Page 30 of Weston

He had his Ellie back, and no one would ever take her away from him again.

???

Ellie had high hopes that returning home, seeing her family and being back where she’d made so many memories would trigger a massive tidal wave of flashbacks.

But that didn’t happen.

Her parents, Sam and Laura, were lovely people. They bawled their eyes out when they saw her. Same with her sister, Tori, who couldn’t stop hugging her. The most touching thing, though, was the way her family greeted Wes, as though he’d returned from the dead, too. Although, she supposed he had in a way. It felt good seeing how much they loved and approved of him. It also cemented her trust in him and confirmed he was exactly who he’d said. Not that she didn’t believe him, but the reassurance was huge.

So many hugs, kisses and squeals were exchanged. They all gathered together in the family room, full of questions that Ellie didn’t have answers to. Wes jumped in to help her whenever he could, but Ellie could feel her frustration growing.

Why can’t I remember?

She had a wonderful family and the best husband any woman could ask for, but her mind refused to open up. It stayed tightly closed like an oyster shell, and she so desperately needed it to crack open so she could find that pearl of wisdom. The one that would allow her to remember her former life and these people who loved her so much.

After hours of talking and a barbecue outside on the deck overlooking the pool, Ellie was fighting back tears. She was so disheartened and defeat washed over her. What was wrong with her?

Wes must’ve noticed her spiraling, and his calm but strong voice broke through the wall she was unknowingly erecting around herself. “Will you excuse us?” Wes pushed his chair back, took Ellie’s hand and guided her away. “Are you okay?”

He was leading her across the perfectly-cut, green yard and toward the woods. The house and land were beautiful, located in the country, but not the place where she’d grown up. Maybe that’s why she felt like she was trying to force the memories. Because there simply weren’t any—none that were rooted directly back to her childhood, anyway, since her parents said they’d moved there after she left for college.

She shook her head, trying to blink back the tears and failing miserably. Although she should be happy, basking in the love and support of the family who thought they’d lost her forever, she was about to have a meltdown. The pressure to remember was too much. She couldn’t ignore the expectations—hers and those around her—and how not meeting them, not being able to give everyone what they wanted, seemed like a failure, a betrayal. It felt like she was in a vise, being crushed.

Gasping for air, she laid a hand on her chest, and began to cry. “I’m s-sorry,” she sobbed.

Wes pulled her into his arms and rubbed a hand up and down her back. “Let it all out,” he encouraged her. “I’ve got you. I willalwayshave you, Ellie.”

God, what had she done to deserve this man? She could feel his love infusing her, giving her the strength she so desperately needed at that moment. Wrapping her arms around him, she held on hard and cried against his t-shirt, soaking it with her tears of frustration. Once she was all cried out, she pulled back with a sniffle.

“Better?” He tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

She swiped a hand under her nose, nodding. “I’m sorry. Your shirt’s all wet.”

“A little tears and snot never hurt anyone.”

A snort-laugh burst from her throat. “You’re so good to me. The fact that I can’t remember you…us…kills me. I want to, Wes, so badly. I’d give anything to have our precious memories back.”

“You’re putting too much pressure on yourself. Give it time. If they don’t come back, we’ll make new memories, Ellie. Stop putting such demanding expectations on yourself and your brain. You went through a traumatic experience. Healing takes time.”

His deep voice was so soft, so full of understanding. Everything about him soothed her soul.

Reaching up, she cupped his face and looked into his brown eyes. “How are you so perfect? How did I get so damn lucky?”

“I’m not perfect. Far from it,” he murmured, hands settling on her hips. “You aren’t, either. But, together, yeah, I think we’re pretty goddamn perfect.”

Ellie pushed up onto her toes and kissed him hard. He knew exactly what to say and how to settle her down when she felt like her world was spinning madly out of control. One of his hands moved up, sliding over the back of her head, his long fingers threading through her hair. He tugged, angling her head back, and deepened the kiss. And, at that moment, Ellie knew they would get through this together.

???

Once Ellie felt better, Wes decided to take her out on a drive. Her family had been understandably excited and ecstatic to see her, but it had been too much for her. Brand had sent aquick text with a doctor’s name that he’d gotten from a military buddy, and they decided to make an appointment when they got home. Hopefully, the doctor could help. In the meantime, they climbed into their rental car and headed back to the place where they’d met so long ago.

Ann Arbor was a little over a half an hour away and nostalgia filled Wes as he drove to the University of Michigan campus. After parking, they got out and he reached for her hand. He figured it was a good, non-threatening place to visit. Every memory he had of the year they spent there together was magical, and he knew the same used to be true for her. And, although buried, he hoped she would maybe feel some of the good vibes as he walked her around, sharing stories and pointing out various places that held meaning.

“Where did we have our first date?” she asked as they wandered the campus.

“The dumpy pizza place is long gone,” Wes told her, “but I can take you by where it used to be.”

“And where we parked and fooled around?” She waggled her brows.

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