Never Far Away (The Never #2)(36)

“Porter, that’s sweet of you, but what is Ella supposed to do when you’re at your house? During the week when you’re not visiting? She’s just gotten over a very traumatic event in her life. I don’t think it’s a good idea to be so far away and all alone.”

“Like I said, she won’t be alone. We’re planning on living together in Salem.”

Silence fell across the room and all Ella could hear was the ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner of the dining room. Her parent’s eyes met across the table, again, conversing without words. Her mother sighed heavily.

“Porter,” her father began, “Ella has a broad and profound stubborn streak.”

“Ah, yes, I’m aware,” Porter laughed lightly.

“Once she puts her mind to something there is little to do to try and steer her in another direction. We’ve learned that sometimes it is best to just let her go.”

“I’m right here, Dad. You don’t have to talk about me like I’m not in the room.” His eyes darted over to her. Ella had had enough of people pretending like she wasn’t around. All through her recovery everyone was always walking on eggshells around her, talking about her as if she couldn’t speak for herself, or handle what they were going to say.

“Ella, I’m not trying to offend you. I’m just trying to explain to Porter how if someone was going to be with you in Salem we’re glad it’s him.” Ella felt a smile pull at her lips. “You don’t need our permission to move to Salem, or to live with Porter. You’re a grown woman. But we’re glad you’ve decided to do something to make yourself happy.”

“I am happy. Thank you for understanding.”

“Sweetie, after everything you’ve been through, all we want is for you to be safe and healthy. Salem isn’t that far away. Plus, I think it would be fun to decorate a new house!” Her mother exclaimed. Ella laughed.

“Well, we can’t do too much decorating. Nothing too extensive anyway. We are going to rent a house for now until Porter can build us our own.” Ella looked over at him and smiled.

“Build you a house? That sounds decidedly permanent,” her father said, sounding concerned.

“Everything about Ella and me is permanent,” Porter said without even blinking, as if he were stating fact as sure as the earth revolving around the sun.

“Well,” her mother stated after releasing a soft sigh, “If your father had said things like that a week after meeting me, I would have dropped everything and moved in with him too.”

“Exactly,” Ella said, then leaned over and placed a small kiss on the corner of Porter’s mouth. “Thank you,” she whispered in his ear.

“Ok,” her father interrupted. “Who wants dessert?”





Chapter Nine


Porter


Porter and Ella were on their way back to her apartment when her phone rang.

“It’s Megan,” Ella stated as she answered. “Hey Megs, what’s up?”

“Well,” Porter heard her voice through the speaker of Ella’s phone, “I was wondering if you and Kalli wanted to come with me tomorrow to look at a few wedding dresses.”

“Of course I want to come and look at wedding dresses with you. When and where?”

“How would two work for you?” Ella held her hand over the phone and whispered to him.

“What time do you have to leave tomorrow?”

“I will probably leave early in the morning to get to work by eight.”

“Two is fine with me,” Ella said to Megan. “I’ll put some time in at the store, then when we’re done drooling over you in a wedding dress, I will just head out to Lincoln City. Does two work for Kalli too?”

“Yeah, she’s off tomorrow.”

“Perfect. Which shop?”

“Bridal Bliss. It’s downtown, on fifth.”

“Great, I’ll be there. I’m so excited to see you in a wedding dress Megs.”

“I will be the most beautiful bride you’ve ever seen, obviously.” She added with a laugh.

“Obviously.”

“Ok, please tell Porter I say hi and I will see you tomorrow. Bye, Fella.” Ella laughed and shook her head at her sister.

“Bye, Megs.”

“So, you’re going to come out to Lincoln City tomorrow?” He asked her hopefully.

“I thought that’s what we decided. No more nights apart. You’re here tonight, so it’s only fair I should go to you tomorrow. Is that ok?” She asked, suddenly sounding worried.

“Babe, of course it’s ok.” He took a deep breath in and let it out loudly. “I guess I’m just still getting use to the idea that I get to spend every night with you,” he said as he took her hand. His mind wandered back to the nights when he couldn’t even sleep in his own bed because thoughts of Ella made it impossible to get any rest. There were days when he considered selling his house simply because the thought of walking in and knowing she wasn’t there was too distressing. They pulled into her parking spot and when he turned off his truck he looked over at her.

“Listen, I don’t want you to ever doubt that I want to be with you. Don’t doubt that every night I want you next to me.”