Arizona Cowboy (5 page)

Chapter 7

H
olden stood in the foyer of the church, waiting for second service to end at any moment. He’d spotted Ava’s car in the parking lot. He knew she was there, and even though he’d attended first service and Sunday school, he was determined to hang around and wait for her. She might try to wriggle out of lunch, but he had no intention of letting her get away a second time.

The door opened and several people walked out. Jake exited beside Megan, with Vince tagging behind, and Holden smiled. Jake waved, and the three of them walked toward him. “Hey, Holden. Surprised to see you at second service.”

“Just waiting on someone.” He extended his hand and Vince smacked his palm. “How you doing, man?”

“Jake is taking me and Mom to lunch. We’re getting pizza.” Vince’s eyes lit up. “Then I’m gonna beat Jake at video games.”

Holden looked at Jake and Megan. The man beamed with excitement, while she dipped her chin in what appeared to be embarrassed pleasure.

Jake tousled Vince’s hair. “Yep. Last time I let him win.”

Holden cocked his head. “Last time?”

Vince’s face scrunched up. “Nuh-uh. I beat you.”

“He’s just teasing you.” Megan tapped her son’s shoulder.

Holden spied Ava. He waved and she moved toward them. “Oh, hi. I didn’t see you.”

Seeing the bright blush that swallowed her cheeks, Holden wasn’t sure if she was fibbing or just nervous. “No problem.” He patted his stomach. “I’m getting hungry. Didn’t want to miss my lunch date.”

Ava opened her mouth, and Holden feared she would try to come up with an excuse to bail. He pointed toward Megan. “Ava, I’m not sure if you’ve met Megan Fallows. And this is her son, Vince.”

Megan nodded, and Vince reached up and held his mom’s hand. “Hi.” He looked up at Jake, then at Ava. “We’re going to have pizza. You and Holden could come with us if you want.”

Relief washed across Ava’s features as she said, “That sounds like a great idea.”

Holden frowned. They wouldn’t be able to talk, really talk, with another couple sitting across from them and kids screaming at the arcade games that circled the place.

“Can I go, too? Mom’s gotta work today.”

Holden turned and saw Zack standing behind him. He tugged at the collar of his polo shirt.

“Zack!” his mom admonished. “You don’t invite yourself. Grandma is expecting you to come over. You’ll have a good time with her.”

Zack crossed his arms in front of his chest. “Grandma makes me eat peanut butter and jelly, then she falls asleep on the couch.”

“You like peanut butter and jelly.”

“Not as much as pizza.”

His mom shook her head. “I’m so sorry. He just says whatever he’s thinking.”

Holden couldn’t help but chuckle at the rambunctious little guy. His private lunch plans with Ava were already ruined. Might as well include Zack, as well.

“Tell you what,” Holden said. “Ava and I will take you for pizza, then we’ll drop you off at your grandma’s house when we’re done.”

Zack tugged at his mom’s shirt. “Can I, Mom? That’ll be okay, right?”

“Holden, you don’t have to do this.”

“It’ll be fun,” said Ava. She introduced herself to Zack and his mom.

Before Holden had time to comprehend all that had happened, he had Zack buckled into the backseat of his truck, jabbering about some cartoon on television, while they followed Jake, Megan and Vince to the pizza place. After parking, Holden turned to Ava. “This was not the kind of lunch I planned for today.”

“What had you planned?”

“I wanted to talk about us.”

“Us?” Ava batted her eyes. “What about all the girls you’ve dated since I left?”

“Jealous?”

She wrinkled her nose. “Nah. Remember, I dated a bunch of guys, too.”

Holden fought the urge to bend down and plant a firm kiss on her teasing lips. He liked the flirting, but not the thought of Ava dating other men.

She waved him forward. “Come on. We can talk later. Let’s go eat. I’m starving.”

The two of them sat at the table with his friends and the kids. The boys ate their pizza in record time, then begged to play games. Holden and Jake gave them money for tokens, and the boys were off. Ava and Megan seemed to get along well, and Holden noted his friend’s smitten expression. He envisioned their future as two couples, all friends who got together and hung out with their kids.

