Arizona Cowboy by Jennifer Collins Johnson Page B

him and extended his hand. “I’m happy for you, son.”
    Jake hopped out of his chair and grabbed him in a hug. “You can do better than that.”
    They both chuckled as they patted each other’s back, and Dad offered his congratulations.
    Holden stood on heavy legs as he hugged his best friend in turn. “Congratulations, man.”
    Jake gave Holden a fistbump. “Thanks. I’m still praying she’ll come around.”
    Holden pretended not to hear that as he released his friend and sat back in his chair. He didn’t want to think about Ava. Jake jabbered about his and Megan’s plans, and Holden tapped the fishing pole again. He glanced around them. Most everyone had caught at least one fish, but they hadn’t gotten even a nibble.
    While Jake continued to talk, Holden focused on his boots. They were scuffed quite a bit at the toe, and the leather looked pretty worn. Comfortable, true, but maybe it was time for a new pair. He moved his feet. No. He liked these boots. No reason to go searching for a new pair when these fit him just fine.
    Ava’s face floated through his mind. That’s the problem, God. When something or someone fits, you just wanna keep ’em. Ava fit me just right, and I gotta figure out a way to get her back.
    * * *
    “Did you hear Jerry telling me about Holden?”
    Ava adjusted the thin white belt around her waist. Though she’d berated herself several times, she’d been disappointed when Holden wasn’t at church for Easter Sunday. Not that she wanted him to notice her. She didn’t. Or at least she didn’t want to want that. Still, she’d hoped to see a glimmer of approval in his eyes.
    Deep in her heart, she couldn’t deny the purple dress was for him. She’d added a thin white belt, white stone earrings and bracelet, and sandals with white ribbons that tied around her ankles. Extra effort had been given to her hair and makeup. But he wasn’t there. “What did Jerry say?”
    “Apparently, he sprained his ankle badly yesterday, getting on or off the tractor.” Aunt Irene placed the roast on the counter. “Can’t remember which he said.”
    Ava took down plates for the family, then set the table. “I hope he’s all right.”
    “They thought he broke it. Took him to get X-rays, but it was just a sprain. Supposed to stay off it for two weeks minimum, but I doubt he will.”
    Ava set out the plates, silverware and napkins. She stirred the mashed potatoes, then took the rolls out of the pantry. As much time as they spent together, she’d expected Jerry and Aunt Irene to want to share Easter dinner. With both families. But her aunt hadn’t mentioned it, and Ava had been relieved.
    Aunt Irene took the rolls from her hands. “I’ll butter them. Why don’t you give your mom and dad a call before the boys and Ellie get here?”
    Ava grabbed her smartphone off the counter and walked into the living room. As she scrolled through her contacts, she released a sigh. She’d moved to Surprise seven weeks ago, the last week of February, and she’d talked to her parents only a handful of times. Each time, she’d been the one to call them.
    Trying her dad’s number first, since he was most likely to answer, she waited through the rings until his voice mail picked up. After leaving a message, she tried her mom’s number.
    “Hello.”
    Ava sat up straighter. “Hi, Mom.”
    “Hello, Ava. You sound surprised.”
    “I just didn’t expect you to answer.” She bit her lip, realizing, true or not, that the words didn’t sound nice.
    “Well, you know how busy your dad and I are.”
    Ava nodded. “I do. So, how are you?”
    “We’re good. Dad’s sitting beside me. He says hello. We’re heading to lunch. How are you?”
    “Good.” Ava searched her thoughts for something to say. She and her parents had never been close, but even casual conversation had become strained after she’d left Surprise eight years ago. “I love my job here. The family I work for have really taken me under their