Page 12 of The Awakening
Coming home had been my decision, and it wasn’t right that she was blaming herself for my reservations.
“This is what is best for you right now. Nobody will bother you when they know you’re here and with my family.” I threaded my fingers through hers and gave her half a smile. “Time to face the music.” Wiggling my eyebrows, I tried to break the tension.
Ellie didn’t smile as I hoped she would. Instead, she chewed at her lip. The atmosphere between us had gone from light to thick enough to cut with a knife in no time at all. I hopped out of the truck, rounded it, and opened her door. “
As we stepped onto the porch, my mother threw open the door, stepped out, and spread her arms wide, ready to wrap me in a hug. She looked the same: petite, blonde, and immaculate.
“My baby boy has finally come home.” She wrapped me up tight and hugged me for what seemed like hours. “You have no idea how happy I am to have you home, Gav.” She said in my ear.
“It’s good to be here,” I muttered.
“Don’t lie to your mother. I know this is the last place you want to be.” She let me go and patted my cheek. Her smile genuine, but there was concern in her eyes. She knew this place had the potential to crush me. It had proven that time and time again, but I was hoping this time would be different.
“Mom, please meet Ellie Bowers—uh…Ellie Morton. My wife.” I turned to look at Ellie, who looked slightly horrified, probablybecause I’d slipped and used her maiden name. “Sorry,” I mouthed.
Her eyes went soft, and her smile returned. She held out her hand for my mom to shake. Her eyes widened, but her smile never wavered. Always cool under pressure. “Oh no, Ellie, we’re family now.” Mom pulled her into a hug.
Ellie looked at me over mom’s shoulder, tears welling in her eyes. Leaving Montana and her family was harder on her than I thought it would be. To me, it was an easy decision. Her father was trying to send her back to a man who’d crushed her.
“Thank you, Mrs. Morton.” Ellie said as the women parted.
“Call me Sandra, honey. I can’t wait to get to know you better, dear. I was beginning to think we’d never see the day when Gavin would finally settle down. We’d just about given up hope that he’d marry by forty, but here you are. You must be quite something.”
Ellie glanced over at me and squinted. What were the chances she hadn’t caught on to the married by forty comment? Slim-to-none would be my guess. “Now come in. The family is waiting to meet you.” My mother hooked her arm through Ellie’s, leading her into the house as I followed behind.
I had the distinct feeling this wasn’t going to be the low-key arrival I was hoping for. “Mom, when you say ‘the family,’ what do you mean?”
“Everyone, son. We’re all happy you’re home.” She turned over her shoulder and smiled.
“Great.” I slowed my steps, falling farther behind the two women. Maybe I could sneak away. I wouldn’t have to deal with the looks my brother would give me because I’d almost lost the ranch. Ellie wasn’t the only one with secrets. Only, she’d aired her dirty laundry before we said I do. I hadn’t found the same courage. She wasn’t the only one who stood to benefit from our marriage, but I’d been to chicken to tell her. Running wasn’t anoption, though. I’d been there and done that before. Besides, it wouldn’t be fair to Ellie. I couldn’t throw her to the wolves and turn my back, now, could I?
“Look who’s finally home.” My mother sang out as we walked into the living room.
She was kidding. They were all there, even Nate and Delaney. Mom walked toward Dad, and I stepped next to Ellie, slipping my hand into hers and giving it a squeeze. She held on to mine tightly when she realized the room was full.
“Hey Gavin, welcome home.” Tyler came up and gave me a one arm hug followed by a rough pat on the back. “Are you home for good?” He asked in my ear so nobody else could hear.
“Guess we’ll see,” I answered. I didn’t know what else to say.
Even after we’d finished with introductions, eyes were wide. Just like they’d been the other night when I’d caught her off guard in the cabin kitchen.
“Okay, girls, it’s time to talk. Let’s head to the den.” Kate stood and headed out of the room.
“You, too.” Jessica leaned across Rob and grabbed Ellie’s hand.
Ellie looked at me with a forced smile, so I gave her a reassuring nod. She was in good hands. Me, on the other hand? I was left with my brothers and my father. This might not turn out so well for me. I’d much rather have slipped on a wig and a pair of high heels and joined the women than face the wrath of the Morton men so soon.
Chapter Seven
Ellie
The den had a wall of windows that overlooked the backyard and beyond. I’d seen quite a few ranches in my time, but this one seemed endless. Miles of land stretched out all around us. So much land that I was beginning to understand how they could afford a private plane and pilot.
The trees were bare, but I could almost imagine this view in the springtime or summer, when each branch was filled with leaves. When the flowers were in bloom, and the birds sang while bees buzzed to and for, finding nectar to bring back to the hive.
There was a long buffet on one wall covered with a spread larger than I had never seen. Ten kinds of cheese, crackers of every shape and size, and more meat than I could have dreamed of. Fruits and veggies as far as the eye could see.
“Welcome to the family, Ellie.” Jessica poured a glass of champagne and handed it to me.
