Hunt groaned, cupped the back of her head, and pulled her closer to kiss her back.

“You don’t know how much I needed that…and you,” he said, then started the truck and backed out of the drive. “What’s your pleasure this evening, honey?”

“It’s a little cool, but let’s get stuff from the Dairy Freeze and go eat at the park. I just need fresh air and you,” Ava said.

Hunt sighed. “Perfect. Not counting the flight, I’ve had a weird day, too, and you’re my touchstone to joy.”

Ava’s eyes suddenly welled. “Oh, Hunt. That might be the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me.”

“Give me time. I can do better,” Hunt said, and then winked to take away the seriousness of the moment.

Ava laughed through tears. “Then feed me. I’m starving.”

“Broyles Dairy Freeze, here we come,” Hunt said. “Burgers or chili dogs?”

“Chili dog and fries, please,” Ava said.

“Anything for my sweetheart,” Hunt said.

Twenty minutes later, they were at the park, sitting at one of the picnic tables, and in between sharing ketchup and dipping fries, they were talking about Houston and what he did on the job. After a while, Ava shifted the conversation.

“I don’t know if anyone told you, but Davey Randolph’s surgery was successful. He’s in the ICU, and for the time being he’s listed as critical but stable.”

“That’s really good news,” Hunt said.

She nodded. “Every save is a good day. Oh, my parents are coming home sometime tomorrow,” she added. “I told them you had come back because of your mom, but I didn’t say anything about us yet.”

“Are they going to be upset if you leave Blessings?” he asked.

Ava smiled. “Not upset. They’ll be delighted for the both of us. Mom’s always known I loved you. We both just thought it was for naught, as the old-timers used to say. Knowing Mom, she’ll just look at us living in Houston as a plus, giving them another place to visit.”

Hunt felt like his future was on a roll. Loving Ava was bringing his years of exile to an end in the most marvelous way.

“What now?” he asked as he dumped their trash.

Ava pointed to the swings.

“For old times’ sake, would you push me in the swing like you used to do when I was little?”

Hunt wrapped her up in a bear hug and felt the chill of her cheek against his.

“I would be honored,” he said, and then laughed when she tore out of his arms and took off running.

By the time he caught up, she was in the swing, her long legs dangling, waiting.