Page 18 of Deacon (Men of Clifton, Montana #52)

“We’ve all made those,” Ava sighed, a note of understanding in her voice.

“That’s life,” Joella said, as they entered the parking lot of the bar. “It’s packed.”

“I can’t wait to get inside.” Ava looked at her with a mischievous glint. “Then you can look for a cowboy.”

“I never have any luck finding a good one. Most are just passing through town and want a one-night stand. I’m not into those. I want a relationship.”

“I know.” Ava thought about her one-night stand and felt guilty for not telling Joella that’s what it had been.

But, just like she had done to her family, she lied to her best friend that it had been a man she’d been involved with for a short time.

Mentally shaking her head. When Joella found out, Ava was sure the shit would hit the fan.

They sat in the idling car in the parking lot, headlights painting the lot in pale yellow as they watched people going in the door. Warm light and laughter spilled into the dusk. Joella eased the car into park. Before either of them could stir, Ava’s phone buzzed against the leather seat.

“Hold on,” Ava said, as she removed her phone from her pocket. She drew out the phone and her breath hitched when Deacon’s name glowed on the screen. She met Joella’s curious gaze. “I have to take this.” Ava tapped Answer. “Hello?”

His voice came through the phone, low and tense. “Hey. Where are you?”

“I’m in town.”

“Is Ellie with you?”

“No, she’s at Tyler’s for the night. Why?”

“Because I’m at your house.”

Ava’s pulse thumped in her ears. “You’re at my house?”

“Yeah. I was going to head home but I want to stick around to talk to the men we arrested for rustling your father’s cattle.”

Her stomach clenched. “You found them?”

“Yes, but I still need to interrogate them.”

“Does my dad know?” Her throat went dry.

“Of course. I called him a little before I called you.”

“Then why didn’t he tell me?” Disbelief wove into her voice.

“I can’t answer that,” Deacon said. “If you’re going to be out late, I can go back to the hotel.”

“Uh… let me call you back.” She ended the call and turned to Joella. “I have to go home. Now.”

Joella’s eyes narrowed. “Seriously?”

Ava exhaled, shoulders slumping. “I’m sorry. Deacon’s at my house. He’s… he’s Ellie’s father.”

“Wait—” Joella’s hands clenched the steering wheel. “You said he didn’t want anything to do with Ellie.”

“I know.” Ava’s voice was small. “It seemed easier at the time.”

Joella’s exhale was sharp with anger. “Easier for whom? You? Ava, why wouldn’t you tell me?”

“I’ll explain everything, I promise.” Ava bit her lip. “Right now, I just need you to take me home. Please.”

“We have never kept anything from each other. Never, and now I find out you lied to me. Lying by omission is still lying.” Ava could hear the pain in her voice.

“I’m sorry. I’ll explain later.”

Joella didn’t answer. She put the car in gear and pulled out of the parking lot.

The engine growled as she accelerated, leaving town behind them.

Ava stared out at the passing storefronts, stomach wrenching with guilt and fear.

She tapped Deacon’s number again, whispered she was on her way, and then the rest of the ride was swallowed by silence.

When Joella brought the car to a stop beneath the porch light of Ava’s house, the air was thick with tension. Neither spoke. Ava unlatched her door and stepped onto the gravel, turning to close the door. Joella drove off without a word, a plume of dust rising in her wake.

Ava inhaled the night air and looked to see Deacon climbing out of his truck.

“Hey,” he called softly.

“Come inside.”

He approached the front steps, entered the house behind her, and removed his hat, hanging it on the hook by the door.

“Did I interrupt something?” he asked.

“No. I was out with Joella. My best friend.” Ava’s lips quivered. “At least she used to be.”

Deacon’s brow furrowed. She slipped the deadbolt and flicked on the lamp, then offered him a seat on the couch.

“What do you mean?”

“Never mind. Do you want anything to drink?” she asked, her voice a whisper.

“No, thanks. Jo-Ella? Is Ellie named after her?” He remained standing; arms folded across his chest.

Ava perched on the edge of the cushion, glancing up at him. He softened and sank down beside her, close enough that her sleeve brushed his arm. The silence stretched until she finally spoke.

“Yes, I just switched it around to Ella Jo. She’s also Ellie’s godmother.

She has been my best friend since second grade and I lied to her.

She’s angry about it and I don’t blame her.

I’m sorry you couldn’t see Ellie. I just wish you would have called.

She’s staying with Tyler and his family tonight. ”

Deacon reached out and covered her hand with his. “I’m sorry. I was in the hotel and I knew it was too early for Ellie to be in bed, and I thought I’d just swing by.” He sighed and rose. “Listen, I should probably head back—”

“No.” Ava sat up straighter. “We have things to talk about.” She hesitated, then asked, “What did you learn about the cattle?”

