“He didn’t have enough energy to do more than eat and sleep the last year of his life.” Her voice always takes a soft, reverent tone when she speaks of him. “But whenever I mentioned you, he seemed to find solace in knowing you were in my life.” Ellie sits up, wrapping her arm around my neck. “He learned all he needed about your integrity the night of that storm.”
Hearing this makes me wince.
Ellie shifts in my lap. “What’s that look for?”
“I never told you. Pops came out of his room that night and found us in bed. I was wrapped around you like an octopus.”
Ellie’s eyes widen to saucers as her hand flies to her mouth.
“Hell, I almost shit myself when I saw him staring down at me.” I chuckle. “I tried to reassure him I’d never hurt you,” I say as I stroke her hair. “He looked like he believed me.” A single tear tumbles down her cheek, causing my heart to clench. “Baby.” Leaning closer, I kiss the path it took, hoping to bring her some comfort.
“Thank you for telling me that. I was worried he’d died thinking I was all alone. I mean, I have Salty Jo and Charlene, but…”
Pulling her back into me, I kiss her temple. “I think he can see you’re loved.”
Ellie abruptly stands. The absence of her warmth causing me to reach for her hand. “Where are you going?” I hope this conversation hasn’t upset her.
“I’m getting us some coffee. We’re going to need it.”
I tilt my head in confusion. I didn’t think we had any plans today. Is she hoping we head back to bed?
“It’s time to start packing up.”
I instantly sit taller in my chair, anxious anticipation causing me to hope for unrealistic things. “You thinking of returning with me for a visit, El?”
“No.” She walks out of view, and I scratch my head. I knew it was likely too good to be true. Her voice lilts from the kitchen window. Following the sound, my gaze connects with hers. “I think it’s time for me to start a new chapter.”
I immediately spring from my chair and bound into the kitchen as if the fire alarm has gone off. “Ellie?”
“Yeah?” She giggles. The sound gives me hope we’re both on the same page, but I need to hear the words.
“Are you coming home to Sycamore Mountain for good?”
“We have a lot to figure out before I can move in, but-”
I sweep her into my arms, spinning her around. I wish I could say this moment feels like the ending of a Rom-Com. This double-wide may be an improvement over the 8 Mile version she used to live in, but it’s a far cry from Hallmark-worthy.
Almost a month later I return to Ellie’s place with a new spring in my step. “Anybody home?” Dropping my overnight bag at the door, I head for her bedroom. God, I’ve missed her. It’s been the longest three weeks. I fling the door open excitedly, only to find the room empty.
Turning back toward the other end of the mobile home, I suddenly see things a little clearer. There are boxes pushed against the entire back wall of the double-wide. Holy hell, my girl’s been busy. Witnessing this makes the knowledge Ellie’s coming home with me feel real for the first time. It’s like I can finally exhale. Each time I’ve driven away from her has caused me to feel more and more hollow inside. This girl has infiltrated my heart.
My head spins toward the kitchen window as I hear giggling coming from the backyard. That sweet tinkle of laughter I’ve only ever heard her use with me.What the fuck?A feeling of nausea sets in. I mean, a long distance relationship is hard. Yet, she’s the most honest person I’ve ever known. It’s never crossed my mind that Ellie would cheat.
Bounding through the back door like the place is on fire, I stop in my tracks.
It’s him.
“Hey, babe. Jimmy must’ve known you were coming. He’s been hanging out here all afternoon instead of meandering about the back half of the farm where it’s shady.” She laughs.
I practically run down the steps to her and her companion. I’ve never been so glad to see a dirty, smelly pig in my life. Pulling her into my arms, I kiss her head. “God I’ve missed you.”
Snort.
“You too, Jimmy Dean.” I squeeze her again. Each time I return to Candy Cane Key, she puts up with my grabby hands. It’s not sexual. I just have to make up for weeks of not being able to touch her. “Have you figured out what we’re going to do with him?”
“Awe,” she croons, looking up at me all goo-goo-eyed.
“What?”
