Ellie’s lips dropped open as tears filled her eyes.
Helen waved her hand in the air between them before Ellie could say anything. “Your father and I are still struggling with your career choice, but it’s obvious that this is your true calling, no matter what life we’d envisioned for you. You’ve grown so much since you became a detective at Charleston Police Department, and we don’t tell you enough how proud we are of you. Not only for saving that poor woman but for ignoring your detractors and following your heart and your head.”
“Mom, I—”
Helen’s bottom lip quivered delicately as she lifted a hand. “Eleanor, I believe with my whole heart that poor woman wouldn’t be alive today without you, and after being held captive for so long…” Helen’s voice broke, emotion clearly overwhelming her. She dragged in a shuddering breath to calm herself and lifted her chin. “Well, let’s just say the poor dear will need a little help to get back on her feet.”
“I don’t know what to say.” Ellie threw her arms around her mother and pulled her close. When she could finally speak, her voice was just above a whisper. “Thank you.”
“No. Thank you, darling. For always showing me that there’s more than one way to bring light to this world.” When Helen pulled away, her brown eyes glimmered with unshed tears. “This world deserves more people like you.” Helen hugged Ellie again and sighed, her gentle laugh like tinkling chimes on the wind. “Looks like our private moment is over.” She gestured to the center table where Daniel Kline sat, flanked by Ellie’s brothers, an empty seat saved for Helen. “They’re beginning to serve dinner. We’ll talk more later, but I wanted you to have this.”
Ellie nodded and tucked the envelope into her small clutch just as Nick arrived to escort her to her seat.
When Helen walked away to join her husband, Nick leaned in close. “What was that about?” He chuckled, stealing a quick kiss. “Is she still trying to convince you to give up police work for something more noble?”
“No.” Ellie shook her head, watching her mother place a loving hand on her dad’s shoulder. “She was telling me how proud she is.”
Nick arched an eyebrow. “Well, that might be the biggest surprise of the night.”
“You’re telling me.”
He took her hand and gave it a little tug. “Your party awaits. Here’s hoping the rest of the night is just as wonderful.”
* * *
Nick twirled the last strand of handmade fettuccini onto his fork, swirling it in the thick garlic cream sauce before bringing it to his lips and savoring the last bite.
Ellie set her fork down and picked up her wine glass, throwing her head back and downing the last drops of red wine. Her lashes fluttered, and her lips turned up into a satisfied smile as she held the empty glass up for the waiter to fill. He rushed forward, careful not to splash the crimson liquid as he poured. When the waiter handed the glass back, Ellie swirled the wine gently in the glass, inhaled, and sipped. Glancing over, she caught Nick watching her and grinned. “It’s my birthday.”
Nick shrugged. “No judgment. I just enjoy watching you let loose every once in a while.”
Ellie felt a niggle of guilt. “It has been a while since we’ve been out.”
“Too long.” He stood and held his hand out to her. “The band’s been playing all night, but the dance floor’s still empty. What do you say we get this party started?”
She chuckled, placing her hand in his and letting him lead her into the center of the room. He spun her once, her turquoise dress shimmering as the generous skirt floated on the air. His breath caught when she stepped into his embrace, her nearness setting his heart racing.
They’d grown up together, dated since she’d graduated high school, yet she still took his breath away. Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her close until she rested her head on his shoulder, one hand on his chest. They swayed to the sweet melody as the lights dimmed slightly, and the guests scattered about the large dining area faded into the background.
“Happy birthday,” he whispered.
“Thank you.” Poised and confident on the dance floor, she followed his lead with effortless grace when he stepped back to spin her again. “Tonight was exactly what I needed.”
He flashed her a wry grin. “Does that mean you’re not mad that I brought you here under false pretenses?”
“I’m always game for a surprise.”
He raised his eyebrows, giving her a disbelieving look. “I’ll file that information away for another time.”
The band flowed into the next song seamlessly. Couples fell into step around them, one at a time. Nick motioned with his chin, drawing Ellie’s attention to her parents entering the dance floor.
Ellie sighed. “Their fortieth anniversary is at the end of June.”
“Big plans?”
Green eyes bright with mischief, she wagged her finger at him playfully. “You’re not the only one who can keep a secret.”
“My parents have theirs next year, so I’ll be taking notes.”
“As you should.”
He pulled her closer and nuzzled her neck, inhaling her familiar jasmine and vanilla scent. “Speaking of presents, I didn’t get you anything for your birthday yet. I was thinking about a vacation to a tropical island. Or a mountain resort. It doesn’t really matter where.”
“Hmm…a long weekend sounds wonderful.”
“I don’t plan on leaving the bedroom when I finally have you all to myself. I’ve missed you.”
A soft pink glow crept up on her cheeks. “You sure do know how to make a woman feel beautiful.”
“Trust me. You make it easy.”
Nick held Ellie in his arms as the songs melted one into another, and he lost track of time.
A tap on his shoulder pulled