Page 131 of When Ellie Falls in Love

The fact Sadie has hours, not days, left in the Cove was starting to fully sink in. She had forced herself to keep it together as her parents threw her a party to celebrate her forthcoming college experience. Sadie made it a point to thank everyone—mostly Mackenzies and Dylan—for coming and for the well wishes. They’d all enjoyed hamburgers grilled by Charlie and Mason on Charlie’s new Blackstone, and Sadie truly hated to see the night end.

Especially since she knew what was coming.

Saying goodbye to Ellie was something Sadie absolutely did not want to do. She had no idea how to convey to Ellie that she loved her and was going to miss her so much. Telling her that felt cheesy and inadequate, but Sadie didn’t know how else to say it.

Delaney, Isla, and Vera had agreed to let Ellie spend the night the night before, and Sadie was beyond thankful. She needed those last few precious moments with Ellie before she left for college. Because as it currently stood, she wouldn’t see Ellie again until fall break inOctober. That was two very long months that seemed unbearable to even think about.

At least we have one more night.

Sadie was glad both her and Ellie’s parents understood their need to be together one last night. And it wasn’t just about sex. Although she’d told Delaney and Charlie about that the morning after. Her mom looked like she was going to throw up, but she kept a level head. She was proud of Delaney for that.

Both Delaney and Charlie checked in with her over the next few days to make sure she was okay. They reiterated that they were always there for her and would never judge her. Sadie was beyond thankful for that.

And for the fact Delaney had told her they’d leave her and Ellie alone for the night. Sadie knew how lucky she was to have parents like hers, but it was also why she’d never do anything to purposefully hurt them or make them mad. Especially not after all they’d done for her over the years.

But Sadie was glad she got to have one more night with Ellie. Although they were still figuring out what they both liked, Sadie felt they were getting the hang of it. Slowly but surely. She’d fallen asleep in Ellie’s arms as Ellie played with her hair. Sadie could have stayed there forever if the damn wake-up brigade of Delaney and Charlie hadn’t woken them up.

Charlie had made breakfast and after they ate, Ellie helped them pack the Mustang and the rental car before helping them decorate for the party. Now, with the party winding down, Sadie needed to turn back time so she didn’t have to face the music. And not the Sabrina Carpenter song playing on the speakers on the back patio.

Most of the Mackenzie’s had left except for Ellie, Mason, and Chase. They were toasting marshmallows over the fire pit with Delaney, as Sadie sat on the patio couch a few feet away. Dylan plopped down beside her, putting an arm on the back of the couch.

“Great party.”

“Thanks.”

“Amazing hamburgers.”

“Mama loves her Blackstone.”

“I think I’m going to invite myself over here anytime they cook out.” Dylan laughed, as did Sadie.

“I’m sure they’d love to have you.”

They sat in silence for a few moments as Ellie and Mason jokingly argued about the proper amount of time to keep the marshmallow over the fire. Mason wanted it burned, while Ellie just wanted it slightly toasted. Seeing them together made Sadie wish again that she had a sibling she could tease with.

“I’ll take care of her while you’re gone.” Dylan’s comment pulled Sadie’s mind off Ellie for a moment as she furrowed her brow at Dylan. “Not likethat. Ew. No. We’re cousins.”

“Ew, gross. I know. I wasn’t even thinking that until you said it.” Sadie pretended to shiver as they laughed.

“I just meant I’ll make sure she’s okay and she doesn’t hole up in her room pining away for you.”

“That’s very sweet of you.”

“We gotta take care of our Eleanor.” Dylan smiled as she looked at Ellie. “She’s one of the good ones. She’s the best of both Isla and Vera. I’m fairly sure my uncle contributed very little DNA to that kid. She’s all Mackenzie.”

“A hundred percent.”

Sadie watched as Ellie put a marshmallow on a graham cracker Chase was holding for her. She added a few pieces of a Hershey’s chocolate bar to it before sandwiching it with another graham cracker. As she took a bite, the marshmallow melted all over her lips as Sadie laughed.

“That’s your woman.”

“She’s great, isn’t she?”

Standing, Sadie walked over to Ellie. She put her hand around her waist as she pulled her close for a messy kiss. Ellie giggled as they kissed, driving Sadie wild in the best way. Ellie wiped the marshmallow off Sadie’s lips.

“I can make you your own if you’d like one.”

“I like eating yours.”

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