Page 34 of Finding Wonderland

Isla blushed as she lowered her eyes from Vera’s gaze. “That’s sweet of you to say.”

“I mean it. Mason is lucky.”

Vera wasn’t sure she should mention Blake, so she didn’t.

Once the group headed inside, they chatted over plate after plate from the buffet about what the girls were learning in school and how they both loved dogs. Vera couldn’t help but imagine she and Isla were out to dinner with their two kids. Her heart swelled at the mere thought of raising kids with Isla.

What the hell is wrong with you?

Vera quickly reached for her glass of water as she tried to push thoughts out of her mind unsuccessfully. She knew she was constantly thinking about having kids because of her job, but it was more than that, too. Things were easy with Isla. Isla made her smile, made her laugh, and made her happy. Even in the short time they’d known each other, Vera knew she wanted Isla to be in her life forever.

And as more than friends.

If only she could gather the nerve to tell her that.

On some level, Vera thought Isla felt the same. After all, why else would Isla be kissing her or flirting with her or looking at her with the most beautiful smile in the world sitting across the table from her? God, she’s gorgeous. Vera sipped on her water until the glass was empty.

“Hey, Walker,” she cleared her throat and turned toward the kid beside her. “Why don’t you take Mason to the arcade?”

“Okay!”

“Can I go, Mommy?”

“Of course, baby. Let me get you some…”

“I got it,” Vera rummaged in her purse for a few dollars and handed them to Walker.

“Come on, Mace!”

As the girls scampered off to the arcade at the back of the restaurant, Vera scooted over so she was directly across from Isla. Their hands were nearly touching on the table, and their eyes were locked so intensely that it was like no one else was around. It took all the restraint Vera could muster not to lean in and kiss her.

“Did you bribe them so we could be alone?”

“Would you be mad if I said yes?”

Isla laughed. “No. I definitely wouldn’t be mad.”

“Good.”

Vera could see the same passion in Isla’s eyes that she felt in her own heart. Her mind ran wild thinking of what would or could happen if they weren’t in a crowded restaurant or responsible for two kids. Tenderly, Isla laced her fingers through Vera’s and smiled.

“I’m glad you brought Walker.”

“I thought her and Mason would get along. They’ve hung out at Maggie’s before.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“Yeah,” Vera smiled, “Maggie mentioned it to me before. I meant to tell you, but life’s been a little busy.”

“Painting other people’s apartments will do that to you.”

That smirk. That damn smirk. It’s going to be the death of me.

“That’s what I hear.”

“So,” Isla cocked her head slightly, “does Cameron have a dog?”

Caught.

---