She hadn’t been here since the awful weeks that followed Caleb’s death when she and her mother and Charley had cooked for Bob and Amelia, delivering food weekly for a few months. It had seemed like a small thing to do in the face of such utter devastation.
Gavin’s hand squeezing hers drew her out of her contemplation. Ella sent him a small smile.
“What’s wrong?”
“I feel a little nervous, which is silly in light of how long I’ve known your parents.”
“No need to be nervous. You know they love you, and they’ll be thrilled to see us together.”
“You really think so?”
“I know so.”
His assurances went a long way toward allaying her nerves.
“Wait for me.” He got out of the truck and came around to the passenger side, opening the door and extending his hand to her.
Ella took his hand, loving the smile on his face, the happiness that danced in his tired eyes and the excitement he seemed to feel at bringing her here.
He helped her out of the truck and kept his grip on her hand as they walked into the house and as his parents came out to greet them, only letting go so he could help her remove her coat.
“What a wonderful, wonderful surprise,” Amelia Guthrie said, blinking rapidly as if trying not to cry. She hugged Ella. “This makes me so happy.”
“Thank you,” Ella said softly, relieved by the warm welcome and the obvious joy her presence had brought to Amelia.
Amelia released Ella and went on to hug her son. “You know how to keep some big secrets,” she said.
Gavin’s smile stretched from ear to ear when he looked at Ella. “It’s something we’ve both wanted for a long time. We finally seem to have gotten the timing right.”
“Nice to see you, Ella,” Bob said when he hugged her. “And nice to see you smiling, son. It’s been a while.”
“Yes,” Gavin said with a sigh, “it has.”
Ella took hold of his hand and gave it a squeeze, hoping to keep the bad from invading the good. The bad would probably always be right there, lurking below the surface trying to get out, but Ella would do everything in her power to keep the bad where it belonged. In the past.
They enjoyed a delicious dinner of barbecued ribs, mashed potatoes, homemade coleslaw and corn bread. Gavin ate like he hadn’t seen food in a year, something his mother said happened every time she made ribs for him.
After dinner, Amelia suggested they take their dessert into the den to enjoy the fire.
“I need to bring in some more wood,” Bob said. “Give me a hand, son?”
“Happy to.” Gavin squeezed Ella’s shoulder on his way out the door behind his father.
“I just have to say,” Amelia whispered, the second they were alone, “this makes me so, so happy. I haven’t seen him smiling like he has tonight since before . . .” She didn’t have to finish that sentence. Ella knew what she meant. “You’re perfect for him, Ella. You’re just what he needs.”
“I hope so. There’ve been a lot of stops and starts along the way, but we’ve agreed to give it a real try.”
“I’ll be keeping my fingers and toes crossed for both of you.”
“Thanks, Amelia.” Ella glanced over her shoulder to make sure Gavin was still outside with his father. “Could I ask your advice on something?”
“Of course. Anything.”
Ella told her about Dylan’s wedding, how Gavin planned to decline the invitation because of work and her idea about surprising him with the trip.
“Do it,” Amelia said without hesitation. “It’s exactly what he needs—time with his friends, time with you, time away from work. He pushes himself so hard and I know why, but he can’t keep up that pace forever. No one can.”
“You don’t think he’ll be mad that I’m forcing him to do something he said he doesn’t want to do?”
“He wants to go, but it’s easier for him not to. He needs to stop doing the easy thing and get back to living. This, with you, is an important first step.”
“Thanks for the advice. I think I’m going to do it.”
“Good. Bob and I are going, so maybe we’ll see you there.”