“I want to come live with you.”

The words had rolled around in Jonas’s head all night long, causing him a serious lack of sleep.  Hannah had slept over last night.  His sister had poured her heart out to him about her feelings of alienation and angst.  She had never been so brutally honest or vulnerable. Jonas wished he could take on all of her problems so she wouldn’t have to suffer.  But he knew part of this came with growing up.

“Are you all right?” Elle asked.  “You don’t look so great.”

“I’m all right,” he said, his voice sounding weary to his own ears.  “When I got home last night Hannah was sitting on my doorstep.”

“Wow,” Elle said.  “Did something happen?”

Jonas shrugged.  “It’s the same old stuff that’s been bothering her.  But it seems as if everything has come to a head with my parents.  She asked to move in with me.”

“Oh, Jonas, that’s a big ask.  How would your parents feel about it?”

“To be honest, I’m not quite certain.  And honestly, I’m not sure how I feel about it myself.”  He folded his arms across his chest. “It would be a huge responsibility.”

Elle let out a low whistle.  “I can only imagine.  So how did you leave it with her?”

“I told her I’d talk to our folks and think about it,” Jonas said, running a hand through his hair.  “I have to be honest.  This might sound selfish, but I’ve been looking forward to inviting you over to dinner or to watch a movie.  I never imagined I’d be playing the role of surrogate father.”

Elle gazed at him, then playfully batted her eyelashes at him. 

“So you’ve been planning to invite me out on a date, huh?”

“I’ve been thinking about it.  What do you say, Elle?  How about you come over tomorrow night and I’ll grill for us? It’s supposed to be a gorgeous summer night.”

“I’d like that,” Elle said.  “Just let me know what to bring.  Hot dogs?  Buns?  A dessert?”

Jonas subtly reached down and took her hand in his.  He casually looked around the diner to make sure no one had noticed.  “All I ask is that you bring yourself.  Trust me, there’s never going to be a time when that’s not enough.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, Jonas worried that he was wearing his heart on his sleeve.  Elle smiled at him and walked toward the window where she grabbed her customers’ orders.  Jonas looked away from her, warning himself not to get too invested in Elle Harrington.  Especially since he had no idea of how she felt about him.  As it was, he already felt as if he might be in over his head.

***

Elle didn’t know why she was so nervous about a simple get together at Jonas’s house.  All day at work she’d been thinking about it.  What should she wear?  Should she bring along a bottle of wine?  Or did that seem like too much of a date thing?  She wasn’t even certain if this was a date or a simple matter of two friends hanging out.  On the other hand, friends didn’t kiss.  And she and Jonas had shared a wonderfully romantic kiss. 

As soon as she got home, Elle began to rummage through her closet in search of the perfect, I’m-not-trying-too-hard outfit.  Should she wear jeans or a cute little romper?  A skirt or a shift dress?  Sandals or loafers?

“What are you doing?” her mother asked.  “This room looks like a tornado just roared through here.”

Elle, sitting on the floor amidst half of her wardrobe, let out a frustrated sigh.  She blew hair out of her face.  “I’m looking for something to wear tonight.”

“Does my sweet angel have a date?” Bunny asked, her pretty face lit up with excitement. 

Elle shrugged.  “I guess.  Sort of.  Maybe.  Honestly, it might not be a date.”

“Who are you sort of dating?” her mother asked, lips twitching.

“Jonas Landry.  He’s my boss at the diner.”  Elle held up her hands.  “Please don’t say anything about the foolishness of dating one’s boss.”

Bunny clapped her hands together.  “How wonderful! Jonas Landry is an incredible young man.  I adore him.”  She winked at Elle.  “Matter of fact, I always have.”

“He’s really terrific, Mom.  I can’t tell you how kind he’s been to me.  He has this down to earth charm about him.”

Bunny waved her hand in the air.  “You don’t need to tell me a thing about Jonas Landry. I used to be his Bible study teacher.  That boy was always so full of joy and kindness.  I knew he’d turn into a good man one day.”

“It’s funny how I’ve known him my whole life, but I really never knew him until recently,” Elle said, digging into her pile of clothes.  “Was I blind or something?”

“Well, maybe you can see a little more clearly these days,” Bunny said.  “Being a ballerina was a wonderful accomplishment.  Your father and I couldn’t be more proud of all that you achieved, but it came at a price.  You got pulled into a world that was a bit over your head.  I think your head got turned by all the glamour and the parties and the shopping sprees.”

Elle knew her mother was right.  It had been a world full of temptations.  She’d never allowed her work ethic to be compromised, but she wasn’t sure if she could say the same about her soul.  She had placed way too much importance on being a part of the in crowd and eating at exclusive restaurants, attending fashion shows and rubbing shoulders with the elite.  At first it had been all about the ballet, but that had quickly given way to other influences.

