22. Elle

TWENTY-TWO

Elle

Sunday, July 21

6:26 am

I wake up to the soft light filtering through the curtains, my body tangled with Shep's. His warmth envelops me, and I can't help but smile as I remember our perfect night together. The shagging, both on the patio and later in bed, was everything I'd been missing and more.

"Morning, beautiful," Shep murmurs, his voice husky with sleep.

I turn to face him, drinking in his tousled hair and sleepy eyes. "Morning, handsome."

We lay there for a moment, just savoring each other's presence. I can hear the faint sounds of the house settling but no pitter-patter of little feet yet.

"Opie must still be asleep," I whisper, not wanting to break the spell.

Shep nods, pulling me closer. "He usually sleeps in until around eight unless something gets him up. I've always been early to rise, but he's my late sleeper."

"Oh, so you're saying I probably have over an hour to command your undivided attention?"

"Something like that," he says with a smile and tenderly kisses me on the nose.

I trace lazy patterns on his chest, feeling utterly content. "Last night was amazing," I say softly.

"It really was," Shep agrees, kissing my forehead. "I forgot how well we move together."

We fall into a comfortable silence, just enjoying the moment. Eventually, Shep speaks up again.

"So, we've got the whole day free. Do you have any requests?"

I ponder for a moment. "Well, it's Sunday. What does he usually like to do on his days off?"

Shep chuckles. "He's four. Every day is a day off for him. But he loves any kind of exploring. I did some research when I went into the office for a bit yesterday. What do you think about the McWane Science Center? They have exhibits related to marine life that I thought you might like. One in particular is called the "World of Water," which includes various marine life displays. I think I read that it does a deep dive into the aquatic species, including touch tanks where you can interact with marine creatures and educational displays about ocean ecosystems. "

"That sounds perfect," I reply, already imagining what kind of setup they have. The nerd in me loves that kind of stuff. "That is sweet of you, Shep. You continue to impress me with your thoughtfulness. You're just full of surprises, aren't you?"

"I've got more than one I want to show you this morning…"

The morning light dances across Shep's features, casting a warm glow on his skin. I trace the contours of his face with my fingertips, the stubble rough against my touch. His eyes flutter open, a sleepy smile playing on his lips as he pulls me closer.

"Good morning," he whispers, his voice a low rumble that gives me goosebumps all over my body.

I can't help but grin back at him. "Morning."

Our lips meet in a gentle kiss, a soft exploration that quickly deepens with the promise of the morning. His hands roam over my body, each touch igniting a trail of sparks beneath my skin. I arch into him, craving the connection we've rekindled after all these years.

We're both acutely aware of the quiet house around us. The stillness is punctuated only by the occasional creak of the old wooden beams. Opie is still asleep, and we have this stolen moment to ourselves—a precious sliver of time where it's just the two of us at the start of the day, lost in each other.

Shep's hands slide down my back, pulling me flush against him. I can feel the heat of his body, the steady thrum of his heartbeat against my chest. Our legs tangle together, a dance of limbs that's as familiar as it is new.

I straddle him, my movements slow and deliberate. I want to savor every second, every sensation. His eyes never leave mine as I lower myself onto him, a soft gasp escaping my lips as he fills me completely.

We move together in a rhythm as old as time, our bodies perfectly in sync. It's a dance of give and take, a silent conversation where words are unnecessary. Each thrust is a question, each moan an answer.

Shep's hands cup my face, his thumbs brushing away the stray tears that have slipped from my eyes. This connection that we share is overwhelming. It's more than just physical—it's a reawakening of everything we once were and could be again.

Our lovemaking is a series of soft whispers and gentle caresses, a quiet affirmation of the bond that still exists between us. We're careful to keep our sounds of pleasure to a minimum, mindful of the little boy sleeping just down the hall.

As we reach the crescendo, Shep captures my cries with a searing kiss, swallowing my moans as we find our release together. It's a moment of pure ecstasy, a perfect fusion of bodies and souls.

We lay there in the aftermath, our breaths slowly returning to normal. Shep's arms are a safe haven around me, a shelter from the outside world. I rest my head on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart.

"I could stay like this forever," I murmur, my voice barely above a whisper.

Shep presses a tender kiss to the top of my head. "We've got all the time in the world, Elle."

And in this moment, I almost believe him.

McWane Science Center

200 19th St N

5:12 pm

After watching the most spectacular World of Water exhibit, I sit on the bench in the outdoor courtyard, savoring my chocolate ice cream cone. The sun is starting to dip a little lower in the sky, reducing the scorching heat but still casting a warm glow over everything. Shep and Opie are beside me, both working on their cones—vanilla for Shep and strawberry for Opie.

"Did you see how big that shark was, Daddy?" Opie exclaims, ice cream smeared across his chin and a single pink sprinkle on his cheek.

