30. Ethan

30

Ethan

SIX MONTHS LATER

I sit in my office, staring at the computer screen. Elena is home, resting after her last checkup. I don't want to stress her out, especially not now with the baby on the way. I glance at my phone, considering whether or not to call Dietrich. He’s been a good friend and an invaluable resource. If anyone can help me track down Lorelai, it’s him.

I finally dial his number. It rings twice before he picks up.

“Ethan! How are you?”

“I’m good. How about you?”

“Never better. What can I do for you?”

I take a deep breath. “I need your help again. I’m trying to find Lorelai, Grams' missing daughter. I’ve had a few leads, but they’ve all been dead ends. I can’t tell Elena about it because I don’t want to get her hopes up for nothing, especially with the baby on the way.”

“I get it. We’ll find her. Tell me about these dead ends.”

“Well, the first woman I contacted tried to swindle me out of money,” I say, recalling the absurdity of the situation.

“That’s fitting given who Lorelai’s father was, I guess. Tell me more.”

“I reached out to this woman named Lorelai. Someone from the adoption agency had given me her contact information. When I gave her a little information, she filled in with a sob story. She had the story down pat—details about the family, even had some old photos. But when we got to the point where I suggested a meeting, she said she needed money for travel expenses.”

“Classic scam,” Dietrich chuckles.

“Yeah, but it gets better,” I continue. “She said she needed the money in advance and insisted on using this obscure money transfer service. When I refused and offered to send her a plane ticket instead, she got all huffy and started accusing me of not trusting her.”

“How did you realize she wasn’t real?”

“The adoption agency called me back. The original point of contact was fairly new, but someone who was there at the same time as Lorelai called me back. She explained that there were two Lorelai’s at the orphanage at the same time, but the second Lorelai was bipolar and constantly causing issues for the other one. She gave me Grandma’s Lorelai’s correct information, but all of those numbers are out of service. Her last name was changed to De La Croix when she was adopted.”

“Alright, give me the details of your latest leads. I’ll see what I can dig up.”

I provide him with the information, and he assures me he’ll get back to me soon. True to his word, within a few days, he sends me a name, phone number, and address in Paris.

I call the number and a man with a deep voice answers.

“All??”

“Hello, my name is Ethan Anderson. I’m looking for Lorelai.”

“Hold please.”

“All??” a woman asks quickly.

“Is this Lorelai?”

“This is she.”

“My name is Ethan Anderson. I am looking for a Lorelai Rochefort De La Croix, is this she?”

She’s quiet on the other end before I hear her blow out a breath.

“How do you know that my last name was Rochefort?”

“I know your mother. Well, I believe my soon-to-be grandmother in law is your mother. She was briefly married to a man named Armand Rochefort. She fled to the United States before you were born, but gave birth to you here.”

She gasps on the other end. “Is my mother…”

“She’s alive and well. I’m hoping that we could meet and talk so I can make certain you are the woman I’m looking for. I’ll be in Paris in two days, can we meet for lunch? Feel free to bring your husband so you feel safe.”

“Yes, yes, I can do that.”

We discuss the details and then I hang up the phone. I call my pilot and have him file a flight plan for us.

I don’t tell Elena the real reason for my trip, just that it’s business-related. I hate keeping things from her, but I want to be sure before I say anything.

***

The flight to Paris is smooth, and I land at Charles de Gaulle Airport feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. I check into a hotel and prepare to meet Lorelai and her husband at a café near the Eiffel Tower.

The café is charming, with small round tables and wicker chairs on the sidewalk. I sit outside, enjoying the view of the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Paris is beautiful, and it’s easy to see why it’s called the City of Light. The air is filled with the scent of fresh bread and coffee, and the sound of people speaking French creates a pleasant background murmur.

Lorelai arrives on time. As soon as I see her, my heart skips a beat. She looks so much like Elena—same eyes, same smile. It has to be her.

“Lorelai?” I stand and extend my hand.

“Yes, and you must be Ethan.” She shakes my hand warmly and sits down. “This is my husband, Hugh.”

