Cassie rested her arms on the table. “Did you want them before you married my brother?”
“I did. One of my dreams was to have a big family.” She swallowed down the pain that arose at the thought of never nurturing a little life within. “Now I have three. That might have to be enough.”
“Ella, you need to talk to Cody.”
Heat rushed through her entire body. Just the thought of having such a conversation mortified her. “No. I can’t bring that up.”
Cassie grasped her hand, looking Ella straight in the eyes. “You can. Communication is essential to a healthy marriage, no matter how it came about. This is a topic that needs approaching. Especially if you always dreamed of having children.”
The thought terrified her, but Cassie had a point. Ella gulped in a breath. “Awkward conversations are not my strong point.”
Gifting her a gentle smile, Cassie released her hand. “You’re stronger than you think, Ella. You can do this. The hardest part is starting the conversation.”
Certain she was the color of a tomato, Ella drained the rest of her tea. “I’ll think about it.”
CHAPTER 13
Cody leaned against the porch railing, inhaling the frigid night air. Early March was upon them. Spring would soon arrive, but for now, the cold of winter remained. He crossed his arms over his chest and surveyed the darkened landscape. All looked peaceful.
His lips curved in a smile. Cassie’s news at dinner surprised him, but he was happy for his sister and Travis. They’d take to parenting like a duck to water.
The door creaked open behind him. Cody glanced over his shoulder to see Ella emerge from the house. He turned to face her. “I thought you went to bed.”
“Not yet.” She had a thick blanket wrapped around her body, shielding her from winter’s chill. “There’s something I want to discuss with you.”
Noting the hesitation in her voice, Cody motioned toward the porch swing. “Let’s sit.”
They settled on the swing. Silence fell between them for several long minutes. Ella exhaled, her breath puffing white in the air. “It’s beautiful here at night. The stars look bigger than they did in Boston.”
Cody gazed upwards. The heavens practically shone with the white dots. He rarely noticed, having seen it every day since coming to Montana. But now, seeing the stars through Ella’s eyes, he once more appreciated the beauty and peace. He let another minute pass before looking her way. “What is it you wanted to talk about?”
She sucked in a breath, avoiding his gaze. “It’s not that Iwantto talk about it, exactly. Something came up today while Cassie was here, and…it’s something we should…uh…”
His curiosity heightened. “Something we should talk about?”
Ella nodded rapidly. Her breath came in quick gasps.
Cody grew alarmed. “Hey.” He looped his arm around her shoulder, pulling her close. The movement was jerkier than he intended. Ella let out a small squeak. He gentled his hold. “Sorry.”
She finally met his eyes. “I’m sorry. I knew this wasn’t going to be easy, but I didn’t anticipate such a case of nerves.”
What in the world did she want to tell him? He squinted, thinking of anything Cassie might have brought up. “Did my sister talk about anything other than babies today?”
He meant it as a joke, but Ella stiffened. “That’s it.”
“What’s it?”
“That’s what she thought we needed to talk about.”
His brows shot up. “Shethought we had to discuss…babies?”
Ella nodded, her eyes finding the stars once more. Based on her reaction and the tenseness in her body, Cody could imagine what Cassie said. “Oh no.” He scrubbed a hand over his face, his voice gruff. “Please tell me she didn’t.”
“She’s just trying to help.” Ella avoided his gaze. She wrung her hands together. Was the movement unconscious? He placed his one large hand over both of hers. Ella slumped forward a bit, then turned to face him. “I might have admitted to her that I always wanted children of my own. She asked if that was still the case.”
His heart stuttered. “And?”
She chewed on her lip, her breathing once more picking up speed. “And…well, yes. That’s still my heart’s desire.” Was it his imagination, or did her face turn darker?
