Page 105 of When Ellie Falls in Love

“And making out.”

“Please don’t tell her that.”

“It’ll cost you.”

“What this time?” Ellie groaned as Sadie laughed. It was obvious the youngest Mackenzie was used to playfully manipulating her older siblings.

“Can you take me to the drive-in next week? It’sThe Shiningand youknowhow much I love that movie. I won’t even tell Mom or Mama if Sadie goes and you two make out the whole time.”

Ellie snapped her head toward Sadie as they both looked at each other in panic. Had someone seen them at the drive-in and told Ellie’s parents? But even if they had, how would Everleigh have found out?

“Geez, relax,” Everleigh snorted a laugh. “I’m justassumingwhat teens do at drive-ins. So, will you take me?”

“Yeah, fine. We’ll take you.”

“Thank you.” Looking more like Vera than Sadie had ever realized, Everleigh smiled and headed back to the front door. “I’ll be sure to report to the parents that there was absolutely no making out on the front porch.”

Ellie stuck her tongue out at her, while Everleigh did the same back.

“Man, I never wanted siblings until I got to know your family.”

“They’re all assholes.”

“You love them.”

“Some days.”

“Every day,” Sadie corrected. “Admit it, you love them.”

Ellie failed to hide her smile from Sadie. “I mean, they’re alright.”

“You’re lucky.” Leaning back in the swing, Sadie put her arm on the back as she set it in motion again. “You have parents who love you and siblings that annoy you while loving you. Your sisters-in-law are amazing. Your nieces and nephew rock. You’re lucky. I don’t have any of that, minus the supportive parents.”

“Well, lucky for you, you’re basically an honorary Mackenzie now.” Snuggling into Sadie, Ellie wrapped her arms around her waist and rested her head on Sadie’s chest. “My family loves you.”

“It’s mutual.”

For a few moments, the only sound between them was the methodicalcreakof the porch swing. Sadie could hear voices from the backyard still, and knew the rest of the Mackenzies must still be out there. Despite how much fun she’d had that day, Sadie suddenly became overwhelmed with the fact that she would be leaving Moonflower Cove in a matter of weeks.

While the move hadn’t fully hit her yet, it was starting to hit harder and more frequently as the day approached. Especially when she thought about leaving Ellie. Sadie’s stomach immediately knotted up every time she thought about it. But this time, Sadie decided to tell Ellie about her worries.

“Ellie?”

“Hmm?”

“What happens when I go to college?”

The question hung in the air as neither of them seemed to breathe or move. Slowly, Ellie sat up and looked at Sadie. Sadie could see in her eyes that she’d been avoiding asking the question as well.

“What do you mean?”

Sadie’s voice was lower when she spoke. “You know what I mean.”

“I don’t want to break up,” Ellie quickly answered.

“I don’t want to either.”

“Okay. Good. We’re on the same page there.”

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