I shake his hand.

“It’s so nice to meet you. Man, I have no doubts that you’re the woman I’m looking for. My fiancée looks so much like you.”

I pull out my phone and show them my screensaver, which is a picture of Ellie and I together.

“Oh my,” Hugh laughs. “You’re not kidding.”

“And my mother?”

“She’s been looking for you for a very long time.”

I flip through my phone’s photo album before I show her a picture of Ellie, Daniel, their parents and Grams.

“That’s my mum,” she breathes as tears roll down her cheeks.

“This is your nephew Daniel and your brother, Charlie.”

“Brother?”

“Yes, brother,” I smile.

I show them some more photos and Lorelai is grinning and crying at the same time.

“Can I meet them?”

“Yes, maybe this seems odd but they’ve been through a lot lately and I wanted to make sure it was really you.”

“That’s admirable of you to protect them.”

“Elena is pregnant with our child and stress is not recommended.”

Lorelai laughs and nods. “I’m aware. We have children too, but they’re older, probably your age. We have grandchildren too.”

We spend the next hour talking, sharing stories about Elena and her grandparents. Lorelai tells me about her life in Paris.

“That’s fantastic. Elena and I are getting married soon, I’d love it if your entire family could be there. I’d like to make this happen sooner but I understand there’s more moving parts. Money isn’t an issue, but I know people have lives.”

“I can’t…”

“I won’t take no for an answer. It will give me so much pleasure to reunite you all.”

“I would love that. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t certain if you were for real.”

“Why is that?”

“When I was around twenty-four, a woman reached out to me. She said her name was Isabelle La Faucon and that she was married to my father, Marcel.”

“Ah, we learned recently that Armand had changed his name to Marcel La Faucon and moved to Spain.”

“She told me they’d been married, but she didn’t know who he was until recently. She and her children were moving homes and she found some of his old things that told of his old life. She somehow traced it all back to me. He left her in debt and felt that I owed her that money.”

“That’s ridiculous.”

“I agree. It was a lot to learn that this man abandoned me and went off to raise another family while I was fending for myself.”

“I’m sorry that you had to live like that.”

“I’m past it, but it wasn’t always easy.”

“I assure you that we don’t want any money. We just want to meet you, to have a relationship with you.”

“I would like that.”

We exchange email information, and she tells me that she will speak with her children and will be in touch to coordinate everything.

I cannot wait to surprise Grams, Elena, and Daniel with this!

***

SIX MONTHS LATER

Today is the day that I’ve been waiting for forever.

Today, I get to marry my best friend and the love of my life.

As I stand on this private island surrounded by the lush greenery and turquoise waters, I can’t stop smiling. It’s a perfect backdrop to the rest of our lives together.

The island is a paradise. The ceremony site is set up on a pristine beach, with elegant white chairs arranged in rows facing a beautiful floral arch. The scent of tropical flowers fills the air, mingling with the salty breeze from the ocean.

My entire hockey team is here, filling up the seats and entertaining the crowd with their antics. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Over the last year, I’ve been able to find someone, with Elena’s help, to take over the majority of the business duties and decisions of the team while I concentrated on being a player. That move has helped my teammates trust me more and we’ve all become closer because of it.

Unfortunately, because of the pushback from my parents I got incredibly transparent and real with the public about the finances of the team and how I was digging it out of being near bankruptcy. It wasn’t a move that I made easily, but it was necessary to get my parents to back off from their ridiculousness. Any ideas my father had of getting the team back are now gone. It all rests on my shoulders and I’m okay with that, because with Elena by my side we can conquer anything.

My parents haven’t spoken to me since I made that choice. They even sent their wedding invitation back with writing on it that said refused.

Elena's family is here though, and most importantly, Grams is with us, her eyes twinkling with joy.

Our baby girl, Lorelai, is in Elena's arms, looking adorable in a tiny white dress with a matching headband. Her wide blue eyes, a perfect blend of mine and Elena's, take in the surroundings with a mixture of curiosity and wonder. Elena looks radiant, her long hair cascading down her back in loose waves, her face glowing with happiness. I can't take my eyes off her.

