“And?” His voice is gruff, full of interest.
“I found it’s the sign you should be more aware of what’s around you or you should be adaptable. It feels like life right now. Anyway, I think those are good omens.” My voice is slightly whimsical, I must admit.
I can hear Ford’s breath. “Sounds like good omens to have.”
“I believe so.”
“Where are you?”
“Outside my dad’s house.”
I hear him wince. “Yikes.”
“It’s okay. He’s very much looking forward to your chat about making me your future bride,” I tease him.
“Elle, you know I like to make a claim.” His voice sounds equally cunning and possessive.
“Don’t worry, I don’t think any conversation will be happening any time soon, and I’m okay with that.”
We hold through a brief silence.
“Everything will be all right,” he promises.
I tap my steering wheel. “I’m beginning to see that.”
23
FORD
Connor leans over the side of the ice rink to reach into his bag. He keeps his feet covered in skates crossed at the ankles to avoid hitting anyone as he grabs an envelope from his sports bag before plopping back onto the ice.
It’s Friday, which means we’re spending the weekend in Lake Spark after Brielle or I pick Connor up from school. Brielle did it this week, as I had meetings today with sponsors.
He offers me the letter. “I did what you asked.”
Glimpsing down at the envelope, I can see that he did. I gently hit his head with the thin envelope before holding it up. “Thanks. It might be a rough night for your mom. These are her results.”
“Why didn’t you want her to open them?”
“Because according to everyone, I’m selfish, and I don’t want her to open it alone. I want to be there for her,” I explain.
Connor wipes his face with his shirt. “I think that will make her happy. That you’re there.”
“Hope so.” I scoff out a breath. “Thanks for keeping our secret.” I indicate with the envelope, and he offers me a soft smile. “Go. You can have ten more minutes on the ice, then we’ll grab a pizza and head home.” I stuff the envelope in the back of my jeans.
He tips his head up. “Okay, Mom’s back.”
Connor skates off, and I turn to see Brielle walking down the steps with a filled water bottle.
“There you are,” she says softly. “I was looking for you when we arrived, but the front desk said that you were stuck in a meeting.”
I walk a few steps to meet her and quickly kiss her before following her to sit down in the stands. Immediately, her eyes search for Connor who is circling the ice. It’s easy to notice that there is something on Brielle’s mind.
“You okay?”
She glances to me then back to the ice. “The drive here was peaceful. Only had to slow down once because of a family of ducks crossing.”
I look at her peculiarly, as I feel like this is the start of a bigger conversation. “What is it, Elle? You seem different.”
