29. Ella
29
ELLA
T here’s freedom in knowing you’re safe. In knowing that the monster who tormented you for so long no longer has any power over you.
Theias didn’t have to say it that afternoon after the fight a week ago for me to know that Blake was no longer a threat to me. It was in his eyes when he picked me up from Mario’s that afternoon. There was a peacefulness to him that could only mean one thing. He no longer sensed a threat to my safety.
Later that night, I cried in relief, being held in his arms. He never said a word, just comforted me while I unloaded my gratitude. His whispered promises only added fuel to the fire, and I cried more, eventually wearing myself out into exhaustion.
Since then, Theias has gone back to what I assume is business as usual while handing me the reins to Mario’s. Anything I say goes. It’s an odd thing to get used to–my word carrying so much weight. Antonio has been helpful, and the staff he hired when he was the owner have been thoughtful and kind. Offering input when I ask for it or they notice my indecision.
Currently, Antonio, Lucas, and Patrick–the construction foreman–stand in front of a building that I hope will be the second location. Theias has big plans for Mario’s, and I’m a large part of it. Patrick actually suggested the closed restaurant at the end of the strip. It’s a great location, not smack in the middle of the busiest piece of land in the state but off the side, where people usually wind up anyway.
There’s just one thing I really want to change, and I haven’t spoken to Theias yet, so I’m unsure how my idea will go over.
Pulling Lucas aside, I keep my voice low as I speak. “When Theias bought Mario’s, was there anything in the contract stating he keep the name?”
Lucas’ brow rises as he looks from me to the building and back. “No, there wasn’t. He just hadn’t cared enough to worry about it. What are you thinking?”
Pulling up a picture I took of Mario’s, I hold it up facing the strip. “I think that even though the building will get good traffic, if we go with Mario’s, it’s not going to stand out with all the glitz and neon of every other building here.”
He stares for a few minutes before nodding in agreement. “Got a name in mind?”
“I don’t know if Theias’ll like it.” Biting my lip, Lucas waits for me to speak. “It’s kind of silly now that I think about it. Forget it.” I move to walk away, but Lucas grips my elbow, stopping me.
“Spit it out, Ella.”
Blowing out a deep breath, I go for it. “He’s hinted at opening more locations, and I was thinking, what about titling the franchise The Decades…Then name the restaurants a certain year or decade.” I peek up at him, and he seems intrigued, so I carry on. “For this one, with all the neon, I’d call it 1960. Give it an old-school diner feel. For Mario’s, I’d switch it to 1990 and keep it as a cozy Italian bistro.”
It’s torture waiting for his opinion, but eventually, he smiles and nods along. “A 1970s pizzeria downtown. You’re brilliant, Ella.”
My breath whooshes out as my face alights. “You really like it? Will Theias?”
“Of course, I will.” I spin at the sound of his voice, jumping into his arms. “Missed you, too, doll.” Kissing my temple, he puts me back on my feet. “Now, what’s this idea of yours?”
Smiling as I explain my plans, he appears thoughtful but open to my ideas. He especially seems interested when I explain about an entire franchise.
“You’re a genius, Ella.” He cups my cheeks and pulls me forward for a light kiss. “I’ll speak to my attorney about getting this started and working with the city on permits and everything else we’ll need.”
“I love you,” I sigh, my heart bursting with emotion for him.
“I love you, too, Ella. More than I ever thought possible.” He kisses me again, slower, more intimate than before, and by the time we separate, we’re alone and panting for breath. “Owen has picked up your parents, and they’re on their way to their new house now. Would you like to pick up Oliver from school and join them?”
“Yes!” I can’t believe how much I’ve missed them until now. “Ollie will be so excited.”
Brushing the stray hairs away from my face, Theias’ appearance softens, and he allows himself to relax enough that I can see everything he’s thinking and feeling on his face.
“I’m not leaving you,” I whisper.
His eyes widen. “I never said you were.”