“I’m not proud of it,” she admitted.  “I have a long way to go to pay off my creditors, but I’m making progress.  I’ll never live beyond my means again.  Even if that means I’ll be going without for a while.”

“Thatta girl!” her mother said in a spirited voice.  “And if you and Jonas get married, you can move in to his cute little ranch-style house.”

“Mom!” she cried out, feeling mortified.  “We’re light years away from getting married.  We just started whatever it is we’re doing.”  She frowned at her.  “Don’t you dare repeat that sentiment to a single one of your friends.  Promise me!”

Her mother held up her hands.  “All right.  I won’t.  Can you blame me for being excited about you and Jonas?  It would mean you’d stay put in Sugar Hollow.  There’s nothing I would love more than that.  I’ve missed you, baby girl.”

Tears pricked Elle’s eyes.  Her mother had been through so much.  She’d lost her child.  No parent should ever outlive their offspring.  Elle had seen her parents’ grief up close and personal.  It had been brutal and devastating and earth shattering.  She never wanted to see her mother hurt like that again.

Elle stood up and walked over to her mother.  She pulled her into an embrace.  For a moment they both stood and hugged each other for all they were worth. 

This, she realized, was what had been missing in her life when she was chasing her dreams.  Unconditional love and acceptance.  Mama didn’t care whether she was a famous ballerina or a chimney sweeper.  She loved her, warts and all.  Her mother would never forsake her when the going got tough.  Bunny loved her to the moon and back.  Suddenly, this felt like enough. 

***

Jonas wasn’t the sort of man who pulled out all the stops to impress a woman.  After all, it was his philosophy that he should be loved for who he was and not for anything he did or purchased for a woman.  That being said, Jonas was doing his very best to impress the woman of his dreams. 

He had planned this evening meticulously.  The steaks had been marinating all day in the fridge.  Fresh bread had been baked.  Red wine was chilling in an ice bucket.  He’d gone casual and set up a table in the backyard near the grill.  He’d made a wonderful salad and dessert was baking in the oven.  All he had to do was drop some corn on the cob in a boiling pot of water once Elle arrived.  A quick glance at his watch showed it was ten minutes to seven.  She’d be here shortly.

Jonas walked outside to turn on the grill.  When he went outside he let out a gasp of appreciation.  His fenced-in backyard was lit up with a myriad of twinkling lights.  It looked magical.  And there was only one person who could have pulled this off right under his nose. 

Hannah!

He looked around him, feeling overwhelmed by her sweet surprise.  She had also placed a vase of wildflowers in the center of the table and tied a bright ribbon around it.

“Do you like it?”

He turned around at the sound of Hannah’s voice.  She was standing there in a black dress looking bashful.  His little sister had such a big heart. 

He shook his head.  “I don’t like it, sis.  I love it.”

Hannah let out a sigh of relief and beamed at him.  His sister probably didn’t realize it, but she was quite beautiful when she smiled.  She needed to do it more often.

“I’m glad.  It was a thank you for talking to our folks and letting me stay here with you,” she said.

“Well, it’s contingent on you finishing summer school and making sure you stay in school without having to repeat a grade,” Jonas said in a warning tone.  “I know things have been rough on you, so if this solution helps, I’m happy to be here for you until things settle down.”

“I won’t let you down, Jonas,” she said.  She cocked her ear to the side.  “I think I just heard the doorbell.  I’ll get out of your hair.  Go answer the door.”

Jonas moved quickly into the house and toward the front door.  He could hear Hannah’s footsteps as she disappeared down the back staircase.  It had been Hannah’s idea to turn his finished basement into her bedroom.  His hands were slightly perspiring as he pulled the front door open.  Elle was standing on his front porch looking lovelier than ever in a pair of pink Capri pants and a sleeveless white top.  Her white sandals tied the outfit together.  Her blonde hair hung loose around her shoulders.  She was wearing a light colored lipstick, but no other hint of makeup.

“Good evening,” she said, thrusting a bottle of wine at him.

“Thanks.  Come on in,” he said, stepping back and waving her in to his home.

Elle stepped over the threshold and walked into the foyer.  She looked around her in all directions.  “I love these warm colors.  They’re so inviting.”

“I wanted to use earth tones and throw in a few pops of color like red and mulberry.  You want a quick tour of the place?”

Elle nodded.  “Yes, please.  I dream of home ownership all the time, so I’m very impressed by your house.”

“Here’s the living room,” Jonas said, walking a few steps towards the nearest room.  He watched Elle’s expression light up as she walked into the room.

“It’s very cozy,” Elle said, looking around her with appreciation.  The room had a fireplace, two sofas facing each other and separated by a coffee table, several paintings and a big bay window. 

