Page 56 of Love Legacy

Theia grabs my arm and pulls me toward the exit, unable to wipe the massive grin off her face.

“Bye, Sam!” I call over my shoulder as I follow my sister toward the parking garage so that we can head home.

“Oh, you’re fucked,” I say to Theia. “Like I think you’re in love with that man.”

Theia remains quiet for the rest of the walk to our vehicle, seemingly ignoring my teasing. It’s not until we’re seated in the car that she turns to me instead of starting it. “I think you might be right. Is that crazy?”

“Crazy that you’re already falling in love with this hunk of a man who treats you rightandis head over heels for you? Not at all. I couldn’t be happier for you.” I smile, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

Theia lets out a breath of relief, the tension relaxing from her shoulders before she starts the car, pulling out of the parking garage. “Thank you, Sage. That means a lot coming from you.”

“Maybe we should do a double date? You, me, Naomi, and Daddy Sam,” I say jokingly, “We could go to Top Golf or something.”

She rolls her eyes at my use of Sam’s nickname. “Don’t call him that, you’re going to make it weird,” she says, both of us laughing.

20

Naomi

Today’s the last day before I return to Georgia for Winter Break, and I’m absolutely nervous to go home. I miss Grannie Mae, so I’m excited to get to see her. But I’ve been dreading seeing my parents. Knowing the conversation I plan to have with them and anticipating their reactions, it’s been eating at me all week. I think Sage has picked up on my off-mood because she decided to plan this big date for us before she drives me to the airport in the morning.

I roll over in bed, expecting to snuggle close to Sage’s warm body, but surprised when I find her side of the bed empty and cold. Sitting up, I rub my eyes, looking around. Sage mustalready be up and moving this morning because her change of clothes that she laid out on my desk chair last night are gone too.

I move to get out of bed when a slip of paper on Sage’s pillow catches my eye. Grabbing the envelope, I take the card out, reading the words written inside.

Morning Church Girl! These next couple of weeks apart are going to be rough for the both of us, but especially you. I want to take you out for the day, to take your mind off things, and to show you how much you truly mean to me. I hung up some clothes for you on the door of your closet, so once you’re ready, get dressed and head into the kitchen.

-xoxo, Sagey

I smile to myself, letting out a wistful sigh. I still can’t get over the fact that Pinebrook’s resident playgirl is, deep down, a cheesy, hopeless romantic at heart. And thatI’mthe one who gets to experience this side of Sage. I get out of bed, gently padding over to my closet to see what Sage has picked out for me. She pulled for me a light green cowl neck sweater and a pair of light wash skinny jeans.

I grin when I see the sweater. I’ve had it for years, but I never wore it much. Now, it’s one of my favorite pieces of clothing because the color matches Sage’s eyes so well. After putting on the clothes, I do my makeup really quickly—just something light and easy—before pulling my curls into a high, messy bun, letting a few pieces fall free around my face.

I head into the kitchen, expecting to find Sage, but instead, I find another note. Opening the envelope, I read Sage’s written words in this next card.

Hi baby,

I bet you’re disappointed that I’m not there to eat breakfast with you. I had a few loose ends to tie up this morning for our day. I made you some shrimp and grits and left your bowl in the microwave to keep warm. I know it’s probably not as good as your Grannie Mae’s, but I tried my best because I know it’s one of your favorite foods.

I’ll be back soon, I just have one question: Do you trust me? If so, text me a thumbs-upemoji to agree to my surprise. If you don’t want to take the chance, text me a thumbs down. I know you trust me either way, so I won’t be upset if you choose no.

- xoxo, Sagey

“’Do you trust me?’ Well, that’s a loaded question,” I mutter to myself. I take my phone out, texting Sage the thumbs-up emoji. I trust her completely, so I’m sure she’s planned a fun, exciting surprise for me. Taking my bowl of food out of the microwave, I take a seat at the kitchen breakfast bar, digging into my shrimp and grits.

“Mm…” I say, letting out a soft moan as I eat the food Sage made me. Usually I cook, so to have her make me a proper breakfast, and one of my favorites no less, was such a turn-on. She surprisingly did really good! Don’t get me wrong, no one can hold a candle to Grannie’s cooking, but this was still extremely delicious.

I’m finishing my food when Sage steps through the door, holding a small bouquet of flowers and holding a large gift bag behind her back. I grin widely, standing up for her. “Hi, baby!”

She matches my grin, stepping into the kitchen, placing the flowers on the counter and the bag on the floor before wrappingher arms around my waist and pulling me close. “God, I can’t get enough of that,” she says, pressing her lips to mine. I kiss her back before pulling back a little, looking at the bouquet on the counter.

“You got me flowers? That’s so sweet!”

“I know you’re getting ready to leave, so it was probably silly because they’re going to die. But I saw them and I just couldn’t help myself.”

I scrunch up my nose, taking in the kind gesture. “Aw, thank you, Sage. And they’re sunflowers, my favorite!” I pick up the bouquet, gently inhaling the flowers’ sweet aroma. She never fails to surprise me.

“I got you something else too. This is an early Christmas present from me,” Sage says, picking up the large gift bag off the floor to hand to me. Taking the present, I peek inside, my eyes going wide when I take in the contents.

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