His voice turned businesslike. “I was right, it was the two oldest Winchester boys. I’m sure their father’s in on it, but they’re not talking. But there was another man involved. John Smith.”

Her breath caught. “John Smith? The John Smith that worked here for my dad?”

“Yes.”

“Did you tell him?”

“I did.”

“I can’t believe he didn’t call me. John worked here for years.”

“Your dad told me. Maybe he hadn’t had time to tell you yet.”

“I’ll ask him tomorrow. He’s out now. I think he’s seeing someone and I might have to resort to following him.”

Deacon let out a short laugh. “Spying on your dad?”

She waved a hand, half-smiling. “He won’t tell me and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to find out what he’s hiding.”

He studied her intently, the warm glow of the lamplight catching in his eyes, illuminating their depths. Then he offered a small, rueful smile that seemed to carry a weight of understanding.

“Maybe he just isn’t ready to tell you yet,” Deacon suggested, raising an eyebrow in disbelief.

“Well, he better.” Her eyes narrowing as she thought about him not telling her.

“Maybe they’re just friends,” Deacon offered, his tone teasing.

Ava looked at him, her eyes narrowing playfully. “You’re ruining this for me,” she accused, though a smile tugged at her lips.

Deacon laughed. “Sorry,” he said, his apology lighthearted.

Ava’s smile widened. “I’d be happy if he’s seeing someone,” she said with a smile.

“So, it wouldn’t bother you?” Deacon asked, his tone softening with genuine curiosity.

“No, just the opposite,” Ava replied, her expression turning reflective and wistful. “I want him to be happy. My mom has been gone for a while now, and he’s only sixty-two and very handsome, if I do say so myself.”

Deacon nodded, understanding in his eyes. “Well, maybe he’s waiting to see if it goes anywhere before he tells you and your brother,” he suggested thoughtfully.

“Maybe. I do know that Tyler wouldn’t be disappointed either.”

“How long has your mom been gone?” Deacon asked gently, his voice laced with empathy.

“A little over three years,” Ava replied, a shadow passing over her face. “She had breast cancer.”

“I’m sorry for your loss,” Deacon said softly, his words sincere and heartfelt.

“Thank you,” Ava replied, gratitude shining in her eyes. “My dad was devastated, but eventually he got back into the ranch. I don’t think he’ll ever get completely over her, but the years have helped him smile about her now,” she added, her voice a poignant mix of sadness and fond remembrance.

****

Deke nodded, a subtle gesture that spoke volumes. He could sense the lingering sadness in her eyes, the way she still missed her mother. Unlike him, whose memories of his own mother were as faint as a passing shadow, leaving him without the ache of longing.

“You never talk about your mother,” Ava said.

“She divorced my dad right after Case was born. Our dad raised us. She’s on her fifth marriage, and this guy is the same age as Hud, which really pisses him off.”

“How old is Hud?”

“Forty-four. She’s sixty-one, but looks ten years younger.”

“Oh, my. Do you ever see her?”

“Once in a while.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. She only comes around when she wants something. My dad said she didn’t like ranch life.” Deke shrugged as Ava nodded. “Have you decided to move to Clifton? I want to know my daughter, Ava. I’ve already missed so much,” he said, his jaw tightening with the weight of lost time.

“I know. I’m so sorry, Deacon. I thought it would disrupt your life. My dad was furious. And then there’s Joella,” Ava said, shaking her head slowly. “I don’t know if she’ll ever forgive me for lying to her.”

“What about your brother?” Deke asked.

Ava sighed deeply; the sound heavy with emotion. “Tyler doesn’t know yet.”

“Don’t you think it’s time he did?” Deke suggested gently.

“Yes, and I will tell him when I pick Ellie up tomorrow,” she assured him. “And we will move to Clifton, with you.”

“I’m happy to hear that,” Deke said, a hint of anticipation in his voice.

“Does your family know?” Ava asked, her eyes searching his.

“Not yet. I plan to tell them when I get back. So, when do you want to do this?”

“You’ll need to get some things.”

“Like what?”

“She’ll need a crib, some toys, diapers, a changing table, a highchair—” She stopped when he reached out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

Deke nodded. “I can take care of all that. Just make me a list.”

Ava’s brow lifted in a brief flicker of concern. “That’s quite a haul.”

He shrugged. “I don’t mind. I can afford it, and I want her to have what she needs. So, I’ll need all of it. ”

Ava exhaled. “If you like, I can help you pick things out.” Her voice softened, offering more than mere steady support.

Deke smiled. “That’d be great.”

