Taking several deep breaths as her head began to clear, Ella said, “No, I am okay.Just got a little dizzy there for a minute.I guess I got too hot trying on all these clothes.Give me a minute.I am fine.”And surprisingly, she was.After a few minutes of fanning herself, Ella began to cool off, and the dizziness stopped.Having decided she was done with trying on clothes, Ella selected a few pieces she wanted.She redressed and joined Poppy at the checkout counter.In the end, Poppy insisted on buying everything.Ella was not sure how she felt about that, but she was really not up to arguing.As always, yes was easier than no.
Once back in her car, Poppy said, “I think we both could use a break.How about we go get a drink and rest for a bit?”
That sounded like music to Ella’s ears.“That would be great,” she replied.
“I know just the place,” said Poppy, smiling.“All the college kids hang out there.It is called Midnight Oil.They have fabulous coffees and teas.I know you are just going to love it.”
Turns out, Poppy was right.Ella did love the quaint little coffee shop.
Suddenly starving, even though they had eaten only a few hours earlier, Ella asked, “Would you mind if I ordered a sandwich.I am suddenly starving.”
Laughing, Poppy replied, “Of course not, get whatever you want.”
That was all the encouragement Ella needed.Turning to the barista, she said, “I will have The Untitled with chips and a lemonade please.”
Poppy ordered The Sampler and a black coffee.They found a small table next to the fireplace that had soft, comfortable, wingback chairs.Ella practically collapsed into hers.Taking a long sip of her drink, she could not suppress the groan of relief to be off her feet and resting.
When the food arrived, Ella dove into her sandwich with gusto.It was ridiculous how hungry she was.Her daily nausea was starting to ebb, and in its place was a constant hunger that she could not stem.She sometimes wondered if her new found, never-ending hunger was the baby showing his Daddy’s genes.She was now as hungry as Ben always was.Just thinking of that made Ella chuckle.
Smiling and enjoying seeing Ella relax for the first time all day as she ate her sandwich, Poppy said, “I am sorry.I think I may have pushed you too hard today.I just wanted you to see how wonderful our little town is and how much it has to offer.”Without thinking, Poppy added, “You know, I was just like you when I was pregnant with Ben.I ate everything that did not eat me.”As soon as the words left her mouth, Poppy realized she had messed up.She had been sworn to secrecy.Bennett was going to kill her.
Ella and Poppy just looked at each other in horror for a moment, and then Ella just laughed.“Well, I guess the cat is out of the bag.How did you know?”
Blushing, Poppy confessed.“Bennett told me, but he made me promise not to say anything.I am so sorry if I overstepped.I am just excited.Ben told his father last night.I hope you are not mad that we know.”
Shrugging Ella said, “No, I am not mad.At least not at you.”Ben, on the other hand, was another matter.She was going to kill him.He should have told her that he had told his father.He promised he would not tell his folks until she was ready.It was an issue she would address with him later.
Reaching out and touching Ella’s arm, Poppy pleaded, “Please don’t be mad at Ben.”
Shrugging again, Ella said, “Well since everyone knows, it is what it is.”
“Yes, and I am so excited.I know this was perhaps not expected or even ideal, but I want you to know that I have been where you are, and I am here for you.Whatever you need.”
Shocked, Ella asked, “Are you not angry?My parents went ballistic.”Taking a deep breath, she added, “I did not trap Ben or anything.This was an accident.But I want you to know that I really do love your son, and he loves me.”
“Of course he does,” replied Poppy.“I could tell that the moment I met you.The way he looks at you says it all.And no, we are not angry.All babies, even accidents, are gifts.Just know that Bennett and I are here for you.”
Even though Ella would have preferred that Ben had waited to tell his parents with her, it was a relief to know everyone knew.It was also a refreshing change to have someone on their side and not acting as if the world was coming to an end.Ella had liked Ben’s mom from the beginning, and finding an ally in her mother-in-law felt like winning the lottery.
Smiling, Poppy added, “I know I have worn you out, but if you are up to it, I have one more store I really want to take you.It is the cutest children’s boutique.I promise, we won’t be long, but I am dying to buy something for this little one.What do you say, think you can do one more store?”
Ella had not even thought about baby clothes, but once Poppy mentioned it, something stirred inside her.Nodding enthusiastically, Ella replied, “I think that would be great.”
That was how Poppy and Ella ended up at Sassy Stitch.Ella picked out two fabulous newborn gowns, which Poppy insisted had to be monogrammed with the letter C.Ella had never had a single piece of clothing that had been monogrammed in her life, but according to Poppy, monogrammed clothing was a must for all wellborn Southern babies.Ella did not think her child would be a Southern baby, but she had the good graces not to say that.They also picked up several soft blankets, booties, hats, and bibs.And yes, all of it was monogrammed too.Ella thought it was a little bit of overkill, but it seemed to make Poppy happy.Considering how wonderful Poppy had been to her all day, Ella decided it was a small price to pay.
Chapter 18
Searcy, Arkansas
Once they finished up at the Sassy Stitch, Poppy and Ella returned to the house.They found Ben out back with Bennett and the girls.Taylor and the reporter who had come to do the interviews were encased in Bennett’s office.Ella could tell that it made Poppy nervous when she realized that her sister, Taylor, was still there.Ella had yet to fully understand the whole dynamic between the two women, but it must be pretty weird to have been married to the same man.
Ella did not think she would be able to be in the same room with Sophie if she and Ben suddenly were together.Of course, such an idea was so absurd, it almost made Ella laugh.Sophie was completely over the moon for Paulo.She did not even flirt with other guys.But if something like that did happen, Ella would never be able to be around them again.Just the thought of being in the same house would be too much.After the eruption at dinner the night before, Ella knew it was an ongoing struggle for all of the adults, no matter how much they pretended otherwise.
Bennett must have realized how Poppy was feeling because he suggested that the two of them run over to Des Arc to Guess and Company and pick up some decorations, then head to Dale’s to hit their Black Friday sales.Poppy nearly raced to the door, grabbing her coat as she all but ran out of the house.Ella would have fallen over dead if she had had to spend one more minute shopping.She knew Poppy was tired too, but the way she bolted out of the house spoke to just how much she wanted out of there.
That was how Ella and Ben soon found themselves babysitting Lizzy and Lola as they swung on the swings and raced around the yard.Sitting in the Adirondack chair facing Ben as they watched the girls play, Ella gave him a look and asked sarcastically, “Do you have something you want to tell me?”
Shrugging and giving Ella a blank look Ben replied, “I love you?”At the blank look Ella gave him, he tried again.“I am sorry?”