Shep chuckles, reaching over to wipe his son's face. "I sure did, buddy. It was huge!"

I can't help but smile at their interaction. Watching Shep with Opie all day has been a joy. He's very attentive and so clearly in love with his son. It makes my heart swell.

"What was your favorite part, Elle?" Opie asks, turning his bright eyes to me.

"Oh, that's tough," I say, pretending to think hard. "I loved the touch tanks where we got to feel the starfish and sea urchins. But I think my absolute favorite was watching you get so excited about all the different fish!"

Opie beams at me, and I feel a warmth spread through my chest. We've only known each other for a short time, but I already adore this little boy.

"You sure know a lot about fish," Shep says, bumping my shoulder playfully. "I think you might have taught the guides a thing or two."

I laugh, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. "Well, it is kind of my job."

"When I grow up, I want to study fish like Elle!" Opie declares, ice cream forgotten for a moment.

Shep raises an eyebrow at me, a smile playing on his lips. "Oh yeah? I thought you wanted to be a doctor like your old man."

Opie considers this for a moment, his brow furrowed in concentration. "Can I be both?"

We all burst out laughing, and I reach over to ruffle Opie's hair. "You can be anything you want to be, kiddo."

Today has been perfect—full of laughter, learning, and genuine connection. Watching Shep and Opie together, seeing how easily I fit into their dynamic, it all feels so right. For the first time in a long while, I allow myself to imagine a future where days like this are the norm.

Monday, July 22

6:09 am

I'm roused from a deep sleep by the gentle press of Shep's lips against mine. My eyes flutter open to see him already dressed in his scrubs, his hair slightly damp from a shower.

"Morning, beautiful," he murmurs. "I've got an early surgery. Didn't want to leave without saying goodbye."

I smile sleepily, reaching up to touch his face. "What time is it?"

"Just after six," he says. "You don't have therapy until ten, right? Go back to sleep if you want. Cason's already here and will get Opie up and fed. Help yourself to anything you need."

I nod, still groggy. "Thanks. I might doze a bit more."

"Your car keys are hanging just inside the pantry. I hope we can catch up while you're at the hospital later," Shep says, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "I'll text you when I can."

He leans down and presses a soft kiss on my forehead. "See you later," he whispers before standing up.

I watch as he walks to the bedroom door, admiring how his scrubs hug his broad shoulders. Even in work clothes, he looks devastatingly handsome. My heart flutters a bit as I think about how lucky I am to be here, in his bed, in his life.

As the door clicks shut behind him, I roll over, hugging his pillow close. It smells like him —a mix of soap and something uniquely Shep. I close my eyes, a contented smile on my face, ready to drift back into pleasant dreams for a little while longer.

The Red Cat Coffee House

2901 2nd Ave S

8:52 am

The quaint brick building with its red awning and large windows is bustling with morning patrons. I spot Izzy waving at me from a table near the front, her blonde hair catching the sunlight streaming in.

As I step inside, the rich aroma of freshly ground coffee envelops me. The interior is warm and inviting, with exposed brick walls adorned with local artwork. Wooden tables and mismatched chairs give the place a cozy, lived-in feel. Behind the counter, baristas bustle about, creating intricate latte art and pulling perfect espresso shots.

"Elle!" Izzy exclaims as I approach. She stands to give me a quick hug before we settle into our seats.

"This place is adorable," I say, taking in the eclectic decor. Vintage coffee grinders and antique signs line shelves above the coffee bar, adding to the cafe's charm.

A friendly barista approaches our table. "What can I get for you ladies?"

Izzy orders her usual vanilla latte while I opt for a straight-up skinny cappuccino. As we wait for our steaming cup of amazingness, I take inventory of the diverse crowd around us. Students with laptops, business people in suits, and artsy types with sketchbooks all mingle in this cozy space.

When our coffees arrive, the foam on mine is artfully shaped into a delicate leaf. The first sip is heavenly—rich and smooth with just the right amount of bitterness.

"So," Izzy leans in, her eyes twinkling with curiosity, "how's life at Casa Duncan Rehab?"

"It's going swimmingly. I just got there, but it almost feels like we've been doing this forever."

I take a sip of my cappuccino and prop myself on my elbows on the round, wood-topped table. I take another sip of my cappuccino, savoring the rich flavor as I gather my thoughts. The memory of that night by the pool with Shep flashes vividly in my mind, and a mix of emotions is bubbling up inside me.

"Girl, you are smitten. Have y'all discussed anything, or are you still just slinging your cat around, consequences be damned?"

"The other night after Opie went to bed, we did have a big talk," I begin, my voice a little hesitant. I fidget with the handle of my mug, trying to find the right words to convey the weight of that conversation. "It was... intense, to say the least. We haven't really talked about anything before. I mean, we talk, but only about the here and now. And then, if you catch my drift, we did a lot of not-talking when alone."

