Page 55 of Balancing Act (Soulmate #1)

Her cheeks flushed at the thought of Jamie being nearby again.

A mix of excitement and nervousness welled up in her.

If this was exactly what she had wanted—to have Jamie closer—why was she feeling like that same want suddenly had the power to upend everything they’d worked for?

But her excitement was stronger. She tried to keep it hidden but failed as it spilled over her words.

“Wow, you weren’t kidding! This is huge news. What made you decide to go for it?”

Jamie hesitated, and Beth could hear the smile in her voice when she answered. “Honestly? A lot of reasons. Mainly trying to get back to living life again. I’ve got so many things I want to accomplish and do, and I’m not going to lie, being closer to you and Lily was also a big draw.”

Jamie’s words sent a warm glow through Beth, as steady and sure as anything she’d ever felt. Jamie was willing to make this move, to build a life near her, and that meant more than she could put into words.

“You’ve really helped open my eyes to how much I’d let my life shrink.” Jamie continued. “I used to have this fire inside me—you know, that nothing can stop me feeling—and I’ve felt that spark coming back because of you. You helped me remember who I am.”

Beth’s cheeks burned, and she was glad Jamie wasn’t there at that moment to see how much she was blushing. “That fire was always there, Jamie. I saw it the night we met. I just fanned the flame a little.”

Jamie stayed quiet before speaking again with a softness in her voice. “Well, whatever you did, I love it.”

The words were on the tip of Beth’s tongue, ready to be spoken.

I love you.

But she caught herself. No. Those three little words were not something she wanted to say for the first time over the phone. She had other plans.

“I’m happy to be of service,” she joked, cringing at her horrible attempt at covering up what she had almost let slip. But Jamie’s low laugh quickly dissolved that feeling. “I’m really, really excited for you, Jamie,” she said softly.

“I had a feeling you might be. Everything with Empwr Ventures is still all really new, but I wanted to tell you first.”

At those words, Beth slid onto a nearby stool. Jamie was putting her first. Beth felt lighter, the guilt and hesitation melting away, replaced by the certainty that this was the real thing. She didn’t know how many more signs she needed, but the universe seemed committed to sending them her way.

“But enough about me. How are you?” Jamie asked.

“I think we should tell Sarah about us,” she blurted out, without warning. There was silence on the other end of the line, and Beth held her breath, waiting for Jamie to speak.

“You do?” Jamie’s tone was cautious but not dismissive.

“I do. In Austin, you said you were done with secrets, and I don’t want to keep you a secret from my family anymore. Well, at least not from Sarah. We can figure out how and when to tell Lily, but that doesn’t need to be figured out today?—”

“Beth, you’re rambling.” Jamie cut her off, but Beth could hear the smile in her voice. “Okay. Let’s tell Sarah. Do you want to do it together? Or...”

“I think it’ll be best if it’s just a conversation between her and me.” More silence met her.

Finally, Jamie said, “Okay. I guess we’re doing this, then.”

“I guess so.” Beth beamed, and when they finally hung up, she stared at her phone, a heat settling deep in her as she replayed their conversation.

Jamie was making space for Beth in her life—real, tangible space. If Jamie could take that step, Beth could do the same. She’d talk to Sarah this week, be honest about her relationship with Jamie, and trust that Sarah would understand.

The rest of the week passed in a blur, and Friday’s family dinner came quickly.

The ease of the evening settled around Beth as she sat across from Sarah, a glass of red wine in her hand.

The three of them—Beth, Sarah, and Lily—had shared a genuinely good night.

It had been effortless, one of those rare evenings when the past and all its complications faded away, leaving only a comfortable feeling in its wake.

Dinner was filled with laughter, and things felt normal between all three of them.

Lily had been exceptionally bubbly this evening, rapidly recounting every detail of her latest gymnastics practice with an enthusiasm that left Beth and Sarah with big smiles.

Beth marveled at how Lily’s happiness poured from her, unable to be contained.

Lily eventually said good night, hugging them both and saying she was going to bed. She paused at the bottom of the stairs, and Beth eyed her curiously.

“I’m really happy right now,” Lily said. “I wanted you to know I love you guys.” And then she darted up the stairs, leaving Beth and Sarah to share a knowing look as they settled into the soft beige sofa in Sarah’s living room.

