Page 116 of Not So Very Sensible

She laughed, then coughed. “I can’t breathe. My nose is so clogged with tears and snot.”

He laughed.

“Oh my gosh, I can’t believe I just said that,” she moaned. “I’m so embarrassing.”

“You’re so real. And relatable. And perfect. And everything I want.”

“But you barely know me.”

“Everything I know I like.”

She started crying again. “Oh, why do you have to be so nice?”

“Just lucky, I guess.”

Her laughter spurted and she quickly shook her head again. “But this can’t work. You’re the son of a famous politician, and I’m just me. Your family obviously doesn’t even like me.”

“You don’t need to worry about them. I’ve been making plans. That means there will be a lot less of my family in my world.”

She pulled back, her head still lowered so her hair hid her face. “I don’t want to get in the way of you and them.”

“You know, I actually don’t think it’s you. I think it’s my faith in God that they object to, and the fact that it makes me different. Well, that’s what Francine told me recently.”

“They’re not Christians?”

“No. My mum was though.” He placed a finger on her chin, lifting her face until he could see her red-rimmed eyes.

She instantly shut them. “Don’t look at me. I’m such a mess.”

“I don’t care. I’ve missed seeing you for so long that every second I’m with you now feels infinitely precious to me.”

“Ohhh.” She started sobbing again and pushed him away when he went to comfort her.

A cleared throat drew his attention to the top of the stairs, where a scowling John Bennett stood, hands on hips.

Ethan held up his hands. “I swear, I don’t know what I said.”

“He—he said that every second he’s with me feels precious,” Ellie sobbed.

John’s brow cleared. “Well, in that case, carry on. But you might need to keep it down, Ellie. You’re starting to worry the neighbours.”

This set her wailing again, and Ethan couldn’t help but smile. This wasn’t quite the reaction he had hoped for, but the fact such big emotions were involved left him in no doubt about her heart. She cared for him. Even if she hadn’t yet said it in quite so many words.

“Ellie.” He took her hands, helped her up. “Is it okay with you if I stay a little longer?”

“Of course it is.” She stepped closer, her body aligning with his.

If he was at youth group, he’d say this was too close for a guy and girl to stand. But as he wasn’t at youth group, this felt exactly right. Because if he had his way, before long she’d be wearing two rings on her finger and they could be much closer still. Maybe followed by a trip to Japan to see the Studio Ghibli fun park.

He and Ellie fit together perfectly in so many ways. Their faith, their interests, their humour. And he couldn’t wait for the chance to get to know her better.

“Ellie?” someone called. Then “Oh!”

He glanced up again to see Katie smirking from the steps.

“Don’t mind me. I’m happy standing here to watch the show.”

“Katie, go away,” Ellie protested, shifting in his arms.