by Tracy Ewens
“When do you guys think you’ll have kids?” he asked, staring into his lap.
Boyd glanced at Ella. They had already discussed what their family would look like going forward. Boyd shrugged, indicating now was as good a time as any to share their news with Mason.
“We have kids,” Ella said. “Well, a kid.”
Mason looked up at her as if she’d spouted some complicated prophecy.
“You’re not… I mean, don’t most married people want to…”
The idea that Mason would ever think they needed more than him broke Ella’s heart. She let Boyd take it from there.
“Are you kidding? Now that you’re the next big thing on the high school field hockey scene, there will be practices, and I can’t even begin to think about driving.”
Ella raised her hand. “I volunteer.”
“Good news. It’s probably a good idea to have a doctor in the car because I’ve seen what this kid is like on his bicycle.”
They all laughed, munched popcorn, and joked a little more until Boyd’s eyes welled.
He reached behind Ella to rest his hand on his son’s shoulder. “You are all we need, Mase. Best thing that ever happened to me.”
“Me too,” Ella said, her eyes glassy.
Mason beamed, looking back and forth between them. When the love became too much, he broke eye contact and propped his feet on the coffee table.
“So, I guess it’s the three of us,” he said, a smile in his voice.
“Guess so,” Ella said.
“That’s good because three is a perfect number for voting. All in favor of the wolves?”
Boyd raised his hand. Ella could feel him pleading for her vote, but she kept her eyes on the popcorn bowl and tried to control her laughter.
“All in favor of Fantastic Beasts?” Mason said.
Ella slowly raised her hand and winked in jest when she met Boyd’s eyes as Mason cheered and grabbed the remote.
“I love you,” Mason said, not for the first time, and leaned over to kiss her on the cheek. Ella hugged him and couldn’t seem to let go. Hugging meant more than bad memories to her now, and she wanted Mason to know how much she’d learned.
“Okay, okay.” Mason squirmed and she released him.
“Who’s the master Jedi, now?” she asked.
“You are.” Mason laughed. “I’ve created a monster.”
Ella grew serious. “I love you too, Mase.”
Mason’s smile reached right into her heart. He nodded and turned his focus back to the movie.
Boyd, who was still mocking shock at his movie defeat, cleared his throat. “So much for the den of dudes.”
“So much for it.” Ella took his face and kissed him until the opening movie music started and Mason began tossing popcorn at them.
Life was good. The weekend was almost over and she had to be at the hospital by eight the next morning, but that was fine too. She had the mug Bri gave her for her birthday with black script lettering that Ella now knew was the truth: Mondays suck.
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank:
Katie McCoach for her patience and her ability to somehow always find a clear path.
Nikki Busch for catching that Big Red has artificial sweeteners before Ella got on her soapbox.
Erin Tolbert for keeping me from the straight jacket. Every. Single. Day.
All the men and women who step up and show up for the children in their lives. The ones who choose love and define family on their own terms.
The City of Petaluma for honoring its past and making excellent beer.
My family for continuing to call back and forgiving my absent mind.
Every reader because all of this stops without you. It is an honor to share my stories.
Tracy Ewens shares a beautiful piece of desert with her husband and three children in New River, Arizona. She is a recovered theater major who walks her dog Jack, drinks copious amounts of tea, and reads well past her bedtime.
www.tracyewens.com
Other Titles in the A Love Story Series
Premiere
Candidate
Taste
Reserved
Stirred
Vacancy
Playbook
Exposure