Page 120 of Finding Wonderland

So far, though, Blake hasn’t been ready for that.

Vera could see that from her place on the outside looking in. She could see Isla’s pain as clearly as she could see Blake’s hesitation. No matter how much she or Isla tried to talk to Blake and explain the situation fully, Blake had still spent almost her entire life thinking Isla didn’t want her. Vera knew that was going to take time for Blake to overcome, especially since she was as stubborn as her mother and wasn’t in therapy.

All Vera could do now was hope that Isla’s anger didn’t boil over until they got back home to the Cove. Vera planned to have a long, long overdue conversation with Isla about how she had to let her anger go for the sake of her family. The kids were starting to notice, especially Mason and Everleigh. They were always the most in tune with Isla and Vera, so they always knew first when something wasn’t right.

The backdoor slid open as Mason stepped inside. She was wearing a bright orange two-piece bathing suit and flip-flops. Her skin was perfectly tanned, which made Vera jealous. Vera burned, not tanned.

“Hey, love bug.” Vera kissed Mason’s cheek as she walked over to her. “Want to help me carry this outside?”

She gestured to the lemonade she’d just finished preparing and the stack of reusable cups. Mason nodded, but Vera could tell something was on her mind. She didn’t have to ask to know. Vera sighed, covering Mason’s hand with hers on the counter.

“Is it your mom?”

Mason nodded. Of all their kids, Mason took Isla’s silent anger the hardest. She was a mommies’ girl. More so than any of the other kids.

“Mom is upset about Blake. Not you.”

“I figured.” Mason shrugged, avoiding Vera’s eyes. “She’s been like this for like a year, though.”

Vera sighed. “I know, baby. But this has been really hard on her.”

“It’s been hard on me too,” Mason mumbled quickly, and Vera put her arm around her shoulder. “I wanted Blake back too. None of this is going how I thought it would. She’s not the only one hurting.”

“I know, Mason.” Vera kissed her cheek, holding her tightly. “I’m so sorry.”

“Why doesn’t Mom just talk to me?”

“You know your mom.” Tenderly, Vera tucked Mason’s damp hair behind her ear. “She doesn’t want to put that on you. Especially now as you and Blake rebuild a relationship.”

“She doesn’t have to put it on me. I already have it on me.” Mason gritted her teeth, obviously upset. “Maybe I can talk to Blake.”

“No,” she adamantly shook her head. “Blake doesn’t need to know. She has to come around in her own time. Even if that’s not in the timeline Mom wants.” Vera paused, softening her voice. “Or what you want.”

Mason didn’t say anything, so Vera hugged her once more.

“It’s all going to work out. I know that.”

“I know,” Mason sighed. “Eventually it will.”

Grabbing the pitcher of lemonade and the cups, Mason headed outside with Vera close behind her. Vera took a seat by Isla, taking her hand and squeezing it. Isla smiled over at her, but Vera couldn’t see her eyes through the fake sunglasses.

“I love you,” Isla said with a smile on her face.

“I love you, too, baby.” Leaning in, Vera kissed her.

As the afternoon faded into dusk, the family gathered around the large outdoor table for dinner. Blake, Brayden, and Walker had grilled burgers and hot dogs while Ellie, Alexis, and Maddie made the sides. Everleigh and Mason had, of course, called drink duty, which wasn’t surprising, even if Vera was still uneasy about her nine-year-old learning how to mix drinks.

Especially with Walker around. Walker had been back in the Cove for a few months now, and Vera had been beyond proud of her growth. The two years she’d spent in rehab and in Florida with their sister Lena had really done Walker good. Which meant that Vera was finally getting comfortable again with Walker being around their kids.

That, of course, didn’t mean Vera didn’t watch her like a hawk though.

Dinner was full of fun conversations and silly stories of the weekend. Vera savored having her whole family together as she looked at them all around the table. Her eyes stopped on Blake a moment longer, and her smile widened when Blake looked at her and smiled. There was no denying Blake was Isla’s daughter. Looking at Blake was like looking into the past at Isla.

And seeing Blake with Alexis and Harper reminded Vera so much of when she first met Mason and Isla. Vera had been as smitten with Isla and Mason as Blake had been with Alexis and Harper. Watching Blake fall in love and step into the role of Harper’s mom so effortlessly warmed Vera’s heart. She wished Isla could see that. And she knew she did, on some level. But Isla’s pain clouded so much when it came to Blake.

Vera watched as Isla poured another glass from the margarita pitcher. She’d lost count of how many Isla had, but she didn’t dare say a word. Nor did she look at Walker.

“I’m so happy to be here with you all,” Alexis was simply beaming as she talked. “I can’t believe I’m officially a part of the family now.”

---