??. well I think I um…. I might be…”
“Holy shit son spit it the hell out, I ain’t gettin’ any damn younger!” Gramps said as Grams slapped him.
“Garrett!”
I took a deep breath and looked at the two most important people of my life.
“I love her. ”
I just blurted it out and I shook my head as if I couldn’t even believe it still. “I love her so much I can’t even breathe with the thought of her not being in my life forever. I dream about marrying her, having kids with her and sitting on this very porch and watching sunsets with her for the rest of our lives. I love her Grams and Gramps. I know you probably think it is too soon for me to even be thinking about Ellie like that but…”
“Drew listen to me and listen to me good. The first moment I laid eyes on your grandfather I knew. I knew I was going to be spending the rest of my life with him and he felt the same way about me. You are preachin’ to the choir son. ”
I took a deep breath in and let it out. “I’m not sure Ellie feels the same way about me Grams. ”
“Bullshit!” Gramps said. “I see how that girl looks at you. She can’t take her eyes off of you, just the mention of your name and her eyes light up. ”
“Drew, remember what you told us about her mother. All of that negative crap that was pumped into her all those years. I’m sure that Ellie feels the same way about you. It’s just going to take her a little longer to allow that to even be a possibility for her. Even if she has not admitted it to herself Drew, she loves you sweetheart. Just give her the time and space she needs sweet boy of mine. It will happen when it’s meant to happen. ”
Just then Ellie came bursting out of the front door with the biggest smile on her face. She stopped dead in her tracks. “I’m sorry, did I interrupt something?” Ellie asked as she looked at my grandparents and then me.
“No sweetheart, not at all. Are you ready to get going and look at some stars?” I asked as I stood up and grabbed the blanket and basket Grams had packed.
Ellie did a little jump and let out a little squeal. I couldn’t help but laugh. She was so damn cute when she was so excited.
“I’m more than ready!”
“Let’s go then. Will y’all be up when we get back?”
Grams started to laugh. “Take your time Drew and don’t worry about waking us up when you get back. Your granddad and I tend to turn in rather early these days. ”
“Okay then, good night Grams, good night Gramps. ” I said as I leaned down and kissed Grams good night.
Ellie said goodnight to Grams and Gramps and skipped out to the jeep. I couldn’t help but shake my head at her giddiness. It was funny how such simple things excited this girl.
“One rule Ellie…. you cannot look up at all okay?” She nodded her head and took her finger and made a cross over her heart.
I hopped into the jeep and we set off for the west pasture. I knew the perfect spot I was going to take her to. There was a giant live oak that I use to lay under when I wanted to be alone and think. It was one my favorite places on the ranch to be.
Ellie sat next to me in the jeep and smiled the whole way. “It’s amazing how I can see even though it is dark! I love it here already Gunner!” Ellie said with a smile.
“I’m glad to hear that sweetheart. ”
I pulled up to the oak tree. After a quick check to make sure here was no manure around I laid out the blanket and put the basket down. I turned the ignition over and tuned it to a country station. I had to laugh when “How Country Feels” by Randy Houser started to play.
“Well shit Ells if this ain’t the perfect song for you!”
Ellie laughed and sat down on the blanket.
I knelt down next to her and pushed a piece of hair that had fallen from her pony tail behind her ear.
“Close your eyes sweetheart and don’t open them until I tell you to. ”
“Okay…. ”
Ellie closed her eyes and slowly laid back. I saw her chest rising up and down so fast. God I could just lay here all night and watch her. I leaned in closer to her but was careful not to block her view.
“Open your eyes Ellie. ”