Page 38 of Finding Wonderland

“There is a very, very good possibility I will.”

“Good.”

Vera’s smile was one of the most beautiful sights Isla had ever seen, and she soaked it in. Out of all the bad that had happened over the last year, Isla was thankful that finally something good was happening. Even if it did little to eclipse the pain in her heart over Blake.

Again, Vera must have known where Isla’s thoughts were. Vera tenderly tucked Isla’s hair behind her ear as she caressed her cheek.

“I know I’ll never understand what you’re going through with Blake. But I want—no, I need you to know that you’ll always have me in your court. I’ll cry with you, fight for you. Whatever you need.” She wiped away a tear from Isla’s cheek. “I’m here.”

Isla’s emotions were getting the best of her, and the last thing she wanted was to have a full breakdown in the town square. She wanted to tell Vera that no one had ever told her those words before. She wanted to tell her how thankful she was they had found each other at what seemed like the perfect time in their lives. But those sentiments would have to come later when Isla had a better grip on her emotions.

As for now, she simply said, “Thank you.”

They stayed at the festival for another hour before heading back to Isla’s apartment. Vera and Walker had met them there earlier and they’d driven to the festival together. As Vera and Walker walked them to the apartment door, Mason pulled on Isla’s pants.

“Mommy, can I spend the night with Walker?”

“Oh, honey, we don’t invite ourselves over, remember?” Isla looked to Vera to see if that was something she’d even want to be considered. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay,” Vera answered quickly. “She can spend the night if she wants.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course.”

“Yes!” Mason and Walker exclaimed in unison as they ran into the house, presumably to gather Mason’s overnight bag as they left the adults outside the front door.

Isla motioned for Vera to join her inside, but she held up a hand and shook her head as she remained seemingly frozen in place.

“I can’t.”

“You can’t come inside?” Isla laughed. “Mason’s her mother’s child and will probably take a while to get her bag packed. And you’ve been in here before. Several times, might I add. It’s okay.”

“It’s not. Not tonight,” Vera sighed, and Isla felt her stomach drop.

Had she done something wrong? Was Vera reconsidering what they’d talked about earlier? Did she not want to date her anymore? Isla’s mind was running crazy.

“If I come in, I know what I’m going to want to do.”

Isla’s breath hitched in her throat as Vera took a step toward her with more passion in her eyes than Isla had ever seen before.

“I’m going to want to take you to bed. I’m going to want to kiss you and touch you and make love to you all night long. I want to know what your body looks like and memorize every single detail about it. But I can’t do that right now. Not with Mason and Walker in there. So, no,” she shook her head again, “I can’t come in.”

The wheels in Isla’s brain began to turn and for a moment, she almost suggested they take the kids to Maggie’s house for the night so they could be alone.

But she knew that wasn’t the right thing to do. And Isla was determined to do the right thing in this relationship. It wasn’t going to end like her marriage. No, Isla was determined to make this work. Because Vera was different and they were good together. She already knew that from their limited time together.

“Well, then,” Isla licked her lips, “we better not wait too long to have that first date then.”

“How about tomorrow?”

“It’s a date.”

“Good.” Smirking, Vera leaned in toward Isla as her nose brushed against her ear. “Because I’m already wet thinking about it.”

Chapter 14

Vera

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