Page 98 of When Ellie Falls in Love

Sadie rolled her eyes. “Oh, please. That’s sonotwhy I asked Dylan for help. She just knows Ellie better than me.”

“Yeah, but your tongue’s been in Ellie’s mouth, and Dylan’s hasn’t.” Charlie’s joking would always make Sadie smile, even when she didn’t want to. “So I assume.”

“You assume correctly. Did you know they’re basically cousins?”

Charlie narrowed her eyes at Sadie. “What? Explain.”

“Dylan is Cameron’s daughter, and Isla and Vera used Cameron’s brother’s sperm to have their kids.”

“Whoa,” Charlie looked taken aback for a moment before she laughed. “I alwaysknewIsla and Vera had used a sperm donor, but I never thought about who it was until now.”

“It’s because the sperm donor only had one job.” Sadie waited a beat, then added, “Like my dad.”

“Sadie,” Charlie gently scolded. “Your dad is a good… well, decent guy.”

“Who I haven’t seen in years.”

“Yeah, but…”

“Don’t you dare sayhe’s still your dad. I know that. But real parents don’t go years without seeing their kids. Real parents help their daughters wrap birthday gifts for their girlfriends.”

Nervously wringing her hands, Sadie thought she might have accidentally created the perfect moment she’d been waiting for. Charlie had been more of a parent to Sadie than her father ever was. Sadie had wanted to stop calling herCharliefor a while, but calling hermommade it confusing. But ever since Charlie had officially adopted her earlier in the year, Sadie wanted her to know she saw her as a mom as well.

“Charlie?”

“Yeah?”

“Can I ask you a question?”

“Did I ever have someone kiss me in a crowded room?” She smirked at her Taylor Swift reference, and Sadie pretended to be annoyed. But truthfully? Sadie loved Charlie’s dorky fangirl side. “I’m kidding. What’s up?”

“Well, I know we haven’t talked about it,” Sadie inhales sharply. “But I’ve been thinking.”

Charlie looked nervous as she nodded and wearily smiled. “Okay.”

“Would it be okay if I called youMama?”

It was then that Charlie’s eyes welled up with tears. “Sadie…”

“You can use another name if you want, or we can keep it as Charlie. Either way is cool. I just wanted to ask.”

“Sadie,” Charlie repeated. Reaching out, she took hold of Sadie’s hands. “I would love nothing more.”

“Really?”

“Really.” Putting her arm around Sadie’s neck, she pulled her close. “I’ve always told Delaney that I wanted it to be your decision, which is why we never talked about it after the adoption was finalized.”

“Thank you for that.”

“Thankyoufor wanting to call meMama. It’s an honor, Sadie. Truly. I love it.”

“Good. Me, too.”

“And I’m so glad you didn’t ask me about sex, which issowhere I thought that conversation was about to go.” Charlie looked relieved as she laughed.

“Well, I mean,” Sadie grinned, “we can have that conversation, too.”

Charlie narrows her eyes at her. “Have you and Ellie had sex?”

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