Page 99 of Balancing Act
Jamie gave her a reassuring smile. “Ready?”
Lily nodded, though she was biting her lip.
“I am. I’m just not ready to face Mom. Out of both my moms, I’ll take Mama being mad over Mom any day,” she said begrudgingly.
The drive was filled with easy chatter and a couple of rounds of Jamie’s favorite road-trip playlists. She kept things light, deliberately avoiding any heavy topics and letting Lily relax into the journey. They crossed into Washington, and the familiar scenery made her feel like she was coming home. It wasn’t until they pulled up to Bainbridge Island and turned onto the tree-lined road toward Sarah’s house that Jamie felt Lily tense beside her again.
As they rounded the final bend, Sarah’s house came into view, where she was already standing on the front porch, arms crossed, her expression a mix of relief and simmering irritation.
“Oh yeah, she’s definitely mad,” Lily muttered, upon seeing Sarah.
Jamie glanced over, offering her a sympathetic smile. “It’s kind of expected, right?”
Lily sighed, nodding, and then looked at Jamie pleadingly. “Can you come in with me?”
Jamie hesitated, but only for a moment, before giving Lily a reassuring nod. “Yeah, of course.”
Jamie stepped up to Sarah’s house, feeling a mix of awe and hesitation as she took in the inviting facade. The shingled exterior, painted in soft gray, gave the home a timeless, coastal charm, while the arched entryway added a touch of grandeur. Damn. She’d known Sarah was a successful lawyer, but she had never really given much thought as to how successful she was. But her house—like Sarah—wasn’t flashy, but was undeniably impressive, a place that made Jamie straighten her posture without realizing it.
She stayed a step behind Lily, giving her the space to face Sarah first. As they reached the porch, Sarah’s expressionsoftened a bit, and she immediately pulled Lily into a tight hug, her hands running over Lily’s hair as though reassuring herself that her daughter was really there.
“Never, ever scare us like that again, Lily,” Sarah murmured, each word carrying a barely concealed frustration that flickered in her brow. “We will be having a very serious conversation about your actions and the appropriate use of the emergency credit card. Understood?” She pulled back, her eyes hardening for just a moment before placing a kiss on top of her head. “I’m glad your safe, Lily.”
Lily nodded, her cheeks pink, and glanced back at Jamie, who gave her an encouraging smile. With a quick, almost embarrassed wave to Jamie, Lily slipped inside, leaving the two women alone on the porch.
Sarah’s attention turned to Jamie. For a moment, they stood there, sizing up the other. But then Sarah let her guarded exterior fall. Her shoulders dropped, and her arms uncrossed.
“Thank you,” she said quietly, her voice steady but sincere. “For taking such good care of her.” Sarah’s voice faltered ever so slightly as she continued. “I don’t know what I would’ve done if... Just—thank you.”
Jamie nodded in understanding. “Yeah, of course. She’s an incredible kid. I was glad to be there for her.”
There was a pause before Sarah gestured toward the open door. “Would you like to come in for a bit? I’ve got coffee on.”
Jamie hesitated, feeling like Sarah may have something heavier in mind than a friendly, lighthearted conversation. Only one way to find out. “Sure. That sounds great.”
Inside, the house was warm, with the familiar scent of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. Jamie followed Sarah into the kitchen. The room gleamed, from the polished granite countertops that sparkled under the soft glow of pendant lights to the spotless white cabinetry stretching seamlessly to theceiling. The curved island in the center caught Jamie’s eye, with its elegant, rounded surface. Two mugs already set out on the counter. Sarah had anticipated her accepting the invitation to come inside. Jamie took a seat, and Sarah filled a mug before handing it to her.
They sipped their coffee silently before Sarah looked up, studying Jamie carefully. “When I realized Beth was seeing someone, I wasn’t sure what to think. I suppose part of me always assumed she and I would eventually work things out. We share so much history—years of being partners, co-parents, and best friends. It’s hard to see some of those chapters close.”
Jamie stiffened as jealousy coursed through her at Sarah’s admission. She sipped slowly from her mug, wondering where Sarah was going with this and trying to quell the feeling bubbling up inside her. But the more Sarah watched, the more Jamie could tell this wasn’t easy for her to talk about.
“But...” Sarah continued, her gaze softening and flecks of gold dancing in her eyes. “I have to admit, I’ve seen a real change in both Beth and Lily since you came into their lives. Beth is—she’s happier. Lighter, in a way I’ve never seen her before. And Lily—she feels safe with you. I can see that.” She paused, taking a slow breath. “I want Beth to be happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted. And if that happiness is with you, I’m glad she found it.”
Jamie felt her chest tighten, surprised by how much Sarah’s words meant to her. She knew Beth had talked to Sarah a few weeks ago, but she hadn’t realized how much she’d wanted to hear it for herself—this acknowledgment that she belonged in Beth’s and Lily’s lives.
Jamie felt a swell of respect for Sarah. She knew how hard it must be for someone as proud and steadfast as her to admit that her place in Beth’s life was no longer what it had once been. Sarah’s honesty struck her, as well as how she’d put her family’s happiness above her own ego.
“Thank you, Sarah. That means a lot,” Jamie said sincerely. “I know this can’t be easy.”
Sarah let out a small laugh, though there was a hint of sadness. “No, it’s not. Then again, I’ve always been proud, maybe a little stubborn. It’s not easy for me to admit that someone else can give Beth the happiness I couldn’t. But seeing her with you—it’s clear she’s found what she needs. It’s hard for me to let go, but it helps knowing Beth is with someone I can respect.” She gave Jamie a wry smile. “You and I have a lot in common, you know.”
Jamie raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Yeah?”
Sarah nodded, her smile widening. “We’re both loyal to a fault, a little intense, and I bet you don’t back down when you believe in something.”
Jamie smirked as she took another sip from her mug. “Guilty.”
They laughed, and the last of their lingering tension seemed to dissipate. Jamie felt a warmth settle over her, a feeling that went beyond respect—it was a sense of inclusion, of truly being welcomed into this family in a way she hadn’t expected.