Ellie looked up. “I can’t believe you remembered.” When the shock wore off, she said, “Yes, it is still my dream to get married on an island.”
Jack looked over at her and smiled. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
* * *
The next morning, Ellie was on her way out when the phone rang.
“Hello. … Zora, what’s wrong? You sound panicked. … What about? … Oh my God, are you serious?”
Jack stood in the opening to the kitchen, listening intently.
“You’re right. Thank you, Zora. I could never had done this without you.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “Did he say anything about next steps? … The twenty-seventh, but that’s Friday. … I don’t know. I hadn’t really thought about it. … Yes, of course.” Ellie looked over at Jack, and he saw her eyes cloud with sadness. “This is what I’ve spent the past two years working toward. … You too, Zora, and thanks again.” Ellie hung up the phone and eased into the kitchen.
“Is everything all right?”
“That was Zora. She called to tell me I have a meeting at the university on Friday, which means I’ll need to go home for a couple of days.”
“I hope nothing’s the matter.”
Ellie shook her head. “On the contrary. I’m meeting with Dr. Dale Clement, head of research and development for the lunar program at NASA.”
Jack’s brows shot up in surprise. “That sounds important. I assume it has something to do with the research you’ve been conducting?”
“Yes and no. Since NASA opened its doors, they’ve been recruiting top talent in astronomy and physics from across the world. For the past two years, I’ve been putting in applications, hoping to land a job with them. But until today, all my applications had been denied. Honestly, I had all but given up on the idea until a couple of months ago when Zora convinced me to try one last time. I figured the outcome would be the same as before, which is why I didn’t mention it.”
Jack brushed back the hair from her face and stroked her cheek gently. “So why the long face?”
“I had my heart set on staying here the rest of the summer.”
“But it’s only one meeting. You’ll be gone for what, two, three days at the most?”
She nodded, thinking. “Hey,” she said, struck by an idea, “why don’t you come with me? I could show you where I work, introduce you to Zora and Trey… We could make a trip of it. What do you say?”
Jack considered that. “Are you sure? My track record in Bloomington isn’t exactly stellar.”
“Phooey. That was a long time ago, and things are different now. Besides,” she said, lacing her arms around his neck, “you know what they say: the third time’s the charm.”
After a kiss, Jack tossed around the idea. “It would be nice to get away for a few days. All right,” he said, convincing himself it might be fun. “I’m in.”
* * *
On Thursday morning, Jack and Ellie made the drive from Sims Chapel to Bloomington. After stopping for lunch at the diner, it was almost two when they made it to Ellie’s place.
“Well, here it is,” she said when Jack parked the truck. “Home sweet home.”
Jack got out and took in the neighborhood. It had all the charm of a Midwest town. Houses of every shape and color lined the street, each with freshly mown lawns and mature trees. And in the air was the laughter of children playing in the streets.
Bringing his eyes back to Ellie’s house, Jack marveled at the charming bungalow. It had been painted a shade of light blue and feature a wide porch, the columns of which were hidden almost entirely by neatly manicured shrubs. “And you own it?” he asked, mounting the steps.
“I bought it a few years ago after I got the teaching job. It’s not a pre–Civil War mansion”—she grinned—“but it’s perfect for me.” She opened the front door and showed Jack inside.
The interior was cuter still, with solid oak floors and an open concept, featuring ample living and dining space.
“Don’t be modest.” He let his eyes wander. “This is a wonderful place.”
He moved into the living room and noticed several bookshelves filled to the brim, and a writing desk with a stack of notebooks. By the looks of things, it was obvious Ellie spent a great deal of time reading and writing. “This is exactly how I pictured your house,” he said, joining her in the kitchen. “I can see why you like it here so much.”
She moved closer and put her arms around his waist. “Thanks again for coming with me,” she said, looking up at him. “This probably isn’t how you pictured spending your weekend, but it means a lot that you’re here.”
