Chapter 30
thirty
GAGE
I watch Ava as she nuzzles her nose against the horse's forehead, and I can’t help but be amazed by her. Ava didn’t let Brian’s appearance at the bookstore hold her back. It might have taken her a minute to gather herself, but once she did, it was full force into the next activity.
I followed her back to the cottage, where she exchanged her things from last night for a new set of clothes for tomorrow. There wasn’t a discussion on whether or not she would spend the night at my place again, but I wasn’t complaining. I love that Ava likes spending time at my place. I love that it brings her comfort and makes her feel safe. And no matter how cheesy it is, I sleep better when she’s with me.
The only discussion we had while at the cottage was whether or not she wanted to go on a hike, head to the farm early, or do something else. She decided on the farm. She wanted to enjoy the fresh snow in the open fields and help with the afternoon chores with the animals.
The horse is a new addition to the farm. Something I’m sure is my dad’s doing. When my parents were married, there were always a few horses around, but they sold most of them after the divorce. Mom couldn’t afford the extra burden of taking care of the horses.
“She’s beautiful.” Ava looks over her shoulder, a smile on her face. “Should I be calling you ‘Cowboy’?” she teases.
“No, definitely not.” I laugh as I step up behind her. “I may know how to ride, but that’s as much of a cowboy as I am.”
“Damn. I thought this might finally be my chance to live my cowboy romance fantasy.”
“Well”—I slip my arms around her waist, pulling her back against me, her ass snug against my hardening length—“what’s to say we still can’t live out your fantasies?” I whisper in her ear.
“Hmm.” She shivers against me. “You make a good point.”
“Gage!”
I groan at the sound of my sister's voice behind us, my head falling to Ava’s shoulder.
It’s not that I’m not thrilled to see her and introduce her to Ava, but I would have liked a little longer with just the two of us.
Ava’s soft laugh makes me squeeze her slightly. I love that sound, and I’m so glad it’s a sound I hear often. Ava steps out of my embrace, turning to place a hand against my chest as she steps around me to greet my sister.
“Olivia. I’m so glad to finally meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you from Gage.”
It doesn’t surprise me that Ava immediately pulls Olivia into a hug. That’s who Ava is. And I’m not surprised by the smile on Olivia’s face either. She’s always wanted a sister, and the fact that I’m bringing someone home to meet the family—something I’ve never done before—would imply that this is very serious.
“It’s really good to meet you, too,” Olivia offers shyly.
“Hey, Pickle. Have a good snow day?” I pull Liv into a hug, giving her an extra squeeze. It’s been a bit since I’ve seen her, and I’ve missed her.
“You know snow days around here mean I have to help with farm chores. It’s not like it’s a real day off.”
“Good. It builds character.” I laugh at the eye roll and throw an arm over her shoulder while reaching for Ava’s hand.
The three of us make our way up to the house, where I see my mom standing on the back porch.
“Can’t you come up with your own line? I know that’s what Mom and Nick used to say to you when you were my age.”
“Oh, she’s good.” Ava laughs, her left hand held firm in my grip as she steps up to my side, wrapping her right hand around my bicep.
“Ava, what a nice surprise.” Mom reaches for Ava the second we reach the stairs. “Gage said you were coming for dinner, but I didn’t expect you both so early.”
“Oh, well, I…” Ava’s voice trails off as she glances at me, unsure what to say.
I squeeze her hand before leaning in to kiss my mom’s cheek. “I asked if she wanted to join me here or go for a hike after she got off work this morning, and she couldn’t pass up seeing the farm covered in fresh snow. She loves the stuff.”
Mom eyes me warily. I have no doubt she can tell I’m not being totally honest with her, but she won’t push—not right now, anyway. She knows I don’t hold anything back from her if there isn’t a good reason.
“I’m glad you picked the farm. It really is beautiful in the snow.” Mom pulls Ava into a hug, holding her a little longer than might be considered normal for people meeting for the second time. But I see Ava sink into the embrace, holding on just as long.
“It’s so peaceful out here. I get why you didn’t want to give it up,” Ava says wistfully as she pulls away.
Mom studies Ava, concern pinching her brows. Her eyes bounce to mine before moving back to Ava. “Why don’t you come help me with the pie I’m making for dessert? Gage and Liv can tackle the afternoon chores.”
“Mom,” Olivia whines.
I don’t give Ava time to argue. “Come on, Pickle. Keep me company and fill me in on all the juicy gossip from school.” I press a quick kiss to Ava’s temple before tugging Olivia into my side and heading back down the stairs.
I think Ava could use a mother’s ear right now. I wish more than anything Ava could turn to her mom at a moment like this, but I’m grateful my mother can step in for the time being.
I haven't told either of my parents what happened on Christmas Eve, nor have they asked. They know something bad happened that night to have Ava rush home so late in the evening, and they know I’d tell them if I needed to, but for now, it stays between me and Ava.
Mom won’t push more than necessary, and she’ll respect Ava’s wish not to talk about it if that’s what she really wants. But I’ve seen Ava since she spoke to Quinn and Declan. A weight has been lifted off her shoulder. She’s freer with her laughs and the tension in her shoulders is practically gone. She’s also started trying new things in the afternoons after she gets off work instead of heading back to her place and sitting around waiting for something to do.
Yesterday, she went to a yoga class with Emily. She didn’t love it, but she also didn’t hate it. She has plans to try a pottery class with Quinn over the weekend and rollerblading with Declan next week. She said she wants to try new things, and she’s making it happen.
Spending a few hours with my mom means she’s about to be introduced to another possible hobby. And hopefully she’ll open up about what’s going on. I’m doing everything I can to support her through all of this—and I’ll continue to do so—but a mother’s perspective couldn’t hurt either.
“Is everything okay with Ava?” Olivia asks a few minutes later as we walk up to the goat pen.
“You’re far too observant for your age.” It’s a diversion, and we both know it, but I’m not entirely sure how to answer that question.
Olivia doesn’t say anything. She simply stares at me, waiting me out.
My hands land on my hips, and my head falls forward, a heavy sigh releasing from my chest before I look back at her and respond. “There’s a lot going on in her life right now, and it’s not my place to share. But in the grand scheme of things, she’s okay.”
Olivia absentmindedly nods her head as her attention drifts to look at the goats. “It’s a good thing she’s here then.” She brings her focus back to me, a small smile forming on her lips. “There’s no way she’ll be able to think about whatever’s going on in her life with all the craziness Asher and Leo will bring with them when they get here.”
I don’t even try to hold in the laugh that bursts out of me. Olivia has never been more right about anything.