All of that started unraveling once Bennett publicly announced his candidacy for governor.Suddenly, Ben was needed everywhere but in Des Arc all at once.In the blink of an eye, Ben and Ella went almost two weeks without seeing each other except on the weekends, which were so packed with events they had little time to talk or be together.Ben spent the whole time working, and Ella sat in a corner trying not to look bored.After several such events, Ella decided that she would prefer to stay home, claiming she was too tired to fake nice with people she did not know.
Ben knew it was unreasonable, but he resented that Ella has started refusing to attend events with him.He understood she was exhausted, and she probably was because she was working too hard.If she had never taken that stupid job, she would not be so tired all the time.Ben was smart enough to keep that thought to himself.He knew expressing it would cause a huge argument, and they had a limited amount of peaceful time together as it was.
By mid-March, Ella and Ben had fallen into a new normal.Ben no longer even tried to make the trip to Des Arc during the week.He was working crazy hours during the week and on the weekends too.After two weekends when Ella ended up being stuck in Little Rock all alone, she decided she would just stay in Des Arc.At least there, she could catch up on some work rather than sit in an empty condo all alone.
Things came to a head the second Saturday in March.Ella was in her office working when she heard someone knocking on her outside office door.She was shocked because none of her crew worked on the weekends.Opening the door, she was stunned to see Ben.
“Hey, good looking?You are a sight for sore eyes,” Ben said, grinning from ear to ear.
Ella was so surprised to see him, she stood there silently with her mouth wide open.Then, coming to her senses, she opened the office door wider and ushered him inside.He followed her into her office.“What are you doing here?I thought you had a big event in Benton.”
“I did.It got canceled.”Without waiting for her response, Ben swept Ella up in his arms and kissed her as if his life depended on it.
After a minute, Ella pulled back and said, “That is great.I am so happy to see you.I missed you.”Just then, the baby gave a massive kick.Both Ella and Ben laughed.“I guess John is happy to see you too.”
“Not as happy as I am to see the two of you.”Pulling Ella close and burying his face in her neck, Ben muttered, “God, I have missed you.I have been about to go out of my mind missing you.”
Throwing her head back, Ella said, “Believe me, I feel the same way.These bloody hormones are about to take me down.”
Ben continued nibbling Ella’s neck and dropping kisses all along her neckline as he muttered, “Are there any cameras here?”
Surprised by his question, Ella pulled back and asked, “No, why?”
Ben did not even bother answering her.Instead, he let his actions speak for themselves.Gathering her in his arms, he carried her over to her desk where he quickly swept all the contents onto the floor.Ella started to protest but before she could get the words out, Ben had her draped across her desk and proceeded to show her just how much he had missed her.
An hour later, Ben helped Ella straighten her desk, then they headed to her house.He offered to pick up food, but Ella assured him she already had roast and potatoes cooking in the slow cooker.
Once there, the whole house smelled fabulous.Ben and Ella worked together to set the table and ate an early dinner.Everything was going really well—until Ella’s mom called.Excusing herself, Ella went into the bedroom to take the call.She hated holding the phone to her ear and preferred to talk on the speaker, so once she was in her bedroom, she switched it over.
Her mother’s voice filled the room.“Ella, sweetheart, how are you?Your father and I are missing you more than we can say.”
“I miss you too, Mom.How is everyone?”asked Ella.
“We are all good.How is my grandson?”
“Growing.I feel like a beached whale most of the time.”
“That comes with the territory.It will be over soon.I am calling because Sophie and Paulo have set a date.They are getting married over July Fourth.Sophie wanted to be the one to tell you, so act surprised when she does.”
“That is great, Mom!I am so happy for them, and of course I will act surprised.But I know you.If you are spoiling her surprise, you have a reason.”
“You are right.Sophie is definitely not joining Paulo in Germany for his first year of deployment.She plans to go over and visit when she knows he will be free.She needs to know if you are going to want her to go with you to Michigan, or if she should enroll in classes here at the community college.”
“Mom, I told you.Ben and I have not made any firm plans yet.”
“Why not?What are you waiting for?This is your dream, Ella.I hate to see you throw it away when you are so close.”
“I know, Mom, but it is complicated.”
Without hesitating, her mom responded, “It is not that complicated.You have a brilliant mind and a future career you are passionate about.You have a sister who is ready and willing to help you realize your dream.I would say it is pretty simple.”
Sighing loudly, Ella said, “Mom, I appreciate the heads-up about Sophie.Ben and I still have a lot to work out.Of course, I want to go to Michigan.I would love to live with Sophie and have her help me take care of John, but I can’t just walk out on my life here.”
“You won’t be walking out on anything.Haven’t you told me that husband of yours is gone most of the time anyway?You are practically separated now as it is.What difference would a thousand miles make?He could go to law school, and you could do grad school.If it is meant to be, you will be together in the end.”
“Enough, Mom.Ben’s here.I don’t want to talk about this anymore tonight.It was great hearing from you.I will act all surprised when Sophie calls.Tell Poppa and everyone that I love them.Talk soon.”With that, Ella hung up.She could not handle her mother’s campaign to get her to leave Ben and move to Michigan anymore at that moment.
Turning, Ella saw Ben standing in the doorway to the bedroom.“How long have you been standing there?”