We both laugh about that. "You know I want more details there. But first, tell me about the talk."

"Well, we told each other where we are in our love lives. He isn't dating anyone, and you know my situation. I went more into detail about Justin."

"So he isn't dating anyone at all?"

"He says he's not really into the dating scene."

"Now, I'm not sure I can buy that. Have you looked at that man lately? If George Clooney and Peirce Brosnan had a baby together, he still wouldn't be more beautiful than Shep. That man is into the dating scene, trust me."

"True. He didn't say he was celibate. Just that he doesn't do commitment."

Izzy raises an eyebrow. "And you're okay with that? Are you sure that's enough for you? I mean, is he a slut? Or a commitment phobe?"

I pause, considering her question. "I think I'm okay with it. I mean, it's only been about two weeks since we reconnected, so this is all happening fast. Maybe down the line, I'll want more of a commitment. But for now, I'm willing to take the risk and see if there's something there. You know what I mean?"

"Hmm. Maybe. Keep going."

"Maybe. What does that mean?" I press her. She isn't letting up. And she wasn't even around when the break-up went down, so it's not like she already has trust issues with him.

"It's just that we are getting up there in age. We are fresh out of college-style dating around. If a man tells you he doesn't commit, what kind of future is there? And long distance—that requires a major commitment," Izzy says, her voice laced with concern. "What if a bigger, better deal comes along like before? Are you prepared for him to potentially drop you without looking back?"

I sigh, running my finger along the rim of my coffee cup. "I understand the risk, Iz. But I can't help how I feel. There's still something between us, and I want to explore it."

Izzy nods, though I can see she's not entirely convinced. "Look, this is what I'll say. You didn't talk about anything after your little saucy hospital bed romp. You didn't give over your heart. You might have been falling hard, but no words were exchanged."

"Mmm hmm. So, what's the difference now? It's only a day later."

"Now you're in the big leagues. You're making plans, and there's a kid involved, careers, and expenses in traveling. In my opinion, he needs to step up to the plate, or it isn't worth diving in. Hot sex is one thing. Putting all your eggs in his basket is another entirely."

I look down at my half-empty cup. She is framing it in a way I hadn't considered. I'm just enjoying all of the good, the sex, the excitement of getting to know each other again, the stolen glances and hidden brushes under the table. But that isn't reality.

If I'm not careful, I could get hurt. And put real-life stuff in jeopardy.

"And might I remind you, we aren't getting any younger. Did y'all talk about how you will navigate not living in the same city, the distance?"

I bite my lip, considering her question. The distance is a challenge I haven't fully wrapped my head around yet.

"Yes, we talked about it. A lot was said on the subject, but in short, we agreed to do every other weekend between Florida and here."

"That's a lot to do with someone you aren't committed to. I'm just saying."

9:54 am

I tightly grip the steering wheel with my good hand, my eyes darting between the road and the Waze app on my phone. Eight minutes. I'll be two minutes late. Dammit.

I fucking hate being late. Like, with a passion.

Isabella and I got so engrossed in our conversation that I lost track of time. I was hanging on, hoping to convince her to change her position on Shep.

Her words keep replaying in my head, which I'm sure isn't helping my irritation. Her caution about Shep mixing in uncomfortably with the warm memories of our weekend together. I was feeling so good, so hopeful when I left his house this morning. Now I'm not sure what to think.

Traffic crawls forward at a snail's pace. I tap the fingers of my right hand impatiently on the wheel, willing the cars in front of me to move faster. The app recalculates. Nine minutes now. Great.

"Come on, come on," I mutter under my breath.

Izzy's voice echoes in my mind. "A man who says right off the rip that he doesn't want to commit is a red flag, Elle. Especially if you're going to be doing this long-distance thing. You have to know he is in, or you could be just spinning your wheels, orbiting his world, and dropped like a hot potato without a moment's notice."

I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. But doubt creeps in, insidious and unwelcome. What if she's right? What if I'm setting myself up for heartbreak again?

But, God. He says all the right things. He has to be the best dad ever, so doting and just perfect with Opie. When he said he would be honest, that seemed like enough. But am I being a fool?

The light turns green, but the car in front of me doesn't move. I lean on my horn, frustration boiling over.

"Move it!" I yell, knowing full well the driver can't hear me.

Finally, traffic starts crawling forward again. But it's too late. I'm definitely going to be late now.

"Shit!" I scream, slamming my hand against the steering wheel. All the emotions I've been holding back—the uncertainty, the fear, the hope—come rushing out in that moment of frustration.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself. It's just two minutes. It's not the end of the world. But as I continue navigating the Birmingham traffic, I can't shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, I'm racing towards something much more complicated than I'm prepared for.