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“It’s so hard to believe that eighteen years ago, you were still inside my tummy.”

“Uterus,” Ellie corrected with a laugh like she had since she was three and first learned the correct terminology.

Vera chuckled.

“You, my sweet Ellie, were the first baby I birthed. And let me tell you,” she chuckled again, “I wasn’t ready.”

“It’s hard to prepare for the most perfect kid.”

“True that.”

Vera kissed the top of Ellie’s head. As she often did when cuddling with her mama, Ellie took hold of Vera’s hand and twirled her wedding ring around her finger.

“Mason might have made me a mama, but you and Bradenmademe a mama. It was one of the greatest blessings in my life to be able to carry you two for nine months. And you know what the best part was?”

“Us not ripping your vagina like Evie did with Mom?”

The comment made Vera burst out laughing, which in turn made Ellie laugh. “Well, yes, that. But also being able to watch you grow and become this beautiful young lady that is so much more than my daughter. You’re my friend, my baby girl, one of the loves of my life. Never ever forget that, Ellie.”

“I won’t.”

Ellie yawned as Vera kissed her again. They stayed that way for a few moments—Ellie twirling Vera’s wedding ring while Vera ran her hands through Ellie’s hair. They had plans for breakfast, but Ellie didn’t care. She’d take moments like this over anything. Especially when her mom came in and joined them.

Isla laid down on the other side of Ellie, causing her to be sandwiched between her parents. There was no safer or better feeling in the world to Ellie. As Isla put her arm around Ellie and Vera, she held them close as she kissed Ellie cheek.

“Happy birthday, baby girl.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

“How does it feel to be eighteen?”

“Pretty good, I guess.” Rolling over, Ellie snuggled into Isla’s embrace as Vera kept her arms around her. Her cold hands sent a shiver up Ellie’s spine as they touched her bare skin. “Why are your wife’s handsalwaysfreezing?”

Isla laughed, “I’ve been wondering the same thing for thirty years.”

“I can’t help it.”

“I know, baby. And I love you and your cold hands so much.”

Leaning over Ellie, Isla kissed Vera. She desperately wanted to have what they had one day. Isla and Vera had the type of love that could overcome anything together. They loved each other and their family more than anything in the world, and Ellie was a better person because she had grown up in their household.

The trio lay there for several minutes, reminiscing on the last eighteen years and asking Ellie if she was excited about the party. She was, of course. Every year since they were one, their parents had celebrated their birthday with a cookout with all their friends and family. Ellie always looked forward to it, but this year was different.

Because it was the first year that Sadie would be there.

Ellie’s heart skipped a beat at the thought of Sadie. She loved her so much or well, as much as an eighteen-year-old could. The last few times she’d been with Sadie, it was obvious she felt the same way. Which was a good thing because Ellie wasn’t sure how much longer she could go before her need to touch Sadie overtook her.

Growing up as Mason’s younger sister, Ellie knew that youcouldhave sex with someone without loving them. But because of Mason, Ellie knew she didn’t want that. She wanted to care—genuinely care—about the person she shared her first time with.

And Ellie was beyond sure that person was Sadie.

She almost got the nerve up to admit that to her parents before they all got out of bed and headed out to breakfast. Ellie had chosen Carlson’s Cafe, of course, and ordered a stack of chocolate chip pancakes. Isla went with French toast while Vera chose waffles. While Vera sipped on an iced coffee with more sugar than coffee, Isla and Ellie were content sipping their Diet Cokes. At least Ellie had gotten the addiction honestly.

After breakfast, they walked down to the pier because Vera was insistent she get some pictures of Ellie on her birthday. Which, of course, Ellie had no problem posing for. Not only did she love a good photoshoot, she also loved being the sole focus of her parents’ attention for a few minutes longer.

It was selfish, Ellie knew that.

But as the middle child, Ellie craved that attention. Especially when it seemed like her oldest and youngest siblings got the most attention from their parents. Which Ellie was okay with. She never felt left out or unloved. On the contrary, their parents made them all feel so loved that Ellie always craved more.