Page 129 of Finding Wonderland

It was Everleigh’s favorite movie, so it wasn’t a surprise she’d suggested it. When they had first watched the movie, Everleigh had cried when she saw one of the characters had a diabetic monitor on. Of course, so did Isla and Vera. Having Everleigh feel validated in a movie character was an amazing feeling for Vera. So much so she’d even written to Pixar to thank them for the representation.

Sitting up on the couch, Vera tried not to cry as Everleigh snuggled up against her. They had to take Everleigh cuddles whenever they could get them because she wasn’t as loving of physical touch as Ellie and Mason had been. Vera put her arms around Everleigh’s shoulder as she pulled her close. She kissed her head as Everleigh used the remote to navigate to the app.

It wasn’t long before Isla joined them, taking a seat on the recliner as they watched the movie. Vera had been shocked when Brayden emerged from his bedroom and plopped down on the floor in front of the TV to watch the movie as well.

The movie was almost over by the time the front door opened and Alexis, Blake, Harper, and Ellie came inside carrying pizzas. They all chatted in the kitchen about Ellie’s performance and how much Alexis and Blake loved it. Vera passed out plates to everyone as they dove into the pizza.

“Ellie was awesome,” Harper gushed, in awe of Ellie. Vera understood. She was too.

Noticing Isla standing in the archway of the kitchen, soaking in the moment. She walked over to her, playfully bumping her hip against hers. Vera nodded at their kids as she smiled.

“Did you ever think we’d have this?”

“Never.”

“We just need Mason here to finish out the group.”

“Don't say her name too loud,” Isla laughed, putting an arm around Vera’s shoulder. “You know it makes her just appear out of nowhere.”

“She’s not Beetlejuice.”

The backdoor opened and as if on cue, Mason and Chase walked in carrying drinks for everyone.

“The party has arrived!”

“Told you,” Isla chuckled as Vera rolled her eyes.

“Oh, hush. We love having all our babies here.”

“It’s the best feeling in the world.”

Vera looked at Isla, their eyes so full of love for each other. She tenderly tucked Isla’s curly hair behind her ear as she wondered for the millionth time how she ever got so lucky. Not only was she Isla’s wife, she was also the mother to her babies and her partner in life. And nothing would ever take that away from her.

“I love you, Isla.”

“And I love you, Vera.”

Epilogue

Isla

Isla squeezed Vera’s hand. “And, well, here we are.”

Her comment was met with laughter and applause from everyone. No matter how many times they told their love story, Isla would never tire of it. It was full of life, heartbreak, and happiness and that was all Isla could ever ask for.

Looking over at her wife, Isla was overcome with emotions. She loved Vera more than anything or anyone in the world. Vera was her rock. Her other half. Her soulmate. Standing, Isla pulled Vera to her feet as they embraced.

“I’m sorry that you had to keep saving me from my own demons.”

“You never needed me to save you.” Vera tucked a strand of hair behind Isla’s ears. “You needed me to fight them with you.”

“To Mom and Mama.” Mason held her glass high as everyone else did the same. “Happy anniversary, you two. We couldn’t love you more if we tried.”

“Thank you, sweetie.”

“And,” Mason smirked, picking up a card off the table and handing it to them, “this is for you two.”

Isla narrowed her eyes at Mason as Vera opened the envelope. It was a card signed by all their kids along with two tickets. They looked like plane tickets, and Isla’s eyes quickly scanned them. She couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw it was two handmade tickets that told them they had an all-expenses paid vacation to Greece for just the two of them.

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