Page 54 of Pieces into Place
“Totally.” Parking the car, Ellie rolled up the window before running over to Isla’s Jeep. She hopped into the passenger seat as she leaned over to give Isla a hug. “I’ve missed you, Mom.”
“I’ve missed you too, baby.” Isla kissed her cheek. “Our schedules haven’t been aligning much with school, work, andSadie.”
Sadie Baxter had been Ellie’s girlfriend for almost two years and Isla loved them together. She loved how happy Ellie looked with Sadie and she loved that Sadie felt like a part of their family. Not that she thought they would break up, but Isla had a feeling Sadie would be in their lives regardless. And that meant more to Isla than anything to know her kids were cultivating healthy relationships.
“Don’t say her name like that,” Ellie giggled as Isla pulled out of the driveway.
Isla savored her time with Ellie as they chatted about Sadie and school and Ellie’s plans for the summer. She had been working at Vera’s office the last year or so learning from the other ultrasound techs. From what Isla had heard, Ellie had been doing amazing. Both she and Vera had worried about Ellie getting preferential treatment because of who her parents were, but so far, that hadn’t seemed to be the case. Ellie and Vera didn’t work on patients together, which helped a lot.
Of course, Mason had been the exception. Isla still remembered how happy and excited Ellie was when Mason asked her to be her ultrasound tech during her pregnancy. Ellie had been there at every appointment and Isla loved watching not only Ellie fall more in love with the career she’d chosen, but have a deeper relationship with her sister as well. She loved how close her kids were, and now that Blake was mending relationships, she felt all the family pieces were finally in place.
“Dr. Jacobs almost put me on Blake’s ultrasound the other day.”
“Oh, yeah?”
“Yeah. I think the different last names made her forget.”
“I can see that.”
“Do you think she would have let me do it?”
“Avery?” Isla furrowed her brow as she pulled up to a red light. “I don’t think she would mind.”
“No, Blake.” Ellie shrugged, looking down at her hands. “I don’t want to make her uncomfortable. Especially not when she’s opened up so much to everyone recently.”
“Oh, Ellie.” Reaching her hand out, Isla put her hand on the back of Ellie’s neck as she rubbed her thumb on her skin. “I know everything with Blake the last few months has been a whirlwind. Believe me, I’ve experienced it firsthand. But, honestly, I don’t think you asking to be herultrasound tech would send her over the edge. If anything, I honestly think it would help you two bond.”
“So, you think I should ask her?”
“I do.” Isla firmly nodded. “I think she’ll say yes, but even if she doesn’t, just know it’s not because of you.”
“Iknow.” Ellie rolled her eyes as a smile played on her lips. “We just have to give Blake space to come to us in her own time.”
“Exactly, my little Vera.”
“I’ve heard you and Mama say that enough. I know the drill.”
“Well, while I’m glad to know you’re listening to us, I still think you should ask Blake.”
“And maybeyoucan ask her to be in the delivery room.”
Isla whipped her head around at Ellie’s comment. Yes, she’d expressed her desire to be there when Blake delivered toVera.Isla was sure she hadn’t said that to anyone else. And definitely not Ellie. Ellie grinned as Isla pulled into the hardware store’s parking lot.
“I told you I listen.”
“Eavesdropmight be a better word.”
“Or Evie-drop,” Ellie giggled as Isla shot her a glare. “Your youngest has big earsanda big mouth.”
“Just like her mother,” Isla joked as she unbuckled her seatbelt and patted Ellie’s thigh. “Come on, let’s go get some paint for your needy sister.”
“More likeyourneedy daughter.”
“No, that’syou.”
“Ha, ha.”
After getting the paint and picking up two pizzas and cheese bread, Isla and Ellie finally arrived at the Holland house. Alexis greeted them at the front door with paint on her cheek and in her hair. Isla handed her the extra gallon of paint with a laugh.
