Page 95 of When Ellie Falls in Love

“Eden,” Ellie groaned.

“Aww, my baby is growing up so fast.” Vera pulled Ellie into a dramatic embrace. “But why did you go to Eden? I’ve kept your mom happy for thirty years.”

“Mama,” she groaned again. “Don’t.”

“I’m just saying.” The smug look on her mama’s face made it impossible for Ellie not to laugh. “So fill me in. What are we discussing? How can I help? Or do you want me to leave?”

Ellie scooted her chair closer to Vera’s and wrapped an arm around her. “No, stay. Please.”

“Always, baby.” Vera kissed the top of her head. “How can I help?”

“I was just explaining that the woman’s body is like an orchestra.”

Vera rolled her eyes. “She’s been using that analogy since Mason first went to her for sex advice.”

“Hey, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Waving off her sister-in-law, Vera focused her attention on Ellie.

“So, have you and Sadie had sex yet?”

“No,” Ellie shook her head. “I just get the feeling it’s going that direction.”

“Have you and Sadie talked about it?”

“Not yet.”

“Okay,” Vera inhaled sharply and held it in for a moment before letting it out slowly. “First things first, you need to talk about it before anything happens. Make sure you are both on the same page. If one isn’t ready, that’s okay. If you’re both ready, then make sure you’re both comfortable and consenting to whatever the other is doing. Don’t be afraid to speak up. Your body, your choice. Even if it’s someone you really like.”

Ellie nodded. “I know. You’ve always taught us that.”

“And I know you know all of this. But I also know your first time can have alotof emotions around it. I don’t want you to be overwhelmed or feel like you can’t talk to us before or after.”

“Just notduring,” Eden added with a laugh.

“You’re a smart girl, Ellie.” Vera methodically tucked Ellie’s hair behind her ears. “And I know you know sex is a big deal. It’s not something you do just because you’re bored. It means something. Even after thirty years, sex with your momstillmeans so much to me.”

Ellie knew that most kids would have recoiled at their parents talking about their sex life. But for Ellie, it was nothing out of the ordinary. They’d always been open about sex, and Ellie hadn’t realized how much she appreciated that until now. Her parents didn’t judge her or tell her she was too young. Instead, they helped her understand her body and the connection she’d always share with that person.

Which was looking ever more likely to be Sadie.

“I definitely want to talk to Sadie about it first. Ithinkwe’re on the same page, but, like you said, I want to make sure.”

“And honestly, Care Bear, that’s the best thing to do. Talking will help you both know where you’re at.” Vera put her hand on Ellie’s cheek as she smiled at her. “You got this, Ellie.”

“Now, go get that orgasm!” Eden’s comment made them all laugh, and Ellie was thankful for the distraction. They all chatted a little while longer about everything before they headed to their separate rooms for the night.

Or, well. Ellie had at least had every intention of sleeping in her own bed that night. But as she lay in the garage apartment, she suddenly felt very alone.

Pushing the sheets off her, she slipped on a pair of flip-flops and headed over to the main house. She left her shoes by the door as she padded up the stairs to her parents’ room. Normally, Vera slept on the side closest to the door. Ellie could make out her frame even in the darkened room.

“Mama?” Ellie whispered as she approached the bed. Vera didn’t say anything; she simply lifted the sheets up and let Ellie under them with her.

Kissing her cheek, Vera wrapped her arm around her. It wasn’t long before Ellie felt her mom’s hand squeeze her arm as well. For the millionth time in her life, Ellie thanked the universe for choosing her to be Isla and Vera Mackenzie’s daughter.

Chapter 32

Sadie

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