Free Arizona Cowboy by Jennifer Collins Johnson Page A

happy, and he seemed more alive than he had in years, but he and Irene hadn’t spent enough time together as a couple. Not really. They’d known each other for ages, and they probably didn’t need as much get-to-know-each-other time as most, but still.
    “We have decided...” Irene glanced at his dad. “Do you want to tell them?”
    He shook his head. “You go ahead.”
    “We’re going to sing a duet in Senior Idol.”
    Laughter burst out around the room, and Irene scrunched her face. “What’s so funny?”
    “We thought you were going to say you’re engaged,” said Mitch.
    She pressed her palm against her chest. “Jerry hasn’t even taken me on the first date.”
    Dad scratched his jaw. “I suppose I haven’t.” He snapped his fingers. “Well, that’s going to have to change. Irene, how would you like to go out with me tomorrow night?”
    She giggled. “Sure.” Then she elbowed his arm. “Do I get to pick the movie?”
    “Of course. As long as I get to pick the restaurant.”
    Irene shook his hand. “Deal.” She turned back toward them. “We’re going to give you a preview of our song tonight.”
    Cheers erupted, and Holden’s heart warmed at the pleasure that spread over his dad’s face. He also noted that each day spent with Irene seemed to make his dad more energetic and youthful.
    Dad gestured around the table. “So, let’s finish up and get these dishes out of the way.”
    Holden stood and started clearing the table. He carried a pile of dishes into the kitchen and scraped the excess food into the trash. After plugging the sink, he turned on the hot water, added soap and started washing. A few minutes later Ava stood beside him. “I don’t mind helping.”
    He nodded. “Why don’t you take over washing, and I’ll dry and put away?”
    She agreed. They worked in silence, and Holden fought the urge to ask her out again. His dad always said he was stubborn as an old mule when it came to the things he wanted. And Holden wanted Ava.
    “We make a good team.” Ava’s voice was quiet.
    “I always thought so.”
    She opened her mouth, but before she could speak, Irene hollered for everyone to join them in the living room. Holden grabbed a couple dining room chairs and carried them there for him and Ava. His dad stood holding a microphone connected to a portable karaoke machine, a sight Holden had never imagined seeing. And yet his dad didn’t seem the slightest bit worried about singing with Irene in front of everybody.
    She pushed the play button and a country tune filled the room. Within moments, Irene and Dad were singing the lyrics of “Islands in the Stream.” They sounded terrific together. When the song ended, both families erupted in applause.
    “You two are gonna win for sure,” said Mitch’s girlfriend.
    “Dad, I didn’t know you could sing,” declared Sara.
    “No kidding,” added Traci. “You’ve got some pipes.”
    He shrugged. “I suppose sometimes there’s more to a person than you realize.”
    Holden glanced at Ava. There was definitely something more to her, something that made her run from him. He knew she had feelings for him. At least he believed she did, but for some reason she refused to give them a chance.
    * * *
    Ava opened the file drawer and pulled out a list of hip exercises to give to her patient. She found a few brochures and scooped them up, as well.
    “Do you have plans later?” asked Katie.
    Ava shook her head. The nineteen-year-old had recently cut her long dark hair into shoulder-length layers. The more mature style looked good on her. “Not really. Just a quick dinner and some TV time.”
    “I need to go to the mall and find a dress for Easter.” She twirled a pen between her fingers. “I’m meeting Corey’s parents this weekend.”
    Ava lifted her eyebrows. “Really?”
    “And I’m a little nervous. They have a big dinner with extended family and everything after church.”
    “You’ll be fine. They’ll love you.”
    “I hope