With their money spent, the boys returned to the table. Zack plopped onto his chair and took a long swallow of his soft drink. “This place is awesome. I’m gonna tell Mom I wanna have my birthday party here next month.”

“Yeah,” Vince said. “And I can come, too. Right, Mom?”

Zack pounded the table. “Of course you’ll come. And so will John and Ben and Sean...”

Ava touched Zack’s wrist as his voice rose with each name he said. “Your birthday is next month? How old will you be?”

He puffed out his chest. “Seven. I’m in second grade.”

Ava’s face blanched, and she removed her hand and rested it in her lap. Jake, Vince and Zack talked about when and how Zack could have his party. Megan talked to Ava, but her responses were brief, and her countenance had changed.

Holden dropped Zack off at his grandmother’s house. Ava didn’t talk as he drove back to her car at the church. Maybe she was tired, or the pizza hadn’t settled in her stomach well.

When he stopped the truck, she turned to him. He couldn’t read her expression. Sadness. Fear. Pain. She bit her bottom lip.

“Ava, I want—”

She shook her head. “No. I can’t go out with you. Please, Holden. Too many things have happened.”

He reached for her, but she opened the door, jumped into her car, then drove away.

* * *

“I did what you said. No running away from my problems for this girl.”

Ava looked up as Katie walked toward her.
Wish I could say the same thing about myself.
She forced a smile and leaned against the counter, gripping one of her patient’s charts to her chest. “So, you introduced him to your parents?”

Katie’s expression brightened. “Yes, and they love him.” She wrapped a strand of hair around her finger. “I should have known they would. Corey’s perfect.”

“I wouldn’t go that far.” Rick made his way out of their small break area.

Mary followed behind him, rubbing lotion into her hands. “But he is a very nice young man.” She wrapped her arm around Ava’s shoulder and squeezed. “And I hear we have you to thank for convincing Katie to talk with us.”

Katie pulled a tube of ChapStick from her pocket and pressed it against her lips. “I was just scared, you know. Worried y’all wouldn’t like Corey. Afraid about what you’d say about my anatomy course.”

“Well, we’re not thrilled about anatomy,” Rick said.

“But we agree,” added Mary. “The smartest thing to do is to drop it this semester. You won’t be able to get in the nursing program with a C.”

“If that’s what I decide to do,” said Katie.

“Right,” said Mary.

Ava looked from Katie to her bosses. “Sounds like you all had a terrific weekend.”

“We did,” said Mary.

“Even the twins love Corey,” said Katie.

“Yep.” Rick pointed to the clock. “Getting close to time to open the doors. Let’s pray over the week.”

He took Ava’s hand in his, and Katie held her other one. In their small joined circle, Rick thanked God for the week and asked that they be lights to all the people they encountered. He squeezed Ava’s hand as he prayed, “Thank you for bringing Ava to us. She is a terrific addition to our company and a wonderful example to our daughter.”

Heat rushed down Ava’s chest, making her stomach churn. They didn’t know the truth about her. That she’d run from her problems eight years ago and was still running from the truth. She just wanted the memories to go away. If Holden would only leave her alone, she could move forward with her life.
Maybe I shouldn’t have come back here.

Rick and Katie released her hands, then Katie wrapped her in a hug. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

She hugged Katie back. “Me too.” Tightening the embrace for a brief moment, Ava admitted she was glad to be in Surprise, Arizona. She couldn’t imagine a better job, and living with Aunt Irene again was pure pleasure every day. Her aunt made Ava feel welcome and needed. She lavished Ava with compliments and challenges, things Ava had never received from her parents.

Rick and Mary left to check some of the equipment, and Ava leaned toward Katie and whispered, “What about the possibility of wedding plans?”

The girl wrinkled her nose. “I didn’t tell them about that.” She straightened her shoulders. “But that’s because Corey and I talked about it after they all met. He really likes them, and he doesn’t want to do anything to make them mad at him.” She shrugged. “Said we need to start off on the right foot.”

“As opposed to the left one.”

Katie snapped her fingers. “That’s what I said.”

Ava laughed. “I’m just kidding. Corey sounds like a smart guy.”

