Page 25 of Deacon (Men of Clifton, Montana #52)

“Hell, Ava, you can handle bookkeeping and payroll from anywhere, and I handle the ranch more than he does.” Tyler’s voice was firm but kind. “Stop making excuses. We’ve done it for years.”

Ava’s eyes shifted to the rosebush by the steps. “ I hate the thought of him alone.”

“That’s a cop-out.” Tyler pushed off the fender. “Besides, he’s not alone.”

“I know he has you—”

“And Jessica,” Tyler interjected, grinning as he stepped closer. “They’re definitely an item now.”

“Jessica?” Ava frowned. “Who the hell is Jessica?”

“The woman he’s been seeing,” Tyler said, shrugging. “He’s serious about her.”

“When did this happen? He told me he wasn’t sure where it was going.”

Tyler glanced at his watch. “Well, he knows now. She’s sweet, Ava. You need to meet her. Our father doesn’t need either of us to make sure he’s not lonely.”

“Is she with him now?” she asked, eyes wide.

“Probably—she spent the night.”

“What?” Ava’s hand flew to her mouth.

“Yep. Our dad is gettin’ some.” Tyler chuckled.

“Oh, please don’t say that.” She laughed despite herself. “Kids shouldn’t think about their parents having sex.”

“He seems happy, and he deserves it.” Tyler’s tone softened. “You know how much he loved Mom, but it’s time he lived again. I think you’ll like Jessica.”

“I’ll talk to him later,” Ava whispered. She leaned against the car, fatigue tugging at her shoulders. “I’m tired, and this move will seem like a long trip, but I know I have to do it. I don’t want Deacon to file to get joint custody. It would make it so difficult. ”

Tyler’s expression grew serious. “I’m sure that’s the last thing he wants, but if you keep him from Ellie, what choice does he have?”

“I don’t want to keep her from him, but with joint custody, I won’t see my daughter for a while.” The chill breeze tugged at her hair. “I don’t know if I can handle that.”

“Well, there’s your answer. Move to Clifton.”

Ava shook her head, brushing a tear from her cheek. “I am, but—”

“No buts,” Tyler said as he stared at her. “No excuses. Do it.”

He bent and hoisted one of the heavy bags of groceries with a grunt. “I’ll carry this inside. You wrestle with Ellie. I’m not fond of trying to deal with an angry female.”

Ava scooped Ellie into her arms, feeling the child melt into her shoulder with a soft snuffle. Tyler laughed as he hefted the other bag. Together they moved toward the door, the last light of day fading behind them.

If only she could confide in her big brother that she wanted more than to just live with Deacon. She wanted him in her life, and it scared the bejesus out of her.

Later after Tyler left, her phone buzzed sharply against the wood. She lifted it and saw her father’s name flashing across the screen.

“Hi, Dad,” she said, pushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear as she answered.

“Hey, honey. Any plans this evening?” His voice came over the liner.

“Nothing, why?” Ava propped her elbow on the table, glancing at the stack of paperwork.

“I want you to come to dinner. I’ve asked Jessica to join us.”

“Jessica?” She didn’t want him to know that Tyler told her.

“Yes. She’s who I’ve been seeing. Which I’m sure you already know.” He chuckled making Ava laugh.

“Oh, okay. What are you serving? Should I bring something different for Ellie?” Ava tucked her pencil behind her ear.

Her father exhaled. “I’d rather you didn’t bring her. Call Jeanie, see if she can watch Ellie for a couple of hours. If she’s here, you won’t have a chance to really talk to Jessica.”

Ava laughed softly. “Are you saying my daughter would distract me?”

“That’s an understatement,” he teased.

“True. I’ll see if Jeanie’s available. What time, Dad?”

“Around five.”

“Perfect. Can’t wait to meet her.” He hung up.

She exhaled, reached for her phone, and dialed Jeanie. As she arranged Ellie’s afternoon plans, she glanced at the window and imagined the first snowflake dancing down sooner than she liked. It had turned chilly, but after the blistering heat of August, she was ready for it.

At five o’clock, Ava steered her SUV onto her father’s gravel drive and parked beside the wide, weather-lined porch.

The sky was streaked with the colors of salmon and lavender.

She smiled as she thought about Ellie not even noticing she was leaving.

Ellie, too enthralled by her cousins playing in the yard, barely glanced up to wave.

The front door opened and her father stepped out. He wore faded denim and a flannel shirt that softened the edges of his broad shoulders.

“Hi, Dad.”

“Hi, honey. Come inside, chilly out here, huh?” He swung his arm wide.

“Definitely. I think snow is on the horizon.”

“Bite your tongue, young lady. Ranchers don’t like that kind of talk.” He grinned, the crinkles at the corners of his sky-blue eyes deepening.

Ava chuckled and took his offered arm. The porch lights cast a warm glow over the rough-hewn beams as they entered the house together.

