine. I hurry over and pull her close.
She sighs into me. “Is it over?”
Gently, I stroke her hair. “Yeah. He won’t hurt anyone ever again.”
Ava releases a full breath. “You want to check out the bike rental shop? I guess they offer some amazing tours. Or maybe we could choose a hike?”
That she’s shifting her focus from this heavy news to something good brings on another wave of gratitude. I couldn’t be more proud of her.
My brave girl. “How about both?” I say with a chuckle.
She smiles up at me, her eyes so clear and bright. “Maybe a little downtime in between?” Her grin turns sultry, which makes me laugh.
“You’re in charge, Greely.” I nuzzle against her ear. “Until you beg me to take over.”