Arizona Cowboy

by Jennifer Collins Johnson

  “No. I insist.”

  Just as Holden figured.

  “I’ll cut up some fruit. Brew some tea.” She rubbed her hands together. “And I’ve been practicing my song. You could be my first audience.”

  Dad’s face lit up like a sunrise on a hot July day. “Well, if you don’t mind...”

  Phoebe rested her palm against her stomach. “I think I’ll have you drop me off at my house before you go home, if that’s all right.”

  Irene patted her friend’s arm. “Of course.” She leaned toward Dad. “She’s getting medicine for her bowels. Been having a lot of trouble lately.”

  Holden rolled his eyes. He had to get out of this place. Between the flirting and the bodily function honesty, he felt as though he might be getting sick.

  He glanced at his phone to check the time. Too early for Ava to get off work. He inwardly growled, knowing he had plenty of work to do at the ranch. He looked at his dad and Irene making goo-goo eyes at each other. But when had this happened?

  Jake and Megan. Now Dad and Irene. Everyone seemed to be falling for someone, but Holden couldn’t seem to work things out with the woman he wanted.

  Once at Irene’s house, he settled into a red leather recliner and looked through the pile of cookbooks she insisted they take home. He tried not to listen to his dad’s and Irene’s occasional giggles and muffled conversation as they cut up fruit and made tea in the kitchen.

  They were close enough in age. Probably even went to school together, since they both grew up in Surprise. And he couldn’t deny his dad might enjoy some company as he got older. Soon Holden’s sisters would be having grandbabies, and if he had his way, he’d settle down, as well. Plus, Irene was one of the best women he knew. Still, the thought of his dad and a woman, in love... Holden shivered. It just seemed...well, gross.

  “Here ya go, Holden.” Irene handed him a bowl of mixed fruit and a glass of iced tea.

  “Thanks.”

  She pointed to the cookbooks. “Did you see any good recipes in there?”

  “Well, I...”

  She clapped, then turned toward Dad, who’d taken a seat across from Holden and had just shoveled a bit of fruit into his mouth. “I’ve got an idea.”

  “What’s that?” asked Dad.

  “I want the two of you to come over for dinner tomorrow night. I’ll make grilled salmon and...” She pressed her finger against her lips. “The rest will be a surprise. What do you say?”

  She glanced from Dad to Holden and then back again. By his expression, Holden knew his father would agree to the invitation. And Holden would enjoy eating food that wasn’t cooked by him or his dad. But Ava. She might not be as pleased to have the company.

  He shook the thought away. She’d agreed to have dinner with him two nights ago. He was the one who’d canceled. Sure, she didn’t answer his text, nor did she phone him back when he’d tried to call later, but maybe she’d just been busy. She did have a brand-new job. Plenty of adjustments to make.

  “We’d love to come,” said Dad. “What would you like us to bring? Holden makes a mean brownie.”

  Irene placed her hands on her hips. “I thought we were looking into getting your blood pressure lowered.”

  His dad frowned. “Brownies will raise my blood pressure?”

  “Okay. You can have just a little.” She giggled, and Holden had to bite back the urge to gag.

  He swallowed a gulp of tea. Irene made the best tea in the Southwest. He placed the glass on a coaster on the table. “I thought you were going to sing for us.”

  Irene nodded. “I sure said I would. Be right back.”

  Dad watched her scurry into the next room, his face glowing like a boy with a new bike. Holden took another swig of the tea. Next time he’d let Irene take his father to the doctor. Holden had a feeling Dad would do whatever she said.

  * * *

  Ava took a small bite of brown rice as she watched her aunt’s guests. She’d been surprised when Aunt Irene announced Jerry and Holden were coming over for dinner. Glancing down at her lavender sundress, Ava felt her cheeks warm. She’d chosen the dress because Holden told her years ago that she looked pretty in purple.

  “I’m not a huge salmon fan usually,” Jerry said in a booming voice. He shoveled a scoop of fish and zucchini into his mouth, then swallowed. “But this is delicious. And you say it’s good for my blood pressure?”

  Aunt Irene’s chest puffed out at the praise. “Salmon is good for you anyway, Jerry. Filled with protein, omega 3 fatty acids, and vitamin D. What do you think about the zucchini?”

  Jerry wrinkled his nose. “Never been a big fan of vegetables.” He stabbed a piece of zucchini with his fork and popped it in his mouth. “But I gotta admit this is good. Plenty of flavor.”

  “That’s the teriyaki.” Aunt Irene dabbed the corner of her mouth with her napkin. “Low sodium, of course. You just need to learn to add flavor with spices instead of salt.”

