Page 121 of Finding Wonderland

“We love having you in our family, Lex. And we’re so glad you and Blake found each other.”

Beside her, Isla snorted a laugh. Vera chose to ignore it.

“I’m so lucky to have moved here and found Lex and Harper.” Blake leaned into Alexis, kissing her as Harper smiled between them. They were the perfect little family, and it made Vera want to cry with happiness. “It’s the family I’ve always dreamed of having.”

“Ha,” Isla said with another snort of laughter. But this time, Vera had to acknowledge it. She glanced at her wife, raising an eyebrow to let her know her commentary was uncalled for. Under the table, Vera put a hand on Isla’s knee as she looked at her.

“You okay?”

“I’m fine.”

“Okay.”

“I am,” Isla snapped, and Vera tried not to react to it. She didn’t need the kids to know something was wrong.

“I said okay.” Vera kept her voice as calm and steady as she could.

“But clearly you have more to say.” Isla’s voice was louder this time, and Vera quickly glanced around the table. Everyone was looking at them, and Vera didn’t know what to say or do. Mason narrowed her eyes at Isla.

“Mom? You okay?”

“Why does everyone keep asking me that? I’m fine,” she snapped the words at Mason, who visibility recoiled.

“Hey, why don’t we go take a walk on the beach, okay?” Vera kept her voice firm so Isla would know it wasn’t a request but a demand.

As she led Isla away from the table, Vera didn’t dare to look any of their kids in the eyes, especially not Mason or Blake. Vera knew Isla was about to explode, and the last thing Vera would let happen was for Isla to unleash her angry words on the kids, especially when Vera knew Isla would kick herself in the morning for doing that. No, Vera had to protect her family like she always did.

Vera waited until she and Isla were on the beach and well out of earshot before crossing her arms over her chest and looking at Isla.

“What is wrong with you?”

“Nothing is wrong with me, Vera.” The way Isla said her name nearly shook Vera to the core. Isla sarcastically laughed. “Well, I guess there must be because my daughter wants absolutely nothing to do with me. She started her own family and doesn’t care about ours anymore.”

“You know that’s not true.”

“It’s been true since the moment she arrived and you know it. Blake’s only focus has been Alexis, and don’t you dare try to deny that.”

“I’m not, but Isla, honey. Come on. Blake fell in love with a wonderful woman that we both already loved. Why is that a bad thing?”

“Because she came here for me!” Isla had tears streaming down her cheeks. “I’m her mother. Why doesn’t she want to get to know me? I don’t understand. All our kids love me but her.”

“Blake loves you.”

“Not as much as she loves Alexis.”

Vera wished she knew the words to help heal Isla’s broken heart. But she knew the only thing that would help would be her and Blake reconciling. And honestly, Vera didn’t know how long that would take. It wasn’t something any of them could force. Not unless they wanted to risk pushing Blake away.

Which Vera most definitely did not.

“Isla, honey, I understand your pain.”

Isla waved a dismissive hand at Vera. “You don’t understand because Blake isn’t your daughter.”

Time seemed to stand still as Isla’s words hit their mark on Vera’s heart one by one. She felt her blood boiling as she put her hands on her hips. Angry tears fell from her eyes as she spoke.

“How dare you say that to me. After all you and I have been through. After all the times we have cried over Blake together. How dare you say she’s not my daughter.”

Isla must have finally realized what she said because her shoulders dropped.

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