“He won’t take no for an answer,” Axel pipes up.
“Fine, thank you,” I nod, heart pounding.
“Good,” Knox leans back with a satisfied smile.
Throughout the rest of the night, I watch as he and Axel talk, laugh, and hang out with friends. I take pride in seeing Knox happy, hoping I have something to do with that. It’s as if slowly, he’s coming back to the person he was and observing that from the outside is fascinating.
…
I look around Main Street as I stroll down the sidewalk. All the buildings are made of wood siding, some in its natural color, others painted in beige. It gives the town a very Old West feel as if any moment now a cowboy were to walk out of swinging doors of a bar and climb on his horse.
I giggle to myself. I’m such a nerd. Clearly, we’re in the twenty-first century, but a vintage charm resides here and is instilled in the locals. I’ve been told it’s the cowboy way from ancestors that lingers in the area. As spooky as that can sound, I believe it.
Taking advantage of the clear morning, I walk around and enjoy some sunshine despite the snow on the mountains lining Everton. When I have a day off or the morning free, I love exploring the town. There’s still so much to learn about it and its history.
I step into my next destination—an antique store. An employee greets me, and a few people linger as I take a look around at what they have. I see old lamps with stained glass shades, copper vases, and wooden chests. I squeeze through the make-shift aisles, careful not to knock anything with my purse or butt.
I find more antiques, like old gardening tools, furniture, and creepy dolls. I never was a fan of those. This place is full of articles from different eras, all showing a vast history of the people from this town, and some, I’m sure, from further away.
I search a table that has random things placed on it, and I smile when I see a cardboard case with Johnny Cash’s face on it. I lift the case and tip it to the side, a vinyl disc sliding out. I hold in my excitement, not wanting to scream and interrupt the people shopping peacefully.
Turning it over, I search for a price but don’t see one. Hoping it’s within budget, I take another look around in case there’s something else worth grabbing. My eyes light up when I see something that is perfect, and I walk up to the register to ask for the price of the record and pay for my things, knowing I got a steal.
As I walk out of the shop, my phone rings. I fish it out of my purse, struggling with the gifts I’m carrying and ignoring the curious looks from people walking past me. I huff and look at my phone, furrowing my eyebrows.
“Geema?” I see my grandmother's face practically pressed against the screen of my phone when I answer and laugh. “Are you video calling me?”
“Yes, your cousin taught me.”
“How is Andrew?” I ask.
“Oh, good. He has his first girlfriend. You know, middle school love,” she shares family news.
“Okay, Geema, can you move the phone a little away from your face so I can see more than your eyes and nose?” I reach my car and pop the trunk, placing my belongings in there before settling in the driver side to talk to my grandmother, turning on the heat to full blast.
“How’s that? You look beautiful, sweetheart,” my grandma’s eyes brighten.
“Thanks, and that’s much better. Now I can see your entire face. How are you?” I sigh as the comfort of talking to her sweeps over me.
“I’m good. How about you? How’s life in the wild, wild west?”
I laugh. It’s as if she read my earlier thoughts. “It’s great. I needed this, and I’m feeling more and more at home. I just found the perfect Christmas gift for you,” I shimmy in my seat.
“I’m so happy to hear that. We miss you here, but I know you’re happy and that’s all that matters. Well, that and this gift you’re telling me about. Show me,” she demands.
“Nope." I shake my head. "You’re going to have to wait ’til it arrives. No cheatin’.” I nod once and scream, grabbing my chest with my free hand. “What in God’s name?” I look out the door window and find Knox standing on the outside of my car, head tilted back in a fit of laughter.
“Are you okay?” Worry laces my grandmother’s voice.
“Yes, but someone else might be about to die,” I say as I roll down the window so he can hear me.
Knox continues to laugh as he tries to speak, clutching his stomach. “What are you doing, taking a selfie?”
“I’m talking to my Geema.” I turn the phone a bit to show him.
“Who’s that, sweetie? He’s handsome.” My eyes widen in mortification as her voice rings around us.
Knox chuckles. “Geema! He can hear you.”
“Oh, well, I was never shy around the boys. Let me take a good look at him.” She squints her eyes and adjusts her glasses. I’m about to die.
Mortified, I turn the phone, heat prickling my neck. Arguing with her is pointless. “It’s the infamous Geema. It’s very nice to meet you, ma’am,” Knox bows his head a bit, causing me to laugh. She’s not the Queen.
“So, I’m infamous, huh? How much time have you been spending with my granddaughter?” Her words are curious, and I’m afraid of what she’ll say next.
“As much as she gives me.” Knox doesn’t flinch.
“Good girl, make him work for it.” I could imagine her patting my hand in solidarity.
“Ooooh-kay, Geema, I’ll call you later. Preferably when I’m home alone, and you can’t embarrass me anymore.”
“Have fun,” she sing-songs. I end the call and look at Knox with a sheepish grin.
“She’s a riot,” Knox says.
“Ugh.” I drop my head to the steering wheel.
“I never thought I’d see Ainsley Harding embarrassed.”
I roll up my window, ignoring his comment, and open the door to stand outside. “I guess there’s a first time for everything,” I deadpan, which only makes him laugh more.
