Page 66 of When Ellie Falls in Love

Delaney knocked on the open bedroom door as she leaned against the doorway.

“Vera just texted. They’ll be here in about five minutes.”

“Does that give me time to get a whole new wardrobe?”

“You’re going to the beach,” Delaney chuckled as she walked over to the duffle bag. She rummaged through it as she talked. “You have bathing suits, shorts, tees, tanks, and sunscreen. I think you’re good, kid. And besides, there will be stores if you’ve forgotten anything.”

“Yeah, I know.” Zipping up the bag, Sadie looked around her room one more time. “I don’t think I’m forgetting anything.”

“You are.”

“What?”

“To kiss your mommy goodbye.” Delaney playfully pulled Sadie into a hug as she kissed her all over. Sadie giggled, loving the relationship she had with her mom. “I hope you have thebesttime, sweetheart.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

A car horn honked outside and Sadie assumed it was Vera. She gathered up her bag and headed down the stairs with Delaney close behind her. Sadie said quick goodbyes to her and Charlie before they headed outside. Mason was in the backseat of the Jeep, which had the top down. Vera was driving, with Chase in the passenger’s seat and three dogs in the back. They all had their hair pulled back and sunglasses on, which made them seem like they’d just stepped out of a music video.

“Get in, loser. We’re going to the Cape.” Mason lifted up her sunglasses and winked at Sadie.

“Ignore her,” Vera said with a laugh as she got out of the Jeep. “She thinks she’s Renee Rapp.”

“Apex predator, baby.”

Rolling her eyes, Vera smiled at Sadie. Vera opened the back for Sadie to put her bag in before Sadie said another round of goodbyes and got into the Jeep. She was only mildly nervous about being in a car with Mason for the next three hours. It was only a matter of time before the inevitable conversation came up.

To Sadie’s surprise, they were in the car for a whole six minutes before Mason turned in her seat slightly to face Sadie.

“So,” Mason held out the word longer than was needed.

“Mason,” Vera and Chase both scolded in unison, which made Sadie giggle.

“What?”

“You promised you wouldn’t pepper her with questions.” Vera’s glare in the rearview mirror was clearly meant to intimidate Mason. But Sadie doubted its effectiveness.

“I was just going to ask how things were going for her post-graduation.” She looked at Sadie, waiting for an answer.

“Um, good. I guess. It’s only been a few days, so I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet.”

“So, what’s going on with you and Ellie?”

“Mason,” Vera and Chase both scolded again. “Sadie, you don’t have to answer her,” Chase added.

“It’s okay.” Sadie smirked as she turned toward Mason. “I’ll tell you if you tell me why you all didn’t go out to the Cape yesterday like everyone else.”

“Oh,” Vera laughed, “she’s good.”

Mason and Chase exchanged glances, but Sadie knew what it was for. She’d pried the information out of Charlie that Mason and Chase were trying to have a baby. Charlie had assumed their delay had something to do with that, and Sadie had to agree. Even if she did feel slightly bad she knew such intimate details about Mason and Chase without it coming from them.

“Well, we’re trying to have a baby.” Mason’s happiness was undeniable. “Today was our first insemination day.”

Sadie squealed in excitement as she hugged Mason. “That’ssoexciting! Congratulations!”

“Thanks. Everyone who’s going to be at the Cape knows, so it only seems right that you know, too. Just so you don’t think it’s weird that I’m not drinking.”

“Yep, all she’s allowed to do is relax and not drink for the next two weeks.” Vera merged the Jeep onto the interstate. “Doctor’s orders.”

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