Page 29 of The Awakening
“Maybe I just need help remembering how to have fun.” She shut her eyes as I dipped forward, anticipating a kiss, but instead I gave her a firm slap on the behind. Ellie’s eyes shot open. The action didn’t seem to displease her, but she was shocked. “See, this old boy’s got some surprises left in him yet. Let’s go, Little Spoon.”
The old house wasn’t in terrible shape. It was a two-story white farmhouse with a wraparound porch. This house was a far cry from that of my parents and even my brothers, but there was something about it that felt like home.
I couldn’t put my finger on it. Maybe it was the simplistic style or the memories it held, but I was happy to be there after so much time away. For years, I’d avoided returning. It was far easier to focus on life outside of the ranch than deal with the scrutiny of my family. I was more than happy to be on my own for decades. I looked over at Ellie. Somehow, she was changing all of that for me.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. It’s just been a long time since I’ve been out here.” I stared at the house in front of us. “Want to go in? See where you’ll be living?” I tried to lighten the mood, but the grayness of the sky mimicked how I was feeling.
Ellie nodded and smiled at me. We hadn’t overstayed our welcome at the big house, but it was time for some privacy, and the baby would need a nursery and she’d need a place to settle in to being a new mother.
With the cold seeping through my coat, I held my hand out for Ellie, and we ran to the porch.
A scent of chocolate chip cookies, apple pie, and Old Spice wafted through my nose when I pushed open the door. I knew it was just my imagination, but it felt real. My grandparents hadbeen gone so long, it was impossible for those familiar smells to still be lingering, but it put me a little more at ease with this entire situation.
I watched as Ellie scanned the entry way. It was dusty, and the paint was peeling, but those were easy fixes. She wandered into the front room, a smile forming on her face.
“What’s that look for?” I asked quietly as I came up behind her and wrapped her in my arms. She needed to be held, and I wanted to be the one to do it.
“There was a house that looked almost identical to this close to the ranch in Montana. The Hestmens used to own it. When things were bad at home, I could always run there, and Mrs. Hestmen would have cookies and a cup of tea ready for me.” Drawing in a ragged breath, she continued. “Being in this room just brought that memory back. I’m sorry. I’m being a downer. Can we keep touring?”
“As you wish, ma’am. Let’s check out the office. Then we’ll go to the kitchen and proceed upstairs, where the magic happens.” I waggled my eyebrows, expecting Ellie to turn red like she usually did when I said something like that. Instead, she exploded in laughter.
“I can’t wait to see that. Lead the way Mr. Morton.” She motioned ahead of her, and I walked out into the hallway, breathing a sigh of relief.
The stairs creaked as we moved to the second story, but those would be an easy fix. Three bedrooms and a bathroom occupied this floor. “Everything needs work,” I mumbled as we wandered through the house.
“It just needs people, laughter, and love, Gavin. And we’re here to do just that.” She encircled my waist with her arms. We’d been playing these parts since we’d come to Texas, but I wasn’t sure if this was that or if it was more.
I wrapped my arms around her, and we stared out the window of what would be our bedroom.
Standing there, we watched the sky go from a crisp dull gray to a hazy white. The wind picked up and rattled the windows.
“Oh no.”
“What is it?”
“Blizzard. We’re going to be stuck here until it’s over. I better get some wood and get the fireplace going. It’s going to get cold in here.” Absentmindedly, I kissed the top of Ellie’s head before I let her go.
“I’ll see if there’s anything to eat in the pantry.” She was hot on my heels as I ran down the stairs. “If nothing else, I’ll get the oven going to start warming this place up.”
I stopped midstep, and she obviously wasn’t paying attention because she plowed right into me, sending me flying down the last few stairs. #
I caught myself before I hit the floor and then caught Ellie as she stumbled into me.
“Gavin. I’m sorry.” Her eyes were wide, and she flinched when I tightened my grip on her arm to steady her.
“Ellie, it’s fine. It was an accident.” I let go and took a step back, holding my hands out in front of me.
“Gavin, I am so very sorry.” She took a few steps away from me like she was afraid I’d hurt her.
“Ellie, did he hit you?”
She shook her head. “No, but there were threats and manipulation. Flinching was just my way of protecting myself, waiting for it to happen.”
I crossed the gap between us, and I took her into my embrace. “You never have to worry about that again. I’ll never raise a hand to you or threaten to do so.”
“I know you won’t. You aren’t that kind of man, but I can’t always help the reaction.” She spoke into my shirt.