“He really is. Besides, he said that Phoenix is only forty minutes away. If he does get a job there, we can still see each other a lot.”

“And you can stay in school.”

“Yeah.” She shoved her hands in her pockets. “And I guess I do want to try. Not sure if I can make it into nursing.”

Ava nudged her shoulder as they walked toward the front of the office. “You can make it. No one ever said that things worth having were easy to come by.”

Holden’s face when she’d jumped out of the truck washed through her mind. Bile rose in her throat, and she swallowed. Placing her palm on her cheek, she forced a smile. “Better take a restroom break while I have the chance.”

Katie flopped into her chair. “You better. Clyde is your first client of the day, and he’s usually a bit on the grumpy side when he has to come in early.”

Ava didn’t respond as she made her way to the bathroom. After turning on the cold water, she splashed her face several times, then wiped it with a paper towel. She stared at her pale reflection.
So much for wearing makeup today.

Her own words to Katie assaulted Ava from every angle.
Don’t run. No one ever said that things worth having were easy to come by.
How could she be such a hypocrite? Say all the right things and yet do the opposite?

She turned on the water and splashed her face again. She just needed to stay away from Holden. Change churches if necessary. She enjoyed her aunt’s church, but if it meant running into Holden, or being forced to face things that were over and done with, then she’d try somewhere else.

She heard Katie through the door. “Go ahead and have a seat, Clyde. She’ll be with you in a minute.”

Ava still looked pale. She wet a paper towel and pressed it to her forehead, cheeks and neck one more time. Straightening her shoulders and lifting her chin, she said to her reflection, “You can do this. Focus on the present. Don’t dwell on what’s past.”

Sometimes you have to face the past to move forward with the present.

She shook away the thought as she exited the bathroom. Walking out to the lobby, she waved for Clyde to join her. He frowned. “You don’t look like you feel well today.”

“Stomach’s just a little queasy.”

Clyde huffed. “You young folks today. You don’t know what queasy is. Why, the doctor put me on some medicine that twists my stomach up into such knots. Ridiculous. You’d think somebody could figure a medicine—”

A wave of nausea washed over Ava. She lifted her finger. “I’m sorry, Clyde. I’ll be right back.”

“What?” He furrowed his brows. “You really feeling sick or just trying to run away from my appointment?”

Ava raced out of the room and back into the restroom. She dipped her head and leaned her elbows against the sink. Clyde had no idea how true his words were. Not about the appointment. But she was definitely still running.

Chapter 8

H
olden shook the fence to be sure the mending stuck. He pointed his hammer at Betty, and she blew out a puff of air. “Not getting out today, old girl.” He shook his head at her as he put the hammer in the pouch around his waist. “Haven’t ever seen a cow so determined to break out.” He opened his arms wide. “It’s not like you don’t have plenty of places to roam.”

Betty mooed, and Holden would have been willing to bet the bovine knew exactly what he was saying. In the distance, he spied a truck driving toward him. Though his cowboy hat shielded him from the hot, early April sun, he still couldn’t quite make out whose truck it was. He pressed his finger and thumb against his eyebrows for an added shield, then smiled as the white vehicle came nearer.

Jake stopped the truck and hopped out. They shook hands, and Jake said, “Your dad told me I’d find you out here. Betty make another escape?”

The cow mooed again, and Holden shook his head. “Nope, but if we hadn’t caught the near break in this fence when we did, I’m sure she would have.”

Jake crossed his arms and leaned against the truck. “So, how you doing? Seems like forever since we’ve had time to talk.”

“We just worked with the boys at church on Wednesday.”

Jake swatted the air. “I know, but we’re so busy on Wednesday nights.”

Holden tilted his head. “You mean you’re busy picking up Megan and Vince and then running them back home afterward.”

Jake’s cheeks darkened. “I suppose that’s true.”

“So, how are things going with your kindergarten crush?”

“A lot better than they did in kindergarten.” They guffawed, then Jake uncrossed his arms and slid his hands in his jeans pockets. “No, really. I care about her. A lot. And I think she cares about me, too.”

“That’s great. I’m happy for you, man.”

“So, anything going on with you and Ava?”