As we prepare for the ceremony, there's an air of excitement and anticipation. But there's also a hint of sadness, knowing that my parents chose not to come. It's their loss, I remind myself. Today is about love, family, and new beginnings.

“I’ve never seen you happier,” Sasha says as she and Tony walk up to greet me.

“I don’t know that I’ve ever been happier,” I chuckle.

“That Elena is something special that’s for sure. I’ve never met anyone who took my suggestions, implemented them so quickly, and gained success just as fast. She’s taught me a thing or two about my own guidance.”

“It’s her organizational skills,” I laugh.

“She does put me to shame there too,” Tony adds with a laugh. “I’m also learning a thing or two from her. My spreadsheet game is on fire!”

“It’s good to see that she’s not just making my life better,” I grin.

“We’re so happy for you,” Sasha smiles as she squeezes my arm. “You have grown so much over the last few years and it makes my heart happy.”

She and Tony walk to their seats and I smile as I watch them go.

She’s not wrong. I’ve been doing so much work to get to this moment.

It’s true what they say: there can always be a wrong time, right person, and eventually, when the time is right, the Universe will bring you back together.

“Good news, Elena hasn’t run off yet,” Keeley teases as she walks up in her light blue bridesmaid dress, her fingers linked with Daniel’s.

“Despite me telling her to,” Daniel laughs. “Just kidding, bro, I couldn’t be happier about this.”

“Happiness looks good on both of you,” I grin back at them.

The two of them have been dating slowly for the last few months. It was nice to see them together. I know Elena is thrilled about the outcome of her best friend, Keeley, dating her brother.

I’m glad that she has Keeley. They’ve become so close lately.

“How’s the new CEO working out for the team?”

“Man, Elena’s idea to hire someone to run the day to day while I focused on training was genius.”

“Sasha was talking about how smart and amazing he was,” Keeley laughs. “I think there’s something happening there.”

“I’ve noticed,” I chuckle. “Dominic is incredible. He really knows his stuff and has saved me a lot of headaches. I can focus on training and family life. It’s the best of all worlds.”

“That’s great. I’m glad that’s working out. I know Elena enjoys having you around more,” Daniel adds.

“With Keeley as the manager of the store, overseeing the employees and everything it gives us a lot more freedom. I don’t know what we’d do without you, Keeley.”

“It’s my pleasure. I’m still in shock about the promotion.”

“You deserved it so much. You’ve been amazing. She wouldn’t have felt comfortable leaving the store in just anyone’s hands so it’s high praise.”

“I’m aware,” Keeley giggles. “I’m glad that the store is doing so well and that we’ve been able to hire more people. Who would ever think we’d need a store manager, on top of someone for internet sales, social media, and ten employees for the floor.”

“I always knew Elena would do something amazing there, as did Grams, but none of us expected this or so quickly,” Daniel grins proudly.

“It’s all pretty incredible.”

“If only I could have kept her on as my PR manager,” I joke. “Think of where the team would be now.”

“She still does it for free and you know it,” Daniel adds. “She just does it under the guise of Sebastian. She feeds your new PR guy a lot of ideas.”

“He makes sure to tell me.”

Suddenly, one of the wedding planners calls me over, her face lit up with an unexpected excitement. "Ethan, there's someone here to see you. She says it's urgent."

I grin widely. I planned a special surprise for my bride-to-be and her family. After all, they’ve always treated me as one of their own.

I follow the planner to the front of the lavish house I purchased that came with the island I purchased, my heart pounding with anticipation. There in the foyer, standing with a warm smile and tears in her eyes, is Lorelai.

"Bonjour, Ethan," she says softly, her voice carrying a melodic French accent. "You remember Hugh. This is my son Julien and my daughters Sylvie and Emily. Jean Luc is Emily’s husband, and these are their twin daughters Grace and Gabriella.”

