“We know,” Ryan and Dad said at the same time.
That feeling of being loved and taken care of washed over her. She could take care of herself, but for tonight she was glad she didn’t have to. Her family was always there for her, the way that Ava knew she’d be for Gracie.
It made her wonder if Chay felt the same way about his grandmother. He thought he was safe by not allowing her and Gracie into his life. He had never experienced life as a Colton, where everyone knew you and had your back.
Maybe that was part of what had him pumping the brakes with her. She knew she was focusing on him, trying with all hermight to keep her focus on figuring out Chay instead of the fear that had taken root in her stomach as soon as she realized her house had been broken into.
It was one thing to suspect it was Daniel, but the truth was women were being abducted. Fern had been. What was to say that she hadn’t been targeted as well?
Or were they after Gracie?
Had Annie Ross been involved with someone who was part of Fern’s kidnaping? So many questions and too few answers.
When they got to her parents’ house, Ryan stayed for a cup of decaf before heading home. Dad went to bed because he had to be up early, but Mom just sat next to her on the couch.
Not saying a word, just letting Ava have the time she needed.
“I’m scared.”
“You’d be silly not to be. But no one is going to hurt you or Gracie. We’ll make sure of it.”
“Thanks, Mom.” Her mom might run a charitable foundation and be a rather slight woman, but the fierceness in her tone reassured Ava. She understood her mom a little better now that she had Gracie. There was nothing that Ava wouldn’t do to keep that baby safe.
Ava knew sleep wasn’t happening for her, and since her mom was sometimes a bit of a night owl, she didn’t feel guilty about staying where she was.
“How’s the silent auction fundraiser coming along?”
“Well, as you know, I have the Pinterest board started and I’ve just spoken to Sassy and we’re going to use the Zephyr Gallery for the event.”
Her cousin Sassy owned the gallery and was an artists’ agent. The event being held there would be profitable for the Colton Foundation but also help to spotlight Native artisans andcrafters. Aponi had mentioned Sassy had already been in touch to invite her to display some of her rugs and offer one for sale in the silent auction.
“That’s great. Do you have a menu yet? Aponi has these blue corn cookies that are delicious and would pair well with this type of event,” Ava said.
“Aponi?”
“Chay Benally’s grandmother. I was at her place earlier tonight. She’s excited to have a great-grandchild, even though it’s through Chay’s mother and not her son,” Ava said.
“How does Chay feel about that?” Mom asked. “Did you push?”
Ava wanted to deny it. “You know me. I tried to be chill about it, but it’s hard, Mom, when I know what’s best for everyone but they won’t listen to me.”
Her mom laughed. “It’s a burden we Colton women must bear.”
“I also was ham-handed with Ryan. He’s visiting with Fern a lot, and I didn’t realize how close they were becoming.”
Her mom’s brow furrowed with worry. “He hasn’t been the same since the hiker last year.”
“Precisely why I wanted to just warn him to take it slowly,” Ava said. Her brother would be furious if he heard them discussing him. “I think he will. Just know I wasn’t as cool as I wanted to be. Tell me about the artists you have lined up for the silent auction.”
Her mom did. Ava felt slightly better about turning her attention away from Ryan and back to the auction. “Want to play with me?”
Her father wore noise-canceling headphones to bed to help him sleep, so the music wouldn’t disturb them.
“I haven’t practiced in a long time.”
“When were you ever regular about it?” Mom teased.
“True. Let me check on Gracie.” Ava darted down the hall to find the little girl sleeping soundly. She’d had an exciting day with her new words. And of course crawling all over the place.
