Chapter Eleven

Ava

"You all have my email address in your Chromebook and on the paper in your take-home folder, so if you send me a picture of the aurora borealis this weekend, you get extra credit points," I remind the class as the bell gets ready to ring on Friday afternoon.

Several of the students already have cell phones, and the rest agreed they can use a parents' device to email in a picture or two after tonight's big event. I'm going to print them all off and hang them on the bulletin board at the back of the class. I'm sure they'll get a kick out of seeing their photos displayed proudly.

We've spent the last two days learning all about the aurora borealis, or northern lights. I found a video online from National Geographic, as well as other educational and informational materials. We also completed an art project, thanks to a tutorial I found on YouTube. It was a great few days, and I truly think each student learned something new and is eager to witness the event firsthand.

I'm excited too for a variety of reasons. Yes, to see the lights, but also because of the company I'll keep. I've only talked to Gavin a few times since he asked me to join him on Monday, and each interaction was related to the job he's completing for me. My window arrived yesterday and is being installed today, and the front of my house has already been transformed, thanks to the beautiful new roof he's framed and covered. The metal was in stock and has shipped, and as long as there aren't any transit delays, it's expected to be delivered to Logan's hardware store tomorrow.

Despite the expense, I'm eager to see what the finished project will look like.

"Miss Rutledge, are you going to see the lights?" Annabelle asks as everyone finishes picking up their supplies and straightening their desks.

I open my mouth but hesitate. Do I answer her honestly? What if she asks me where I'm watching it or with who? I don't make a habit of lying to my students, but this definitely feels like something I can't really talk about.

"I believe I'll watch them," I finally answer, hoping she doesn't ask any more questions.

"I'm super excited. My dad says he's going to see them too, but I don't know where. I invited him to come to the Bluff Preserves with me and Mom, but I don't think he wants to. It might be weird, because Mom has a new boyfriend. Mike's nice, but he's way different than Daddy."

The corner of my mouth ticks. "Oh yeah?"

Annabelle nods. "First off, Mike has a hairy back and it's really gross," she informs me, making a face and sticking out her tongue. "My dad just has a hairy chest, not a back."

I have to fight from laughing.

"Plus, he wears fancy clothes for his work and gets manicures. Mom was telling me she goes with him, and he pays. Dad's hands are all rough, and he sometimes gets cuts and splinters."

"Well, there are many different types of jobs, each one just as vital as the next."

She nods in understanding. "Mike wants to take Mom on a trip. He gets good deals through his work, and she wants to go on a cruise. I don't get to go though, but that's okay. I get motion sickness when we go out on the water."

"I get motion sickness too," I tell her, recalling the last time I went out on the lake. Five minutes into the ride, I was throwing up over the side. It was not an experience I'd ever want to repeat.

"I like to go on the pontoon though. That's different because it's bigger and we go slow. You don't feel the waves as much. Do you like pontoon boats?" she asks, her brown eyes so focused and interested.

"I've never been on one," I confess. I'm not a huge fan of large bodies of water, and since taking risks are at the bottom of my to-do list, I've always chosen to keep my feet on dry land. The one time I let a few friends talk me into taking a Jonboat out was the very last time I was on the water.

"We have one at my dad's. Maybe this summer you can come with us. He usually gives me pills so I don't throw up, but even when we forget them, I don't feel icky like I do on the other boats."

The bell rings, cutting off any further conversation. Annabelle darts off to get her coat and book bag, while I move to the door. The students are mostly lined up, ready to get out of school for the weekend. "Make sure coats are zipped up," I remind them, even though I know most of them won't listen.

I have to try.

"Bus riders, you guys keep to the left side of the hallway, and those going to the pickup line, stay to the right," I say, as I do every afternoon.

We all walk out into the hallway and join the students already filing out of the neighboring classrooms. I stand in the middle of the hall and watch as my class moves to the exit. Everyone seems eager to go, not that I blame them. There aren't many kids who actually like going to school as much as I did.

"Have a good weekend, Miss Rutledge," Annabelle says as she nears.

"Thank you, Annabelle. You too. Make sure you take a picture of the sky tonight," I remind.

Her brown eyes light up. "Oh, I will! I've already told my mom I need to use her phone to send you some pictures."

