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"Co," I smiled

I climbed out of bed and put on my jeans I followed Ellery out of the bedroorab a bottle of water and stopped when I saw several brown containers lined up against the back of the counter I quickly counted theot nervous and a fear crept up inside me

"Care to explain what these are?" I asked

"I’m in a clinical trial study, that’s why I caer over er in led and continued, "I have to take these pills every day Once a et a set of three injections It’s called some type of ‘Immunotherapy’ I have to do this for a period of three months Once I complete the three months, the doctor will test one; if not, then I will continue for another threeto work," she said as she looked down I saw the anguish on her face and heard the sorrow in her voice I lifted her chin so she was looking at me, "It ork; It has to work"

"It’s only a trial, Connor; it’s the first tiht now, I don’t knohat to think," she said distressed

"You’re strong, Elle You’re the strongest and most stubborn person I’ve ever h this, it’s you, but you have to stop running away from me," I told her as I stroked her cheek She told htly kissed both her tattoos

"Don’t be scared I’h this Even if this trial doesn’t work, it doesn’t matter because I will fly you around the world and find you the treatment that ork because…" I took in a deep breath, "I love you, Ellery Lane, and I will protect you" The feeling that crept insideTears streaht and whispered, "I love you too" I closed my eyes and nuzzled my face in her hair I kissed her head and held her face in ht ers under her shirt and slowly brought it up over her head, taking it off and tossing it on the floor We smiled at each other as she led me to the couch where we made love

Chapter 19

It was a beautiful, sunny day in Los Angeles The first half of the day was spent in bed, and the second half was spent at the beach After a picnic lunch, great sex in the lighthouse, and long talks, we headed for home As we entered the apartment, I walked over to the easel that held a beautiful painting I stood there and stared at the Cape Cod style house with an archway, a boat, and a lighthouse The painting was stunning, and it made me smile to see such talent, especially from the woman I love

"I have to say, Ellery, you are a very talented artist; this painting is stunning"

She walked over to me, slipped her hands in my back pockets, and put her chin on limpse of my future; it looks so peaceful there"

"It’s very beautiful I suggest you keep this, and don’t sell it," I said

She kissedto tell you, you know," she said

I reached for her hands and brought her arms around my waist "Tellhere and seeing Dr Murphy I wanted to talk to you about it that day, but you were so angry; I heard you on the phone, in your office, with Ashlyn"

I looked down, "I’s to you; I was…"

"You need to tell me about her, Connor We can never ht to know," she pleaded

I turned around and pressed ht" I just found her, and we shared a perfect day There was no way I going to ruin it by discussing Ashlyn I could see the disappoint this to her, and I know it’s wrong not to come clean about Ashlyn, but I don’t know if there will ever be a right time to tell her I picked her up and smiled as I kissed her soft beautiful lips

"I think we need to go to bed," I said

"But I’ isn’t what I had inthat for at least another three hours," I smiled as I carried her to the bedroos ready for Ellery’s birthday I was going to make sure this birthday is the best one she’s ever had I carefully moved her arm from me and slid out of bed I was pretty sure she wouldn’t wake up, because after last night, I knew she was exhausted I threw on a pair of jeans and a navy blue t-shirt I walked into the living roo once ht how she’d envisioned this painting as her future, and I aets it I just need tobefore my plans are complete

I carefully opened the door and quietly shut it behindout of his apart, Mason," I s off to?" he asked

"I was just heading down the street to that café to pick up some breakfast for Elle Today’s her birthday"

"I know, and it’s so exciting! Did she ht?" he asked

"Yeah, she told ht; it sounds like fun," I said as we both walked out the side door