Nolan was perfect for her in every way and was obviously crazy in love with Hannah. Her sister deserved nothing less after all she’d been through.
“How’s it going?” Hannah asked when she came into the dining room to help Ella.
“I’m good. How’re you feeling?”
“Much better now that I’m not puking all day. Once in the morning, and that’s that.”
“I’m glad you’re feeling better.”
“Me, too. Now I can really enjoy being pregnant.”
Ella was struck by a pang of envy that made her feel ridiculous, especially in light of her conversation with Gavin about kids. It had taken a lot for her to admit to him that she’d once hoped to have a big family. That didn’t seem to be in the cards for her anymore, but that didn’t give her the right to be envious of her sister.
“I happened to notice Gavin’s truck in the yard.”
“He’s outside with Dad.”
“I didn’t see your car, and yet here you are. Which leads me to wonder if you came with Gavin.”
“Maybe I did.”
“Something you want to tell me?”
“Not if you’re going to tell me all the reasons it’s a bad idea.”
“I won’t do that.”
“Promise?”
“Yes, Ella,” Hannah said, smiling. “I promise.”
“We’re . . . giving it a try, I guess you might say.”
“I’m happy for you. I know that’s what you’ve wanted for a long time.”
“Yes, it is.”
“The only thing I’ll say . . .”
“Ugh, I knew you’d have something to say.”
“Just be careful, El. That’s all. I don’t want to see you hurt.”
“Does anyone think I want that? Honestly?”
“No, but . . . Sometimes love is blind. This is no time to put blinders on.”
“I know that. My eyes are wide open where he’s concerned. I’ve seen him at his best—and his worst.”
“I’m not sure that you have seen his worst.”
Ella wanted to ask her sister what she meant by that, but more than anything she wanted out of this conversation before Gavin returned. “You’ve done your job as the big sister. You’ve warned me.”
“Ella—”
“How’s the new house? All moved in and settled?”
Hannah hesitated before she took the hint that Ella wasn’t willing to talk about Gavin anymore. “Getting there. We’re setting up the baby’s room this week.”
“Did you decide on your colors?”
“Since we’re not finding out what we’re having, we’re going with yellow and beige.”
“That’ll be nice. Did you fill out the registry yet?”
“Last night. It’s so hard to decide on everything.”
“Make sure you send me the link so we have it when we throw your surprise baby shower.”
Hannah laughed. “I’ll do that.” She finished placing cloth napkins at each place on the long dining room table. “Hey, El?”
“Yeah?”
“I only said what I did because I love you so much. I love him, too. I’ll be pulling for you guys to make it work, and you know where to find me if I can help at all.”
“Thank you,” she said, genuinely touched by Hannah’s love and concern.
The rest of the family began arriving a short time later, filling the house with noise and chaos that was reminiscent of when they’d all lived at home. Noise was the one thing Ella remembered most vividly from those days. It was happy chaos, but chaotic nonetheless.
She looked forward to seeing everyone at their weekly Sunday dinners but was always happy to go home alone to her quiet apartment. Gavin’s hand on her shoulder was a reminder that this week she wouldn’t be going home alone. She smiled up at him. “How was your walk with Dad?”
“Interesting.” He leaned in closer to her. “I’ll tell you about it later.”
Ella wanted to purr from the satisfaction of knowing they’d have time alone together later to talk, among other things. Her sister Charley came into the kitchen, her eyes widening when she saw Gavin standing so close to Ella.
Charley and Hannah were the only two who knew how much Ella had suffered over Gavin, so Charley’s wide smile was a welcome relief.
“Hey, guys,” she said. “Gavin, nice to see you here.”