“So what were the top three numbers?” he asked once he was settled behind the wheel. But he didn’t start it up yet. He was in no hurry to get to the rest of the group.
“Seven was number one, of course. Three was second place. Eight was third.”
“I like eights too,” he admitted.
“Of course you do,” she said. “You like fours.”
He tipped his head back. “Ah. You’re onto me.”
She laughed in her throat. “Maybe I am.”
Sparks of heat stirred low in his belly. “So what’s your favorite number?”
“I’m sadly typical,” she said. “Seven, three, nine, thirteen.”
“Whoa, is having a bunch of odd numbers as your favoritetypical?”
She shrugged. “No, not that part. But the fact that seven is my favorite, and three is my second favorite—that falls right in line with the population’s preference.”
“You skipped over five.”
“Ihatefive.”
Richard laughed, the exuberant sound nearly surprising him. “Why in heavens name would you hate poor little innocent five?”
She shuddered. “No, seriously, I can’t stand it. I don’t have an answer for that. But of all the odd numbers I love, I preferevennumbers to the number five any day.”
She’d said it even as if the mere word disgusted her. It made him laugh again. “This is fascinating,” he said with the shake of his head.
Richard turned over the key at last, backed up a bit, then pulled onto the worn path leading to the stables. On the opposite side of the property, construction for Andie’s spa was in full swing. “Did Andie tell you she’s having a spa put in here?” he asked, speaking louder now to talk over the hum of the engine. The two had talked quite a bit at Trenton’s, it seemed.
The wind toyed with Ava’s hair. She bunched it into a short ponytail and held it in place with her hand. “Yes,” she said, glancing at the framed structure and the crew working on it. “Is that it?”
“It sure is. She’s even taking that shed just off to the side there and making it into a nice place for the guys. Barbershop type of thing where men get pampered…guy style,” he said with a laugh.
“That’s so cool.” Ava released her hair as he slowed his speed on the grass. Still, the strands flew gently around her, looking auburn in the sunlight as she lifted her chin to the breeze. “Andie told me that you’re each planning to make an addition to this place,” she said after a bit. “Do you know what you want to do?”
Richard shook his head. “No idea. But I’m sure it will come to me.”
A quick glance at the cabins said Maverick was nowhere in sight. Was he already at the picnic area with the rest of them?
He turned his gaze toward the pavilion as they neared. Trenton and Andie were there. Emmitt too. Betty stood beside the buffet area, helping Don and Mable arrange the food and drinks. A few of the grandchildren played nearby, balancing hula-hoops with their swaying hips.
It didn’t look like Maverick and Memphis had made it yet. Richard slowed the cart even more, wanting to drag out their time a little longer.
“Richard?” Ava said.
“Yeah?”
“I don’t mind going with Maverick, if that’s how you’d prefer it.”
He nodded knowingly as he steadied the wheel.
“But I’d rather go with you.”
The nodding stopped. “Oh.”
“Don’t feel any pressure,” she rushed to say. “I’m sure it’s a big chore and you have a million other things to do—”
