Page 116 of Finding Wonderland

Vera could feel Isla nodding, and she resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She knew she could come across as overbearing, but it was out of love and nothing else. Her excitement over having Blake home was all she could focus on.

Blake grinned, which looked just like Ellie’s. “I am tired. It’s been a long day.”

“Okay, well,” Vera clasped her hands together and mentally went through the list of things Blake would need to feel at home in their house. The most pressing was a place to stay. “We have a guest room downstairs that is already ready for company, and you’re welcome to use that. Or,” she looked to Isla, then to Blake, a gleam in her eyes, “we have an apartment over the garage we can clean out if you want to stay longer.”

“Baby,” Isla playfully covered her mouth with a laugh and kissed her cheek. Vera knew it was Isla’s way of saying to take it slow with Blake so they don’t scare her away. Once Isla removed her hand from her mouth, she took a step around Isla. “Come on, Blake. I’ll show you the guest room.”

The trio walked out of the kitchen and down the small hallway to the guest room, which also served as Vera’s home office.

“The bathroom is across the hall, and there are clean towels in the hall closet. There’s also toiletries and everything under the sink if you forgot to pack anything. If you need anything else, let us know.”

“Yes,” Isla nodded in agreement, “we’ll be happy to get you anything you need.”

Nodding, Blake sat her backpack on the bed, tucking her hands into the pockets of her jacket. “Thank you both.”

A moment of awkward silence filled the room as Vera looped her arm around Isla’s. She wasn’t sure if Isla and Blake were ready to say goodnight or if they wanted to talk longer. Isla she could usually read, but tonight was harder. There were so many emotions Vera could make out on Isla’s face that she didn’t know which one was the primary one.

Not able to stand the silence any longer, Vera clasped her hands together.

“Well, we’ll let you get some sleep.” She looked to Isla to see if that was what she wanted, but Vera still couldn’t read her. “Our bedroom is at the top of the stairs on the left if you need anything. The kids will be up around six to get ready for school so, I’m sorry in advance if they wake you.”

The dogs. What if she doesn’t like dogs?

“Oh,” she snapped her fingers together, “do you like dogs?”

“Yeah, I do.”

“Good; we have two retrievers. One is a Golden—Holly—and she's a pregnant goofball who's probably lounging around here somewhere. And don't let her sad eyes fool you. She has definitely already eaten.”

“Noted,” Blake laughed.

“And our youngest, Everleigh, has a service dog,” Isla added. “She has diabetes, and the dog notifies her when her blood sugar drops. Her name is Nala, and she's a black lab.”

Vera didn’t pause to give Blake time to say anything. “Blake, what do you eat for breakfast?"

“Um, anything is fine. I'm not a picky eater.”

“That's good to know.”

“Baby, why don't you go get one of those warm blankets from our closet and bring it down here for Blake.”

Now she’s easy to read.

Vera took her cue and headed upstairs to get the blanket. Her mind was racing with how sweet Blake was and how she couldn’t wait to get to know her. After saying goodnight to Blake, Isla and Vera stayed up most of the night crying happy tears as Isla told her the story again of Blake showing up at the bar.

“I can’t believe she’s here.” Isla’s voice was soft but packed with emotion. She snuggled up closer to Vera in bed. “What do you think of her?”

“I think she’s great.”

“She is, isn’t she? I just can’t believe she’s really here,” Isla repeated. “Blake is in our house, sleeping, right now. I know we always prayed this day would come, but now that it’s here I feel like I need to keep pinching myself to remind me it’s true.”

“Well, it is true.”

“I hope she likes it here enough to stay for a while.” Yawning, Isla pulled the sheet tight around her shoulder. Vera pulled her in closer, loving the feel of Isla’s head on her shoulder. “I can’t wait to get to know her more. And for the kids to meet her.”

Suddenly, Isla sat straight up in bed.

“Mason.”

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