Page 74 of When Ellie Falls in Love

Ellie dramatically groaned as Alexis playfully jabbed her ribs with her elbow.

“It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. I feel like social media has made us all feel like we have to go above and beyond with these grand gestures of love but honestly? Blake washed all the baby bottles the other day and I found her just as sexy then as the day I married her.”

“You two are couple goals.”

“I like to think so,” Alexis chuckled. “But really? Your parents are the ultimate goals.”

“You’re not wrong there.”

Her words echoed in Ellie’s mind as she tried to get over finding the perfect words and instead tell Sadie how she felt.

But just as Ellie was about to reluctantly pull her lips from Sadie’s, the light on the pool shed flipped on.

Which meant someone from inside had turned on the outside lights.

Ellie and Sadie parted like magnets as Ellie held her breath to see who it was outside. Mason was the worst possible case because Ellie wouldneverlive it down. But she also didn’t want to get caught by her parents either. Unable to contain her curiosity any longer, Ellie held up a finger to Sadie to tell her she’d be right back as she swam under the waterfall. As she popped back up on the other side, she saw her mom looming over the edge of the pool with her arms crossed.

At least she’s smiling.

“There you two are. Or, well,” she smirked, “I’m assuming Sadie is in there with you.”

“She is.”

“Good. I was doing a headcount and was missing two, so I had to come and find my missing chicks.”

“Sorry, Mom. I thought you knew we were still out here.”

“It’s okay.” Isla waved her off nonchalantly. “Are you two going to be out here much longer?”

“I don’t know.”

“Well, Mama and I will be up for a while, but set the alarm when you get in, okay?”

“Can do.”

“Okay,” Isla’s smile told Ellie her mom knew exactly what was happening in the pool. But at least her parents were cool enough not to make a big deal about it. “I love you, Ellie.”

“I love you, too, Mom.”

“Goodnight, Sadie,” Isla called out with a wave as Sadie stuck her hand out from behind the waterfall to wave back.

“Goodnight, Isla.”

Keeping her voice low, Isla added before she went inside, “Remember what we talked about.”

“I will.”

Ellie waited until Isla was back inside and the lights outside were turned off before swimming back to Sadie. She playfully tickled her sides as she popped back up from under the water right in front of her. Sadie’s smile was even more gorgeous in the rippling lights of the pool reflecting on her face. Tucking her damp hair behind her ear, Ellie took a deep breath.

“I need to ask you something.”

Sadie arched an eyebrow at her. “I bet it’s the same thing I’ve been wanting to askyou.”

Instantly, Ellie felt herself relax.

“But,” with one word, Sadie sucked all the relaxation out of Ellie, “we have to be realistic here. I’m going away to college in a few weeks.”

“I know.” Ellie sighed. Her heart ached, and she didn't want to think about Sadie leaving. She mindlessly twirled Sadie’s hair around her fingers as she spoke. “And I don’t want you to miss out on things because you’re pining over me.”

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