Jonas continued giving Elle a tour—the kitchen, master bedroom, two guest rooms and the two baths, as well as his den.  He didn’t take her downstairs to the basement.  Hannah deserved her privacy.

He led her back to the kitchen so he could put the corn on.  After letting the water boil, he dropped the two ears of corn in the pot.  Jonas then grabbed two wine glasses and located the wine Elle had brought with her. 

“Why don’t we head outside?” Jonas asked, leading her toward the back door.  Because his hands were full, Elle opened up the door for them. 
As soon as Elle saw the sparkly lights she let out a cry of surprise. 

“Oh Jonas, it’s beautiful.  It looks amazing out here.”

Jonas grinned.  “Hannah set up the twinkling lights.  She made it look spectacular.”

“This is a great set-up, Jonas.  The lights really add a special touch.”

Jonas held out a chair for her.  After she sat down he placed a wine glass in front of her and then poured her half a glass.  He poured some into his own glass, then sat down next to her. 

“I have to say, it’s nice to see you outside of work,” Jonas said, silently admiring her appearance.  Elle always looked great, but it was nice to see her out of the diner’s basic uniform.

“It’s a nice treat to be here.  Lately it seems as if all I do is work.”  She held up a hand.  “Not that I’m complaining.  I enjoy working at the diner and I’m still very thankful for employment.”

“We’re happy to have you.  You’re a hard worker and you’ve been a quick study.  The customers seem to love you,” Jonas said with a smile.  He didn’t add that she already had a few admirers.  Some middle school boys had been coming to the diner on a regular basis and asking to be seated at Elle’s station.  Elle seemed to have no idea they were crushing on her.

“Thanks.  It’s been really interesting being back home.  I was afraid people would be disappointed to see me back here in Sugar Hollow.  I worried about my parents, thinking they might be embarrassed that my career flamed out.”

“Of course not, Elle.  How in the world could anyone not be proud of all you’ve accomplished?”

“That’s what Mama said to me tonight.  It made me really happy to hear it.  And she told me they’re really happy to have me back home where I belong.”  Elle ducked her head.  He had the feeling emotion was consuming her.  “For so long I was drowning in New York City.  I couldn’t pay my rent since I wasn’t working.  Some of my friends turned out to be really fickle.  They turned their backs on me when I was at my lowest point.  I was depressed because I knew I wasn’t ever going to be able to dance professionally again.  I was so scared, Jonas.”

It made Jonas sad to imagine Elle at her lowest point.  “What saved you from all that?”

“I turned to the Lord.  In my weakest moment I cried out to him.  He held me up.  He didn’t let me completely fall apart, even though I wanted to.  I was so tired, Jonas.  Empty.  But I felt God wanted me to go home, to return to the place where I took my first steps.  Being home has been like a rebirth.  I feel like I’m learning how to live all over again.”

“I can’t tell you how happy I am that you came back to Sugar Hollow.”  Jonas put his wine glass down and reached out for her hand.  Elle squeezed it and looked at him with joy radiating from her eyes.

“Me too.  Every day I’m more and more convinced this is where I belong.  And with each day that passes by, I keep thinking God led me straight here for a reason.  Now it’s my job to tap into that reason and stay positive.”

The sound of the timer buzzing caused Jonas to jump up from his seat.  “I’m sorry.  I’ll be right back to put the meat on the grill.  I need to take the corn off and put the salad and bread on the table.”

“Jonas, please let me help.  Why don’t I take care of the corn and the other items while you put the meat on the grill?  It’ll be much more efficient that away,” Elle suggested. 

“Are you sure?  I invited you over.  I don’t want you to have to work for your supper,” he said in a teasing voice.

“I don’t mind at all.  To be honest, I’m learning to enjoy cooking. I got a little addicted to eating out at trendy restaurants over the past few years.”  She let out a sigh.  “I’m not going to say I don’t miss it, but I like experimenting in the kitchen and seeing what I can come up with.” 

“Well, that’s something we have in common.”

“Let me go get the corn before it’s inedible,” Elle said as she quickly made her way toward the back door.  As she disappeared from sight, Jonas headed over to the grilling area and placed the steaks on the grill.  He turned toward the speaker system and flipped it on.  Soft jazz music began to emanate through the speakers. 

By the time he took the meat off the grill Elle had returned to the backyard.  “I took your cobbler from the oven.  It was starting to bubble over.”

“You’re an angel,” Jonas said, feeling relieved that he’d allowed her to help out.  After all, he only had two hands.

“No problem.  It looks and smells delicious.  You’ll have to share the recipe now that I can find my way around the kitchen.”