“What are you up to?” Knox’s hands sneak into his pockets.
“I was Christmas shopping.”
“Already?” His eyebrows pop up.
“I need to send the gifts to Texas, so I’m getting an early start. I found the perfect gift for Geema.” I clap my hands and walk to my trunk. I pull out the vinyl album and show Knox.
“Is she a Johnny Cash fan?” He nods, impressed.
“Biggest fan and she refuses to listen to music on anythin’ that isn’t vinyl,” I explain. “It’s perfect. I can’t wait for her to receive it. I just wish I could see her face when she does. Maybe we can video chat now that she’s learned how to.” I think of ways to be as present as possible when she opens her gift.
“You miss her, right?” Knox shifts, crossing one leg over the other.
“Yeah, but I’m used to it by now. I’ve lived away from home for so long.”
“It’s still hard,” he nods in understanding.
“Yeah,” I trail off. “So, what are you up to?”
“Enjoying the sunshine.” He faces the sky, the light hitting the few grays in his beard and temples.
“It is nice out—cold, but nice,” I wrap my arms around my body.
“What else did you buy?” He juts his chin toward my opened trunk.
“Only the coolest thing ever,” I brag and reach for the antique sled.
“Is that a sled?”
“Duh. I would expect more from you seeing as you’re from around here,” I tease. “I thought it would be so cool to try.”
“Um, would it work?” He furrows his brows and reaches out to hold the old, wooden sled.
“It looks like it’s in good condition. Only one way to find out,” I challenge.
“I’m pretty sure this is for kids. It’ll probably hold you, but it definitely won’t hold my weight.”
I cross my arms and give him an offended look. “Probably hold me?”
“Um, what I mean is, it’s for kids. I’m sure it will hold you. Shit.” He runs a hand through hi
s hair, and I cackle.
“I’m only kidding.”
“That was wrong.” He blows out a breath, shaking his head.
“What do you say? Are you up for testing this old thing?” I point to the sled in his hands.
“Hell, yeah.”
“Great, hop in and tell me which way to go.” I grab the sled and put it back in the trunk before sliding into the driver’s seat. I notice Knox shaking his head through the rearview mirror as he walks around my car and sits in the passenger side.
Following his directions, we go back to where we went tubing. I shiver as I step out of the car, not dressed with enough layers for this, but that won’t stop me. Knox already has the sled in his hands, and we walk up the hill.
“Okay, you go first.” He places the sled on the ground and holds it as I settle, taking a deep breath as it holds my weight. I rush down the hill, laughing, and hit the bottom with a thud.
“That was so much fun,” I scream.
“Come back,” he calls out, and I meet him at the top.
“Your turn.” I place it just how he had before and wait for him to sit.
He shakes his head. “You get on, and I’ll climb in after you.”
“Are you sure?” I tilt my head. “I’m not sure it’ll hold us both.” My eyebrows pinch together.
“It will. You rode it perfectly. It’s sturdier than I thought,” he’s so confident.
“Okay.” I widen my eyes and pinch my lips. I’m not so sure.
After I sit, Knox gets on behind me—his body close to mine, and his legs caging my sides. I shiver and hold on to the side rails as he pushes us forward. We slide faster than I did on my own. It’s a bumpy ride as we reach the bottom, and we land hard, hearing a crack.
“Crap,” Knox breathes out, and I turn to see his body is slanted. “I think it broke.”
I can’t hold in my laughter as I struggle to stand and see part of his behind through the wooden slabs. My entire body shakes with laughter, a cramp striking the side of my rib.
“Very funny. Want to help me up?” He lifts his hand in the air, but I’m clenching my stomach as I laugh.
“Hey!” I screech when he throws a snowball at me.
“I needed to get you to stop laughing and help me,” he replies with an excuse.
“You’re in no position to start a snowball fight,” I threaten.
“Ainsley,” he warns as I pack snow in my hands. His eyes widen right before the snowball hits his chin.
He growls and pushes himself up from the ground. I run away from him, remembering the last time we had a snowball fight. When he loops his arm around my waist and lifts me off the ground, he smashes snow in my face.
I yell and try to get away, but his hold is strong. I stop fighting against him and look up into his face as I push snow from my hair. His hand reaches up to swipe some from my shoulder.
“Sorry I broke your sled.”
“It’s okay,” I smile. “It cost like ten bucks, and it was a gamble,” I shrug. “At least we had fun.”
“That we did.” He leans in and kisses the top of my head. “Thank you,” he murmurs against my hair.
“For what?” I lean back to look at him.
“For asking me to join you. I know things are a little off after our conversation the other night, but I’m ready to have you in my life.”
Before I can argue, he runs his thumb over my lips, and I wait for the kiss. He winks and takes a step back, leaving me wanting to feel his lips against mine. I groan and cross my arms. What a tease.
“Where to now?” he asks.
“I gotta go home and get ready for work. Saturdays are always busy.” I wish I could skip work and stay with him here.
“Mind taking me back to my truck?” he asks.
“Not at all. By the way, how many people will be at Thanksgiving dinner?” I give him a sideways glance.
