Between her girls being back home and my kids all of a sudden popping up all of the time, taking me out to lunch or dinner, insisting I come over to their place for this holiday party or that one, we’ve not had any time to spend just me and her.
What’s the occasion?
Let me give you your Christmas gift early.
I’ll see you then.
Now, as I pace the room’s suite, with breakfast set up on the table, I wonder if I shouldn’t have gotten the larger room for the both of us. I only have it for the day since I know there’s no way Ellyn would dream of spending Christmas morning away from her kids.
Not to mention, all of my children and their families are coming over this evening to spend the night to wake up on Christmas morning together.
“Mr. Townsend has reserved the Grande Suite,” I hear Sheila, the co-owner of the B&B, say through the door.
Anxious to see Ellyn, I yank the door open, startling the both of them. Ellyn’s face soon relaxes into that dazzling smile.
My heart knocks against my ribcage, and I know this spur-of-the-moment decision was the right one.
“Thank you for showing her up, Sheila, but I’ll take it from here.”
I take Ellyn’s hand in mine and pull her into the room, shutting the door without a backwards glance.
I pull her to me right before covering her lips with mine. She sighs into the kiss, and I indulge into the sweetness of her lips.
No. This wasn’t a mistake at all.
“I missed you,” I say against her lips.
She wraps her arms around my neck, her hand cupping the back of my head. Tremors of delight course through me at the feel of her fingertips massaging my scalp.
“Miss you more,” she responds, dreamily.
I shake my head. “Not possible, love.” I kiss her again but decide to let her up for air so we can eat.
“I hope you haven’t had breakfast yet,” I say, leading her over to the spread on the glass table at the center of the room.
“Your text told me not to.” She places her purse on one of the empty, high back chairs, her eyes roaming over the food.
I hold a chair out for her.
“I’m glad you know how to listen.” I chuckle when she snaps my thigh with her cloth napkin.
“Are these the famous apple maplewood chicken sausages you were telling me about?” She points with her fork to the two sausage links I’ve put on her plate.
“The one and only. Sheila makes them here by hand.”
Taking a seat next to her, I watch as she cuts into the first link.
Her eyes go big as she covers her mouth with one hand, looking at me.
“Right?” I nod.
“So good,” she moans and then quickly cuts off another slice to eat.
I get so lost in watching her eat and enjoy her food that I lose track of time and space.
“Eat,” she encourages, nudging me with her elbow.
I do as I’m told. The food, as usual, is delicious, but it’s Ellyn that holds my attention.
