Page 47 of Make It Last

“Are we really boys?” Griffin asked.

Janet rolled her eyes, her gaze twinkling. “You might be men, chronologically speaking, but in my heart, you’re all boys. Most of you grew up here, and I’ve known you since you were little.”

Conversation meandered along, full of quips and jokes. A gust of cold spring air swirled in as Josie and Tate walked in hand in hand. Tate was another firefighter. Josie beamed when she stopped beside the group. “Thank you for bringing Ava dinner last night,” she said as soon as she saw me.

“Of course,” I replied.

“Well, I’m gonna get some bagels, cream cheese, and definitely a donut for her this morning,” Josie said. “I’d get her a dozen, but...”

“They’re better fresh,” Luna chimed in from across the counter.

“I know,” Josie replied. “Ava also said she doesn’t want to eat an entire box by herself.”

“I could eat a whole box,” Parker offered.

“They’re the best donuts,” he added, winking at Luna, whose cheeks turned pink.

“We know they’re the best donuts,” I said. “But really, Parker, you don’t have to sell them just because you’re in love with Luna.”

He chuckled. “I speak the truth.”

“Facts,” Tate agreed.

“So what’s up with you and Ava?” Janet asked when there was a lull in conversation.

“What do you mean?” I returned.

“I mean, you brought her dinner,” Janet said, her eyes sharp.

“I know she’s probably feeling trapped. She can’t drive or anything. It’s a group effort. We’re making sure she doesn’t feel lonely while she’s out there.”

“She said she’ll be there at least a month,” Josie added. “It’s crazy. I had no idea breaking your ankle could mean such a long recovery.”

“I guess she needs medical accommodations to fly,” Casey said, joining the tail end of the conversation.

“I think she’s not sure she wants to go back home either,” Josie stated.

“Really?” Luna asked. I silently thanked her for asking because I was curious as hell.

“Yeah. I mean, she came here originally for her divorce trip,” Josie said.

“Alaska’s a great place for a fresh start,” Casey offered. “That’s why I’m here. Fresh start and all that.”

“Is that what it is, sweetheart?” Leo deadpanned. She rolled her eyes, grinning as he leaned across and gave her a kiss.

Chapter Twenty-One

Tanner

No expectations, just pizza

I kept turning Casey’s “fresh start” comment over in my mind. Later that afternoon, I planned to stop by my mom’s house and ponder the sliver of tension that had never gone away between us. Someday, we’d have to talk. I just didn’t know if I’d be the one to initiate it or if she would.

I knew she had been as much a target of my father’s behavior as I had, as had my sister. Yet I couldn’t help but wonder why she hadn’t protected us more. Then there was Laney who was long gone. On occasion, I’d see her, though we never made a point of spending time together. Just a nod in passing when she visited her parents. I thought about how she’d said this small town made her feel trapped.

Oddly, I’d never felt that. Even when I’d felt trapped when my father was alive, it wasn’t about the town. It was about the dynamic at home. But I loved Willow Brook. It was home.

My phone buzzed just as I climbed into the truck after loading the groceries. I glanced down, seeing Ava, Ava, Ava! flash on the banner. I chuckled at how she’d named herself in my phone.