Giving her an easy smile, I reply, "I look forward to receiving them. Have a great weekend."

"You too," she hollers with a wave as she moves through the hallway and out the door. I know her grandma is here to pick her up, as she is every day. The only exception is when Gavin gets her, but I never see that part, since I'm inside.

When everyone has exited the building, I return to my classroom and prepare to leave for the day. A few teachers pop their head in to wish me a happy weekend or to ask about the aurora borealis tonight. It sounds like everyone from the school is excited to see the event and willing to stay up and try to catch the gorgeous lighting.

I'm more anxious to leave today than normal. Even though I'm not considering this evening a date, I'm feeling a little nervous as if it were. Dating is outside my comfort bubble; despite the fact I have done it on occasion. I'm an introvert. I enjoy books. Finding someone who understands that and doesn't try to drag me along to every social event they can is difficult.

That's what caused me problems a few years ago, when the infamous keg stand photo surfaced on social media.

Yet, despite having a bit of anxiety over something like that happening again, I still feel safe with Gavin. And like my friends have reminded me, I can't stress about things out of my control. I couldn't control someone else's actions or words, but I can control how I react to them. I can also control the situations I put myself in as best as possible, which is why I don't go to bars, and if I do, I don't drink. My friends also know not to put any photos of me on social media and respect my wishes.

I grab the papers I have to grade over the weekend and slip them into my satchel bag. When I have what I need, I put on my coat and gloves, lock my room, and make my way out to my vehicle, throwing a wave goodbye to any staff member still lingering.

The early January air is crisp, and while a shiver runs through my veins, I don't let the cold temperatures bother me. Instead, I let it invigorate me and excite me for what's to come.

Of course, I'm sure it's because I'm seeing the northern lights for the first time, and not simply for the man who's taking me to witness the event.

That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

At precisely nine o'clock, I hear Gavin's truck pull into my driveway. I lock the back door of my house and move through the slight breezeway to the garage, ensuring everything is secured there too. Then, I exit the side door into the night air.

Gavin is climbing from his truck and makes his way toward me. "Can I carry that for you?" he asks once he reaches my side, hand extended.

"All right," I agree, handing over my bag. It's packed with my older digital camera, extra batteries and memory card, and a blanket. "Thank you."

When we reach his truck, he places my bag in the seat behind me and opens the passenger door. "Great minds think alike," he says, pointing to the large, fluffy blanket on the seat.

"It's not terrible out, but it could get chilly the longer we have to wait for the lights," I reason, climbing into the cab.

"Ready?" he asks, holding the door while I get situated and belted in.

"Yes."

He flashes me a grin and says, "You look great, by the way."

Even though I blush at the compliment, I shake my head. "You can't even see me." The fact I'm wearing my thickest winter coat, snow boots, gloves, a scarf, and my warmest beanie makes it a little difficult to see past the layers.

A slow smile spreads across his face. One that makes my breath catch and my thighs clench. "I think you're adorable just like this," he says, tapping me on the nose.

Unable to formulate a response, I offer a small grin and wait while he closes my door. Glancing around the truck, I note the items that seem work-related, but what catches my attention is the beaded flower hanging from the rearview mirror.

Gavin climbs in and catches my line of sight. "I know, it's not very manly, but Annabelle made that for me a few years ago and told me it was for my work truck. She said I needed some color."

"I agree. It's perfect," I reply.

"It is." He clicks his seat belt into place. "So, are you ready?"

To see the lights? To spend time with him? The answer is a surprising yes to both.

"I am."

"Good," he replies, throwing the truck into reverse and slowly backing out of my driveway. "How did the kids like the science lessons this week?"

"They all seemed to enjoy it," I tell him honestly. "I found a lot of great material on it, and I've given them all a chance to grab a few extra credit points if they email me a photo of the lights. I know everyone doesn't have a cell phone, but I figured most would have access to a parents' phone for something like this. But I did send home an information sheet with each student, so parents know what's going on."

"Smart. Annabelle doesn't have a cell phone yet, but I'm sure she can use her mom's," he says, heading farther out of town, away from the Bluff Preserves and city streetlights.

"That's what she said, and it's perfectly acceptable. I want as many kids as possible to take advantage of a few extra credit points. They get to see something beautiful and learn a little too."

