Page 49 of Breaking the Ice

“To connection,” I repeat.

We proceed to eat our meal slowly with the bare minimum of conversation. Silence isn’t awkward with Ellie. It’s comfortable and contemplative. I know she has a lot on her mind, and I certainly have a lot on mine.

When we’re done eating, I pick up our dishes and carry them to the sink. Then I ask, “Would you like me to build a fire? We can sit on the couch and watch the flames together.”

She’s silent for so long I start to get nervous that she’s going to say no. But she finally answers, “I’d like that, Zach. Why don’t you get it ready while I cut up the caramel apple?”

Relief pours through me. What I’m feeling for Ellie is not some fleeting thing. She’s the same kind of woman as my mom and Kelly. She’s the kind of woman you build a life with, the kind you want to take care of and make happy for as long as you live.

While that realization should scare me to death, especially as we just met, I’m old enough to know a prize when I see one. I’m also smart enough not to let such a lady get away.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Ellie

I roll over in bed and proceed to relive every moment of last night. Zach is nothing like the man I expected him to be. Yes, he’s richer than any one person needs to be, and he’s as handsome as an old-school movie star, but he’s also kind and generous. Not only did he help me get my mom to the hospital, but he’s making sure I have the funds to make her life more comfortable.

After our dinner, I wanted to spend the rest of the night wrapped in Zach’s arms. I could have kissed that man for days on end, but that’s not what we did. We spent time talking about ourselves and getting to know what makes each other tick.

For instance, I told him I would rather live simply if it meant I could help others. He told me that he donates the bulk of his charitable contributions anonymously because giving should be done out of true generosity and not for societal credit.

“Even though some people think you’re stingy because of it?” I asked.

He explained that while he cares how he’s portrayed in the press, doing the right thing matters more. Zachary Hart is most definitely the kind of man I see myself having a future with and that scares me.

After walking me up the path to my house, he gave me another toe-curling kiss goodnight. Then he waited until I’d gone inside and turned on the lights before leaving. I know this because I peeked out the window and watched him go.

My phone alarm jolts me out of my reverie and alerts me that I only have thirty minutes to get up and get ready for my breakfast with Yolanda. I’m curious to hear what she has to say about her “relationship” with Zach. Especially because before I knew him, I was ready to believe every word out of her mouth.

Jumping out of bed, I hurry to put on a pair of jeans and a sweater before brushing my hair and pulling it back into a ponytail. I’m neither trying to impress Yolanda, nor compete with her, so the only makeup I bother with is lipstick.

I think about Zach the whole drive up to the lodge. I fantasize that we fall in love, and he moves to Maple Falls. I imagine us raising a family alongside Troy and Kelly’s. My favorite visual is of walking our kids to the same elementary school that I went to. I’m not normally prone to such flights of fancy, but Zach is like no other man I’ve ever gone out with. As presumptuous as it sounds, I’m starting to feel he could be my forever.

The parking lot at the lodge is full of more cars than I’ve ever seen here. There are news vans, big black SUVs, and even a couple of limousines out front. Look out, Maple Falls, we’re about to see the most excitement our town has ever experienced.

I hurry to go inside and discover the lobby is buzzing with activity. I suddenly wish I’d made more of an effort to look nice. When I get to the dining room, I give the hostess my name and tell her who I’m meeting.

She leads the way to a table right next to the vaulted window overlooking the river. Yolanda is talking on the phone and only offers the briefest nod of recognition that I’ve arrived. Sitting down across from her, I do my best to look relaxed, but the whole time I’m studying her like she’s a lab rat.

Yolanda Simms is polished in a way that only money can provide. I’ve never colored my hair, but I’m guessing by all the highlights running through Yolanda’s hair, she spends a fortune to achieve its intricate weave of tones. She’s wearing eyelash extensions that are a touch too long but I know look good on television. She also has on a lot of makeup, but again, probably so that she’s camera ready.

I’m about to dissect her manicure—are those acrylics or the result of long-time gel polish?—when she hangs up and says, “Ellie, I’m so happy you could make it.”

“I’m happy to be here,” I lie. I no longer believe Yolanda is telling the truth about Zach, but I still have to do my best to appear like I’m on her side.

She takes a sip of water before saying, “So, you’ve decided to help me.”

I figure the truth is the best way to proceed. “My mom has some health needs, and I could use the money.”

She nods her head slowly. “And what about Zach? What do you think about him?”

“Like I told you the other day, I don’t know him.”

“But you work for his brother,” she prompts.

I exhale slowly before telling her, “Troy Hart is a great guy. Not only does he do a lot of charity work, but he’s a wonderful family man. From what I can tell, his brother is nothing like him.”

Yolanda surprises me by bursting into tears, and she’s no delicate crier. After several moments of near hysteria, she finally settles down. “Zach is a wonderful man. We had three amazing days and nights together. I really thought we were destined for the long haul.”

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