Page 117

Vera let out a sound that was half sob, half laugh as she pulled Ellie into a tight hug. Beside them, Isla chuckled.

“And that right there just secured you the favorite child spot forat leastthe next twenty-four hours.”

“No way,” Mason’s voice startled them all as she walked around the bench and sat beside Vera. “I’m Mama’s favorite.”

“No way,” Ellie teased.

“Umm, yes, way. You wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for me.”

“That’s true,” Isla and Vera said in unison before they all laughed.

Mason stuck her tongue out at Ellie. “So see. There. Mama’s favorite.”

“I love youbothvery much,” Vera added with a laugh. “And your siblings, too.”

“But you can tell us,” Mason put an arm around Vera’s shoulder. “We’re your favorites, right?”

Vera rolled her eyes, making them all laugh again. “I think we know who my favorite is.”

“Everleigh,” Isla, Mason, and Ellie all chimed in, continuing to make them laugh.

“So, are you crashing my birthday breakfast?”

“Nah, I was grabbing breakfast for me and Chase and saw you all over here and I had to come and wish my favorite sister a very, very happy eighteenth birthday.”

Mason stood, as did Ellie, as Mason pulled her into a tight hug. Of all her siblings, Ellie was closest to Mason. Their age gap was never an issue for them, and Ellie never had to doubt if her big sister loved her.

“I love you, Ellie.”

“I love you, too, Mace.”

“And you’re my favorite,” Mason whispered as she winked at Ellie.

The two settled back on the bench, snug between Isla and Vera. Ellie knew without asking there was no place else any of them would rather be.

Chapter 38

Sadie

Keeping her eyes off Ellie in the little black cotton V-neck dress she was wearing was easier said than done for Sadie. Sadie had spent the better part of the two hours she’d been at the Mackenzie’s house trying tonotlet her mind run wild with the idea of taking that dress off Ellie. Although, if their earlier conversation was any indication, Sadie wouldn’t have to wait too much longer for that dream to become a reality.

Sadie had overthought everything before the party. What she was wearing. What perfume to use. Even the gift she’d gotten Ellie. She’d settled on khaki shorts, a blue tank top, and sandals. Casual, but cute. Her mom had lent her a perfume—Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue—and Sadie had to admit she felt pretty damn good. Especially when her eyes caught Ellie’s across the yard and she came running toward her.

“Hey! You’re here!” Ellie wrapped her arms around Sadie’s neck before kissing her quickly.

“I wouldn’t miss my girlfriend’s birthday for anything.”

Ellie’s smile made Sadie fall deeper in love with her as Ellie led her behind the garage.

“Are you wanting to reminisce about our first kiss?” Sadie teased as this time she gently pressed Ellie against the wall.

Between kisses, Ellie simply said, “I’m ready.”

“Ready for…”

It took Sadie a second to realize what Ellie was talking about. But as soon as she did, her entire body reacted. Her palms started sweating as her stomach felt like she was on a roller coaster. Sadie’s smile spread so damn wide she only hoped it didn’t look too cheesy.

“If you are, I am.”