She reached for her laptop, lifted the top and the screen came to life. The keyboard’s soft clack filled the air as she pulled up an online store. “We can order everything here and have it delivered right to you.”

“Fine by me.”

Ava scrolled, pausing at a set of colorful pull-up diapers. She glanced up with a conspiratorial grin. “I’m working on potty training. Some days she nails it, other days… well, you’ll still have to change diapers.”

Deke felt his face drain of color for a heartbeat. “Diapers?” he echoed, disbelief tugging at his tone.

“She’s two, Deacon. She’s in pull-ups through the day and diapers at night, though she rarely stirs.

The diapers at night are just a precaution.

” Ava’s voice was gentle, amused, as she leaned over the laptop on the coffee table.

Moonlight slanted through the blinds, casting stripes across her face while she clicked through rows of tiny training pants. Her dimples deepened with every image.

Deke sat back on the soft sofa, the upholstery springing beneath him. He chuckled. “Diapers. Damn,” he muttered, shaking his head. Then he grinned when she laughed.

“Want to pick things out now? If we check out now, everything arrives by Tuesday.” The sparkle in her eyes made his chest tighten.

“Yeah.” He settled in deeper, propping one ankle atop his knee. “Let’s do it.”

Ava opened a fresh tab. “She’ll need a convertible crib, one that turns into a toddler bed, plus a dresser, a changing table with a cushioned pad, a sturdy highchair, some plush toys, dolls…” Her cursor hovered over each item; brows knitted in concentration, then she looked at him.

“Show me what to get. You can leave everything you have here for when you visit.”

The soft glow of the computer screen illuminated her face, highlighting her delicate features as she logged into her account.

Deke observed her long, tan fingers gracefully dancing across the keyboard, each keystroke bringing slots of pastel-colored baby gear into view.

The screen filled with a gentle array of blues, pinks, and yellows, each item inviting and full of promise.

Every so often, she glanced up, her eyes meeting his, and with each gaze, his heart skipped a beat.

The room seemed to hum with a quiet excitement, a shared moment suspended in time.

“You are so damn beautiful, Ava.”

She paused, her fingers poised above the keyboard, and a slow smile curved her lips, brightening her entire face. “Thank you. You’re still incredibly handsome. We made a beautiful daughter.”

He chuckled. “She’s not dating until she’s thirty.”

Ava laughed. “Tyler said the same thing. He’s got a five-year-old daughter of his own.”

Deke’s smile softened. “I like Tyler. He seems solid.”

“He is,” she agreed, scrolling through a gallery of painted wooden blocks. “Protective, but he loves his family fiercely.”

Deke frowned. “He probably won’t be thrilled about me being Ellie’s father. He’ll think I walked away.”

Ava clicked on a colorful foam play mat and tilted the laptop toward him, revealing a growing total in the cart. “He won’t be angry once I explain. I’m surprised he didn’t figure it out. Ellie has your dark hair and her eyes are just like yours.”

“I wore sunglasses when he showed me where the cattle were stolen from.”

“Well, he’ll understand.” She tapped the keypad. “I promise.”

“I hope so. I’d hate to have to kick your brother’s ass.”

“Tyler’s a big man, too,” Ava teased, and Deke laughed.

“Yeah, he is. Let’s finish the list.”

Crib, dresser, changing table, highchair, cloth wipes, a tower of diapers, stackable rings, a mobile of painted butterflies, item after item cascaded into the digital basket until Ava paused. She scrolled back up, fingertips hovering. “That’s everything.”

Deke stood, slipped his wallet from his back pocket and handed her his credit card.

“This is over a thousand dollars, Deacon.” Concern softened the edges of her smile.

He shrugged. “It’s everything Ellie needs, right?”

“Yes.”

“Then order it.”

“Okay, give me your address, so it’s shipped to your place.”

After entering his address and his credit card, she pressed ‘Order’, leaned back with a gentle exhale. A quiet chime confirmed the purchase. “It’ll arrive Tuesday.”

He ran a hand through his hair, relief easing his shoulders as he stood. “Perfect. I’ll take a couple of days off to set it up. I should head back, early start tomorrow.”

Ava rose, smoothing the fabric of her jeans. “Already?”

He hooked a finger under the rim of his hat on the rack. “I’ve been going back and forth chasing leads. Still need to pin down Winchester’s involvement. Smith’s holding out, but I’ll crack him.”

A shadow passed across her face. “Maybe Smith’s clean.”

Deke paused at the door, his hand on the knob. He turned to her; gaze steady. “He was caught red-handed, Ava. My gut’s rarely wrong. I’ll get the truth.” He placed his hat on his head and slipped out.