Holden pursed his lips and shook his head. He hadn’t tried to contact her since their lunch at the pizza place. He’d fought with himself, lain awake at night, sent more petitions to God than he ever had before, worrying over how to get Ava to talk to him. In the back of his mind, he thought if he gave her some space, a little time, that she’d call or come by and see him. She hadn’t. “Nope. Guess not.”

“I’m sorry, man.” Jake scratched his jaw. “What about that girl from town, the one who works at the bank? Why don’t you ask her out?”

Holden curled his lip. “Nah. I think I’m just going to focus on the ranch right now.”

Jake nodded. “I understand.” He reached into the cab of the truck and pulled out an envelope. “For you.”

Holden took it and tore off the flap. “What is it?”

“Reason I came.”

Holden pulled out the white parchment with formal embossed silver writing. He read the invitation and his jaw dropped. He looked up at Jake. “You kidding?”

“Nope.”

Holden gripped the front of his cowboy hat, lifted it off his head, then wiped the sweat from his brow. “I can’t believe this. It’s so soon.”

Jake nodded. “It sure is, but if I remember right, you called it.”

Holden placed the hat back on his head. “That I did.”

“I brought it over here to try to help out on the cost. I mean, I know it’s just a stamp, but...”

“I still can’t believe this is real.”

“I have to get fitted for a tux next week. He asked me to be his best man.” Jake snarled and spread his arms. “I barely know the guy. I think Jess made him ask me.”

Holden burst out laughing. “I can’t believe your little sister is getting married before both of us.”

His friend rolled his eyes. “Ugh. It’s all she and Mom talk about. Colors and cakes and dresses and flowers. Dad and I are about to die.” He leaned forward. “And do you know how much a cake costs?”

Holden shook his head as he tried to contain his mirth.

“Let’s just say it’s ridiculous. A downright rip-off is what it is. I’m all for Megan and me just heading to the courthouse.”

Holden lifted his chin. “Sounds like you care about her more than just a little bit.”

Jake shrugged. “I might.”

Holden lifted up the envelope. “Thanks for the invite. You can tell your family I’ll be there. Might even whoop and holler as she walks down the aisle.”

“Don’t you dare. Jess is all bent out of shape trying to make it the ‘event of the year’.” He growled. “I’m telling ya, the women in my house are crazy right now.”

Jake’s smartphone rang and he pulled it out of his jeans. He grinned. “It’s Megan. I’ll see you later.”

Holden watched as his friend drove away. He pulled the invitation out of the envelope again. Little Jess Thomas was getting married. The girl had driven him and Jake crazy growing up. Messed with their army men. Interrupted their games. Now, she was going to commit herself to a man for the rest of her life.

He looked at the dust stirred up by Jake’s departure. His best friend was also in love. Holden wanted to be happy for both of them, but his heart ached for Ava.

* * *

Ava picked up a plump red pepper and handed it to Aunt Irene for inspection. “I still don’t understand why I have to go.”

Aunt Irene smelled the vegetable before adding it to the bulging plastic bag. “Because Jerry and I have a surprise for you.”

“Isn’t it Jerry’s birthday dinner? Why would you have a surprise for me?”

She lifted her right shoulder. “Actually, we have a surprise for you and my boys and his kids.”

Ava placed her hand on her aunt’s forearm. “You’re not...surely, you two aren’t getting married.”

Aunt Irene giggled as she pressed her palm against her chest. “Why, heaven’s no. We aren’t even dating.”

Ava crossed her arms in front of her and pursed her lips.

Her aunt took a step back. “It’s true. We haven’t gone on one real date.” She twirled her hand. “I suppose I have to admit we’ve spent a good deal of time together, and it’s true we enjoy each other’s company.” She cupped her chin. “What was my argument again?”

“That you and Jerry aren’t dating.”

“That’s right.” She lifted her hands. “We’re not.”

“But you’re cooking dinner for his birthday?”

“Yes.”

“For his entire family and your entire family?”

Aunt Irene nodded.

“To eat together?”

Aunt Irene placed her palm on her hip. “What is your point, Ava?”

She lifted her brows and shrugged. “I don’t know. Sounds like you’re dating to me.”

