Her heart full, she pulled down his head and as their lips met, she gave herself up to his lovemaking.Oh, she knew she didn’t have a perfect body, but as long as Becket wanted her, she’d be there.
*
His mom phonedearly Sunday morning.Becket was in the kitchen, making coffee.He’d just fed the dogs and Marmalade and had left the kitchen door open for them.Duke and Marmalade were still a bit unsure of their new surroundings and kept close to each other.
“Morning, Mom, you’re up early?”
“I want to make sure Ellie knows she’s welcome for Sunday lunch.”
“Thanks, Mom, I’ll tell her.”
“And I hope you’ve asked the important question?”
“There’s no big hurry.I’m trying to think of a way to make it special for her.”
“I don’t know about that.Ellie—”
“Mom?”he interrupted.
“I’m interfering, sorry!I just don’t want you to—”
“Bye, Mom.We’ll see you later.”
A movement from the corner of his eye caught his attention.Ellie.He smiled.A sleepy Ellie was hard to resist.But why would he?Putting down the tray, he quickly moved to where she was standing and picked her up.“Good morning, beautiful.I’ve made coffee, but it’ll have to wait.”
“Good thinking,” she murmured sleepily as she pulled down his head.“I’ve missed you.”
*
On Tuesday eveningthe book club was a loud and happy event.To everyone’s delight, Rose had also joined them.She wasn’t saying much, but at least she’d ventured into town.After Arlene told them about the way Rose had tackled Marcus, they brought Rose up to speed about Elizabeth Gaskell’sNorth and South.
“Poor Margaret,” Vivian was saying.“Okay, she got her man, but a mother-in-law like Mrs.Thornton will not make life easy for her.”Reaching out, she touched Janice’s arm.“I’ll always be grateful for Janice.I wish I could’ve known Aiden’s parents, but having you in our lives is such a blessing.”
“I certainly cannot complain either,” Laura said.“Arlene is the best mother-in-law anyone can ask for.You’ll see, Ellie.”
Ellie shook her head.“Arlene will always be my friend, but Becket and I aren’t getting married, remember?He’s been very clear about that from the start.”
Everyone inhaled sharply.“But I thought…” Annie began.
“He hasn’t said anything?”Vivian asked, clearly surprised.
“Oh, men!”Arlene smiled.“Don’t worry, he’ll get round to it.”
Ellie hugged herself.“It’s all still so brand new, we’ll see.And it’s fine, really it is.I also have other plans.I’ve told you, Marietta is just a temporary stop for me.He’s been so busy getting things ready for the publishers and I’m still unpacking the last things.Which reminds me, I wanted to ask you guys.I’ve been thinking of getting help in the shop.If you know about anyone who would be willing to help me…”
“I can help,” Rose said.
Surprised, everyone looked at her.
Rose inhaled deeply.“I’ve decided to stay in Marietta for now.Laura, let me know if you want to sell your house, otherwise I’d like to rent it from you for maybe a year?I will of course, also pay you for the time I’ve been staying there.”
“Are you sure?”Ellie asked.
Rose grimaced.“I’m not sure of most things in my life right now, but I do know I want to stay right where I am for the time being.I know you all want answers, and I promise to tell you all about myself soon.I’m not quite ready, though.I can reassure you I haven’t killed anyone, although to be perfectly honest, the thought has crossed my mind.I don’t owe anyone anything, I can pay my own way.Oh, and I’m not on the run from the mafia.Apparently, that’s one of the stories doing the rounds in Marietta.I don’t want to go back just yet, and I need to have something to do.This shop, Ellie, it’s been my sanctuary from the first day I’ve arrived here.It feels right somehow to work here for a while at least.”
“I love the idea, Rose,” Ellie said.“Maybe you should join me one morning to see how you like it?”
“Great.What about tomorrow morning?”
