Page 89 of The Perils of Pretending
Max puts his hand on the side of my neck. He uses his thumb to tilt my chin up. “Best outcome ever.” Max presses his lips to mine.
“Absolutely.”
Our kisses have always been fantastic, but now, knowing they won’t have to end, makes them better than ever. I increase the pressure of our kiss, my heart thumping wildly against my chest. I’m falling for Max—hard.
And I’m not mad about it.
Chapter 32
Sadie
Izipmylastsuitcase closed. Sighing, I sit on the edge of the queen bed, holding the worn page of my Alaskan adventures bucket list, more than half of the lines crossed through. I can’t believe I have to say goodbye to this place. There’ve been hardships for sure, but I’ll miss the beauty and more importantly the connection to Dad.
What am I saying? Alaska isn’t going anywhere. I can come visit again. For now, I’m tucking the closeness to Dad into my heart to carry with me at all times and leaving as a girl who loves her Dad, the moose he sent and/or occupied, and Max.
With my left hand, I rub a circle over the comforter that kept Max and me warm the last few nights out on the porch.
My emerald glistens, distracting me. It’s going to take a while to get used to wearing a ring on that finger.
Getting my phone out of my back pocket, I take a picture and send it to Poppy. I don’t include a description, because Poppy will know exactly what this means. As soon as the text-sent display indicates “read,” my phone rings.
I answer it with a smile. “How did you know?”
Poppy squeals. “I knew it, I knew it, I knew it! I’m so happy for you! It’s about flipping time you two realized you were right for each other. Do you know how long I’ve waited for this?”
“What are you talking about?”
“I knew it in my bones the first time we met Max at Brody’s birthday party. The way he looked at you and the way you smiled back. It wasn’t until his snark came out that you pretended not to like him. But we both know you secretly love a good banter session with Max.”
My mind whirls. I’ve always been attracted to Max, but secretly pining after him? No way. I don’t want to dwell on who’s right here. It’s in the past and I’m not going to argue with Pops. “Anyway…I just wanted to let you know Max did have a need for the ring after all. It’s perfect for me, so kudos for picking out something you knew I’d love.”
“You’re very welcome. Now, when’s the wedding so I can pencil it in?”
Heat creeps into my cheeks. “Oh. Well, we’re not actually engaged. We’re dating. But based on how I feel about him, I really hope this ring represents what will happen in the future.”
“It will, Sadikins. How’s the rest of the reunion been?”
I blow out a breath that makes my lips flutter. “It’s a long story that I’ll have to tell you when I have more time. The short answer is I got a lot checked off my bucket list, fell for Max, and realized I don’t have to keep Grandma in my life just because she’s our relative. Max and I are actually leaving today to drive up to stay with his grandparents in Anchorage before flying home tomorrow.”
“Wow. Yeah, I’m definitely going to need more details when you get home. For now, please drive safe and you might want to switch what finger you wear that ring on until you’re away from his grandparents. They might get their hopes up like I did if they see that on your ring finger.”
I twist the ring around my finger. “Good thinking. I’ll switch it before we get to Anchorage. Thanks again for everything.”
“Happy to help any time.”
“By the way, will you finally tell me what my last bracelet was for? The one that’s light pink, dark purple, tan, and dark brown?”
Poppy laughs. “Love.”
“Of course.” I laugh with her. “Thank you, and I’ll talk to you when I get home.”
“Love ya, Boo. See you soon.”
“Love you too, Soda.”
I hang up the phone and regard the list again. The dark black ink of the lines I made crossing items off is startling against the faded words Dad wrote. I didn’t complete everything and will need to come back again someday. As long as I don’t have to deal with Grandma when I do, I’ll happily visit Alaska again and again.
Sixteen Adventures for Sadie's Sweet 16 Trip
