Page 44 of Finding Wonderland

Isla had no idea. All she knew was that she had to tell Vera those three words before she exploded. As they danced around the kitchen to whatever song came on the soft rock station, Isla waited for the right moment. When she heard the intro notes to a Richard Marx hit, she knew it was time.

Pulling Vera into her embrace, Isla kissed her. Her cheeks were slightly red from all the singing and dancing, and Isla assumed hers were as well.

“I love you.”

Vera's smile widened as Isla continued.

“This last year hasn’t been easy, but ever since you came into my life, there’s been sunshine again. Even with all the darkness around me, you came into my life and Mason’s life and made us happy. I never,” her voice hitched with emotion, “thought I’d find happiness again. But you’ve shown me it’s possible.”

“I love you, too.” Vera leaned in and kissed her quickly. “I know it may seem crazy, but I feel like I was meant to find you right now.”

“I feel that way, too.”

“You’re my soulmate, Isla Mackenzie.”

“And you’re mine, Vera Forsyth.”

As much as Isla would have loved to stay with Vera the rest of the day, Isla had promised Maggie she’d pick up Mason by ten. But Vera seemed to not want the date to end either, and invited Isla and Mason back over for dinner later. Isla gladly accepted the offer as she kissed Vera goodbye.

“I’ll see you tonight.”

“I can’t wait.”

“Bring a change of clothes for you and Mason.” Vera winked. “That way you don’t have to leave.”

Waving goodbye, Isla got into the car and headed for Maggie’s house. She could have floated across town to the oceanside house. Aside from her girls, no one had ever made Isla as happy as Vera did. As Isla parked the car in Maggie’s driveway, she was greeted by a waving Mason looking outside the front window.

The front door quickly opened as Mason ran out without her jacket on to meet Isla. Isla picked her up and swung her around before kissing her cheek.

“Hey, baby girl. I missed you.”

“I missed you too, Mommy.”

“Did you have a fun sleepover with Maddie and Emily?”

“Yep! We finger painted! I’ll show you!” Jumping out of Isla’s arm, Mason ran inside with Isla following behind her. Maggie met her at the door, holding Mason’s jacket, and shrugged.

“I tried to get her to put it on but she was gone before I could catch her.”

“Welcome to my life,” Isla chuckled. “Literally. When she was born, the midwife didn’t even have time to catch her. Hell, I barely did,” she laughed along with Maggie.

“I’ve been there. That’s how my last one was. I think I sneezed and he was born.” Maggie’s eyes softened as she crossed her arms over her chest. “So, how was your date?”

“It was,” Isla searched for the right word, “wonderful.”

“That’s good. I’m glad.” Although Isla didn’t know Maggie very well yet, she could tell she wasn’t saying something. Isla was about to ask what was on her mind when Maggie said, “You look happy.”

“I am. Really happy.”

“Women of the Cove will do that to you,” Maggie said with a wink as Mason came back into the room carrying her hand-painted drawing.

“Mommy! Look!” She handed the paper up to Isla, who studied the brightly colored image. There were three people in the picture, one smaller than the other two. “It's me, you, and Vera at the park. Do you like it, Mommy?”

Isla swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded. Kneeling down to Mason’s level, she wrapped an arm around her shoulder and hugged her tightly. “I love it, Mason. As soon as we get home, it’s going on the fridge. Now, go on and get your bag so we can go home, okay?”

“Okay, Mommy!”

As Mason scampered off, Isla stood and continued to stare at the picture in her hand.

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