Page 59 of Finding Wonderland

For a moment, Isla thought about how much she wanted that dream to come true. But then she remembered.

“Oh, my God!”

“What?” The panic on Vera’s face made Isla regret yelling.

“I’m sorry. I just remembered I didn’t tell you my news.”

“Oh,” relief washed over Vera’s face, “tell me.”

“I bought the beach house.”

“This beach house?”

“This beach house.”

“What?” Vera was excited; that much was clear. And it was a relief to Isla. She told her the story of what happened with the previous owner, and Vera agreed that it was the right thing to do. “I love it here. So much. I can’t wait to bring Mason and our kids out here every summer.”

“And every school break. We own this house now.”

“Have you told Mason?”

“Our daughter who can’t keep a secret?” Isla playfully scoffed. “No. She doesn’t know yet.”

“Well, come on.” Standing, Vera pulled Isla to her feet. “Let’s go tell her.”

“Maybe after we put some clothes on.”

A few minutes later, they headed downstairs to find Mason. But she wasn’t anywhere in the house. Isla checked downstairs before coming back up to find Vera standing at the large, two-story, floor-to-ceiling windows that made up one part of the back wall. Her eyes were locked on something outside, and tears were slowly streaming down her cheeks.

Standing beside her, Isla followed her gaze. Her eyes landed on Mason, who was sitting cross-legged under the tree. Her back was to them, so they couldn’t see her face. Isla put an arm around Vera’s waist and pulled her close.

“I forget how much this affected her until I see her like this.”

“I know.” Isla kissed her head. “She takes on our pain so much.”

“She’s just the best kid.”

“She is. And she’s going to be so happy about the house.” Isla smiled, hoping it would make Vera smile. And it did, a little.

“Let’s not tell her we’re trying for another baby. Not yet.”

“That can completely be your call.”

“Thanks.”

Taking a deep breath, Vera walked over to the backdoor and slid it open. Hand in hand, they walked out to where Mason was sitting. It was then Isla could see that Mason had written Cole on the rock and placed it at the foot of the tree. Her emotions nearly bubbled over but she kept herself composed for Mason and Vera.

Mason looked up at them, her sweet little fourteen-year-old grin melting Isla’s heart.

“Just so he can be here with us.”

Beside her, Isla knew Vera was about to lose it. Mason was her baby and the two had a bond that even Isla couldn’t understand. They had been linked in ways Isla had never expected since the moment they met. Kneeling down beside Mason, Vera kissed the top of her head.

“It’s perfect.”

Although Mason didn’t normally want hugs, she freely gave them to Vera when she knew her mama needed them. Isla let the two have a moment before she sat on the other side of Mason.

“Maybe we’ll plant some flowers around the tree, too.”

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