Outside, the world seemed fresh and new. Different somehow. The sun was brighter and the birds sung louder. It was almost as if Jace were here, Ella thought. The idea of telling him just what she had said to her evil stepmother made her smile. He would be proud of her.
She stood on the curb off to the side of the hotel for a moment, debating whether she should call a cab or have the hotel driver take her to the bus stop. She felt a little guilty for using the hotel's services, especially since she didn't work there anymore, but she was going to need every dollar in her pocket.
The man from the IRS, still in his thin tie and suit, stood off to the side holding his briefcase and checking his watch. He nodded professionally to her and then turned to face the street to wait for his ride. For a moment, Ella considered asking the stern man if they could share a taxi.
She was still debating what to do next when a black limo pulled up in the driveway. Ella frowned. No guests were supposed to be arriving today. The next wedding party wasn't due to arrive for another three days, so she had no idea who this could possibly be.
The limo door opened before the driver could come around and open it for whomever was inside.
A man in a dark blue suit and flowers stepped out.
Jace.
He looked every bit the part of Prince Charming, coming to woo his princess. Ella suddenly felt very self-conscious of her patched skirt and ragged suitcase. She certainly didn't look like the princess.
“Ella?” Jace's eyes found hers. Fear tinged the blue with darkness as he approached, holding out the flowers like a peace offering.
“Jace.” Ella couldn't stop the smile as she ran over to him. Her feet skittered to a stop just short of rushing into his arms. “What are you doing here?”
“I needed to say goodbye in person.” Jace swallowed hard, his brows tightly knitted as he looked at her.
“I didn't send those text messages,” Ella replied. “That wasn't me.”
Relief filled Jace's eyes as a real smile flooded his features. “I didn't think it was you, but I had to know for sure.”
“I love you, Jace,” Ella stated. She had meant for it to sound more elegant. She had wanted to wait for the perfect moment, but it slipped out now.
Jace beamed and tossed the flowers to the driver so he could scoop her up in his arms. His lips came to hers before she had time to think, pressing into her and stealing her breath. There was so much passion that she didn't need the words to be spoken. She knew.
He said them anyway. “I love you, Ella,” he whispered, pulling back just enough to speak. Even if she didn't need to hear the words, they still made her heart flutter and her soul take wings.
She kissed him, joy bubbling up from the very tips of her toes all the way to the ends of her hair. She didn't know it was possible to feel this happy. This loved.
“Leave this place. Come away with me,” Jace said. “I see your bags are already packed.”
Ella laughed. “I was coming to find you. To say a real goodbye.”
“Say hello instead,” he insisted.
“Hello, then.” And Ella kissed him with no intention of ever stopping.
Chapter Thirty
“Well, I see you have met my son.” Charles's voice broke into their private moment.
“Hi, Dad.” Jace didn't let her go, he just pulled back enough to glare at his father. “Maybe we could chat later.”
Charles chuckled. “Don't mind me.” He leaned up against the limo, crossed his arms and grinned at them.
Ella and Jace looked at one another. It felt strange to have an audience.
“What can I do for you, Dad?” Jace asked. He kept his arms protectively around Ella as if he were afraid she would disappear on him.
He didn't need to worry about that. Ella was never leaving him.
“I told you, don't mind me.” He grinned, obviously enjoying their discomfort in the most paternal way possible. “I'm just happy to see you with someone I approve of.”
Jace rolled his eyes.
“I'm glad you approve of me,” Ella said diplomatically. “But, would you mind doing it from inside the limo. Or the inn. Or just not where we can see you. I'd like to kiss him some more and it feels weird with his father watching.”
Charles grinned. “I knew I liked you. I'll just be in the car.” The older man opened the limo door and stepped inside.
“So, where were we?” Ella asked, turning back to face the man that was making her heart patter.
Jace tipped his head, bringing his lips to hers once more. “Somewhere around saying, hello.”
But his lips never connected.
A screech came from behind Ella. “Get back inside now.” Delores was the epitome of fury. Her blonde hair was wild around her head and her green eyes blazed hotter than dragon fire.