The Magnolia Sisters (Magnolia Sisters #1) - Michelle Major Page 0,85

space she needed, to allow her to set the pace.

It was easy to include her in his and Violet’s routine. She’d only spent the night with him that first night when his daughter had been at her grandma’s. He’d been exhausted enough that he’d fallen asleep shortly after dinner but had woken in the middle of the night to find Avery curled against him, still in her T-shirt and jeans.

The idea that she hadn’t left even though he’d been pathetic company warmed his heart more than he cared to admit. He’d taken great pleasure in peeling off her clothes, ignoring her protests that he needed more rest. He needed her and had relished proving that she was the best medicine he could imagine.

As amazing as being with her again had been, he enjoyed the small moments when they were hanging out just as much. Violet had warmed to her and loved taking care of Spot. She still enjoyed giving Avery sass, and Avery seemed to love responding in kind. He didn’t exactly understand the dynamic of their relationship but it worked for the two of them, so he wasn’t going to question it.

Now that she’d opened herself to the possibility, Avery was quickly becoming part of the Magnolia community. Her motives for helping to chart Magnolia’s future remained unclear. A few of the old-timers seemed to believe she and her sisters were besmirching Niall’s name by minimizing his ongoing impact in town. Gray could see, like many others, that their initial efforts at reinvigorating the downtown business district offered Magnolia its best chance at revitalization.

He wanted it to work, not just for the community, but so that Avery could see she belonged there. She insisted they keep their burgeoning relationship quiet in town. She had no problem being seen with him and had even offered to take Violet to her dance class. That was as much as she was willing to give, and he couldn’t find it in himself to push her for more. Not when it meant he could drive her away instead. Maybe he was being stupid. It wouldn’t be the first time. And he knew Violet’s attachment to Avery could lead to issues if things didn’t work out.

For all of Gray’s pragmatism at the fire station, he was both an optimist and a romantic at heart. Avery fit with him on a soul-deep level and he couldn’t stop himself from believing that would be enough to see them through whatever came next.

Stacy opened the door and immediately stepped outside, shutting it behind her.

“Aw, hell,” Gray muttered under his breath. “You’re not alone.”

“You should have called first,” she said with a sniff.

“It will only take a minute.”

“Where’s Violet?” She looked around him toward his truck parked at the curb.

“She’s at a birthday party.”

“So then why are you here?”

“I want full custody,” he blurted. His attorney would go apoplectic when he found out Gray had gone directly to Stacy with the request. But the truth was it would be a long shot to have a modification ruling in their favor without her agreement. Stacy was neglectful but not in a way that would persuade a judge. Gray knew how charming his ex-wife could be when she wanted to be. His accident had also reminded him she’d have a reason to fight his petition if she chose to go that route. He’d loved her once and still believed that she’d loved him in her own way.

Certainly he could convince her to see his side on this. It would benefit Violet most of all.

“Absolutely not,” she said in a hiss of breath. “Have you lost your mind? She’s my daughter.” She dabbed at the corners of her eyes. “I’m her mother.”

“I know,” he said gently.

“This is about that woman,” she said, her gaze turning obstinate. “The hoochie you’re shacking up with.”

Gray felt his blood turn cold. “Stace, don’t do this.”

“You don’t get to have it all.” She spit out the words like poison. “All I hear about lately is that woman and her braiding and her dog.” The emotion from moments earlier had disappeared like a puff of smoke, vaporizing so