Page 129 of Sawyer

Then I take my girl’s hand and lead her inside the bar, where Frisky Whiskey is playing a Johnny Cash cover.

Burns, burns, burns.

CHAPTER30

Sawyer

GENTLEMAN

Killsme to drop Ava off at her place later that night after we danced for hours at The Rattler. We drank beer and sang along to the band and laughed our asses off. But we decided we wanted to have individual conversations with our daughters about our relationship before we do any kind of sleepover situation, so I drive home alone in the dark with the taste of Ava’s pussy in my mouth and a big, dumb smile on my face. Caroline says I look “really happy” when I relieve her from babysitting duty.

I let myself sleep in on Sunday morning—well, as much as Ella will let me, anyway—because that’s what I do now. I let myself rest when I need it. Ava’s rubbing off on me in all the best ways.

Then I get a pot of chili going—I told Ava I’d bring dinner over tonight so I could meet Dan when he dropped off Junie.

After that, Ella and I head to the barn and tack up my horse, JJ. I got him last year when Ella was obsessed with the showCocomelon, so she named him after her favorite character.

Together, we ride out to the south pasture where Wyatt and the cowboys are working cattle. It’s a chilly, overcast day, but my daughter doesn’t seem to mind. She squeals with delight as we ride alongside the herd, her pink little helmet bobbing in time to my horse’s stride.

“Elly Belly Boo, you are looking so good up there in the saddle,” Sally says. “I’m proud of you, sweetheart.”

Ella turns her head and smiles at her soon-to-be aunt. “I like riding with Daddy.”

“I can see that. Y’all both look happy.” Sally’s eyes flick to me. “Veryhappy.”

I guide JJ closer to a calf who appears to be lagging a little behind his mama. “Y’all were great last night.”

“Thanks. I already checked on that little guy, by the way. He’s just one of the younger ones. We’ll keep an eye on him, but I think he’ll learn to keep up.”

“Sounds good.”

“You looked like you were having a good time on the dance floor.” Sally eyes Ella, and I know she doesn’t want to say too much. “I’m glad y’all were able to stay.”

“Me too.”

Sally smiles. “I think y’all made my mom blush, the way you were … ahem, dancing.”

“Daddy, you went dancing?” Ella turns her head to look up at me.

“I did. With Miss Ava.”

“Miss Ava? Can I please see Junie today? I miss her so very much.”

Sally and I laugh.

“I might miss Ava a little more.”

Ella scrunches up her face. “Why would you miss her?”

“I’ll leave y’all to it,” Sally says. “I’m happy for you, Sawyer.”

“Thanks, Sal. Tell my brother to slow down, would you?” I nod ahead at Wyatt, who’s riding a hundred or so yards in front of us. “It’s Sunday, and I don’t wanna rush.”

Sally’s still smiling as she shakes her head.

“What?” I ask.

“I just like this new version of you is all.”

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