“We’ve always said we will support you wherever you want to go,” Vera gently reminded.

“I know, Mama, and trust me. After today, I’m never leaving this house.” Ellie wrapped her arms around Vera tightly. “I love you, Mama.”

“I love you, too, Ellie.”

The three of them talked for a little while longer about Ellie’s sadness over Sadie and Brayden leaving and how she was excited about continuing to work with Vera. Isla was also excited that Ellie would be joining her at work as well. Ellie knew how blessed she was to have parents who she wanted to be around constantly and who loved her unconditionally.

Yawning, Ellie and Vera settled into the bed as Isla carefully tucked them in. She kissed them both before snuggling up against Ellie. Rolling over, Ellie wrapped her arms around Isla as she snuggled into her mom.

“I love you, Mom.”

“I love you, too, baby girl.”

As Ellie drifted off to sleep in her parents’ embraces, she couldn’t help but smile at the events that transpired over the summer. Never in a million lifetimes would Ellie have guessed before prom that things would play out as it had.

She’d gotten to perform inMamma Mia!with Isla which was a literal dream come true. Ellie had found a career path that excited her, and she looked forward to exploring more. She secured her first job, even if it was at her mom’s bar.

That didn’t matter. Ellie was excited nonetheless.

And then there was Sadie. Spending the summer with Sadie was beyond anything Ellie could have anticipated. She loved learning about Sadie and laughing with her. Ellie loved how Sadie truly cared about her and didn’t make her feel like she had to fit into a box. Sadie had definitely changed Ellie’s life for the good.

Because as she drifted off the sleep thinking of Sadie, one thing was abundantly clear.

Ellie Mackenzie was hopelessly in love with Sadie Baxter.