  Ava sneaked a glance at Holden. He looked handsome, so cleaned up, in a red polo and pressed khaki pants. Not that he wasn’t already over-the-top attractive in his usual attire of button-down shirt, blue jeans, cowboy boots and hat. But tonight she couldn’t stop herself from drinking in thick dark eyebrows over deep blue eyes. She wanted to run her fingertips across the strong line of his jaw, feel the prickles of his five o’clock shadow. Looking down at her plate, she willed herself to focus on the meal as she cut a piece of salmon with the side of her fork.

  “Ava?” said Aunt Irene.

  Glancing back up, she realized three pairs of eyes all stared at her. She frowned. “I’m sorry, did you say something?”

  Her aunt pointed toward Jerry. “He asked how your new job is going.”

  Ava smiled, trying to slow the butterflies fluttering in her stomach at Holden’s intent gaze. “I love it.”

  Aunt Irene reached across the table and placed her hand on Jerry’s. “Just this week Ava said she believes God brought her back to Surprise for a reason.”

  Holden’s eyebrows rose and a smiled curved his mouth.

  “My job,” Ava said, clearing her throat. “I feel as though God handpicked it for me.”

  She focused on finishing her dinner while Jerry and Aunt Irene continued to talk. Many times she felt Holden’s gaze on her. Tonight would be a perfect time to confess the whole truth to him, and she prayed God would give her strength.

  “I’d love to play a few tunes.” Her aunt’s voice interrupted Ava’s thoughts. “But you have to promise to sing with me.”

  Jerry guffawed. “Irene, I haven’t sung in years.”

  She waggled her finger. “You can’t fool me, Jerry Whitaker. I know you sing. We were in the choir together in high school.”

  Jerry laughed. “That was years ago.”

  Ava grinned at the older couple’s interaction, and had to bite back a chuckle at the confused and possibly disgusted expression on Holden’s face. Her aunt and his dad had more history than either of them knew about.

  Aunt Irene stood and motioned for Jerry to join her. “Come on. I’ll play piano, but you gotta sing, too.”

  Jerry grumbled, but he stood and followed her into the other room. He glanced back at Ava with a quick wink, and she shook her head at his silliness.

  “Guess we do dishes.”

  Her heart flipped at Holden’s deep voice, and she stood and stacked the plates onto hers. “I guess so.”

  Holden gathered several dishes and followed her into the kitchen. He scraped off food and rinsed while she put the leftovers into Tupperware containers. The tune of “Hit the Road, Jack” boomed from the living room. After a few chords Aunt Irene’s and Jerry’s voices joined the piano.

  “I didn’t know my dad was in chorus. I’ve heard him sing on the ranch, but that was usually when he didn’
t know I was nearby.”

  “He sounds great.” Ava placed the leftovers in the refrigerator. “Maybe you can sing, too, and you just don’t know it.”

  Holden lifted his hands. “No. I’m pretty sure I know I can’t sing.”

  Ava chuckled as she loaded the dishwasher. “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” sounded from the other room. The two sang their parts in perfect time, but the lyrics scratched at the old, unhealed wound in her heart, and she felt Holden’s gaze on her again. “You wanna go sit in the backyard?”

  “Sure.”

  As he followed her out the door, she prayed for strength and the right words. Please God, make him forgive me.

  Though surrounded by houses, she sat in a chair and sucked in the beauty of the purple sky that blended into pink around the bright yellow setting sun. Just do it. Speak the words. Get it out. “Holden, I’m sorry I ran.”

  “No. I’m sorry, Ava. I should have been stronger. I never meant to hurt you.”

  She peeked at him, noting the regret that etched his face. She wanted to reach out, to take his hand in hers, but if she touched him she’d lose heart. Part of her still loved him. Curling her fingers around the arm of the chair, she shook her head. “It’s not only your fault. I lost myself in emotions, as well. We were wrong, and God wanted us to wait until marriage, but I shouldn’t have just run away. But we got so serious so fast, and I wasn’t ready.”

  “I wanted to marry you.”

  “I know.” Ava’s heart beat faster “And I really wasn’t ready for that. I’d only graduated high school a few months before.”

  Holden pursed his lips. “If I could do it over, I’d have—”

  “We can’t change what happened, but I should have talked to you. I should have told you about—”

  The back door opened and Aunt Irene poked out her head. “You two get in here. I’ve almost got Jerry talked into doing Senior Idol with me.”

  Holden’s jaw dropped and he stood. “You’re kidding. This I gotta hear.” He extended his palm to Ava. “You and I are going to have lunch after church tomorrow. Okay?”

  Ava battled relief and disappointment that they weren’t finishing their conversation. She accepted his hand and cringed at the tingles she still felt at his touch. “Okay.”

  Chapter 7

  Holden 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.”