I can’t keep my laughter from bubbling out. Levi gives me a look, but I can see he’s struggling to keep it together. Ava’s adorable face looks so confused.
“It’s a little different, honey,” I say. “But it can be as strong and wonderful.”
“Okay.” And with that, she seems happy.
“Hey, do you want to see something magical?” I ask her.
She nods, her eyes going really wide.
I pick up my payment receipt and fold it into an origami butterfly.
“Wow!” She gasps and holds out her hands together to hold the butterfly.
“You can take it home. It’s yours. Anytime you want a butterfly, just let me know.”
Levi mouths a thank you, and I give him a smile that I hope conveys everything I’m feeling and more.
A cough behind me grabs Levi’s attention, but before I can turn around, I see him tensing up. He straightens his back and takes his feet away from where they were linked with mine.
I look to see who the person might be. He looks a little familiar, but I’m sure I’ve never seen him before. Tall, with dirty-blond hair and green eyes, the guy is the all-American boy next door type.
His gaze is trained on Levi.
I look at Levi, and it’s like he’s seen a ghost.
“Levi,” I say, touching his arm to check that he’s okay, but he takes it away. I try to push aside the strange feeling that comes over me.
“Arlo, can you do me a favor?” he asks without taking his eyes off the guy. “Can you take Ava to the bakery for me, please? I’ll catch up with you tomorrow.”
I look at the guy, and he finally acknowledges my presence.
“Hi,” he says, holding his hand out. “Jayden Martin.”
I shake his hand, but his eyes move back to Levi before we’re even done. I take my hand back and stand up.
Levi sends me an apologetic look before staring back at the guy.
Ava holds my hand as we start the walk down Main Road toward Lovely Buns. I’m glad when she doesn’t ask who the man is because I don’t know what to say.
Jayden Martin.
Is he aMartinMartin?
My brain tries to make sense of it all. Levi asked me to leave. Even though he didn’t look exactly look like he was ecstatic to see Jayden, he also didn’t sendhimaway.
The words Levi told me not long ago and what my eyes have just seen are at war. My insecurities want to take over, but I also want to trust Levi.
When we arrive at the bakery, Liv is cleaning her display cabinet. It’s a little later than usual, but I suspect she’s been waiting for Levi and Ava.
“Oh, hey, guys, you’re back early. Where’s Levi?”
“He’s talking to a man,” Ava says.
Liv furrows her brows and looks at me for an answer.
“A guy named Jayden showed up. Levi asked me to bring Ava here.”
Liv gasps.
