"It's probably one of the hardest things in the world to realize that the love of your life has become toxic to you. I can't imagine the heartbreak of having to let go of that person because not letting go is hurting you more than letting go ever would." She sighed heavily, shaking her head. "I'm glad you take that approach to ending relationships, though. Because if you can be an adult when the relationship is ending, it says a hell of a lot about how you are when you're actually in a relationship. You've had nothing but nice things to say about Aimee, and most guys I know talk a lot of shit about their exes. Which tells me you're a good guy who treasures the people in your life too much to be an asshole because things didn't work out the way you thought or hoped they might." Ella snuggled closer in at Dave's side, enjoying the warmth of being close to him. "I don't want you to censor yourself, though. Our relationship has been really nice so far, and part of that is that I feel really comfortable talking with you about pretty much anything." She listened as he explained a little more about his cancer battle, and she shook her head, tilting her chin up so she could kiss him softly. "That sounds like absolute hell. But I'm so fucking glad that you're still here. I miss my mom, Dave. I do. I miss her every day, and it kills me knowing what she went through. But you're here, and this is still early days, but I adore having you as a part of my life. I want that to continue, and I want to know those things... The parts that are hard to talk about, but a huge part of you and your life. Does that makes sense?"

"A Caribbean cruise sounds like heaven on earth to me," Ella mused with a small smile. "Sunshine and water and overnight stops at beaches? Day spas, comfy beds? And days away just the two of us? I literally think you just described what heaven would be like if I created it myself." She gave him a playful grin, but became more serious at his question. "I'm sure. The truth is, they're my baby brothers, and I love them both dearly. I wanted to be sure before I told them that I felt like it was a relationship that was going somewhere, and I do feel that way. Besides that, Trey's seeing someone now... There's no reason to hide us. I'm ready."