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A knock on the door startled Sadie as Vera opened it and peeked around the corner. “Just doing a headcount before we set the alarm.”

“We’re here and accounted for.” Popping up off the bed, Ellie ran over and gave Vera a hug and a kiss. “Goodnight, Mama.”

“Goodnight, Care Bear. I love you.” Vera kissed her cheek before waving at Sadie. “Goodnight, Sadie.”

“Goodnight.”

As Vera left the room, Ellie walked back over to the bed and resumed her position of staring down at Sadie. It was odd seeing Ellie at such a weird angle and yet Sadie was still captivated by her. The way her hair hung loosely, framing her face with damp curls. How her brown eyes seemed to be the prettiest color Sadie had ever seen.

Oh, my god. Pull yourself together.

“Care Bear,” Sadie said with a chuckle.

“Hey, don’t make fun,” Ellie giggled, “Mama’s called me that since I was born.”

“I wasn’t making fun, I promise. It’s cute.” Sadie smirked. “I like it.”

“What nicknames do your parents call you?”

Sadie shrugged. “They don’t really have nicknames for me.”

“Well, don’t worry. Give it time and my parents will have one for you.” Yawning, Ellie pulled her pillow up under her and smiled down at Sadie. “I’m gonna call it a night. Do you need anything?”

“Nope, I got my pillow and blanket and a phone charger so I’m good.”

“Cool. If you need anything, just wake me up.”

“Will do. Goodnight, Ellie.”

“Goodnight, Sadie.”

Ellie turned off the lamp by her bedside as she seemed to roll over onto her side away from Sadie. Pulling the sheet over her body, Sadie turned to her side, facing Ellie’s bed.

Should I have kissed her goodnight? I should have. I’m such an idiot. I could do it now, but how weird is that? Ugh. Why is this so hard??

Sadie propped herself up on her elbow to see if she could see over the bed. She was beyond surprised when she came face to face with Ellie, who was slightly leaning off the bed. Even in the darkened room, Sadie could still see her smile.

“We didn’t kiss goodnight.”

“No, we didn’t.” Giggling, Sadie leaned in and kissed Ellie softly. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

Thankfully, Sadie quickly fell asleep with a smile on her face. She could have slept longer had it not been for the delicious smell of maple syrup wafting through the house. Picking her phone up off the floor, Sadie checked the time. It was after nine, and judging by the voices downstairs, most everyone was already up.

She checked the missed text from Ellie as she yawned.

Morning!! When you get up come downstairs! Mom made pancakes and has fresh syrup!!

Sadie’s stomach growled at the thought of breakfast. It was her favorite meal of the day, hands down. Stretching her arms over her head, Sadie pried herself out of bed. She had no idea if she should go to breakfast in her pajamas or change, so she chose the latter. Putting on her bathing suit first, Sadie picked out a white Tennessee T-shirt and orange shorts to wear. The white tee made her bright blue bikini top highly visible, but she didn’t care. Everyone had seen her in it already anyway.

Heading down the stairs, Sadie found Ellie, Alexis, and Isla in the kitchen while everyone else was gathered outside by the pool. Isla and Alexis seemed to be tag-teaming making the pancakes, while Ellie was sitting across from them on a bar stool. Sadie sat beside her, definitely not paying attention to the fact Ellie looked adorable with bedhead. They smiled at each other, making Sadie way happier than she ever thought possible.

“Morning.”

“Good morning.”

“Did you sleep good?”