He gives me a quick grin before returning his eyes to the road. "Like I've said before, you're an amazing teacher. Annabelle won't want to move on to sixth grade next year."

"Are you kidding? Of course she will. Most of my students are excited about the lockers and switching classes throughout the day. It's a big deal, like coming of age."

Gavin starts to slow down, flipping on his blinker. I realize we're nearing the private lane for Hanson Tree Farm. As he starts to turn left onto the gravel roadway, he says, "She's always loved school, but one of the main reasons she's having such a great year is because of you. You have been able to pinpoint her interests and strengths, while helping her work on the weaknesses. She's growing as a student and a person, and a big part of that is you. She's going to be incredibly sad to leave your classroom, Ava." He glances my way for a few seconds before returning his gaze to driving.

"She's a remarkable child," I find myself mumbling, a little overwhelmed with his compliment. Each student is unique and learns differently. They have strengths and weaknesses, and it's my goal—my job—to help them realize both and work through it.

Clearing my throat, I turn my attention to our location. "This is the back side of the tree farm."

He nods, slowly moving around the large barn at the back of the property and parking near the back door. "It is. I worked here when I was in high school for two seasons. I helped cut down trees at Christmastime and loaded them for customers. It was cold, but a pretty neat gig. Old man Hanson is great. I still visit with him every chance I get."

"And I'm assuming he gave you permission to be on his property," I state, looking around at this part of the farm I've never seen.

"Well, I've learned over the years it's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission, Miss Rutledge."

My eyes widen as I gape over at him.

He looks my way and cracks up laughing. "I'm joking. I called Norman earlier in the week, and he agreed to let us come out here." Sobering, he adds, "I'd never risk you like that, okay? Some rules are meant to be broken, but I draw the line at trespassing."

"Oh," I reply, feeling a little silly by my response. "Of course," I add.

Is it hot in here?

Gavin turns off the truck and shifts to face me. "Norman turned over the day-to-day side of the business to his granddaughter, August. She runs the farm, but he still lives here and works in the payment hut. Annabelle and I came out to get our tree last month, and he's still handing out candy canes to the kids, just as he did when I was a kid. Hell, he's done it well before I was born. He's a cool ol' bird.

"Anyway, he's always offered to let me bring Annabelle back here and take her on the trails, so when I called him up to ask about coming out here tonight, he said yes. In fact, he offered to let us use the tractor."

I feel my eyes widen. "A tractor?"

"Yep," he replies, taking his keys out of the ignition. "We could take my truck, but we're going down into the pasture by the creek. You up for it?" There's a hint of challenge in his hazel eyes as he gazes at me from across the truck cab.

A wave of excitement rushes through my veins. I've never been one to take risks, but something warm and caring in his eyes brings me comfort. I know I'm in good hands.

And speaking of his hands…

Pushing all thoughts of what it could possibly feel like with his big, strong hands on me, I decide to keep taking small steps outside my comfort zone. They might be tiny little baby steps, but movement, nonetheless. I'm not saying I'm always going to be a risk-taker, but these little strides with Gavin might be just what I need.

My life is good, content, but being around him makes me want to take chances.

Good or bad, for the first time in my life, I want more.

And that scares the ever-loving hell out of me too.

I'm already here, sitting in his truck and preparing to go see the northern lights, so why not take another risk. Climbing on a tractor in the middle of winter doesn't exactly sound like a good time, but I'll trust him that to take this next step, we need to experience the tractor ride. What could it hurt?

Well, you could fall off and break your leg.

Or worse, your entire body.

Someone needs to put her big girl panties on and give it a whirl.

Looking over, I find Gavin watching me. He's not rushing me or making me feel bad for considering my options. He's patiently waiting for me to decide, and I'm certain he'd be fine with whatever decision I came up with. He seems completely at ease, and frankly, a little gorgeous in his winterwear. Heavy coat, thick flannel shirt, and a Carhartt stocking cap on his head, he's incredibly handsome in a rugged, lumberjack way. He even smells like the outdoors. Woodsy, clean, and fresh. Exactly how I would expect a man like him to smell.

Again, a jolt of anticipation races through me.

Reaching for the door handle, I take a deep breath and give him a big smile.

"All right, let's do it."