Page 110 of When Ellie Falls in Love

“I did, didn’t I?” Laughing, Vera and Ellie got into the SUV. Vera took Ellie’s hand as she drove, just like she’d always seen her do with Isla as they drove. “I’m so proud of you, Ellie. Really. Mason made me a mama, but you and Brayden are the only babies I’ve carried. That will always be something special to me. I hope you know that.”

“I do. I love you, Mama.”

“I love you, too, Ellie.”

“And since it’s just the two of us, you can go ahead and admit it.”

Vera’s brow furrowed as she looked over at Ellie. “Admit what?”

“That I’m your favorite.”

Vera’s laugh filled the car, which made Ellie laugh, too. “You get more like your mom and Mason every day. I hope you know that.”

“I do,” Ellie smirked. “And you love it.”

Winking, Vera put her hand on Ellie’s thigh and squeezed. “I guess.”

Ellie’s phone vibrated in the pocket of her scrub top, and she fished it out to see a text from Sadie.

I hope you’re having the best day! I love you!

She couldn’t help but smile at her phone, which Vera must have noticed.

“Is that Sadie?”

“Yeah.”

“I figured.” Vera’s eyes sparkled as she looked over to Ellie at the stop sign. “Your face gave you away.”

“Stop it,” Ellie giggled. “I can’t help it. I love her.”

“Oh, trust me,” Vera chuckled, “I can tell.”

Putting her fingers over the keyboard, Ellie typed a message to Sadie.

It’s been GREAT!!! Omg I can’t wait to tell you about it!

Chapter 36

Sadie

Sadie sat anxiously in her car outside the gynecologist office as she tapped her hands on the steering wheel to the beat of the Taylor Swift song. Ellie had told her to be there by noon, but it was currently almost twelve-thirty and Ellie hadn’t come out yet. Picking up her phone, Sadie checked her text thread with Ellie. Her last three messages had gone unread, which means Ellie was definitely away from her phone.

Ellie has been so excited yesterday about her day with Vera at work. She’d gone on and on about how fun it was and how much she looked up to her mama that it made Sadie’s heart happy simply listening to her talk over FaceTime. It was clear that Ellie was discovering a new passion, and Sadie was glad she had a front row seat.

After another ten minutes, Ellie finally came out the door with the widest grin Sadie had ever seen. Ellie had a duffle bag over her shoulder, and was wearing a Blondie T-shirt and short pink shorts. She quickly got into the passenger side of Sadie’s Mustang, closing the door behind her.

“I’m so sorry I’m late.”

“It’s okay.” Leaning toward her, they quickly kissed. “Big day today?”

“The biggest.

As Ellie put on her seatbelt, Sadie backed out of the parking spot and headed toward downtown. They’d made plans the night before to do Straight to Ale for lunch then hang out before Ellie had to be at rehearsal. Ellie excitedly talked about everything she had helped Vera with, and Sadie loved listening to her. She was so happy, which in turn was making Sadie happy.

“And then, Austin let me take the doppler and I found the baby’s heartbeat! It was so cool!”

“Aww, Ellie, that’s awesome!”

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