Page 60 of Balancing Act (Soulmate #1)

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 the ceiling.

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.

Sarah sighed, glancing toward the hallway Lily had disappeared down.

“Take care of them,” Sarah said quietly, her voice a little raw. “Beth and Lily—they mean everything to me. I know it’s not my place anymore with Beth, but I’ll always care about her. I want to know they are both safe and loved.”

Jamie reached out, reassuringly touching Sarah’s hand. “You don’t have to worry about that. I care about them both so much.”

Sarah nodded. “Good. I’m glad to hear it.”

The heaviness of their conversation settled between them comfortably as they changed topics.

Jamie asked Sarah about her most recent case, and Sarah asked Jamie about her upcoming move and Empwr Ventures.

By the time Jamie finally stood to leave, there was a genuine warmth between them, an unspoken understanding that they were on the same team and wanted the best for the people they loved.

Jamie felt a deep sense of peace as she drove to Beth’s house.

She was confident she genuinely had a place in Beth and Lily’s lives.

Sarah’s acceptance felt like the final piece falling into place, affirming the sense of family Jamie had been building with Beth.

She knew challenges would still be ahead but felt ready for them.

As twilight deepened, Jamie pulled into Beth’s driveway, the soft glow of the porch light welcoming her.

She slid Beth’s key into the lock, a tiny thrill passing through her as the door clicked open.

Stepping inside, Jamie breathed deep in the foyer.

The faint scent of lavender and the quiet hum of the house made her chest tighten in the best way.

She felt that familiar sense of peace she always found in Beth’s house.

It was a feeling that had started small but had quickly grown into one she craved—a place where she belonged.