33. Ellis
THIRTY-THREE
ELLIS
“Is it weird that our second date is at my ex-boyfriend's wedding?” Scarlet blinks up at me from beneath long sooty lashes.
My dress shirt pulls tight as I lift one shoulder in a shrug. “One man’s weird is another man’s... you know what?” I pull her in closer as I twirl us around the dance floor. “Fuck it. Everything's been a little weird between us, but I wouldn't change a single thing.”
She pretends to swoon. “What a sweet talker you are.”
“Pretty sure you prefer it when I'm a dirty talker.” I dip her low, running my fingers over the velvet of her dress, before leaning in close and drawing us both back up to full height.
“Ellis Wilder.” She smacks at my chest. “This is not the time or the place.”
I roll my eyes. “If not now, when? We're about to have James for a whole week. I have a feeling that kid's gonna be a pint-sized cockblock.”
Scarlet laughs and the sound winds itself around my heart. “Okay, but like the cutest cockblock.” Then she shivers, a look of revulsion passing over her features. “That felt wrong to say, much less think.”
I nod. “Yeah, maybe a little weird.”
We continue dancing as my eyes scan the space. I don’t want to say I’m on high alert, especially here, but everything's been so quiet with Scarlet's stalker that I can't help but worry that it’s all going to blow up sooner rather than later.
Scarlet, on the other hand, is convinced he's lost interest and given up. But I know that can't be true, because how could anyone ever lose interest in a woman like her? She's perfection.
“Are you sure you don't want me to take off work during the day?” she asks, snapping me out of my thoughts.
“Princess, I promise, I've got it.” I press my temple to hers. “Me and my dude will hold down the fort until you get home. And then, when you’re home, we can play house.”
Her eyes twinkle at the thought, and I'm not going to lie, something inside of me lights up, too. The idea of Scarlet and me chasing after a little rugrat of our own... I got to say, I don't fucking hate it.
“Do you want a small wedding like this or a big production?”
She cocks her head to the side as she thinks about it. “I used to think I wanted a big wedding with all the bells and whistles.”
“And now?”
“Now... I just want to be loved. I want to be loved so deeply, in such an all-consuming way that nothing else matters.”
My heart stutters in my chest before kicking into overdrive as I skim the backs of my fingers along her cheekbone before reaching around and cupping the back of her neck and drawing her mouth to mine for a gentle kiss.
“Do you think that could ever be us?” I ask a hint of vulnerability bleeding into my words.
Damn, who knew weddings were so lethal? It’s a paper-thin excuse, because let’s be real, I’m so fucking gone for this woman it’s unreal. I’d do anything for her, because somehow, in what feels like both an eternity and barely any time at all, she’s become my everything.
She bites her lip and shrugs. “I hope so.”
I'm about to tell her I'll work every damn day to prove to her it can be. But the DJ announces it's time to send the happy couple off.
“That's our cue,” Scarlet murmurs. “We’re officially on baby duty.”
Kid’s already blocking me and we haven’t even left the venue, I think, putting a mental pin in this topic to revisit it later because as wild and sudden as it seems, I absolutely see myself wanting to spend the rest of my life with her.
Here's to hoping she feels the same.
“So, how hard do you think this will be?” Scarlet asks as we gather along the stepping stone path to see the happy couple out.
“What?” I ask, knowing I was only halfway paying attention.
She raises a brow as she pops the lid on her bubbles, dipping the wand into the liquid. “Nora saying goodbye to James.”
“Oh,” I snort, doing the same. Scarlet originally suggested sparklers, but Nora was worried about James getting burned and instead opted for bubbles “What's harder than hard?”
She giggles. “I wonder if I'll be like that if I'm a mom.”
“When?” The thought of her with her belly rounded pops into my mind unbidden. There's not a single part of me that hates it...
She laughs again, but this time it's cautious... guarded. “Not when... if.”
“I'm good with when,” I say with a roguish grin. “Just so you know.”
Her eyes flare wider than the fine China plates our dinner was served on. “We are not discussing procreating at our best friends' wedding.”
“Seems like as good a time as any,” I fire back, winking to let her know I'm only joking. “But seriously, maybe we should talk about this. One day...”
