Can't Fall in Love Without You (Christian Yelich)

44

Date night.

It was a novel concept for them, but they were excited to finally experience one. Dates usually just meant making a really late post-game dinner and cuddling on the couch watching a movie. One of them always fell asleep before the movie was over. They were both so exhausted. All the damn time.

Tonight it meant eating dinner at an actual restaurant that didn't do takeout. Elizabeth opted for Morel, a spot she would frequent with her fellow residents during her pre-Christian era. That felt like lifetimes ago.

Everything was so different now.

Christian stared at her with so much love while sipping his wine, and they had a regular couple debate over which two main entrees they should order for sharing. Ellie settled on the pheasant; Christian went with the pork shoulder. They enjoyed a bit of each. Laughter. Smiles. Genuine happiness in Christian's heart.  He wasn't thinking about car accidents or blood loss or unbearable pain. He was just focused on the woman he loved so deeply. She was perfect.

"Dessert?" Christian asked with a raised brow, hoping she'd say yes. She had lost too much weight while they were apart, and she was still a little too . . . Sunken. Better, but sunken. She deserved more glow.

"Don't tempt me, Yelich," she said with a giggle. "I really am full," she continued sweetly, taking a sip of water.

"Well, I'm going to get the salted caramel mousse, and I guess you can just watch me eat it," he replied with a wink.

"You're the cutest jerk, and I love you."

Christian never tired of hearing those words. His Ellie loved him. Why couldn't he just be happy like this all the time?

They were interrupted by a voice, much to Christian's annoyance. "Ellie." It was another man, calling Elizabeth Christian's name for her. Christian's heart was caught in his throat. He thought he was the only one . . .

"George!" Ellie exclaimed, greeting her old flame with a friendly hug. They were never on bad terms. Their relationship just faded when she went to the University of Wisconsin for medical school, and he made his way to UChicago for law school. They drifted apart. It was that simple. No harm was done. No one wasted away from a broken heart.

Their engagement ended, and they knew it was the right decision.

They both lived and practiced in Milwaukee now. Ellie knew he was around. He was a young hot shot environmental lawyer. He came up in local news often, especially when any major urban construction projects were launching.

"You look great! Congratulations, by the way. I can't believe you're having a baby." He gave her a big smile, genuinely happy for his ex.

He knew she was pregnant because he saw Christian's Instagram post. Everyone in Milwaukee followed Christian.

"George, this is Christian. Christian, this is George," Ellie introduced the only two men she had ever considered her boyfriends. Well, George made it all the way to fiancé.

Who did this guy think he was? Christian knew he had to be polite. He could tell Ellie liked this person. "Nice to meet you, George." They shook hands. Christian gripped a little harder than he usually would.

"We're super lucky to have you, man, and no surprises this wonderful human being landed an MVP. I wish you both nothing but the best."

George kissed Ellie's cheek before returning to his table, and Christian's eyes were overwhelmed with fear. Not anger. Fear. Fear he could lose her to the smart, articulate, plainly attractive, well-dressed man who stopped by their table.