“About fifteen. My aunts and uncles always come to our house.”
“Oh, okay,” that’s a lot more people than I expected.
“Are you nervous?” He gives me a crooked smirk that makes him look like trouble.
“Why would I be?” I cross my arms over my chest, channeling all my confidence. Of course, I’m nervous about meeting his family.
“Because you’re going to meet my family,” he states.
“So?” I widen my eyes using my best poker face.
“I’m not introducing you as just a new girl in town,” he explains.
“Then what are you going to introduce me as?” I raise a brow and challenge, reaching my car.
He places the sled in the trunk and turns to look at me, leaning his hip against the trunk. “As the woman whose heart I’m going to win over.” He doesn’t hesitate, instead gives me a cocky smile.
“Oh,” I say and nod, poker face melting faster than my makeup on a hot Texas day. Okay, well, this Thanksgiving should be interesting. I hop in my car, his response leaving me speechless. He, on the other hand, keeps that grin the entire way back to his car.
Knox
I pull into my parents’ house and take in the ranch-style house, the wood siding and stone trimmings around the windows are covered in frost. I rub my hands together and take a deep breath to calm myself from seeing Ainsley earlier. As soon as I caught her by the waist when we were sledding, I wanted to keep her close to my body and get lost in her. I want her to know she’s more than just someone to fuck, though.
“Hello,” I call out when I walk into the house.
“In here, honey,” my mom calls from the kitchen.
“Hi,” I kiss her cheek.
“How are you?” She turns to look at me from her position in front of the stove.
“I’m good. How about you guys?” I take a seat at the counter.
“We’re good. Preparing for Thanksgiving. You know how your father gets.” She shakes her head.
I chuckle. “Yeah. Is he overstocking the bar and wanting to buy three turkeys?” I joke.
“You have no idea.” She stands on the other side of the counter, facing me.
“By the way, I don’t know if Axel mentioned it, but we invited Ainsley to Thanksgiving. She’s new to town and is the bartender at Clarke’s. She won’t be able to go home and was gonna spend it at home alone,” I explain when I should just shut up. Ainsley’s rambling is contagious apparently.
“He may have mentioned something.” My mom tilts her head and scrutinizes me.
“Okay, good.” I nod and slap the countertop. “So, are Dad and Axel outside?”
“They’ll be in soon. Why don’t you tell me about Ainsley before they walk in.” She raises her eyebrows, the hint of a smile on her face.
“What about her?” I shrug.
“She’s a nice woman. I personally like her.” She surprises me with her declaration.
“You’ve met her?” My words don’t hide the surprise.
“You aren’t the only one with a social life, young man. Your father and I go to Clarke’s as well. She’s very sweet.” Her smile gives away what she really thinks, and she’s not buying my nonchalant attitude toward Ainsley.
“She is,” I nod.
“Well, I hope you give yourself a chance to be happy.” She covers my hand with hers. “You deserve it.”
“I doubt that, but thanks.”
“Hey, we all make mistakes, and we live with the consequences, but we can’t let them own us. You want to make a life for yourself after this divorce, then you need to let go of the past. You made choices you weren’t proud of, it’s how you learn. Bet next time you won’t let the woman you love slip from your life.” She gives me a pointed look.
“Definitely learned,” my tone is flat.
“I do know things happen for a reason. You needed to live that experience and lose someone you cared about, so someone else could enter your life.”
I nod, knowing she’s right, but it’s still a challenge some days. I think about Ainsley and my promise to win her trust. She deserves so
meone willing to be all in.
“You’re here.” My father walks into the house through the back porch.
“Got here a few minutes ago. Catching up with Mom.” I give him a hug.
“Good, she misses having you around all the time.” He points at me as he grabs a bottled water from the fridge.
“I’m here for a long time, now,” I assure them.
“Ainsley, Clarke’s bartender, will be joining us for Thanksgiving,” my mom tells my dad.
“Oh, really? As a friend or a girlfriend?” He looks my way with a knowing laugh.
“Why me? Maybe she’s coming with Axel,” I defend and they both laugh, shaking their heads. Today was not the day I wanted to tell them about my situation with Ainsley. I promised her I’d introduce her as more than a friend, but I want to make sure she’s convinced I mean it.
“Funny,” my dad slaps my shoulder. “Your brother isn’t interested in her in that way,” he confirms.
“We’re friends. Axel and I both invited her so she wouldn’t spend the holiday alone.”
“Well, she’s more than welcome to spend it with us. No one should spend Thanksgiving alone, especially when they’re miles away from family,” my dad adds.
“Thanks, I agree.” I smile at them, grateful to have my parents in my life for the good and bad.
Axel joins us a few minutes later, passing me a beer while we wait for dinner to be ready.
“Want to go to Clarke’s after dinner?” he asks as we sit in the living room, watching a basketball game.
“Sure.” I take a chug of my beer. Any excuse to see Ainsley again.
“You got it bad, brother,” he laughs.
“Yeah, man.” I don’t deny it, not with my brother. “She’s somethin’ else.”
“She is, so be good to her,” he warns.
I look his way and furrow my eyebrows. “What the hell?”
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