It's Only Love(84)

“Can we please go now?” Nolan said.

“Yes, dear,” Hannah said. “We’re all set. Fred knows when Cameron will be back, and he’s promised to keep an eye on things around here while we’re gone.”

“You’re all tapped,” Nolan said. “Seriously tapped in the head.”

Megan laughed. “I think so, too. For the record.”

“Thank you,” Nolan said to her. “I feel like I’m surrounded by lunatics who actually think a moose, a wild animal, cares what they have to say.”

“You can’t really argue with our success, though, can you?” Hannah asked him.

“Spoken by the chief lunatic.”

“Awww, he loves me so much.”

Ella loved the banter between her sister and her husband, who had the patience of a saint when it came to his wife and the moose she seemed to understand so well. But seeing them so happy together, expecting their first baby and overcoming the obstacles life—and moose—put in their way made her doubly sad for the way things had ended up with Gavin. All she’d ever wanted was what Hannah and Nolan had, what her other siblings had found with their life partners.

And she wanted it with him. Was it too much to ask to spend forever with the man she loved? It was beginning to seem that way.

“How’d you manage to get free of the diner for a week?” Hannah asked Megan.

“Butch of all people. He heard us talking about the trip and how I couldn’t possibly make it work, and he told me to shut up and go, that he was more than capable of keeping the place from burning down while I’m gone. We’ll see if that’s true.”

“And Gramps is going to check in every day,” Hunter added. “As the proprietor, of course.”

“He’ll be more trouble than he’s worth,” Will said with a chuckle.

“I think that’s his goal. He’s afraid Butch might put him to work.”

“We’ll see who causes the greatest disaster,” Nolan said. “Butch or Skeeter, who’s in charge of the garage against my better judgment.”

Ella remained silent as the conversation swirled around her. Gavin’s parents had hugged her when they got in the car, but they hadn’t said anything more. She figured they’d find a chance to talk later. Right now, she was grateful for the others, whose presence made it impossible for them to talk about it while she was still feeling so raw.

How long would it take this time before she could take a deep breath without excruciating pain? How long would it take to get over him after sharing such extraordinary closeness with him over the last couple of weeks? Every minute they spent together was imprinted on her heart in permanent ink. She would never forget a second of it.

When her eyes filled, she looked down, desperately trying to control her emotions. The last thing she wanted to do was break down in front of his parents or her siblings.

A warm hand curled around hers with a gentle squeeze.

Ella looked over at Megan, who was sitting next to her. Megan continued her conversation with Hunter, Will and Cameron without missing a beat. The show of quiet support from the woman who would soon be her sister-in-law touched Ella deeply.

Despite the agony of what had transpired with Gavin, Megan’s thoughtful gesture reminded her that she was not alone. In her family, she would never be alone, and for that, Ella was especially thankful today.


*

Ella’s flight landed in Providenciales an hour after the others. She’d told them not to wait on her, but she wasn’t surprised to find Hannah and Nolan in the terminal when she cleared customs. He scooped up her bag and carried it to the car from the resort that awaited them.

She hugged Hannah. “I told you not to wait.”

“You’re not the boss of me. I’m the big sister—and getting bigger by the day. How was the flight?”

“I don’t really know. I slept for most of it.” The empty seat next to her had been occupied by someone from coach, who’d been thrilled to get the upgrade to first class. Ella tried not to think about the thousand dollars she’d spent on a seat for Gavin that had gone to waste. She ought to send him a bill.

“That might be a blessing in disguise.”

“Everything hurts, Hannah. Every part of me hurts.”

“I know, honey.” Hannah linked her arm with Ella’s as they followed Nolan to the car. “And it will for a while, but we’ll get you through this. We’re going to have a wonderful time here. A week in the tropics is just what the doctor ordered for all of us.”

“I’m glad you’re here.”

“I’m glad you’re here.”

On the short ride to the resort, Ella tried to appreciate the brilliant blue sky, the palm trees, the gorgeous views of the water and scenery, but the dull ache inside had her full attention. It only intensified when she was shown to her romantic, seaside room with the huge king-size bed that reminded her of just how alone she really was, even with Hunter and Megan on one side of her and Hannah and Nolan on the other.

A knock on the adjoining door had her opening her side to Hunter.

“Hey,” he said. “How’s your room?”

“Spectacular. How’s yours?”

“Same.” He eyed her carefully. “You okay?”