“I can’t believe this is really happening,” I grin. “I’m so glad that you all were able to make this work and are here.”

She nods, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Yes. I've waited a long time for this moment. Thank you for sending us the tickets.”

I step forward, enveloping her in a hug. "Thank you for coming. You have no idea how much this means to us."

“You mentioned that it was a surprise. You haven’t told them?”

“No, Ma’am, I didn’t want to get anyone’s hopes up. This is going to be something special. You all have so much to talk about. Follow me.”

As we walk back to the ceremony site, I can't wait to see Elena's reaction. When we arrive, everyone is already seated, and the soft music has begun to play. Elena sees us approaching and her eyes widen in surprise, but no one is in place yet.

It’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding, but I don’t care. This is worth it and the two of us can take on anything life throws at us anyway.

Damn, she’s breathtaking in Grams’ Dior wedding dress.

The dress is a vision of classic elegance. The tightly fitted bodice cinches perfectly at her waist, highlighting her graceful figure before flowing into a voluminous skirt that sways with each step she takes. The luxurious silk satin fabric gleams softly under the lights, while intricate lace appliqués adorn the bodice, adding a delicate, romantic touch.

As she walks, I notice the layers of tulle beneath the skirt, giving it that ethereal, dreamy quality that makes her seem like she’s floating toward me.

The skirt billows out in a dramatic A-line, supported by crinolines, and I catch a glimpse of the lace-edged chapel-length train that trails elegantly behind her, enhancing her every step with a touch of grandeur. Her long veil, made of sheer tulle and dotted with tiny pearls, cascades from a delicate headpiece, framing her face beautifully and adding to the ethereal effect.

That dress was meant for Elena. It’s perfect.

Oh, crap, focus Ethan.

“It’s Lorelai,” I mouth to Elena.

Her eyes widen in surprise. She gently hands baby Lorelai to Keeley. She nudges Daniel and gestures to her parents.

“Grams, it’s Lorelai,” Elena breathes.

Her father turns around and tears fill his eyes as he turns to help Grams stand up.

“Lorelai?” Elena gasps as she rushes forward and envelopes her in a hug. “How did you…? Ethan?”

“Surprise?” I grin.

“Ethan and I have been in contact for some time. Your soon to be husband is a lovely man, my sweet niece,” Lorelai tells her as she takes her hands in hers.

Grams, who has been watching from a distance, approaches slowly, her face a mixture of disbelief and overwhelming happiness.

"Lorelai?" Grams whispers, her voice breaking.

"Mom?” Lorelai gasps as tears roll down her cheeks.

Grams is shaking so much that it takes Daniel and his father to help her walk forward. At this point, the entire area is watching the reunion, there’s barely anyone with a dry eye.

“I never thought I’d see you again, baby girl,” Grams says. “Walter and I… we tried so hard to find you.”

“Dad,” Lorelai says. “I was sorry to hear that he passed. I don’t remember a lot but I remember him taking me to the park and lots of ice cream.”

“Gramps loved taking me to the park and getting ice cream too,” Elena interjects with a soft smile.

“Do you remember what happened?” Mr. Thompson asks.

“Bits and pieces, my… father… told me that none of my memories were real and tried to gaslight me into believing that my memories in America didn’t exist. I knew better though. When he disappeared, no one knew I was alone, because I didn’t tell anyone when he would leave. He didn’t come home for over two months and by then I had run out of food. It wasn’t abnormal for him to leave for periods of time, but this was the longest. It was so peaceful when he was gone. I didn’t… I didn’t tell anyone he hadn’t come home because I was terrified of the repercussions when he did come home. He… he was a violent man.

When the food ran out, I took a walk and found a farm. I was stealing vegetables from them for some time before a man caught me. He was a police officer and had to file a report. I was sent to live in an orphanage before the family that owned the farm, Pierre and Magdalene, came to adopt me.”

“They were good to you?” Grams asks as she hugs her daughter tightly.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better adopted family. They already had children and raised me as if I was their own.”

