Full Circle (15 page)

“Yeah, I know. We can also tell Dad and Renee while we’re there.”

She couldn’t have been more excited for the Grangers. A part of their family was coming back home, making them whole again. “We can do that. Just a few more minutes though,” she said. “I want to hold on to this little secret for a minute or two longer.”

Time passed as they sat snuggled in each other’s arms, the darkness blanketing the sky, making her feel like they were the only two people on earth. It was a nice feeling, but it had to end. She was ready for it too. She was ready to embark on this new life with Heath. They still had so much to learn about each other, and she couldn’t wait to take the time to explore and fall in love with each and every one of those things.

“I love you, Ellie Scott,” he whispered as they made their way back to the car.

“I love those words.” They had been said often over the course of the day, but after thirteen years of waiting, she would never get tired of hearing them.

“I plan to tell you them every morning, before we fall into bed every night, and several times in-between.”

“Thank you for coming home.”

His mouth came down hard on hers. As his kiss rushed through her like a crashing wave, she knew she had never felt more at home than when she was wrapped in Heath’s arms. He was her home.

Epilogue

Ellie stretched her back, noting with satisfaction that all the flowers had stood the test of time and weren’t the least bit wilted despite the sudden heat wave that made Roy and Renee’s wedding such a warm and bright affair. Renee had looked stunning in her cap sleeve, tea length gown and elegant pearl earrings—the something old Mia had promised.

Mia had contacted one of Renee’s cousins in New York and asked for something special that Renee’s mom had worn on her own wedding day. Ellie herself had cried the moment Mia surprised Renee with them.

Mr. Roy had cleaned up great in his suit and polished shoes. Not that she’d been able to tear her eyes away from the best man for very long. Heath rocked his city suit as he laughingly called it and she couldn’t wait to peel him out of it at the end of the day. She already knew he had designs on doing the same thing to her clothes. Those murmured, sexy suggestions meant for her ears only had made her blush scarlet, causing considerable speculation among the guests she was sure.

She’d been afraid of stealing the couple’s thunder with her and Heath’s momentous news, but they were thrilled to pieces and Mia had shrieked so loudly with glee that everyone had winced before breaking into laughter.

Smoothing her cool, mint green maxi dress, she looked around for her friend. Mia was nowhere in sight. She frowned. She eased toward the front of the house and caught sight of the lavender of Mia’s dress. She quickly followed and found the other woman standing outside the door, appearing to be studying the cloudless sky.

“Mia?”

“Oh!” Mia started and narrowed her eyes on Ellie. “Sorry, I was just thinking.”

“You aren’t supposed to be walking without your cane,” Ellie said, chiding her friend.

“It hardly hurts at all.”

“Still.” Ellie sensed something else going on. “What’s up?”

With a deep breath, Mia pushed her hair from her face and stared back. “If I say, you can’t make fun or get all mother-hen on me.”

That didn’t sound good. Mia tended to be impulsive, and Ellie didn’t want to make a promise she couldn’t keep. “I’ll try.”

“I can’t stop thinking about Steve.”

“Okay.”

“No lecture on strangers and stuff?”

“No, honey. No lectures. I saw how he was with you. Maybe I want everyone to find their special somebody because I found Heath again—or he found me. I’ll have to trust you to find your way safely.”

“Ah, and there’s the words of wisdom,” Mia teased, looking relieved.

“What are you planning?”

“I’m going to stop by his place and ask him out.”

That was Mia. She cut to the chase and through all the formalities. If she and Heath had only been so smart. She studied her friend. When had she matured so much? Mia was still impulsive and could be flighty, but there was a serene grace about her. “I wish you luck, then.”

Mia stumbled into Ellie’s arms and they hugged it out.

“Girl stuff?” Heath’s smooth voice washed over her, and Ellie disentangled herself from Mia’s hold, unable to resist his pull. She went to him and he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Hugged by her man and her best friend. It couldn’t get much better than that.

“Girl stuff,” Mia confirmed and ignored Ellie’s arched brow. Well, if she wanted to exclude her big brother from her romantic life, she was entitled. Not that Ellie would keep secrets from her soon-to-be-husband.

Heath’s smile made her thighs fluid and she pressed in closer to him.

Mia winked.

“The happy couple are about to leave. Ellie and I are heading out too.” He didn’t have to say what his plans were. Ellie could feel it and she tried to look nonchalant.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy,” Mia said. “My family is complete.”

“You don’t have the market cornered on happiness, munchkin.” Heath tugged Ellie away and she went willingly. Mia was back to studying the sky, an intriguing smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

* * * *

Heath knew something was up with his sister, but Ellie would know what it was. If he was needed she’d tell him. They shared that kind of trust this time. His fiancée looked beautiful in her botanical inspired dress and her scent consumed him. He couldn’t wait until his wedding day.

“Back to your place?”

“I hoped you’d want to stay with me.”

“Where else? Although Roy’s house is bigger and we could christen every room, starting tomorrow.” He paused, teasing her. “You know, that’s an idea. We have a few days to work it in.”

Ellie gently slapped his arm. “Heath!”

But he read her agreement—and her desire. His ring glinted on her finger, matching the one she had around his heart. A perfect, concentric circle of love and devotion. They hustled to the car, impatient for some time alone to continue the celebration of finding one another’s heart again.

The End

www.jennifersimpkins.net

www.perielizabethscott.com

Evernight Publishing ®

www.evernightpublishing.com