“Hey,” he says in a low, soft voice.
I feel his hands on mine, willing them to relax.
“Ellie, look at me, please.”
I let out a shaky breath before setting my gaze on him. The prickling sensation consumes me as I fight away the tears.
“You never left my mind, Ellie. I never hated or resented you. I did what I thought was best for you. I had a hard time and didn’t go about it in the healthiest way after you left. But that was the reason I didn’t speak to you for those two years. But do not blame or hate yourself because I know that’s what you’re going to do, and I refuse to let you do that.”
“Rowan, I?—”
“Ellie.” He shakes his head and smiles at me.Smiles.
I pinch my eyebrows together, waiting for him to continue.
“I would still marry you to this day. You’re the only person for me. It’s always been you. Always. And if I ever get that chance to ask you to be my wife.” He lets out a small laugh and then wipes away a tear I didn’t feel falling down my cheek. “Well, I would be the luckiest man. I’ll wait for you, Ellie. For as long as I need to because there’s no one else. I love you, Ellie Thompson.”
I sit there, looking at the man that I’ve dreamt about proposing to me. Maybe I can make that dream a reality.
fifty-five
ELLIE
“So,you told Charlie you were done for good, huh?” Riley asks, taking a bite of her burger.
“I sure did.” I grab a fry and toss it in my mouth, savoring the saltiness.
“What does this mean now?” Hailey asks.
“What do you mean? What does it mean?” I arch a brow at her.
“Like, are you going to have him move out of the place or what? What are your plans since you’re going home next week?” Hailey asks very nonchalantly, like it’s not a huge deal that I’m leaving. Everyone else has been making it a big deal. But that’s Hailey.
I pick up my cup and bite the straw, thinking before I take a drink. I didn’t tell them what the phone call was about that day on the beach—just work calling me about when I’ll be back. Which isn’t fully a lie. I’ve just left out some information I’m not ready to tell them yet.
I’ve been thinking about the possibility of staying and how I can make it work.SupposeI can make it work. I want to be with Rowan, there’s no hiding from that, especially with what happened the other night. I’ve decided that I won’t be sharing what he had planned ten years ago with anyone. I want that to be kept between me and him.
It’s also not my place to share. I’m still shell-shocked by that information. My mind won’t let me not hate myself. I was the reason Rowan didn’t talk to me for two years. I was the reason he went into such a dark place that it brought everything back up with his dad.
I don’t know if I could ever forgive myself for that. But I’m also trying to look at it in a different way. I’m here now with Rowan, and we’re letting ourselves have this second chance. This can be the chapter in our lives where he can finally do what he had planned eight years ago when I came back after culinary school only to go back to New York.
And the fact that he waited for me. It just makes me feel terrible all over again.
I would never make him leave Dove Point behind and go with me to New York. I know he would hate it. If he did come with me, he would pretend like he loved it for my sake and my job.Fuck.This stupid fucking job that’s draining every ounce of energy from me.
What if Idoopen my own bakery? I don’t have much in savings, but I could maybe look into a business loan. I would have to start researching. I can already imagine what the place would look like. Powder-blue painted walls, mosaic tiles, gold and vintage frames covering the walls with beautiful paintings.
It sounds so dreamy when I really think about it. I can make whatever I want, even for the holidays. Pies, tarts, cakes, brownies. Anything.
I also don’t need to make anything official with Rowan. We just—know…without having to say anything. When you spend thirteen years in love with someone, words aren’t needed.
“Earth to Ellie.” Riley snaps her fingers near my face.
I blink and look at her and Hailey. “What?”
“What are you going to do?” Hailey asks again.
I let out a slow, relaxing breath. “Well, things have gotten more complicated now, and my head is kind of all over the place,” I say quietly.
