Chapter 15
Aspen, Colorado
The next two days were a blur for Ella. Determined not to spend any more time shopping, she got up early and signed up for a walking tour of the city.
At breakfast, she told the others of her plans, and to her surprise, all the other women expressed interest in joining her.
Frankly, Ella was shocked. She was even more shocked at how much fun the four of them had walking around the city, touring the Wheeler Opera House and the Hotel Jerome and seeing the historic downtown up close.
After the tour, they had a delightful lunch at the French Alpine Bistro.
They finished their day visiting the Aspen Art Museum.
On Tuesday, Ella decided to stay in the condo and rest. The only way she was able to get Ben to go skiing with his buddies was by telling him she wanted to stay back to prepare a traditional Mexican dinner for everyone.
Everyone seemed excited about that, so Ben agreed and spent the day on the slopes.
Ella shrugged and said, “So I guess everyone knows huh?”
Mia nodded and added softly, “Well, not for sure, but yeah, we figured it out when you never drank any alcohol, no matter how much wine or beer the others did. You did not even drink the champagne at your own wedding toast.”
“Was it that obvious?” asked Ella. “Thought I had faked that. Guess not so much. So I suppose you all think I trapped him?” asked Ella, looking like she was about to cry.
“Absolutely not!” replied Mia. “It only takes one look at Ben’s face to see how much that boy loves you. He is smitten something bad.”
“Thank you for saying that. I could tell that first night that Fran and Dalaney were trying to figure out how someone like me ended up with someone like Ben.”
“Don’t worry about what those two think.
They are okay to hang out with, but at the end of the day, they both have a lot of growing up to do.
Fran is a spoiled brat, and Dalaney just follows her lead.
That sounds harsh, doesn’t it? Oh well, it is the truth.
And while we are sharing truth bombs, I love that you are your own person.
You are five years younger than them but so much more together.
Besides, your relationship is no one’s business but yours and Ben’s.
And for what it is worth, I think you are awesome.
You two make a fabulous couple. You are going to be incredible parents. ”
Without saying a word, Ella wrapped Mia in her arms and gave her a huge hug.
After a moment, she stepped back and said, “Thank you for saying that. All of this has been so unexpected and hard. My parents practically kicked me out, and I miss them so much. It is nice to have someone on my side other than Ben.”
Hugging Ella, Mia said, “Gurl, I got you. You got a friend in me.” Patting her flat stomach, Mia added, “We aren’t telling anyone yet, but I love that our babies are going to grow up best friends.”
Ella’s eyebrows shot up in shock and said, “Wow! That was fast. Congratulations. When are you due?”
“Early June. You?” asked Mia.
“Mid-June! These babies are going to be the best of friends!” replied Ella, feeling better than she had since landing in Aspen.
Sadly, Ella’s parents continued to ignore her calls.
Sophie called her late Tuesday night and begged her to come home.
Hearing the anguish in her sister’s voice, Ella almost demanded that Ben get her a one-way ticket back to Napa.
The only thing that stopped her was that she could not bring Ben.
He had defended her and been by her side the whole way.
She could not just walk away from him—not even for her family whom she missed so much.
She had tears in her eyes as she told Sophie she would not be coming back until Ben was welcome too.
In a last force of fake strength, Ella added that it was time for her parents to either get on board with her marrying Ben or face a life without her and her child.
Ella was not sure she would be able to stick to her guns forever, but she had to try.
After hanging up with her sister, Ella pasted a smile on her face and prepared for her trip to Arkansas to meet Ben’s parents.
Surely whatever awaited them there could not be any harder than the past few days, could it?
Sending up a prayer that things were going to go smoothly, Ella handed Ben her suitcase and headed out of the condo ready to take on Operation Meet Ben’s Parents.