Page 83 of Ashes of the Past
“You all set?” I ask, starting up the truck.
She nods, a little smile playing at her lips. “Yep.”
I back out of the driveway, steering us toward town. The sun is bright overhead, casting golden streaks across the wide Hicks Creek sky. Olivia hums softly beside me, her fingers drumming against her knee.
“So,” I say, breaking the comfortable silence. “What do you think Ava would like?”
Olivia snorts, covering her mouth to hide her laugh. “A puppy or a pony.”
I chuckle, shaking my head. “Well, that’s a surefire way to get me disowned. I think her mom would kill me if I showed up with either of those.”
She grins. “Yeah, probably. But honestly, she’d like anything you get her. She’s really into that band right now—Midnight Horizon. She’s been talking about their concert for weeks, but she couldn’t get tickets.”
I make a mental note of that. I know Joanne and Rick probably can’t afford something like that, and if it’s what Ava really wants, I’ll do my best to make it happen.
“Good to know,” I say, keeping my tone casual.
We fall into a lull again, the town coming into view as we near the outskirts. Olivia shifts in her seat, her fingers tracing patterns on the window. “Thanks for driving me into town, by the way. I don’t think Popo was having a good day, and he really shouldn’t be driving.”
Her voice is light, but there’s something in the way she says it that tugs at me. I glance over at her, noting the way she’s avoiding my eyes.
“Yeah, I got that sense, too,” I say carefully. “I’m glad you said something.”
She nods, still looking out the window, and I don’t push. She’s a smart kid—too perceptive for her age.
Before long, I’m pulling up to the flower shop where Brynn is outside unloading her truck. Olivia hops out of the truck, her braid swinging behind her as she crosses the parking lot to her mom. Brynn looks up in surprise when she sees me.
“Jack?” she says, brows raising. “I thought—”
“Popo wasn’t feeling great,” Olivia says, shrugging as she steps inside. “So, Mr. Jack brought me.”
“Not feeling great? Maybe we should—”
I hold up a hand. “No need for you to rush back. I’m going to grab some things and be there later. You two enjoy your shopping trip, and I’ll see you tonight.”
She starts to protest, but I just glance at Olivia, giving her a quick smile before stepping back. “Bye, Olivia. Have fun.”
Before Brynn can say anything else, I turn and head toward my truck, already making a plan to get those concert tickets. Anything to make Ava’s birthday one to remember.
Later that evening, I take a deep breath and knock on Brynn’s door, rubbing my palm against the side of my jeans as I wait. I’m not nervous. At least, that’s what I keep telling myself. It’s just dinner. Just Brynn. But damn if my chest doesn’t feel a little tight anyway.
The door swings open, and my brain short-circuits. Brynn stands in the doorway, framed by the soft light from inside, wearing a flowing sundress the color of fresh cream. The fabric flutters around her legs, brushing against her skin, and for a second, all I can do is stare. I’ve never seen her in anythingbut jeans, work boots, and grit. She’s always been beautiful, but this… this is something else. She’s breathtaking.
She shifts on her feet, her lips pressing together like she’s about to second-guess herself. “What?” she asks, her voice softer than usual, uncertain.
I shake my head, grinning as I pull myself together. “Nothing. Just… you look beautiful.”
Her cheeks flush, and she ducks her head slightly. “Thanks. You clean up nice yourself.”
I glance down at my jeans and button-up shirt, feeling a little overdressed compared to my usual worn tees, but at least I don’t look like I just came off the ranch. “Shall we?” I ask, offering my arm with a teasing smirk.
She rolls her eyes but takes it anyway, letting me lead her to the truck.
“I never expected to see you in a dress again. I was starting to think you were surgically attached to those jeans,” I tease as I help her into the truck.
She smirks, twirling slightly so the dress flows around her. “What can I say? I like to keep you on your toes.”
“Yeah? What other surprises are you hiding?”