“I’m so glad that you were safe and well taken care of.”

“Ethan says you were a designer and that Elena runs your boutique,” Julien speaks up. “My mom is also a designer.”

Grams face lights up when she hears that. Even though she hadn’t seen her since she was a little girl it makes her happy that her daughter Lorelai took after her.

"When I received Ethan's call," Lorelai explains, "I knew I had to come. I wanted to meet the people who were such a big part of my story, even if we were separated for so long."

Grams wipes her tears, her smile never fading. "I always hoped you were out there, living a good life. I'm so glad you're here now. I’m so proud of you."

There are more hugs, more introductions, and lots more tears before the wedding planner comes over to our group.

“We need to get this production started,” she smiles. “We’ve made sure that you’re all seated together throughout the entire day so that you can spend more time getting to know each other.”

The ceremony is delayed slightly to give us all time to absorb this incredible moment. But soon, it's time to start, and the atmosphere is filled with love and celebration.

The music starts again, and I take my place at the altar, my heart soaring. Elena, escorted by her father, walks down the aisle, her smile radiant as she approaches me. When she reaches me, she hands baby Lorelai to her mother, who now stands with Grams, beaming with pride.

Elena reaches for my hand and I take it, grinning back at her.

“You are absolutely radiant. That dress is perfect on you.”

“Thank you,” she smiles as she glances down shyly.

The officiant begins, and as we exchange our vows, the words hold even more meaning knowing that our family has been made whole again.

"Elena," I say, my voice steady but filled with emotion, "from the moment I met you, you changed my life. You brought light into my darkness and showed me what true love is. I promise to stand by you, to love you, and to protect you and our family for the rest of my life."

Her eyes shine with tears. "Ethan, you are my rock, my best friend, and my greatest love. Together, we have faced so many challenges, and I know we can overcome anything. I promise to love you, to support you, and to cherish every moment we have together."

We exchange rings, the simple bands a symbol of our unending commitment to each other. As the officiant pronounces us husband and wife, I lean in and kiss Elena, feeling a surge of joy and love like never before.

The cheers from our friends and family fill the air, and as we turn to face them, I see Lorelai holding baby Lorelai, both of them smiling brightly. It’s a perfect moment, one that I’ll cherish forever.

The reception is held on the beach, with tables set up under a canopy of twinkling fairy lights. The food is exquisite, a blend of local flavors and Parisian delicacies, a nod to our new family connection. There’s laughter, dancing, and an overwhelming sense of joy.

The guys from my hockey team are the life of the party as they engage all of the guests to get them out on the floor dancing and laughing. Jeremy is holding my daughter, swaying with her around the makeshift dance floor and she’s giggling loudly.

All of the single women in this place are definitely taking notice of that.

Smart man.

I chuckle to myself as I shake my head. I’m grateful that my team treats my daughter like their little sister, she’s going to have the best life with them protecting her too.

Lorelai tells us more about her life in Paris, how she grew up surrounded by love and creativity. She shares stories of her adoptive parents, who nurtured her passion for design and encouraged her to pursue her dreams. It’s clear that she’s had a wonderful life, and I’m grateful that she found happiness, even though she was separated from her birth family.

“Hey Grams, I’ve been meaning to ask you but I always forget” Elena says. “Keeley said once that a man named… something that sounded like casserole… Casseroledy maybe… that he came in to shop one day and said he knew you. After everything that happened, I wondered. Do you recognize that name?”

She smiles fondly before she nods.

“Caserotti. Emil is an old friend. He’s the one that helped me leave Paris and got me back home. He comes back every now and then to check on me, make sure that I’m safe. He lives in Silverton now.”

“Is that where he was from?” I ask.

She laughs. “No, he stayed with me for a few weeks to make certain that Armand didn’t follow and to help me set up my store. In that time, he met his soul mate and they were married within months. They’re still together to this day.”

“Wow,” we all say in unison and then chuckle afterward.

“He’s a good man and I owe my life to him.”

