Page 72 of Aussie
When he heard her gasp, he knew she loved it.
Aussie glanced over at her and saw tears welling up in her eyes as she stared at the town’s little Main Street, all decorated and lit up, with not a soul in sight. It was exactly how she had described it. It was magical, quiet, and beautiful.
He chuckled softly, leading her down to the town square, where a few benches were scattered around. They sat down, and Ava took it all in, her eyes wide with wonder. “It’s amazing,” shewhispered. “It feels just like it did all those years ago, except this time, I’m not alone. I have someone to share it with.”
She looked at him, her eyes shining with gratitude, and Aussie felt his heart swell. “Thank you,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. She leaned in and pecked his lips.
When she pulled back, she was smiling, and he couldn’t help but smile back.
“Can I tell you my whole story, especially about the woman who saved me?”
Aussie felt his chest tightened. He knew that Ava kept her personal life very close to herself. She shared a few things from her past, but she never went into detail. And he never tried to pry. He knew that when she was ready to tell him, then she would.
He smiled as he brushed a strand of hair from her face. “I love to hear it.”
For the next two hours, they sat on the bench, snuggled together, watching the lights twinkle in the night as Ava told him her story. It was a moment that he would cherish and never forget.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
The morning after, Aussie found himself in the kitchen with his mom. He leaned against the kitchen counter, watching her knead dough for what he guessed was going to be another batch of cookies. The usual scent of cinnamon and nutmeg filled the room, and Christmas music hummed softly in the background.
“So,” his mom began, not looking up from her task but clearly sensing his presence. “You’ve been hovering around me for ten minutes. Out with it, son. What’s on your mind?”
Aussie chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. “That obvious, huh?”
She smirked. “You forget, I raised you. Spill.”
He shifted his weight, suddenly feeling like a teenager asking for advice. “I want to plan something special for Ava. Like a date. But I need your help.”
That got his mom’s full attention. She paused her work and wiped her hands on a dish towel, turning to face him. Her smile was knowing, her eyes sparkling. “A date, huh? Alright, let’s hear it. What does Ava like?”
Aussie shrugged, leaning his elbows on the counter. “She’s not into anything flashy, that’s for sure. She’s more subtle. She’s down-to-earth. I don’t think she’d enjoy some big, fancy dinner out.”
His mom nodded thoughtfully, tapping her chin. “I got that vibe from her too. She’s sweet but not one for showy things. What about something romantic but simple? You know, something meaningful?”
“That’s exactly what I was thinking,” Aussie agreed. “I just don’t know where to start.”
His mom’s face lit up. “Well, as it happens, your dad just finished renovating the barn. You know, the one by the big paddock? He turned it into a little one-bedroom apartment. It’s all decked out for Christmas since that’s where Rachael and her husband will be staying when they visit.”
Aussie’s brow furrowed, intrigued. “Go on...”
“What if you took Ava on a sleigh ride?” she suggested, her voice tinged with excitement. “Then afterward, you could have a quiet, romantic dinner in the barn. The place is cozy and perfect for something like this. Lights, decorations, the works.”
Aussie grinned, the idea settling in his mind like the final piece of a puzzle. “Mom, that’s perfect. Ava would love that. She’d probably prefer it to any restaurant in town.”
She clapped her hands together. “I thought so, too. And don’t worry about Christian. I’ll keep him busy for the evening. We’ll bake some more cookies or do something fun."
“You’re the best,” Aussie said, his grin widening.
She waved him off, though she was clearly pleased. “I’ll also make sure dinner’s in the oven for when you two get back from the sleigh ride. Something hearty and warm. I’ll handle all the little details. You just focus on Ava.”
Aussie nodded, his chest tightening with gratitude. “Thanks, Mom. This is going to be great.”
“It will be,” she said with a knowing smile. “She’s a special one, Aussie. I can see why you’re so taken with her.”
He nodded, his thoughts drifting to Ava. “She is. And she deserves something special.”
She returned to her dough, humming along to the Christmas carol playing in the background.
