I stick my tongue out at her instead.
We ride in silence for a few minutes, streaks of color passing us by as the cart carries us over a small hill and into a clearing. There aren't any flowers planted in this spot, making it the perfect place to spread out, but it overlooks what Zuri refers to as "The Valley". Neat rows of flowers line the field, sorted by color, making a pristine rainbow.
"It’s beautiful. Oh my gosh, Max, look." Sadie points to the flowers, her eyes lighting up in delight.
I drop a kiss on her forehead before placing Benny on the ground and moving to spread out a blanket I packed. The sun dried some of the dew from the grass while we were inside, but our butts still might end up wet. Bridget pulls out our sandwiches, some chips, and a baggie of food for Benny.
"Wait, Max, did you bring drinks?" My sister digs in the picnic basket, searching for the water I know I put in there.
"Yeah. I even threw in two extras. Did you check under the spare blanket?"
"It’s empty. There’s nothing in here." Bridget narrows her eyes at me, obviously annoyed, so I pop up and look myself.
"I swear I packed them. I left the bag out in front of the building. You don’t think someone would have taken it?"
Bridget places a hand on her hip. "Who would steal our water?"
"The leggy blonde—"
"The Bachelorette—"
Sadie and Zuri speak at the same time, tumbling into laughter.
"It’s okay, Bridg. Let’s just run back to the house real quick to grab some," Zuri says.
I shrug. "Yeah, you go. Sadie and I will stay here and save the spot."
We don’t really need to save it, as it’s not like anyone is flocking here to take it. But I wouldn’t mind a moment alone, and I’m sure my sister needs a little one-on-one time with her girl as well. They hastily agree, zooming away as we remain on the side of the hill.
"I have so many thoughts." Sadie slides down onto the blanket, and I take the seat next to her. "What an interesting job."
I slide my hand into hers, intertwining our fingers. "I guess. It’s pretty cool though, having something guaranteed. Bridget will never last out here… she’s killed every plant she’s ever been given." Benny slips between us, curling up in Sadie’s lap. "Speaking of jobs though, why’d you think Levi wasn’t going to take you back?"
"That’s loaded." She blows a raspberry. "I guess I’ve never had anyone outside of my family and Beth that really cared if I stuck around. My dad abandoned us when the burden of his family became too great. I think a part of me assumed that since I had apanic attack, since I’d sort of become the burden, that he'd think it was easier to replace me."
My heart breaks for her. No one should have to wonder if they are enough, if one singular trait is enough to categorize them as unworthy, unlovable.
Scooping Benny from her lap, I settle him on the blanket and pull Sadie in between my legs so her back is leaning against my chest. Resting my chin on her head, I stroke my hands up and down her arms as tenderly as I can.
"We promised to be honest, right?" I ask, waiting for her nod. "We haven’t known each other that long, especially if you don’t count the tutoring days. But I know one thing as firmly as I know my own name. You are worthy of every dream you have, Sade, of everything you could ever want. Anyone who would even consider replacing you is an idiot."
"Why? Everyone is replaceable, Max, especially at work."
"Not you." I kiss her neck. "You’re a unicorn, a breath of fresh air, a rare work of art that’s so beautiful to look at it almost hurts. There isn’t a single other person on this planet who comes remotely close to being you. And the fact that I get to spend time with you, that you’d even consider being in my life, or working for Levi… that’s a gift that neither of us could ever repay."
"So are you—a cocky, funny-ass unicorn, but a unicorn, no less." Sadie turns in my arms, kissing me.
I’d call her on the deflection, but her tongue traces the seam of my lips, and I get lost in the moment, lost in exploring her. Running my fingertips along the side of her overalls, Sadie twists until she’s straddling me. My hands assist, sliding to her ass to pull her closer.
Sadie toys with the button on my shorts, beginning to slip it through the hole—and Benny barks. It’s not his quiet puppy dream-grumble, instead, it’s as loud as I’ve ever heard him. I pull back as we both turn to find what’s got him riled up.
Perched not over ten feet from the end of our blanket is a groundhog in a t-shirt?
"Do you see—"
"Does that say what I think it says?" Sadie asks, her mouth hanging open in disbelief.
Benny continues barking, and the damn thing just stares at us. Lifting Sadie off my lap, I move to stand. But before I’m all the way up, Benny leaps off the blanket and chases the damn rodent down the hill.