Inside, the kitchen, she spotted a petite woman standing by the stove, her blonde hair pulled back loosely, blue eyes bright with a mix of excitement and nerves. She smoothed her blouse and offered a tentative smile.

“You must be Jessica.” Ava removed her sweater hung it up and embraced her father’s guest. Jessica returned the hug, a soft exhale of relief.

“Thank you. I’ve been looking forward to this. I told Rudy he had to introduce us.”

“Let me do that properly. Ava, this is Jessica Frazier. Jessica, my daughter, Ava Parsons.” Rudy smiled.

“It’s so nice to meet you,” Ava said. “Finally.”

“Finally?” her father said, arching a brow.

Ava laughed, glancing at her dad. “I knew you were seeing someone but you refused to admit it.”

Rudy’s cheeks flushed a deep red as he shifted his gaze to Jessica.

“You wouldn’t admit it?” Jessica tilted her head, amused.

“Are you trying to get me in trouble, Ava?”

“Never,” Ava said with an innocent grin.

Rudy folded his arms, feigning indignation. “ Now, why don’t I believe you?”

“I have no idea,” Ava said. She turned to Jessica. “I just wanted to find out who my father was seeing.”

Jessica laughed, the sound light and genuine. “I would have paid to see his face when you asked him about it.”

The three of them exchanged looks and laughed.

Ava’s father shook his head, still smiling. “Okay, maybe introducing you two was a mistake, I can already tell there’ll be plenty more of this.”

Ava slipped an arm around his waist. “You should be glad we get along so well.”

He kissed her head. “I am, honey. Now, let’s eat.”

They settled at the sturdy oak dining table, laden with roast chicken, buttered vegetables, and fresh-baked rolls. As candlelight flickered and laughter wove around them, Ava’s heart swelled, so happy for her father, and charmed by the wonderful woman at his side.

Sunlight slanted through the curtains, illuminating the kitchen table where Ava and Jessica leaned in close, laughter weaving between them. Steam curled from three mugs of coffee. A sudden vibration cut through the warmth, the buzz of her father’s cell phone against the kitchen counter.

“Excuse me,” Rudy said, pushing back his chair. He strolled across the linoleum floor and retrieved the phone, eyes flicking from the screen to Ava’s anxious face. “It’s Deke. I’ll just be a minute.” He disappeared down the hallway.

Jessica watched him go, her blue eyes soft. “I hope he has good news for your father,” she said, her voice as gentle.

Ava rubbed her palms on her jeans. “Me too. He’s been working so hard on the case.”

Jessica nodded. “Rudy mentioned that.”

Ava’s cheeks warmed. “Did he tell you about my daughter?”

“He showed me pictures of Ellie. She’s a beautiful little girl,” Jessica replied with a fond smile. “He’s a very proud grandfather.”

Ava exhaled, her laugh fragile. “Yes, but I meant about Deacon and me.”

Jessica’s brow quirked. “About him being the father? Yes. I hope that’s okay.”

“It is,” Ava said quickly, though uncertainty flickered in her eyes. “I just… I’m scared about moving.”

Gently, Jessica placed her hand over Ava’s. “You need to do what’s best for Ellie. Deke wants to be part of her life, and you shouldn’t deny either of them that.”

Ava’s shoulders drooped. “I won’t. But moving to Clifton terrifies me. What if things fall apart and I have to come back? Ellie would be devastated.”

Jessica tilted her head. “And you?”

Ava glanced out the window at a red cardinal hopping on the sill. “I’m falling in love with him, but I barely know him.”

“That’s why you should go,” Jessica said firmly, squeezing her hand. “Living there will give you time to learn about each other. And Ellie, she’d thrive with her daddy around.”

“She already adores him,” Ava whispered.

“But there’s more. If it fails and I return, Deacon might take me to court for joint custody.

The thought of not having my daughter around terrifies me.

I looked in to it and we have equal say in her upbringing but she would also spend time with him.

I know it’s only fair, but I’ve never been away from her for a long period of time. ”

Jessica sighed. “I understand. But Ellie needs her father, especially one who wants her. Not every man steps up, but Deke seems like the kind who does. What would you do if you didn’t have your father?”

Ava opened her mouth, but the click of Rudy’s boots in the hall drowned her words. He reentered, phone still in hand, a broad grin lighting his weathered face.

“He’s on his way back. He said there was another man he had to find,” Rudy shook his head. “That man has to be exhausted with all this traveling.” He settled back into his chair and looked at Ava. “This is why moving to Clifton is a good idea.”

“I know,” Ava breathed.

Jessica beamed. “I know it’s none of my business but it does seem like the right decision.”

“Did he get Chet Winchester?” Ava asked.

Rudy shook his head. “He didn’t say.”

“I’m sure he won’t stop until he does,” Ava laughed, tension sliding off her shoulders.