“No, little one. I mean, sure. But I don’t really love you in addition to you loving me. I just love you.”
My heart melts and I don’t know how much more I can take of us having to hide this. Because this feels too big and too real and too perfect to contain and on top of that.
Zach leans down and presses his mouth to mine. His kiss melts against my lips as I lean into him and I feel like I could stay here forever. The sun beating down on us, the sounds of the water in the background. Just us and a moment where we don't have to hide from anyone.
We finally pull away, realizing we've spent far too long out here so we say our goodbyes and take off in different directions heading to where we need to be. But it’s not more than a few moments later when I get a text from him.
I forgot to ask you what color dress you were thinking about wearing?
Hmm…
I text him back, I hadn’t thought about it just yet, but then something comes to mind as the little sunflower charm on my bracelet glints in the sun.
Purple.
I respond.
Okay. I can do that.
But why purple?
My heart aches. I know this is going to hit him and that’s not my intention but there’s only one reason. And I’m reminded of her every time I put on the bracelet she made for me before she died.
For Sophie.
20
Zachariah
Are you nervous for tonight?
I won’t be as long as you’re there.
I’ll be on the field, remember? Gotta get pictures of Haper High's best player.
A little distraction never hurt no one.
You know… the scouts that are coming tonight aren’t just my brother, right? They’re gonna be looking at you too.
I know, Cadie.
You’re going to do fine. And then this time next week, you’ll have offers flooding your emails.
Thank you for believing in me.
I’ve always believed in you.
What time will you be at the stadium?
About an hour before kickoff. Ryen is gonna be here soon so we can get ready and then we’re gonna grab food before we leave.
Well, if we can make it happen, I’d love to see you before I play.
Zach, can you promise me something?
Yes.
We need to tell Brayden about us. And not just that we’re going to homecoming together. Everything. But I think he needs to know that we’re also going to the dance together.
