Page 66 of Aussie
“Absolutely!”
Christian looked at Ava. “Is it okay if I go riding tomorrow?”
Ava smiled. “I don’t see why not.” She glanced at Aussie to see if he had any objections. But Aussie just grinned.
“I think it’s a great idea. My dad knows all the trails back in the woods. You’ll have a good time,” Aussie told Christian.
“Come on inside,” Aussie’s mom said, wrapping an arm around Ava as they walked toward the house. “You’ve had a long trip, and I’ve got some dinner on the stove.”
As Ava stepped inside, she was left speechless. The inside of the house was just as stunning as the outside. The living room boasted high ceilings with exposed wooden beams, a crackling stone fireplace, and cozy furniture adorned with plaid throws. A staircase wound its way up to the second floor, where Ava spotted several doors leading to what she assumed were the bedrooms. Not to mention, the whole house was decorated for Christmas with traditional décor of pine garlands and red bows that matched the red poinsettias placed all around the house.
“Why don’t you three go upstairs and get settled? Dinner should be ready in about twenty minutes.”
“Speaking of dinner. What are you making?” Aussie asked, his nose lifting into the air.
His mom smiled. “Your favorite.”
“Baked pork chops with that garlic rub?” He asked.
“Yep. And roasted potatoes and steamed cabbage.”
Aussie kissed his mom’s cheek. “You’re the best,” he told her, and she laughed.
Watching Aussie and his mom melted Ava’s heart. They looked so happy together.
“Alright, you three get going. Remember dinner in twenty.”
Aussie looked at Ava. “I’ll show you where you’ll be staying,” he said, picking up the bags and leading the way upstairs. Ava and Christian followed, their footsteps muffled by the plush runner on the stairs.
When they got to the second floor, they went left down the hallway. Aussie stopped in front of two doors. “Ava, this is your room,” he said, opening the door to reveal a cozy space with a queen-sized bed, a dresser, and a window overlooking the fields. He turned to Christian. “And you’re right across the hall. You each have your own bathrooms.”
Christian darted inside to explore his room, which was just as inviting, complete with a twin bed and a small desk by the window. Both rooms even had a fully decorated Christmas tree.
Ava looked at Aussie. “Where is your room?”
He grinned and pointed two doors down from hers. “I’m right there. Don’t worry, I’m close by.” He winked, and she felt herself blush. “Go and get settled. I’ll grab you guys in a few minutes.”
As Aussie headed to his room and went inside, Christian came out of his room and followed Ava into hers.
“This place is amazing,” Christian said.
Ava nodded in agreement. “It is.”
“I like Aussie’s parents already,” he told her, and Ava smiled.
“They do seem like wonderful people.”
Christian then turned toward Ava. “Are you really okay with spending Christmas here?” he asked her.
Ava cupped his face, her heart swelling at the concern in his eyes. “It doesn’t matter where we spend Christmas, Christian. What matters is that we spend it together.”
Christian nodded, his expression softening. “I really like Aussie,” he said after a moment.
Ava smiled. “I do, too.”
“I wish I could have a dad like him,” Christian said quietly. “And a mom like you.”
Ava’s chest tightened, her emotions tangling between heartbreak and hope. “Christian,” she began, but he was already pulling away and going back to his room.
