Arizona Cowboy

by Jennifer Collins Johnson

  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

  Holden 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 ey
es and forbade her mind to wander.

  Chapter 9

  Holden pushed the food around with his fork. Irene was a good cook, but he didn’t like peppers, and he didn’t know what to think about the seedy looking things inside them. He was glad she wanted to help his dad keep his blood pressure down, but some of the recipes she came up with were not his favorites.

  He looked around the table. Six people from his family. Five from Irene’s. All sitting at their humongous table celebrating his dad’s birthday. But Holden didn’t feel celebratory.

  His dad and Irene sat side by side, quietly sharing snippets about their day and laughing intermittently. His sister Sara and brother-in-law Daryl sat next to them, then his other sister, Traci, and her husband, Carl. Mitch and Ellie sat next to them. Their ooey-gooey expressions toward each other made Holden’s stomach churn. Next around the table was Ava, himself, then Matt. Somehow, he’d ended up seated between the woman he couldn’t stop thinking about, and her cousin.

  Holden picked through the pepper and speared a couple black beans. Ava looked awfully pretty tonight, wearing a blue flowered dress that made her eyes look amazing, and she smelled so good. Like sunshine and flowers.

  He wished she would talk to him. Everyone he knew seemed to be finding love. Jess and Nate. Jake and Megan. Dad and Irene. Even Mitch. Mitch was the last person in Surprise Holden would expect to find a girlfriend, and yet here he was, sitting next to a spunky redhead who looked at him as if he hung the moon.

  Holden wasn’t accomplishing anything just sitting and stewing about his lack of a love life. Today was his dad’s birthday, so he might as well try and make the best of it. He turned toward Matt. “So, how are things going?”

  Matt wiped his mouth. “Really well. We just finished making repairs on a few homes in the downtown area. Getting ready for our Easter pageant.”

  “That’s great.”