Toward the end of the night, Daniel clinks his wine glass and clears his throat in the microphone someone gave him.

Oh boy.

“Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention for just a moment.

For those who don't know me, I'm Daniel, Ethan's best friend and Elena’s older brother. First off, I want to say how honored I am to stand here today as the best man. I’ve known Ethan for as long as I can remember, and I’ve had the privilege of watching him grow into the man he is today. And Ellie, well, she’s been annoying the Hell out of me since I was a year old.

When Ellie came back to Frostwood Falls, I have to admit, I had my doubts. I threatened my best friend and told him that he couldn’t date my sister again. I couldn’t see how it would work. Ethan and Ellie seemed so different. Ethan, the wild, unorganized, but driven guy who thrives on challenges, and Ellie, the organized and loving soul who lights up every room she enters. They seemed like opposites in so many ways.

But as I got to know them as a couple again, I realized something important. For what truly counts, they are not opposites at all. They share something incredibly profound and rare: they would both do anything for their love, for each other, and for their families and friends.

I’ve seen you both go through some tough times, and I’ve seen you face them head-on with determination and grit. And Ellie, I’ve seen the way you bring light and joy into every situation, even the challenging ones. Together, you balance each other perfectly. You bring out the best in each other, and it’s clear to everyone here today how deeply you care for one another.

Ethan, you've been my best friend through thick and thin. We've shared countless memories, from our wild adventures to our late-night talks about life and love. And Ellie, you've been the best little sister, always bringing a smile to my face with your infectious energy and kind heart.

Seeing you two together, I can’t imagine a more perfect match. You complement each other in the most beautiful ways. Ethan, you’ve found someone who matches your loyalty and commitment, and Ellie, you’ve found someone who cherishes you and stands by your side no matter what.

So, here’s to the newlyweds. May your life together be filled with love, laughter, and endless adventures. Ethan and Ellie, you’ve shown us all what true love looks like, and I couldn’t be happier for you both.

Ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses to Ethan and Ellie, a perfect match and a love that will last a lifetime. Cheers!”

Everyone gives a round of applause and I go over to hug Daniel. Ellie beats me there of course.

“Thanks for the approval,” I tease.

“I figured you wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight if you didn’t have it, bro,” Daniel jokes.

As the night progresses, I take a moment to step away from the festivities and watch Elena dancing with baby Lorelai in her arms. My heart swells with love and pride, knowing that we’ve built something beautiful together.

Elena notices me watching and smiles, motioning for me to join them. I walk over and take her hand, feeling the warmth of our connection.

“Can you believe we’re here?” I ask, marveling at the journey that brought us to this moment.

Elena nods, her eyes filled with love. “It’s like a dream come true.”

We dance together, swaying gently to the music, our baby girl nestled between us. As I look around at our friends, our family, and our beautiful surroundings, I realize that this is everything I’ve ever wanted.

Lorelai approaches us, her smile radiant. “Thank you for bringing me here, Ethan. I feel like I’ve finally found my place.”

“We’re so glad you’re here,” Elena says, hugging her tightly. “Our family is complete now.”

As the night winds down, we gather around a bonfire on the beach, sharing stories and laughter. Grams and Lorelai sit together, catching up on lost time, while our baby girl sleeps peacefully in my arms.

I look at Elena, my heart overflowing with gratitude. “Thank you for standing by me through everything. I love you more than words can say.”

She smiles, leaning in to kiss me softly. “I love you too, Ethan. Forever and always.”

In that moment, with the stars shining above us and the sound of the ocean waves in the background, I know that we’ve created something truly special. Our love has endured the darkest of times and emerged stronger than ever.

As we sit together, surrounded by our loved ones, I realize that this is just the beginning of our journey. We have so much to look forward to, so many dreams to fulfill, and I can’t wait to see where life takes us next.

But for now, in this perfect moment, I’m content to simply be here, holding the woman I love and our beautiful baby girl, surrounded by the family we’ve built together. This is what true happiness feels like, and I’m grateful for every second of it.

THE END

***