Leaning into his body, I kiss the spot above his heart. “You didn’t have to. It was in the way you were watching me.”
“I love that you read me so well.” He exhales slowly. “But I wouldn’t have allowed it even if you wanted to. I’m dependent on you now in a way I’ve never been with anyone else. I don’t intend on losing that any time soon.”
“Good, ‘cause, same.” I smile up at him, containing my laughter.
Swatting my ass, Theias leads me over to the car where Caleb waits for us. “Looking alive, Ella,” he grins.
“Was I looking dead before?” At my serious tone, that smile falters, and his eyes shift to Theias. “I’m teasing you, Caleb.”
I curb my chuckle when he scowls. The man is not used to people teasing him back, and when I do it, he’s careful not to shoot back with something that will upset me because, for as tough as he his, everyone is a little afraid of Theias’ anger, especially when it comes to me.
In all my life, I never imagined I’d be in a position where I would feel so loved and protected by a man who can snap necks one minute and make gentle love to me the next. But here I am, and I’ve never been happier in my life.
Moving to Las Vegas was the best decision I ever made. And in a long line of bad choices, that’s saying something.
“I have an ultrasound next month. Dr. Edwards says we might be able to find out the sex of the babies. Do you want to come with me?” I always ask him, but he never says no. If he has things going on during that time, he moves them around so he can always be with us.
“You know I’ll be there.” He buckles my seatbelt as Caleb begins driving. “Do you want to know?”
“I’m not sure yet. I want to so I can plan the nursery, but I like exciting surprises, too. And I’d be happy no matter what, so long as they’re healthy.” Glancing at him, he’s got a contemplative look on his face. “Do you want to-?” His head shakes before I finish my question. “Why not?”
“Because if one or both of them is a girl, it’s just extra months of stressing over how the hell I’m going to protect them so nothing negative ever touches them.” There’s a pout in his tone, and my heart fills with even more love for this man.
“Thank you, Daddy.” I lean my head on his shoulder and hold his arm to my chest.
“For what?”
“For loving them like they’re your own.”
Closing my eyes, I take a short nap before arriving at Oliver’s school. And even then, I don’t wake up until Theias draws a finger along my cheek in front of my parents’ new home.
“Doll, time to wake up.” His warm breath is like a feathered touch and is so addicting.
“I’m awake,” I mumble.
“Sure you are.”
Scooping me up in his arms, he carries me out into the bright afternoon sunshine, and I feel even sleepier until I hear my parents’ voices.
“Ella, sweetheart.” My mom is emotional. Dad continuously teases her that her bladder is too close to her eyes because she can cry at the drop of a hat.
Theias slowly sets me on my feet, holding onto me until I’m steady. Mom quickly wraps me up in her arms, and Dad comes right after.
“I missed you both so much,” I mumble through a fresh set of happy tears.
“We missed you, too. But it seems you are much happier here, and that’s all that matters to us,” Dad responds as he draws back, brushing away my tears.
“I am. Theias is…” Glancing back at him as he watches us, he appears hard, unmovable, and angry, but he’s not really. He’s all those things and so much more to me and our babies. “He treats me incredibly well; he makes me deliriously happy, and”–I place my hands on my belly–“he’s going to be a wonderful father to these babies.”
They’re in awe as they realize what I’m saying. “A baby?” Mom asks.
“Two!” Ollie says excitedly, and her face lights up, with matching tears in both my parents’ eyes as they hold hands.
“Oh, Ella, sweetheart, what news!” I’m pulled in for another hug before we go inside, and they start planning for a nursery at their house, with the hopes of babysitting in the future.
My heart is even fuller after Theias and I explain that while the babies aren’t biologically his–they’re Blake’s–and reassuring them that Blake will never again be in the picture without explaining why, we spend the rest of the evening making dinner and talking about the future.
It’s the most honest conversation we’ve had as a family in years. Tears are shed, and there’s some anger over what Blake did to me, but eventually, we end the evening on a high note, with many plans for the days to come.