17
It had been almost a week since her life had changed for the better. She had Ruby with her at all times and no longer had to stress about her going hungry or being taken care of. And she had a boyfriend, whom she loved dearly.
Ava sat at her computer working on edits. This was her last free weekend before her busy season started. Typically, summer was when she had her most bookings, but she had solid bookings through the rest of winter, spring, and summer between family photo sessions, senior pictures, and weddings.
Cole walked into her bedroom and dropped a kiss on the top of her head. They had been sharing a bed since they had made it official earlier that week, but Ava still used the desk in her room for work.
“Hey, do you have a minute?”
Ava swiveled in her chair and looked up at him with a smile on her face. “Of course. What’s up?”
He took her hands and pulled her to her feet before wrapping his arms around her. She wrapped her arms around his waist and looked at him with her chin on his chest.
“How would you like to go get a couples massage with me and soak in the hot springs at Rousseau Paradis?”
She sighed. “That sounds amazing, but I can’t leave Ruby.”
“What if I said I had that taken care of?”
Ava looked at him curiously, but before she could say anything, there was a knock on the front door.
Cole smiled brightly and let her go, walking through the house to the door. Ruby was curled up on the couch reading a book.
“Who is it?” Ruby asked.
Cole pulled the door open. “Right on time.”
Katie and Michelle walked in.
“Surprise!” they said at the same time.
Ruby hopped off the couch and ran over to them, throwing her arms around their waists. “What’s the surprise?”
“How would you like to have a slumber party with us at Katie’s house?” Michelle asked.
“Really?” Ruby asked, hopping up and down in excitement. Then she turned toward Ava. “Can I? Please?”
Ava looked at all the beaming faces in front of her before landing on Ruby’s. “Yes, if you want to.”
“I really do,” Ruby said.
“Then, of course, you can.”
“Yay!” Ruby cheered and then threw her arms around Ava. “I’m going to go pack.” She took off for her bedroom, and Ava turned wide eyes to Katie and Michelle.
“Are you sure you’re up for this?” she asked.
Katie waved a hand in the air. “Easy peasy. It’ll be fun.”
Ruby came out of her room only a moment later carrying a duffel bag. “All ready to go.”
Ava chuckled. “Let me check your bag real quick.”
She went through it and sent Ruby to grab a few more items before zipping it back up. “Okay, you’re all set.” Then shesquatted down to her level and asked softly, “Are you sure you’re good with this?”
“Yes, very good.” Ruby gave her a tight hug and then ran over to Katie and Michelle. “Let’s go.”
They laughed, and the three of them waved goodbye before disappearing out the front door. Ava watched them walk to Katie’s car.
