“This is the best day EVER!” I cheered, punching my fist into the air.
“I think we should celebrate by smashing those miles,” Sam said with a grin. “And then maybe a slice of pizza at the Taste of Rome or ice cream from Vanilla Ice Cream Parlour in Twin River?”
My parents gave me a nod of approval.
“Woohoo! I can’t think of a better way to celebrate!”
“Have fun, sweetheart.” Dad handed me some cash and said, “Don’t stay out too late!”
“Yes, sir! Thank you, Dad!” I shoved the cash into a little slot on the back of my phone cover, then gave him and my mom one more quick hug. Before heading out, I bent down and squeezed my little sisters and gave them each a kiss on the head.
“Thank you! Love you all the absolute most!” I yelled to them as Sam skipped down the front steps in front of me.
“Come on, D-1, let’s go!”
I grinned and caught up to her. Every cell in my body was vibrating, energy coursing through my veins.
I shot my hand up into the air and let out a loud, “Whoop!”
“Yes!” Sam joined in and sprinted ahead.
I caught her, and we fell into a nice and easy run, squealing about what had happened and reliving the moment at least three times before she pointed to her right. “Let’s go through the park.”
“You lead, I’ll follow!” I felt so light and free. I really wanted to text Preach. I missed him, and even though we weren’t back together or anything, I knew he’d be super happy for me. He’d always been so encouraging and supportive of me.
My joyous moment came to a crashing halt.
I never should have pushed him away.
Maybe it was time to take Willow’s advice. Lay it all out on the table. See if we could work through things, maybe give it another try?
Images of our time together as a couple flashed through my mind. Our picnic with tiramisu. How I’d been able to talk to him about Emmett. The kisses we’d shared in the woods surrounding Bear Lake.
I really cared about Preach.
No, no, cared wasn’t the right word.
I’d fallen in love with him, and even though I’d never said it out loud, Istillloved him.
Warmth flooded my chest, and it wasn’t from the run. I was going to call Preach as soon as we were done with the run and ice cream. Tell him I wanted to talk and see if we could work things out.
We jogged past a small pond and turned down a path that I hadn’t taken before.
Sam arched an eyebrow. “Is that smile about the phone call or are you thinking about something, or should I say,someoneelse?”
“Both?” I said with a grin.
“Does that mean that you want to give things with Preach another shot?” she asked.
I took a long inhale through my nose and exhaled out through my mouth. My heart thumped loudly and tingles spread from my fingers to my toes.
“Grace?” Sam nudged me with her shoulder.
“Yes, definitely yes!”
Sam squealed and slowed to a stop. “This isliterallyperfect timing.”
“Wait, what?” I asked, completely confused.