“One day,” she agrees, craning forward when the music starts. “Oh, here they come!”
We all watch on as the happy couple and James make their way down the pathway through a myriad of iridescent bubbles. There's a pep in their steps, their smiles brighter than the moon as they make their way toward us.
Not gonna lie, happiness looks good on them, and even though their path to it was crooked and hard, I know they're better for it. Stronger. They have the kind of love others can only hope to have one day.
“Congrats, man,” I say when they stop in front of us. “Happy for y'all.”
Atlas grips my hand and draws me into a hug. “Appreciate it, man.”
“You want to come to me or Ellis?” Scarlet asks.
To no one's surprise, James says, “Scar!” as he makes grabby hands at her.
She reaches to take him from Nora, but she steps back, twisting out of reach. “Not so fast,” she says, cuddling her squirmy toddler to her chest. “Mama's not ready.”
“Mama!” James yells, smacking his hands against her cheeks before leaning in for what is undoubtedly a sticky kiss. “Wub ooh.”
“I love you, too, sweet boy.” She peppers kisses all over his face. “I'm gonna miss you so, so much.”
“We will send lots of pics and video chat every day,” Scarlet promises.
“Maybe we should...” Nora starts, only for Atlas to shut her down. “Absolutely not. We're going on our honeymoon. James will be loved, spoiled, and well cared for with Ellis and Scarlet.”
My girl preens. “That might be the nicest thing you've ever said to me.”
“Way to set the bar low, Scarlet.” Swear, if it wasn’t his wedding day, I’d pop him in the mouth for being such a dick to her.
She shrugs. “I figure we're still in the baby steps stage of our friendship, yeah?”
“Probably too soon to even call it a friendship,” Atlas says, his face devoid of any real emotion.
Scarlet shrinks. “Right. Well, regardless, we're working on it, and I promise your little man will be so very loved while y'all are sipping soda poolside.”
My best friend stares down the love of my life like he's trying to see into her soul. It's a shame he can't, because if he could, he'd know just how genuine and good Scarlet is. “Thanks.”
“Okay, Pip. We've gotta get on the road.”
“Do we?” she asks, her big hazel eyes filling with tears.
Atlas nods. “We do, and you know it.”
“Everything's going to be great, Nora. You know I won't let anything happen.”
Nora sighs and passes James to Atlas before tugging Scarlet into a bone-crushing hug. “I know you won't, Scar. You love James like he’s your own.”
“I do.” She gives a sharp nod. “And like I said, I'll send lots of pictures and you can call any time.”
“Thank you,” Nora breathes out the words before releasing Scarlet and squaring her shoulders. “Okay. I can do this. I'm good. Promise.”
Atlas kisses all over James's face. “Be good for Ellis and Scar, yeah?”
James nods but I don't think he actually has any idea what he's agreeing to. But I'm not too worried, my dude is always good. Even if he is officially mobile and into everything. He and Fefe should be all kinds of trouble—but the cute kind.
Nora takes him back. “I love you so, so much, my sweet little love. I'll see you soon.”
This time, when Scarlet goes to take him, Nora allows it, even if her hold does linger a second too long.
“Ready to head home?” I ask, watching Scarlet as she cuddles James with something akin to longing in my gaze.
“Beyond ready.” She glares at the ground. “These shoes are killing me.”
I follow her line of sight, taking in the offending heels. “Take them off.”
“And go barefoot out here?” Her nose crinkles. “No, thanks.”
“Hand James to me,” I tell her, and much to my surprise, she does. Scarlet’s a hardcore baby hog. I situate him and give her my back. “Hop on.”
“You've lost your mind,” she says through peals of laughter as she tries to move around me.
“I've got you.” I block her path and squat ever so slightly. “So, ditch the shoes and hop on.”
She gives me a long, hard look before relenting. “You better not drop either of us.”
“I won't.” It’s a vow, too, because I’d rather walk over glass barefoot than hurt either of them
“If you do have to drop one of us, make sure it's me.”
“I'm not dropping either of you. Now, c'mon, Princess. Your chariot awaits.”
“You weirdo.” She launches herself onto my back, wrapping her arms around my neck.
