Page 38 of Ava
“Alan, where did you get these?”
“I made them.”
“Really?” That made them all hurry over to the kitchen and inspect them, giving him praise.
“Thanks, that’s why Wilson set me up in that little lean-to behind the bunkhouse, and near our campers. That’s where I did most of the work. I’ll be working on a bigger dining room table next.” He pointed to the area where there was already a table.
“Morgan, can I…” Dolly started, but Morgan held up her hand.
“Stop, this is where Ava’s going to be living after today, and the other women that will be working for me. If you have any questions regarding the house, talk to her about it.”
“Oh,” Dolly said, then grinned as she turned to Ava. “Can we use this kitchen, as well as the one at the ranch to make the food for DJ’s graduation party?” She looked over at April and Dillon. “Do you know exactly how many people will be coming?”
“Last count,” April said as she placed her hand on her baby bump. “With his entire class, and the town, but last count was at least five hundred and sixty, and we both know there will be drop ins, when word continues to spread that the Erwins are having another BBQ.”
“Holy crap,” Ava cried out as she looked at everyone in shock. The J’s and A’s only shrugged in confusion, but the Erwins along with Morgan just grinned. “That many people?”
“Yes,” Wyatt said. He turned to his future brothers-in-law, to ask, “Do you guys have your next job yet?”
“No, we don’t start until a week from yesterday,” John said. “There’s not much we can do here until the dirt and gravel arrive later today and tomorrow. By Wednesday, we should be completely done, why?”
“Can you help the boys clean out the barn we use for the BBQ. The forecast is sunny and in the eighties, but it’s easier to have it in the barn. The boys can direct you on what to do.”
“By boys, you mean?”
“Us.” DJ and Lucas grinned. “We’ll have to get the equipment out of the shed, and then sweep the floor. I believe the lights are still on the rafters from when Morgan put them up two years ago. When she was here as Jane.”
Ava watched in fascination as every man in the room hung their head, and looked sad, but then they seemed to shake it off, and made noise about leaving to get back to work. Before they left, Dolly came up to her and placed her hand on her arm. “If you get lonely, you’re more than welcome to continue to join us for dinner and breakfast. I don’t expect you to stay in this gigantic house by yourself.”
“Thanks, Dolly, I’ll let you know.”
“Good,” she grinned then leaned in, and whispered, “Besides, I still need that pancake recipe.” Both women were laughing as they walked out the front door, and Wyatt handed her the key. She put it on her keyring, and watched as the Erwins along with Dolly and Wilson left, and the men started walking around the yard with Morgan. Ava quickly joined them.
“Ava,” Morgan said as she approached. “What do you think about having a firepit out here?” She pointed to the area, and Ava paused and looked around.
“I like the idea of the firepit, but are we going to have gravel, or large stones back here?”
“Pavers for the patio area,” Chuck said, and pointed to the wall where several were stacked up.
“Oh, well, then yes, a firepit would be wonderful.” They continued talking, and Ava headed toward the office to get to work. She heard from behind her that Morgan had asked Justin to join them. Once they were all inside, Morgan settled behind her desk, and Ava took up the spot she’d picked out at one of the tables for her own work area.
“What’s up?” Justin asked as he settled across from Ava, but turned his chair to look at his sister.
“First, did you draw up any designs for this office?”
“Not yet, do you want me to?”
“Please. Also, is it possible to put in a basement like you did at the house?”
“Yes, why?”
“Because, I want a war room. When we’re having meetings, and discussions, I don’t want to have anyone to have the ability to listen in. Call me paranoid, but.” She shrugged and left it at that. “Something like what was in the basement of Uncle Chip’s building, when he and I read you and the other J’s in on what’s happening.”
“Ah, I understand. I can start drawing them up today.” He looked at Ava with a grin. “Do you mind if I spread out on your dining-room table? There’s not enough room in the camper.”
“Sure.”
Justin made the move to stand, but Morgan shook her head. She waited until he’d settled back down. “I contacted Uncle Chip.”
