Page 39 of Finding Wonderland

Vera’s excitement over her date with Isla was only slightly higher than her anxiety over what on earth she was going to wear. As per usual, she had stared blankly at the contents of her closet for nearly an hour before frantically calling Cameron to come over. Cameron had, thankfully, brought with her an assortment of dresses, tops, and pants for Vera to try on. However, she’d yet to find the perfect one.

“It has to be perfect,” she grumbled as she took off the paisley top and tossed it onto the pile on the floor. “This is my first real date with Isla. We’ve waited weeks for this and she’s got a sitter for Mason. So, I need it to be perfect.”

“It will be.”

Vera tossed up her hands and let them dramatically fall to her side. “How do you know?”

“Because you two are so hopelessly in love with each other that you might as well wear a wedding dress to dinner.”

“Stop it.” Rolling her eyes, Vera picked up another shirt from the pile Cameron had brought and put it on. “I like Isla, yes, but we are so not ready for marriage.”

“Mouth says no, but eyes say yes.”

“I’ve only known her for a couple of months.”

“Which is like two years in lesbian world.”

Vera rolled her eyes again. Over on the bed, Cameron sat up and swung her legs off the side.

“Look, I know this is all happening fast and that scares you because you’re Little Miss Always Needs A Detailed Plan.”

Vera started to protest, but knew Cameron had nailed her.

“You’ve worked your ass off at school and work and you're crushing your residency now. I know how much you want a family one day and all I’m saying is I think you’ve found it. I see the way your eyes light up when you talk about Isla and Mason. You’re in love, whether you want to admit that to yourself or not. And that top is the winner.”

Pursing her lips together, Vera studied herself in the full-length mirror. The simple gray sweater with black pants was indeed the winner. Vera turned toward Cameron with her hands on her hips.

“I really like her.”

“I know.”

“And I love Mason. She’s great. She's exactly the type of kid I’d want to have.”

“I know that, too.”

Vera bit her lip and lowered her gaze. “I can’t rush things with Isla. She’s been through so much with Blake. I don’t want to pressure her into a relationship before she’s ready, you know?”

“I do,” Cameron nodded. “I know I don’t know her, but I know what you’ve told me about her. And my gut is telling me that if Isla wasn’t ready for a relationship, she wouldn’t have asked you to be her girlfriend.”

Cameron was right, as per usual. If Isla wasn’t ready for them to date, she wouldn’t have asked Vera out. And if Vera ever got the impression that she was moving too fast for Isla, she knew she could and would slow down for her. Because Isla was worth waiting forever for. Vera knew that much without any doubt in her soul.

Just like she knew she was in love with Isla Mackenzie.

She could tiptoe around the reality all she wanted but at the end of the day, Vera knew the truth. Isla had taken a piece of her heart the first time they’d met. And ever since then, Vera had been giving her the rest of the pieces to hold. Her heart belonged to Isla, even if that scared her. Yes, things had moved quickly but Vera was certain she knew what she had with Isla was special.

And with any luck, she’d get to tell her all that tonight.

A knock at the door made Vera smile as she and Cameron hurried toward the front door. Vera motioned for Cameron to stay back as she opened the door for Isla. There was no need to startle Isla with Cameron’s presence right off the bat.

Opening the door, Vera’s breath caught in her throat at the sight of Isla. She was wearing a little black dress that Vera was already picturing taking off of her. The diagonal cut of the hem showed off more of her right leg than her left, and Vera had to stop herself from licking her lips at the sight. If Cameron wasn’t a mere ten feet away, Vera had no doubt she’d have pulled Isla inside and led her to the bedroom.

But, alas. That would have to wait.

“You look amazing.”

“So do you,” Isla blushed as she tucked her curly hair behind her ear. “Sorry I’m early. Maggie picked Mason up early, and I didn’t want to sit around the house anymore. I wanted to see you.”

“Never apologize for that.”

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