She’d always wanted this for Lily—for the three of them, really. A sense of stability, warmth, and trust. A true family.

She and Sarah sat together in the quiet glow of the fire, Beth nursing a glass of wine as Sarah swirled her bourbon.

A comfortable silence stretched between them.

Beth could feel the magnitude of her decision pressing gently against her heart, urging her to finally share what she’d been holding back.

But how to begin? The thought of disrupting the harmony they now shared made her hesitate.

Sarah broke the silence first, eyeing her with curiosity. “You seem like you’re in a good mood these days.” She tilted her head in a half-teasing, half-genuine way. “I don’t think I’ve seen you this light in a while. It looks good on you.”

Beth chuckled, feeling a flicker of nerves but also a sense of relief. Maybe this is the right moment , a small voice in her head said as she set her glass down on the coffee table, running her finger around the rim for a moment before meeting Sarah’s gaze.

Her mind flashed back to a conversation they’d had years ago, the summer she and Sarah had separated.

Beth had moved all her belongings into a small two-bedroom condo in Capitol Hill, her new reality finally setting in.

A knock at the door had drawn her attention.

She’d opened it to find Sarah holding a small, wrapped package—a photo of the three of them, their little family.

“You’ll always be my family, Beth,” she had said that day.

“And I will always support you choosing happiness, even if I don’t always understand it. ”

Beth took a deep breath before she began.

“Actually, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that. It’s part of the reason I’ve been—well, like you said, lighter.”

Sarah’s curiosity persisted as she chose her words.

“It’s Jamie,” she said, and for the briefest moment, a shadow crossed Sarah’s face.

Was it surprise? Disappointment? Resentment?

But just as quickly, her eyes eased with understanding.

“We’ve—we’ve been seeing each other. Romantically, I mean,” she continued, the rush of warmth rising in her cheeks, but it was mixed with relief at finally having said it out loud.

That same flicker of whatever Sarah felt but didn’t say flashed across the hazel eyes trained on her.

Whatever it was, Sarah must have made her peace with it, because a slow grin spread across her face, and a glint of amusement shone in her eyes.

Beth tilted her head as she studied Sarah’s reaction.

“. . . but you already knew this?” Realization dawned on her slowly. Of course. “You’re not surprised at all, are you?”

Sarah’s lips quivered in a knowing smile, and she took a slow sip of her drink.

“I had my suspicions. I had pieced together that you were seeing someone, but I hadn’t figured out who,” she admitted, but Beth could tell she was enjoying this moment of teasing.

Sarah had always loved a puzzle. “But after Austin, how Jamie showed up all the way from Oregon? It confirmed what I’d already been thinking.

I was waiting for you to come to me when you were ready. ”

Beth let out a quiet laugh, a mix of embarrassment and relief flooding her. “Of course you knew. You are always just a few steps ahead of the rest of us.”

There was a hint of nostalgia in the way Sarah looked at her. “You know me,” she said, tossing back the last of her drink. “The ever-compulsive need to be two steps ahead. It’s a bitch in real life, but beneficial at work.” She settled herself deeper into the plush couch cushions.

“So, you’re—you’re okay with this?” Beth asked tentatively, as she set her wineglass down with a soft clink.

“I’m not upset, if that’s what you’re worried about,” Sarah said gently, as if sensing the anxiety Beth hadn’t entirely managed to let go of.

“I mean, I’m not exactly thrilled, either, but I know you, Beth.

I know you wouldn’t bring someone into your life—into Lily’s life—unless you were sure it was the right choice.

You are an incredible mother, and for as long as I’ve known you, you’ve had impeccable judgment.

It’s what makes you a truly wonderful person to co-parent with. ”

“Well, I don’t know about impeccable,” she teased, but she nodded, a swell of gratitude rising in her chest. “But thank you.”

Sarah’s acceptance and understanding were more than Beth had hoped for. She relaxed, settling back against the couch as she let herself breathe a little easier.

“I’m happy for you, Beth,” Sarah said, her tone light but genuine. “Now, tell me everything. Well, maybe not all the details, but how did... this... start?”