Page 49 of Finding Wonderland

“I’m glad, sweetie.”

“Can I have a snack to eat in my room?”

“Ever the queen of the segue,” Isla laughed, nodding her head. “A small one. We’ll have dinner soon, okay?”

“Okay, Mommy!”

As Mason ran out of the room to the kitchen, Isla took a moment to be alone with Vera. She playfully pinched her elbow to get her to look at her. It was then Isla could see the tears falling from her eyes.

“She called me mama,” she whispered as a smile spread wide on her face. “Is that okay? I didn’t ask her to do that.”

“I know, babe.” Isla wrapped Vera in a hug and kissed her cheek. “But it’s okay with me if it’s okay with you.”

“It’s more than okay with me.” Wiping away the tears from her eyes, Vera seemed to try and compose herself. “I love her so much, Isla. I know you’re her mom, but I am so ready to be her mama.”

Isla’s heart could nearly burst with happiness. Never did she anticipate falling so hard so fast for someone as perfect for her as Vera. But better than that, Vera loved Mason. She wanted to be in Mason’s life. And that meant more to Isla than she could ever express to her.

“I’m so ready to start this next journey with you, Vera.”

“It’s going to be a great one.”

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

Chapter 18

Vera

2000

In the blink of an eye, Vera found herself sitting across from Isla at the Moonflower Cove Inn’s restaurant, celebrating their fifth anniversary. Sure, it wasn’t an official anniversary of any sort. But they had been together for five whole years, and they had been the five best years of Vera’s life. She loved being Mason’s mom and a partner to Isla. They completed each other, as cheesy as that sounded.

But Vera didn’t care. She was as in love with Isla as she had ever been and couldn’t wait to spend the rest of her life with her. Isla was her soulmate; Vera had no doubt about it. And as she looked at her beautiful partner across the table, Vera couldn’t help but smile.

Isla looked stunning. Her curly hair was shorter than it had been, sitting just at her shoulder. The deep V-neck coral-colored dress she wore had been driving Vera crazy all night, and her brain had been cluttered with images of taking it off later in their room. They had reserved a room at the inn to celebrate their anniversary, and Vera was thankful they didn’t have to go far after dinner to be alone.

Because Vera was more than ready to be alone with Isla.

“I love you,” Vera dreamily said as she leaned across the table and kissed Isla. Her lips were soft, and Vera melted into the kiss. “Happy anniversary.”

“Happy anniversary, my love.”

“You know what we should do now?”

“I hope you’re thinking the same thing I’m thinking.”

Vera arched an eyebrow at her. “I’m sure I am.”

Reaching out, she took Isla’s hand as they exited the restaurant and walked toward the elevator. Their room was on the top floor, which gave them plenty of time alone in the elevator. And Vera wasted no time taking advantage of the situation. She pinned Isla against the wall as their lips met hastily. Isla moaned, making Vera’s already wet center even wetter.

“Vera,” Isla moaned her name as Vera squeezed her breast. She almost didn’t hear the elevator door open and was thankful no one was waiting on it.

Staying lip-locked, they somehow managed to make their way down the hallway to their room. Isla fumbled with the key as Vera kept kissing her neck. She knew all the places that drove Isla wild, and her neck was definitely the best spot.

“Come on, already,” Vera teased as Isla finally unlocked the door.

“I’m about to.”

---