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*Connor rested his hand over hers and gave it a single squeeze, just like he had done months ago after walking her home. A promise, it turns out; no longer a plead 😭❤

*The certainty in Connor's voice had Ellie's skin heating. He-he did want exclusivity. Considering that their relationship had been...unconventional thus far, Ellie didn't expect his exclamation to bring her such a sense of peace. Connor was choosing her, definitively, without hesitation. She had never been wanted in that way before ❤

*Ellie's ears were still ringing from the big band music when they got back to her house. Her feet were sore, muscles exhausted, but her body was buzzing. Despite her conversation with Jo about labels, the night had Ellie's feelings blossoming out of control. She didn't want to force a label on what she and Connor had, but she did want to know where they stood. Did he want to date around? He had just gotten out of an engagement. Even if he did, she knew she wouldn't be dating anyone else. Setting those boundaries and expectations would be important no matter what.

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*The sounds of saxophone and piano filled the space as they walked through the front doors. Ellie took it all in: everything was velvet red with gold accents, long palmed ferns and other vines clung to every pillar. It was gorgeous. And the way Connor was looking at her--as if he couldn't believe she was standing in front of him--calmed her nerves. She couldn't help herself--she planted a kiss on his lips. She missed kissing him too! 💋

*Connor took her out of town to Willow Creek. The Crawdad Club was a snazzy joint, one Connor seemed to be quite fond of. Ellie had never heard of it before, but the nightlife in Crawdad Quarter was electric 🎷

*To celebrate Ellie's University acceptance and scholarships, Connor planned a date for them. Their first date, actually. Yes, they'd spent a great deal of time with another at work and had that little lunch "date" a month or so ago, but this was...real. A real date, just the two of them, with no stipulations or other entanglements. Anticipation had Ellie's nerves in overdrive 🤍

*A week or so later, Ellie received her scholarship package...and she got a FULL RIDE!! 🎉 She wouldn't have to find a way to fund her graduate education, which eliminated the financial burden completely. She could teach, attend her classes, but she was also obligated to play on the soccer team for her athletic scholarship. She called Connor, who cheered and screamed into the phone about how proud he was of her...and he may have let it slip how badly he wanted to kiss here again 💋

*Ellie wanted to hug the life out of Jo. Her unwavering support is something Ellie hadn't experienced before and it made her emotional. But instead of crying like she wanted to, she joyfully sipped her wine and considered if a label was important to her. Not really. What mattered most was that Connor cared for her in the way she cared for him...there was no need to rush anything. Perhaps Connor would want to take things slow as well since his last relationship got away from him. But she couldn't deny she had thought about woohoo once or twice; she couldn't help it, he was far too handsome not to...🥵

*As excited as she is about her and Connor finally admitting their feelings to one another, Ellie was so nervous to tell Jo about their...relationship? Were they a couple? Did they need to label is so soon after he had ended his engagement?

*Jo was cheering as she teased a bottle of wine in the air. Ellie was so happy to consider her a friend. She didn't have many even prior to her move, and Jo had extended her so much kindness in a short period of time. And yeah that wine looks unsafe 😂😂😂

*And...Ellie was accepted into University!! Even more impressive, she was accepted into distinguished degrees at BOTH Britechester and Foxbury! She doesn't yet know where she wants to attend, but learning she had been accepted was such an incredible feeling. Her confidence soared 🤍 And Jo called to get together! They hadn't gotten together since Harvestfest, so Ellie invited her over to celebrate!

*Winterfest is upon us! Ellie got herself a tree and spent a cozy evening decorating it with some old family decorations she had brought with her when she moved. It made her living room feel so cheery and comfy 🎄

*This was a delicate moment, a delicate time. They had only just begun to explore their feelings for one another amidst Connor's called off engagement. Things seemed messy, yet all Ellie was feeling was tenderness toward Connor who expressed his unwavering support. A degree or a promotion could result in Ellie no longer being in the classroom next door. That's a lot of change in a short period of time. Nevertheless, when Connor gave her a quick kiss, Ellie's mind quieted for just a moment 💋