Ava catches her breath and holds it. I know what she’s thinking. She’s probably wondering if they know who she is and what they might think of her.
I haven’t broken the news of who Ava truly is, but I know that if I can take it, if Steph can, then my parents will be more than happy for us.
“It’ll be fine,” I assure her. It will be. It’s going to have to be because I will never give up on us.
We order our meals, make light conversation over dinner, and just as the waitress clears the table, Bryson and Baya head over with a sparkler embedded in a cupcake. We start in on a round of “Happy Birthday,” and even the house band joins in. Ava blushes the exact shade of plum her cheeks were after we made love for the very first time. I loved that moment, and I love this moment. I love everything about Ava Vincent.
“I’ve got a surprise for you.” Owen pulls her up by the fingers and motions for the rest of us to follow. “Since you were indisposed over the weekend…” He glances back at me and scowls. No hard feelings. Owen is a better big brother than I ever was to Ava. At least in the traditional sense.
Owen and Piper head out into the freezing night air, and I stall long enough to steal a quick kiss from Ava under the mistletoe once again.
“All right, you two, get a room.” Jet slaps his hand over my shoulder before giving it a squeeze. “On second thought, Ava is like my kid sister. Do not get a room. Abort the effort.”
Daisy smacks him across the chest. “Oh, hon, you have no idea what you’re up against. Those two have been struck with Cupid’s bow in the worst way. Leave the uphill battle to Owen.” She gives a crooked smile to Ava as we step out into the iced December night.
“Where are we going?” Ava shouts to her brother, but he chooses to ignore her. “Are we going caroling? Because caroling is one of my least favorite things to do. You know I can’t carry a tune!”
“Don’t I know it,” Owen grunts, and his breath plumes in white crystals. “And just to keep a little world peace tonight, your vocals are not required for what you’re about to do.”
“WhatI’mabout to do?” She looks to me as if I might be in on this, but all I can offer is a shrug. “What am I about to do?”
Owen stops short and holds something small and silver in the palm of his hand—a set of keys. “Drive.” He unleashes that ear-to-ear grin of his that he’s tried so hard to hold back all night.
“Oh my God.” Ava cups her hand over her mouth. “Owen?”
He steps away from a white Maxima, and Ava squeals and screams and jumps up and down like she just won the lottery, and in a way she did, the vehicular lottery.
“Grant!” Her voice pitches as she screams my name. “Do you see this?”
“I see. It’s awesome.” I nod over at Owen. “You did good.”
Ava latches on to her brother, and he spins her, kissing the top of her head with heavy emotion. Ava told me that after Aubree was indicted, their family blew apart. That explains why Owen likes to keep an extra watch over his kid sister. He’s determined to never let her feel alone. He’s determined to never let her pay for Aubree’s sins, and I’m determined to do the same for her.
After the hugging-fest, everyone heads back inside, and instead of taking her new wheels for a spin, Ava suggests we do the same.
“I just have to tell Lucky and Harper. Lucky will be in tears for me. I think Harper will be riding shotgun—forever if I can help it.” She shudders as if reliving the accident. “And you?” She pulls me in by the collar. “You’re welcome to ride anytime.”
“I wouldn’t miss it.” I tousle her hair. Harper’s erratic driving near cost Ava everything. Another reason I’m thrilled she has her own set of wheels.
We head back inside, partake in our ritualistic foliage-inspired kiss before threading through the crowd. We find Lucky and Harper seated near the band, both Rush and Lawson are with them.
“I got a car!” Ava screams, ringing her keys above her head like silver bells.
Both Lucky and Harper jump up and scream in unison, drowning out the house band for a moment.
Rush and Lawson come over and slap me five.
“Dude.” Rush nudges his head toward Ava. “That was one serious weekend getaway. I’m betting you got laid. You feel better now, princess?” He smiles as his lips land around a beer bottle.
“Enough.” I wince over at Ava, but she’s still hopping in a circle with her friends. “What my girlfriend and I do is none of your business.”
“Girlfriend.” Rush ticks his head back a notch. “I like the sound of that—for you.”
“That’s because she’s destined to be with me. In fact, I think we’re going to take off.”
“You leaving the party so soon?” Lawson licks his lips at a pair of blondes that strut by. “The night is just getting started.”
“I’m out. Ava is the party, and she’s all mine. Sorry, dude. But that should be good news for the two of you. Now that I’m off the market, that opens up about ninety percent of the girls for you.” I hold back the laugh bucking in my chest.
