“Yes.”
Chapter Forty-Seven
Seth
I was completely smitten with Ella. What I had kept at bay during her grieving process, I couldn’t hold back any longer. If at any time she didn’t want what I had to offer, then fine, but I was going to shoot my shot because this woman was too amazing not to go after her. I feared, if I didn’t, someone else would grab her.
The twins’ birthday party was tomorrow, and after a small nap to fend off the jet lag, I put on a collared shirt, slacks, and my nice leather cowboy hat. Ella’s mom’s house was an incredible place with four bedrooms and a sprawling garden, and it was in close proximity to the city. Ella had agreed to go on a date with me, and I was beyond nervous. When little June had walked up and hugged me, I nearly fell into sobs right then and there. I felt a special connection to her after our time together in the NICU.
I wanted things with Ella to be romantic so badly, but I wasn’t sure where her head was. She’d held my hand in the cab, but it could have been a friendly thing. I had specified this was a date, and she’d answered yes pretty quickly, but still. I was second-guessing everything with that woman.
My phone rang, and I realized I hadn’t checked in with Maggie.
“Hey, sorry. Got here safely and took a nap. Now, I’m heading out with Ella for dinner,” I told her when I picked up.
“Ohh, like a date?” she teased.
I cleared my throat. My grandmother knew how I felt about Ella. “Yes, actually. Praying it goes the way I hope.”
“Remember that dream I had where the Lord told me He would restore everything you lost?” Maggie asked.
I had. I had clung to that prophecy for years, and God had confirmed it for me many times. It got me through dark times.
“Well, honey, I have faith that the Author of the universe is doing that now.”
“With Ella?”
Please, God, let it be Ella.
“Yes,” she said, and I relaxed a little. I feared losing someone I didn’t even have yet. But like I always said. God’s will be done.
“Love you, Mags,” I told her.
“I love you too, dear. Have a fun time and just be yourself,” she said.
I felt like I was back in high school, going on a first date. The only difference was I’d waited for this date for over a year.
When I stepped out of the room and into the living room, Ella’s mother was there with the twins. “It’s good to see you again,” I greeted her with a hug and cheek kiss.
She beamed at me. “You too, Seth. We’re so thrilled you could come out here and that you’re escorting Ella and the twins back home.” She peered at her grandbabies, who were playing on a mat with some blocks.
“Sad to see them go?” I asked.
She nodded, looking a little misty-eyed. “But Ella knows what she wants, and she wants to go back to Idaho. She misses those animals, the farm life, your grandmother,you…”
My heart seized at hearing that Ella had been missing me and Idaho. “We miss her, too,” I said. “Are you excited for your book tour?”
She smiled, nodding. “I wrote the thing a year ago. The publishing process takes so long.”
Before I could answer, Ella stepped into the kitchen and stole all the oxygen from the room.
She wore a snug black dress, black sheer tights, and red ankle boots. Her style had definitely changed since she’d moved to Paris, and I wasn’t complaining. Her hair was pinned at the nape of her neck, with a few pieces pulled out to frame her face. I felt like I was staring at a supermodel.
“You okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” Ella peered at me with genuine concern.
“I’m just not used to seeing you out of your chicken pajamas,” I told her, causing her mom to cackle with laughter.
Ella was quick, and she picked up an apple and chucked it at me playfully.
