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“I think youmightneed to prove it again.”

And Ellie did. The kiss was just as wonderful as the first. But this time it was cut short by the bedroom door opening. Sadie and Ellie parted quickly.

“Have kids, they said,” Delaney joked as she leaned onto the doorframe. “It’ll be fun, they said.”

“Sorry, Mom.”

Delaney waved them off. “Hey, it’s okay. I assumed when I left you two alone it wouldn’t be long before you were lip locked. But,” she looked around the half-packed room, “we do need to get all this packed.”

“And I gotta get to the theater.”

Smooth, Sadie wanted to say. But she knew Ellie did have to go. Opening night was the next night, so it was their last rehearsal.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“See you then. Bye, Delaney.”

“Bye, Ellie.”

As Ellie scampered out of the room, Sadie could feel Delaney’s eyes on her. She tossed up her hands and laughed.

“Well, yell at me already.”

“I only have one question.” Delaney was laughing as well now. “Did she tell you she had to practice her kiss for the play?”

“Shut up.” Sadie laughed as she plopped down on the bed.

“Because you know,” Delaney was still teasing as she walked toward Sadie and playfully tickled her, “you can’t fall for that line.”

“Too late.”

Chapter 41

Ellie

Ellie’s excitement forMamma Mia!couldn’t be higher if she tried. She’d been dreaming of playing the role of Sophie for so long and now to be able to do it with her mom as Donna, Ellie was overwhelmed. As Isla helped Ellie get into her costume for the first number, she tried not to let her emotions get the best of her. And judging by the look on her mom’s face, Isla was doing the same.

“We gotta keep it together,” Ellie laughed as she wiped a tear from her cheek. The last thing she needed to do was ruin the makeup she’d carefully applied.

“We won’t. We’re Mackenzies.”

“We wear our emotions on our sleeves.”

“Exactly,” Isla laughed as she pulled Ellie into a hug. “This has been an absolute dream come true to share the stage with you this way.”

“Back at ya.”

“Are you ready?”

“Born ready.”

Isla chuckled. “I believe that.”

“I love you, Mom.”

“I love you, too, Ellie.”

As the light backstage flashed to signal five minutes to curtain call, Ellie and Isla made their way to their places. Ellie met up with Dylan and the others in the opening number as they excitedly waited for the show to begin. When the music started and Ellie made her way on stage, she could feel her excitement bubbling over.