Page 104 of Finding Wonderland

Everleigh stayed on Mason’s hip as they walked into the ice cream shop. They placed their orders—Oreo for Mason, raspberry sorbet for Vera, and a sugar free vanilla for Everleigh—before finding a seat near the window. Vera gave Nala a treat she’d taken from the dog biscuit container by the register as she placed her into a down position under the table. Mason sat across the table from Vera beside Everleigh, as she often did.

Their conversations were light and fun, mostly focusing on their plans for the night for Isla’s birthday. Mason had offered to take the kids for the night to give Isla and Vera some time alone, which Vera was thankful for. It was a Friday, which meant they didn’t have school the next day so no one had to be up early. And Vera very much wanted a night alone with her wife.

“Do you have to go back to work?” Vera asked as they walked down the street after their ice cream. Everleigh was walking a few feet in front of them, Nala walking happily by her side.

“No, I took off the rest of the day. Want me to help you decorate for tonight?”

“That would be great,” she smiled at her daughter. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Mama.” Mason was quiet, and Vera could feel she had something on her mind. It wasn’t until they arrived at the park and Everleigh was playing that Mason said, “You lied earlier.”

“Hmm?”

“I asked if you were okay, and you said yeah. But something’s on your mind.” Cocking her head at Vera, she waited for her to say something. Sighing, Vera sat on the park bench as she leaned back and looked at Mason.

“I was just thinking how Everleigh is four, which is how old you were when I met you.”

“I remember,” Mason smiled sweetly.

“I just can’t believe how fast time is going. I want to slow it down so I can enjoy every single second with you kids.”

Scooting closer to Vera, Mason snuggled into her as Vera put an arm around her shoulder. She held her for a few moments without saying a word. If she closed her eyes, she could picture a four-year-old Mason hugging her the same way.

“I love you so much, Mama.”

“I love you, too, Mason.”

They stayed at the park a while longer before heading home to the farmhouse. Mason picked up Ellie and Brayden from school on her way there, so they all helped decorate the house for Isla. They had a happy birthday Mom banner strung across the fireplace mantle with a cake sitting on the dining room table. Vera had taken the kids shopping for a birthday present from them to Isla the weekend before, and they all lay uniquely wrapped beside the cake, as each kid had wrapped their gift themselves.

Well, except Everleigh. She’d put hers into a Minnie Mouse bag with pink tissue paper and called it a day. As if there was any doubt she was Isla Mackenzie’s daughter.

As the time came for Isla to arrive home, Vera and the kids all ran outside to greet her. Vera watched, with tears in her eyes, as they all ran to their mom and hugged her. She could see Isla was overcome with emotion as she hugged and kissed each of them. Waiting patiently on the porch, Vera watched as all their kids and Isla walked back up the steps and into the house.

But Isla didn’t follow them inside. Instead, she closed the door behind the kids so it was just them alone on the front porch. She kissed Vera, wrapping her arms around her waist as she held her close. It didn’t matter how long they’d been together, being kissed by Isla would always make Vera weak in the knees.

“Happy birthday, baby.”

“Thank you.”

“I got you a new toy that we can play with tonight.”

Isla arched an eyebrow at her, smirking. “Is that so?”

“It is.” With another kiss, Vera headed inside with Isla’s hand in hers.

After choruses of happy birthday, eating cake, and opening the kids’ presents, Isla sat on the couch as Vera handed her the blue velvet box. Everleigh was snuggled between them, as it was often her place when they were on the couch together. Ellie and Mason were on the floor in front of them while Brayden was in the nearby recliner. Vera watched as Isla opened the gift, gasped, and covered her mouth with her hand.

“Vera,” she sobbed as she touched the birthstones gently with her fingers. She watched as Isla slowly touched each of them, seemingly thinking about the child they represented.

“What is it, Mom?” Ellie asked as she looked up at Isla.

“It’s a necklace.”

“Well, I know that,” Ellie retorted, sounding just like a mini-Mason. “What do the colors mean?”

“These are your birthstones, see?” Isla turned the box around so the kids could see it better. She pointed at the first blue stone. “This one is for your sister, Blake. And this is for Mason. These two are for Ellie and Brayden. And this one is for Everleigh.”

Vera watched as Isla caught Mason’s eye, holding it for a moment longer as mother and daughter grieved the absence of Blake. Reaching over, she placed a hand on Isla’s shoulder and squeezed.

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