Her life was different. She was different, all because Zane Colter had come into her life. Even before her kidnapping, her world had been very small. He’d helped her widen her universe, and no matter what happened between them in the future, she’d always be grateful to him.
I love you!
Although Ellie desperately wanted to say those words as she looked into his tempestuous gray gaze, she hesitated. They were a couple for now, but Zane had never talked about being in love. Did he even believe in love, or just monogamy? Frankly, Ellie believed Zane was her soulmate, the man she was always meant to be with. But she accepted a man of science was probably not going to agree with a theory like hers.
The doorbell chimed suddenly, dragging Ellie from her thoughts.
“Chloe,” she whispered reverently, like her best friend was a superstar.
“I’ll get it,” Zane offered.
“No. I’m fine. We’ll go together.”
Zane twined his fingers around hers, offering his silent support as they strolled to the front door. He flipped the deadbolt open, and the heavy wooden door swung open.
There in front of her was a smiling, happy Chloe, looking more amazing than she ever had before. Not that Chloe had ever looked bad, but she seemed to have a glow to her that had always been missing.
Ellie stared at her incredulously, and then…she lost it.
Reaching out, she wrapped an arm around Chloe’s neck and pulled her inside the door with a sob. “Oh, God. I didn’t think I’d ever see you again.”
Ellie’s tears flowed freely as the women became locked in a hug so exuberant that they both dropped to their knees.
“I’m so sorry, Ellie. I’m so damn sorry,” Chloe choked out through her tears.
She hugged her best friend harder. “It’s over now. I’m here. It doesn’t matter.”
Now, Ellie was glad she hadn’t told Chloe she was alive. She could only imagine her reaction if she’d seen her during her walking-skeleton days when she couldn’t even walk by herself. With her huge heart, the images would have haunted Chloe forever.
“I was so afraid I’d never see you again,” Chloe muttered in between her heavy sobs of relief.
“I love you so much!” Chloe exclaimed.
“I love you, too,” Ellie responded immediately.
Neither woman really noticed as the men in the room lifted them back to their feet, both guys looking concerned, their eyes suspiciously damp. Neither man could look away from the reunion . All they could do was share the joy of two women who were so damn happy to be together again.
Finally, Chloe pulled back and took Ellie by the shoulders. “Let me look at you. Oh, my God. You look fantastic. You lost weight, and I love your hair shorter.”
Ellie smiled at Chloe, determined to never mention exactly why she was at a normal weight. She wasn’t going to say a thing about her shorter hair, either. Her hair had grown, but it would take years to get the length she’d had before. Then again, she wasn’t sure she even wanted that anymore. She liked the shorter style and the ease of taking care of it.
Clasping her friend’s arms, Ellie did her own inspection of Chloe, noticing how worry-free she looked right now except for the stream of tears flowing down her face. “You look happy,” she said simply. It summed up exactly what she saw.
“I am. Oh, let me introduce you to Gabe, my husband.”
Untangling herself from Chloe, Ellie looked at the tall, dark, and handsome man beside her friend. “We’ve crossed paths a few times. Congratulations, Gabe. You got the most wonderful wife you could ever want,” Ellie told him with a wink as she held out her hand.
Gabe nodded and smiled at her as he shook her hand. “Don’t I know it,” he replied with a slight drawl. “If I forget, she reminds me.”
Chloe tapped him on the arm. “I certainly do not,” she countered, mocking indignantly.
Drawing back her arm, Ellie noticed that Gabe’s smile went all the way to his eyes, making them twinkle with mischief. God, her best friend had found the perfect man. Ellie had a feeling that Gabe and Chloe laughed a lot.
She watched as Gabe and Zane shook hands and slapped each other on the back.
Chloe turned to her brother and gave him a gigantic hug.
“How was the extended honeymoon?” Zane asked, apparently asking the question to lighten the mood. “Come on into the living room.” He led the way.
Ellie and Chloe followed, their arms locked together like they were afraid to let go.
“It was amazing,” Chloe gushed. “But none of the trip was better than coming home. It still seems surreal to me that Ellie is here. I guess it will take a while for me to get used to having her back.”