12. Travis

Ican't believe how late it is. I never stay up this late. I'm going to regret it tomorrow. I'd forgotten how nice sitting on the porch at night is. It's nice having someone to talk to. I stopped sitting out on the porch in the evenings. It highlights that I don't have anyone to sit with—no one to talk to. Sure, I have Roberta, but she has Kenny. Mia's just a kid, and she's so sensitive. I don't want her worrying more about me than she already does. Plus, sometimes adults just need other adults to talk to.

I hope I didn't say anything I'll regret. Ava is so easy to talk to that I almost forgot talking to me is part of her job. I need this story to be a hit. I know Ryder wouldn't publish anything negative, but I want the story to blow us out of the water.

"It's getting pretty late. We should probably get to bed–I mean, I should probably get to bed. Not us together. You can do whatever you want." Good grief. Why do I have to be so awkward?

"Yeah, I should, too. I'm not usually a night owl! Are you sure you don't want your bed? I don't mind sleeping on the couch."

"I'm sure. Come on, I'll lead the way."

I delivered Ava to my bedroom and said good night. I changed into athletic shorts. Sleeping in just boxers, as I usually do, would probably be inappropriate. Lying on the couch, I settled in and tried to get comfortable.

The last time I slept on this couch, Mia was 7. She had a few episodes of sleepwalking, and I was terrified I wouldn't hear her from my room. After a week, I could hardly stand up straight. I decided to set up motion sensors instead. Yep—I have to make Pony Cottage livable tomorrow.

"Dad! Time to wake up." I open my eyes to see Mia dressed and ready for school. Usually, I have to drag her out of bed and rush her out the door.

"Morning. What time is it?" I sit up. The scent of coffee fills my nose.

"Seven. How'd ya sleep?"

"Great. How did you sleep? Why are you up so early?"

"Just excited for the day! I know you like to be up early, so I thought I'd wake you. Barb is already looking for you. I forgot to tell you that she asked for you last night."

"Morning." The door from my room creaks open, and Ava steps out.

"Morning. Hope we didn't wake you!" Mia says.

"No, not at all. Over the years, I've become unable to sleep in, no matter how late I'm up. It's very annoying."

"I hope that doesn't happen to me when I grow up," Mia says. "But does that mean you two were up late last night?"

"Yes, working. The days are so busy, it's hard to find time to talk," I say. I don't want Mia to get the wrong idea.

"Mmm-hmmm. Working. Is that what they're calling it these days?"

"Come on, Mia. You know Ava is writing a story on us." I give her what she's named "the Dad eyes."

"I know. I'm just joking, Dad. Chill." Mia has got the teenage attitude down perfectly. "You can interview me!" she says sweetly to Ava.

"Sure, I'd love to talk to you about Whispering Meadows. As long as your dad is ok with it?" Ava looks to me for confirmation.

"Sure, as long as it doesn't interfere with school."

"Ugh, Dad! School, school, school. That's all you ever care about." Mia stormed off.

"She's got the teenage mood swings down pat." I try to make light of the situation.

"She sure does. Give it a few years, and she'll work it out."

"Years? I don't know if I'll survive."

"Sure you will. Come on, let"s get some coffee."

"Good morning, you two!" Roberta sings as we enter the kitchen. "We've got fresh coffee over there, and breakfast will be ready at 8."

"Thanks, Roberta. I'm going to grab a cup and see what I need to get Pony Cottage back in commission."

"Mind if I follow you around today? For the story?"

"Of course. Let's go." We head through the dining room, where a few ladies are sipping coffee, waiting for the day to start.

"Travis, I've been waiting for you." Barb stops us. "Can I have a word with you?"

"Sure, what can I do for you, Barb?"

"I was hoping to speak with you alone."

"Sorry, Barb, I can't do that. Ava is our manager-in-training, so I need her to experience it all."

"I asked your daughter to have you come to my room last night," she says indignantly.

"Yeah, sorry. By the time I finished my office work, it was too late. I didn't want to disturb you."

"You could never disturb me." She takes a step closer to me. I take a step closer to Ava.

"So, what is it that you need?"

"Um, the window. I couldn't get it open. I like to get some fresh air in my room at night."

"Oh sure, I'll send Kenny up to take a look. He's Mr. Fixit around here. Now, I've got to get going. I'll see you at breakfast in about an hour." Ava grabs my hand, and we walk off before Barb can come up with anything else.

"She doesn't quit easily, does she?"

"She sure doesn't." I walk quickly toward the front door. We hop into the golf cart and head over to Pony Cottage.

"I may have to stay out here with you if we can get it back in working order. I'm a little scared of Barb and what she'll do if you're not around!" I say only half kidding.

"Don't worry, I'll be your protector," Ava says, standing tall and flexing her muscles.

I can't help but laugh at how ridiculous that is. I'm easily twice her size.

"Hey, it's not that funny."

"Yeah, ok." I'm starting to enjoy her company. She's got a fun yet calming presence–just easy to be around like her brother. Ryder and I hit it off from the get-go. It's always been an easy, natural friendship between us. But Ava isn't Ryder. She's a lot more attractive than Ryder.

Playing her boyfriend has its perks. When she grabbed my hand to get me away from Barb, I felt a spark, but I think it was more of a jolt to my system. It's been so long since I've had physical contact with another woman.

"OK, I think I see where the problem is. I'm not sure if I have the right part to fix this. I'll look in the shed after breakfast. Let's get back." We get into the golf cart and drive back toward the house.

"Dad! Dad!! Come quick!" Mia is yelling, running toward us.

"What is it?!" I say, alarmed, hoping she's overreacting but preparing myself for the worst.

"The fence! It broke. Kenny has been trying to call you. The cows–they got out! They're everywhere."