Sage

36

Harry.

We were able to skip out on breakfast with Ellie's older brother, but unfortunately, she still had court. The good thing was that it wasn't nearly as bad as she thought it would be. She just needed to establish that she would be here to care for the church and planned to keep it in use, which technically she did. Or at least her family did once she left back for the city.

She was a bit more relaxed after this morning and I was glad that my distraction was successful enough to calm her nerves and get her through the day. Luckily, we managed to avoid her family by getting to the courthouse at the latest possible time. I sat in the far back row as she took the stand and spoke for a total of four minutes. When the judge gave her requirements as far as payment and usage went, Ellie was quick to nod and make her way down the aisle, flickering her eyes at me then toward the door, making me hop up from my seat and grab her hand as we made our way out.

We push through the courthouse doors and are welcomed by the warm, summer air. It was a relief from the crispy coldness of the building.

Ellie grips my hand, using the other to pull at the thick sweater. I know she's hot and uncomfortable from trying to hide her belly. I can see the beads of sweat forming at her baby hairs and the way her mouth parts open and she exhales tiredly.

"Wait, Ellie."

We both spin around to the sound of Elijah, who's clad in a starched suit. It's tight on his lumber jack-like build and I can tell he's hot in it too. Behind him, the rest of her family jogs to catch up. Ellie squeezes my hand and I swear I hear a pleading whimper fall from her lips. I hate that she's so upset around them. I would have kept her in that warm motel room and fucked her all morning if it meant she'd get to avoid this.

"Aunt Claire and Uncle Mike's having a cookout thing...to celebrate us getting the church back and all," He clears his throat, glancing over at me, "You guys are welcome. Not sure if that's your kind of thing but..."

"Elijah..." She begins, but he cuts her off.

"Mama won't be there, and neither will Dana. Just Auntie, Uncle, and their kids. And Grandma will be there too,"

I look down at Ellie, ready to support whatever she wants to do.

"Fine...I'll show my face," She mumbles, and Elijah smiles, letting her know that he'll let their aunt and uncle know she will be on the way before making his way to his car.

She's quiet in the five-minute car ride to the small house. I can tell she really didn't want to be here but it seems like she has a hard time telling her brother no. I hate that she's so in her head right now.

"We can still go, sweets." I offer as we sit in the turned-off car. I can hear music blaring from the backyard as well as the smell of grilled hotdogs and burgers. As tempting as it is, I need to make sure she's okay.

"I know," She sighs, "I just know I probably won't be back here for another few years...and if I do, I'll have a kid with me. I don't know...it's just weird,"

I nod, letting her know her feelings are valid, "It's up to you,"

"I'll go in, I already told Elijah I would and he'll be upset if I don't show," She unbuckles her seatbelt and I do the same, "You can stay in the car if you want, I don't want anyone to make you uncomfortable."

"Why would they make me uncomfortable?"

"Who let the white boy in?" Is the first thing I hear when Ellie and I walk through the gates and enters the backyard.

My brows furrow and I snap my head to Ellie, who rolls her eyes and shakes her head, giving a side hug to the large man that holds a spatula in his hand.