And then she turns away, moving down the line of customers like her mother is background noise. Like criticism is just static she doesn’t need to tune into anymore.
I watch her for a second too long.
Levi elbows me lightly. “She’s scary.”
“She’s perfect,” I answer.
Levi grins. “Yeah, okay, Romeo.”
Sadie appears beside Levi and slides him a boxed assortment. “One.”
Levi clutches it like a newborn. “Bless you.”
Sadie’s eyes flick to me. “You good?”
I nod once. “She’s good.”
Sadie’s mouth tilts. “Yeah. She is.”
The day runs hot and sweet and loud. The town buys chocolate and tells Ellie they’re proud of her like they’ve been waiting to say it for years. People take selfies with the sign. Mrs. Hargrove tries to pretend she didn’t start a rumor and fails at it.
By the time the last customer leaves, Ellie’s cheeks are flushed and her hair is messy and her smile is soft in the way that makes me want to put my hands on her and never let go.
She locks the door, flips the sign to CLOSED, and turns.
Her gaze finds me immediately.
Not because she needs protection.
Because she wants me.
“I’ve been thinking about your offer.”
“Oh?”
“To annul our marriage.”
“Oh.”
“And I’ve made a decision.”
“Yeah?” I brace myself for the worst. She’s leaving. She doesn’t need me anymore. After everything she can stand on her own two feet and doesn’t want me in her life.
“I’ve decided that you’re not getting rid of me that easily. I’m yours and your mine. Forever. You’re stuck with me.”
“Oh.” I exhale a relieved breath. “Good, because I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Good. I thought you might say that.” She smiles softly, pressing on her toes to kiss my cheek. “Now help me clean up.”
“I’ll do whatever you tell me,” I answer, because it’s true and because her eyes go darker when I say it.
Ellie steps closer, slow and sure. “Careful. I might start believing you.”
I lift a brow. “You should.”
She exhales a laugh, then reaches up and grips the front of my shirt. “You were quiet today.”
“I was watching,” I say.
