Page 111 of Riding the High

“I can’t wait to eat it, Daddy’s girls! Let’s pop it open and put it on some biscuits,” she exclaims, her eyes moving back to Mabel.

What am I doing?

My phone vibrates in my pocket and I pull it out.

IVY

Saw the news. Just letting you know my house is a safe space as a nonrelated member of the Ashby clan, and I’ve always got chocolate.

I laugh before replying.

I just might take you up on that soon.

IVY

Anytime, girl. I’ll be here folding little clothes and waiting for this baby to stop kicking me in the ribs.

I smile and put my phone in my pocket, hating how much I wished that it was Cole texting me, cracking some joke or sending a dirty message. Anything that will tell me everything is fine between us.

“Let’s put these snacks together, and I’ve got all your bracelet-making stuff out back darlin’,” Jo says to Mabel.

“Will you make a bracelet with me?” Mabel asks, lookingup at me hopefully. I tuck a rogue strand of hair behind her ear, feeling the need to be close to her. The same way she seems to feel about me.

“I don’t know how.”

“I’ll show you.” She smiles and takes my hand, leading me into the yard.

“Constantly looking at your phone isn’t going to make that call come any faster,” Jo says, nodding at me as I struggle my way through making my bracelet. I’m probably failing because I’m trying my best to copy Mabel while simultaneously looking to see if Cole has messaged me. I glance down to read my screen.

WARDEN

Hearing how upset you were last night showed me what I’ve been doing wrong, Ginger. I let my work consume me and put it before you and your mother. I have no excuse other than that the pressure of this job is unfathomable to anyone on the outside.

Why have you never told me how you feel?

We need to talk, when you have time. Please call me.

And I was wrong to judge your sheriff. I can see he really cares about you.

That gets my attention.

WARDEN

I only want what’s best for you. I am a proud man, but I can admit when I’m wrong.

Who is this really?

I smile, and experience a flicker of hope that he might have actually listened to me last night. Finally.

WARDEN

Just a dad who isn’t perfect.

Can we have lunch next week? Just the two of us?

Of course.

I breathe out a sigh as I turn my focus back to my bracelet. My dad’s apology doesn’t change everything between us, but it’s a start.

---