Aunt Irene lifted the bag. “I’ve got ten peppers. That’ll make twenty stuffed peppers.” She started counting on her fingers. “Let’s see, Jerry has six people in his family. Him and Holden. The two girls and their husbands.”

“And we have four,” added Ava.

“Hmm. That’s ten people, and the men might want more than two peppers.”

“What exactly are you making?”

Aunt Irene dug her smartphone out of her purse. “I found this really cool app here.”

Ava wrinkled her nose. “It sounds weird to hear my sixty-year-old aunt talk all techie.”

Irene tilted the phone. “I love this little device. I’m so glad Matt talked me into joining the twenty-first century, as he likes to say. Anyway, I have all these really neat recipes to help people with high blood pressure.”

“That’s great.”

“Yes. We’re going to have quinoa and black bean stuffed peppers.”

“What’s quinoa?”

“It’s a seed. Full of protein and fiber. Very healthy.”

Ava scrunched up her face. “Sounds yummy.”

“It will be. You’ll see.”

“I’m just teasing. Everything you cook is delicious.”

Aunt Irene selected a couple more peppers, then grabbed a package of carrots and a few onions. They’d made their way to the next aisle when Ava stopped, blinking at the couple in front of her. “Mitch?”

Mitch and a red-haired woman turned around. “Mom? Ava? What are you doing here?”

“Getting groceries. What are you doing?” asked Ava. She took in the woman’s short red hair, bright green eyes and freckles, and such a beaming smile that Ava had to smile back.

He cleared his throat. “Picking up some steak sauce.”

Aunt Irene reached over and grabbed the woman’s hand. “I’m Mitch’s mother, Irene. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“I’m Ellie.” The woman accepted the handshake with fervor, then shook Ava’s hand as well. She looked up at Mitch and batted her eyelids. “I’m so glad to meet you. Mitchy planned to see if we could all get together next week, but I’ve been so anxious to meet his family.”

To Ava’s surprise, Mitch’s expression softened more with each word she said. Ellie grabbed his hand and he actually held it.

Excitement shone on Irene’s face as she wrapped Ellie in a hug. “I’m sorry we ruined the surprise, but I’m so glad we met.”

“How long have you been dating?” asked Ava.

“It’ll be two months tomorrow.” Ellie placed her palm against Mitch’s chest. “Right, Mitchy?”

So, he was dating her before I came back to Surprise, and he never mentioned it. The rascal.
Ellie seemed sweet and perky, a direct contrast to her most-of-the-time-negative cousin.

Ava and Holden were different, as well. A physical therapist and a cowboy rancher. He liked casual, and she liked fashion. She blinked. Why had she thought of Holden? She’d done well the last few weeks, forbidding the man to traipse through her thoughts.

Irene motioned toward their cart. “Tomorrow night I’m fixing dinner for one of my dear friends and his family. Ellie, I’d love for you to come.”

She giggled. “That would be great. Right, Mitchy?”

He nodded, and they said goodbye. Once Mitch and Ellie were out of sight, Ava turned to her aunt. “Did you know he was dating?”

Irene seemed as perplexed as she was. “Not a clue.”

“I think he likes her.”

“Me, too.”

“She seems really sweet.” Ava bit her bottom lip. “Different than the girl I would have envisioned for Mitch.”

“You mean ’cause she’s happy?”

Ava chuckled. “You gotta admit Mitch tends be a bit of a grump.”

“Oh, I know he’s a half-empty glass. He’s been that way all his life.” Irene’s lips curved into a smile. “That girl is good for him.”

“Maybe they’ll settle down quick and start giving you grandbabies.” Ava’s heart beat faster as soon as the words left her mouth.

Irene snorted. “Don’t even tease, Ava. What I wouldn’t give to have a little one running around the house.”

Tears welled in Ava’s eyes, and she turned toward the shelves. She picked up several cans of unsalted black beans and placed them in the cart. “The recipe said you need cumin powder. I’ll go get it.”

She didn’t have to look at her aunt. She could feel Aunt Irene’s compassion and pity. Ava dabbed the corners of her eyes and forbade her mind to wander.