I stumble half a step before righting myself. “I think you mean your weirdo, because I'm so fucking yours.”
Her soft exhale puffs against my neck. “And I'm yours.”
Both Scarlet and James are out cold before we ever hit the highway. Most of my drive is spent trying to figure out the best way to get them both inside without waking either of them.
I finally settle on taking James inside first when a massive shadow in my driveway has me slamming on the brakes.
“What…” Scarlet jerks forward before her seatbelt locks, forcefully jerking her back. “… the hell? Is everything okay?”
“Yeah.” I heave out a long-suffering sigh. “We have a visitor.”
“A visitor,” she whispers, trepidation shining in her eyes as she whips around to look at me.
I nod, and she discreetly looks forward. “Is that…” She squints.
“My mother?” I throw the truck in park. “Yes.”
Suddenly she's wide awake. “Did you know she was coming?” she asks, her voice pitching high with panic. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because I didn't have a clue, Princess.” I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Might as well face the music.”
I unbuckle and throw open my door. Scarlet does the same as Mom climbs down from her RV. “I've called you fifteen times!”
I slide my phone from my pocket and unlock the screen. Sure enough, fifteen missed calls, along with double that in texts. “I'm sorry. I must’ve forgotten to turn my ringer back on after the ceremony.”
Mom’s glare softens. “Was it beautiful?”
“Only thing missing was you,” I tell her, letting the barest hint of disappointment creep into my tone.
She has the decency to look remorseful. “You know weddings are hard. Last one I attended was my own. Next one I plan to attend is yours.”
Scarlet chokes but Mom pays her no mind—she’s not finished interrogating me just yet. “Now, what's with the gate?” She eyes with disdain.
“It's a long story,” I start but Scarlet edges in front of me.
“It’s my fault, Mrs. Wilder.” Scarlet wrings her hands together. “I’m so sorry.”
Mom finally turns, giving Scarlet all of her focus as she eyes her up and down. “Well, aren't you cute as a button!”
“Um.” Scarlet swallows. “Thank you?”
“You’re welcome. Now, what’s your name?”
“Scarlet.”
“Pretty name for a pretty girl. I’m Heather, but you can call me Mom.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” Scarlet extends her hand, but instead of shaking it, my mother grips it and yanks her in for a hug. “None of that, Doll. We hug around here.”
Scarlet sends me a pleading look as Mom squeezes her tightly, rocking back and forth.
“Okay,” I say intervening. “Let’s break it up. It’s late and we need to get—”
As if he knew I was about to mention him, the sound of James crying from the truck pierces the air.
“Well, why’re you just standing there, El? Let us in.”
Already exasperated, I stalk past her and enter the gate code manually. “Pull to the side of the house,” I remind her as it slides open.
“Yeah, yeah. I know the drill.” She climbs back into her RV.
“Your mom doesn’t think we’re getting married… does she?” Scarlet asks once we’re back inside the truck. She’s in the back seat beside James, trying to comfort him with soft whispers.
“Honestly?” I ask, throwing the truck into park. “She’d love it. Hell, if I told her we were getting married, she could probably have a whole wedding planned by next week.”
“Sounds like my mom. Especially if it was you.” Scarlet laughs under her breath before turning serious. “It doesn’t bother Atlas that she wasn’t there?”
“Nah.” I kill the power. “He gets it and knows she loves him. She also sent a nice gift, so I’m sure that helps.”
“That makes sense.” She tips her head side-to-side.
I huff out a laugh. “Does it?”
“Your mom is still deeply grieving the loss of your dad, Sunshine. I know you said she likes to have fun— she waggles her brows—“but she loved him so deeply that the mere thought of going to someone’s wedding other than yours pains her.”
“I guess,” I grumble, hating the thought of my mom’s so-called fun.
“I mean, clearly it works for her,” Scarlet says, unbuckling James from his car seat. “She looks great—healthy, vivacious, even if she is still sad.”
I groan. “She looks like trouble, and I have a feeling the two of you together are gonna be double trouble. We were so worried about never letting her and your mom meet, it didn't even occur to me the kind of antics you two would get up to.”
I catch her gaze in the rear view mirror and she smiles mischievously. “Only time will tell, Ellis Wilder. Only time will tell.”