“Thanks for the save,” Jonas said, realizing he’d totally forgotten all about the dessert baking in the oven.  “And of course I’ll share with you.”  He put a finger to his lips.  “Don’t tell my mother though.  It’s a family recipe.  She takes these things very seriously,” he teased.

“I don’t want to get on the wrong side of your Mama,” Elle said, chuckling.

“Let’s eat before the food gets cold,” Jonas suggested, carrying the meat to the table where Elle had placed everything else.

“Would you like to say Grace?” Jonas asked, hoping she would say yes. 

Elle nodded.  They reached out and clasped each other’s hands. 

“Lord, we thank you for this food we are about to receive.   Bless the hands that so lovingly prepared this meal.  Lord, we are thankful for all Your blessings. Amen.”

“Amen,” Jonas said in a resounding voice.  Words couldn’t describe how nice it felt to be in the presence of a woman who didn’t hesitate to thank God before a meal. 

They ate in companionable silence.  It felt easy and natural to Jonas.  Every now and again Elle would comment on the food, giving him rave reviews.  In his experience, it wasn’t the norm.

“So, have you been to the new movie theater on Forrest Street?” Jonas asked, wanting to discover more about Elle than he already knew.

“Not yet,” Elle said.  “Although my sister Maggie keeps raving about it.  She said they show a lot of classic movies.”

“They’re playing Black Swan.  It’s a little dark, but I thought you might like it since it’s set in the ballet world.”

Jonas wondered if he shouldn’t have mentioned a ballet movie, but the words had slipped past his lips.  He prayed it wasn’t a sensitive subject with Elle.

“I’ve seen it a few times, but I wouldn’t mind seeing it again,” she said.

“I hope my mentioning ballet isn’t a sore spot.” 

A look of surprise flashed across her face.  “Of course not.  I’ve lived, breathed and studied ballet for most of my life.  I love it.  Even though it’s been hard to come to the realization it won’t be my career ever again, I’ll always adore it.”

Relief flooded through Jonas.  “Good,” he said with a nod of his head.  “I didn’t want to say anything that might hurt you, Elle.”

“You didn’t.  Matter of fact, someday I’d like to turn my love of ballet into a business.  I haven’t figured it all out, but just because I can’t be a ballerina anymore doesn’t mean I can’t parlay my knowledge of ballet into something viable.”

Jonas began to slowly clap.  “Bravo, Elle.  There are so many things you can do.  Your future is limitless.”

“I like being around you,” Elle said in a soft voice.  “You really me think I can do anything.  Be anything.”

“That’s because I believe in you.” 

“You have no idea how much that means to me.  I believe in you too.”

Elle closed her eyes.  “Oh, I love this song.  I used it for some of my tryouts.”

“Show me some of your moves,” Jonas suggested.

Elle made a face.  “Really?  You want to see me dance?”

“I’d love it,” Jonas said.  “The last time I saw you dance was back in high school.  It’s been a long time.”

Elle stood up.  “Okay, but I’m a bit rusty and I don’t have the right shoes on, so I’m just going to kick off these sandals and do it barefoot.”

“Go for it.  I’m sitting here waiting to be blown away.”  He sat back and folded his arms across his chest. 

“Oh great,” she said with a groan.  “No pressure.”

He watched as Elle closed her eyes and began to dance with abandon.  Every movement was crisp and graceful.  It was as if she was being transformed into a character right before his eyes.  She twirled and spun around, extending her arms and elongating her body in amazing ways.  Jonas sat transfixed, not wanting the performance to end.  As the song ended, Elle’s movements slowed down until she bowed her head and stopped dancing.

Jonas stood up and began to enthusiastically clap.  “Bravo! Bravo!” he called out, feeling inspired and energized by her dancing.

He couldn’t imagine how difficult it had been for Elle to give up something she had been born to do.  With every movement, Jonas had seen her skill and finesse.  He could easily imagine her performing on the world stage and for the New York City ballet.  Jonas wished he could have seen her in all her glory, dressed up in her elaborate ballerina costume and performing under the bright lights.

“Are you all right?” he asked, wiping away her tears with his thumb.  “You’re crying.”

“I’m fine,” she said through a haze of tears.  “These are tears of joy.  I feel rejuvenated.  I haven’t danced since I’ve been home.  God gave me this gift and from now on I’m going to use it, even if it’s in my bedroom or right here in your backyard.”

“Of course you will.  Because it’s a part of you, Elle.  Don’t ever let it go.”

He took her face between his hands.  He dipped his head down and placed a tender kiss on her lips.  Jonas felt as if this moment between them was magical.  With the twinkling lights and the soft music playing it felt intimate and special.  As a sky full of stars winked at them from above, Jonas felt himself falling straight over the edge.  He was now officially head-over-heels in love with Elle Harrington.