Page 30 of Unexpected Love

“No, I’m good for now. You can help set the table later, though.”

“Come on, Shortcake. Sit with me for a bit.” Scott guides me to the study at the front of the house—his favorite room.

We sit on the couch, each in a corner, angling our bodies to face each other, but neither of us says anything right away.

“I haven’t really had a chance to talk to you one-on-one since you got here. I’m sorry for that,” Scott says after a moment.

“There’s been a lot going on.”

“Maybe so, but that’s not an excuse.” Scott’s eyes move over my face, studying me. “You know you can talk to me, right?”

“Of course.” I smile at him. It’s so incredibly fake, and we both know it.

“Ava.” Scott doesn’t have to say anything else.

I look down at the couch, tears pricking the corners of my eyes. If there’s one person besides my brother I want to talk to, it’s Scott. But talking to this amazing father about my parents' shortcomings feels ridiculous. I’m embarrassed by it, even though I know Scott wouldn’t judge me for any of it.

He scoots closer to me, taking my hand in his. “If you’re not ready to tell me or your brother, then just tell me I don’t need to worry about you.” He squeezes my hand, waiting for me to look at him. “You may not be mine by blood, but I love you as if you were and it breaks my heart seeing you hurt.”

I hiccup, trying to keep the sob in, and while I succeed in that, the tears still fall down my cheeks.

Scott pulls me into a hug, holding me close. He doesn’t say anything. He just holds me as I let the tears fall, soaking his shirt.

After a few moments—when the tears have finally stopped—I pull away, wiping my cheeks dry. “I’m not ready to talk about all of it. But it has to do with my parents and something that happened at work before I was fired.” I shrug. “I haven’t fought it, and I don’t plan to, but I definitely could.”

My mind is racing, and I know I’m not making sense. I take a minute to gather my thoughts. When I look back at Scott I see the concern etched across his face.

“I’ve realized that I let my parents dictate my entire life, and I don’t know who I am or what I want out of life. I mean, it’s more than that, but that’s where my brain and heart are currently focusing.” Even sharing that little bit feels like another weight is lifted off my shoulders, and I can breathe a little easier.

“It’s okay to be a little lost. We all get lost sometimes. All that really matters is how you go about finding your way again. Don’t let other people’s opinions on how they think you should live your life dictate what you do. I know that’s easier said than done, but the people who really love you and care for you will support you in all your endeavors.” Scott grips my hand, squeezing tightly. “Do what makes you happy. And if you don’t know what that is right now, don’t be afraid to try new things.”

“I’m thinking about applying for the part-time job at the bookstore,” I blurt.

Scott doesn’t even hesitate. “Do it. If it’s something you want and are interested in, then do it.”

“It feels crazy to go from being a lawyer to working at a bookstore.”

“So what? People have done much crazier things. This is your life. You have to be happy living it.”

I fall into Scott, hugging him tightly. “Thank you.”

“Anytime, Shortcake. Anytime.”

fourteen

GAGE

An hourafter dropping Ava off, I pull up in front of my dad's house to pick up Leo with a smile still on my face. I feel it in the ache of my cheeks, and yet, I’m not trying to stop it either.

Those ten hours with Ava were better than I ever imagined they could be. And boy had I imagined it—far more often than is probably appropriate.

I was intrigued by her that first day we met in the courthouse, and my interest has only increased with each additional encounter, but after last night—and this morning—I’m determined to help her break down some of those walls she’s put up.

I have a feeling something significant happened before she came to Ashford Falls, and whatever it was broke her trust in people.

Ava doesn’t seem like a woman who feels the same way I do about love, and from the little I know about her, I know she deserves to find someone who will love her with their wholeheart. I might not be one for committed relationship, but that doesn’t mean Ava agrees with me, or that she should miss out.

She’s beautiful, inside and out. She’s witty and quirky and loyal and empathetic. She may have gotten knocked down by something, but she isn’t afraid to go after what she wants. If given the chance, I know she’ll be someone's biggest supporter and advocate.

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