Page 95 of Promise Me

I didn’t think there was anything left in this life for me tolook forward to, for me to celebrate, but Sadie has proved me wrong.

I won’t tell her this, not yet anyway, but it seems that after all those years of fighting, she might have been right more times than I care to admit.

As soon as the wings were gone and more pictures were taken, we all moved on to year thirty. It was much more laid-back, and everyone here has basically found a spot near the windows and her favorite chairs or around the bar.

I pour myself another drink and glance around until I find Sadie sitting by herself. She’s watching the room, and as if she can sense my eyes on her, she smirks in my direction. I grab my drink and make my way toward her, taking the seat next to her. I’m close enough that our shoulders bump when either of us moves, and our thighs are flush against each other.

“Having a good night?” I ask.

She nods. “Are you?”

I smile. “It’s one of the best.”

“Is it because of the fact you were on the ice earlier or because all our favorite people are in this room right now?”

All our favorite people.

She’s not wrong. Even through all the fighting, we shared a large list of important people in our lives.

“Both.” I take a drink.

“Come on, admit it. You’re happier tonight because just hours ago, you were on the ice and skating with all those?—”

“You were on the ice today?” Luca comes up quickly.

“Skating?” Dad adds right behind him.

“Oh—” Sadie leans close to me and whispers, “Was that a secret?”

I shake my head. I can tell from her tone that she hoped I wasn’t trying to keep it a secret.

I reach behind us and rub her back. “No, it wasn’t a secret. Ijust didn’t tell anyone about it because I wasn’t sure how it would go, and I didn’t want anyone to get their hopes up.”

My father grins. “How did it go?”

“He was amazing,” Sadie cuts in and then bites her lip as she lowers her chin to her chest, likely embarrassed for the outburst.

For me, my heart swells at the pride she clearly has for me.

“It was better than I expected.”

“And you were with him?” Luca directs his question to Sadie, who simply nods.

“It was actually Sadie who put the whole thing in motion.”

“It was not,” she argues. “You said yes on your own.”

“Well, I wouldn't have had a yes to answer with if you hadn’t wanted to go inside the rink last week, and you’re the one who gave the coach my number after the boys spotted me.”

“How could I not? You should have seen your face. I’m not sure who was more excited, you or that team.”

“Hey, I was shocked at how many of them knew who I was.”

Sadie rolls her eyes and smiles. “You left quite the impression.”

“Did I now?”

Before she has a chance to answer, a throat clears in front of us. We both snap our attention to my father, who is shaking his head and grinning. My brothers, now that Miles has joined us, both have similar looks on their faces. I’d slightly forgotten they were here.

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