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“I have something for you,” Isla says before she runs past me out of the room.
Ellie’s eyes meet mine as she stands up and I don’t waste a second closing the space between us to press my lips to hers. I feel her tears on my cheeks as my tongue moves against hers for no more than a second before I pull back to rest my forehead against hers.
“She’s taking it better than I thought she would,” she whispers. “You can call me if she wants to talk.”
I rub the space under her eyes to wipe at the tears forming. “What about ifIwant to talk?”
“Anytime.”
Isla comes running back into the room with what looks like a picture she drew and I realize it’s the one of all of us. “Here,” she says holding up the picture. “So, you don’t forget about us.”
Ellie drops to one knee. “Oh, Isla, I could never forget you guys.” She takes the picture from her. “Thank you so much. I love this, but are you sure you want me to have it?”
Isla nods. “Did you talk to Daddy about the puppy?” she tries to whisper and Ellie laughs before looking up at me.
“Not yet, but I’ll work on it when I get back,” she whispers back before she stands up. “We should go,” she says looking at me.
Isla’s brown eyes move to mine before narrowing slightly and I see the worry on her face. “Daddy, you’re going too?” I know this is what Ellie was worried about and while I hate that I’m not going with her, I know it’s for the best.
“I’m just taking her to the airport because she has to get on a plane. I’ll be back in a little while.”
She nods and I’m surprised she doesn’t ask if she can come too.
SJ comes into the room a second later.“Uncle Riv says you’re leaving?” he asks and Ellie nods.
“Yes, but just for a little. You’re in charge, ‘till I get back.” She points before she crosses the room, pulls him into a hug, and kisses his forehead.
“You got it. I’m…uhh…sorry about your dad,” he says while looking at the floor. SJ doesn’t show emotion often so I feel like he may be struggling with his feelings a little.
“Thank you. He’s going to be fine…I just need to be there.”
“Yeah.” He nods.
“I have to go, but I will let you guys know when I get to Ohio, alright?”
SJ nods and we all move out of the room. “Where’s Margot,” I ask them, looking around for my oldest daughter.
“Taking a nap,” Isla answers.
“She’s hungover.” SJ snorts and I shoot a murderous glare at River.
“I didn’t let him have any. Relax,” he says before shooting a glare at SJ.
“What’s hungover?” Isla asks and I turn to River.
“Handle this…like an adult please,” I say as I usher Ellie out of the door.
The flight to Ohio is quick and easy even though I spent the majority of it trying to keep my tears at bay, thinking about my father and saying goodbye to Rowan even if it was only for a short time. The thought of not seeing his smile every day sent a wave of sadness through me that I hadn’t anticipated.
Emily texted me while I was in the air that my father made it through surgery and that they removed the blockage. I feel so much relief that he’s fine, but I know I won’t feel completely better until I see and talk to him. I make it to the hospital quickly and push through the doors of the waiting room to see Emily, her husband, their daughter, and my mom’s mom.
“Ellie Bellie!” my grandma says, practically jumping out of her seat. I’m in her arms instantly and I feel comfort in that way only grandmothers can provide.
“Hi, Grandma!” She kisses my cheek and puts her hands on my shoulders.
“You are prettier every time I see you. You are glowing.” She narrows her eyes at me and gives me a sly smile. “I need to hear all about this boy because you look in love, girl. And why I’m hearing about it through the grapevine is unacceptable.” She pinches my arm and I wince at the pain.
“It’s…kinda new.”