Page 64 of Finding Wonderland

“I love you, too.”

A few hours later, the trio had made their way to Baxter Tree Farm for the annual Christmas festival. There was a tree lighting ceremony, arts and crafts from local vendors, as well as delicious food. Isla couldn’t wait for Maggie’s famous spiced apple cider, but she quickly hesitated as they arrived at the booth.

Vera looked at her, seemingly realizing the issue, too.

“You know I don’t think I want any cider right now.” Isla bypassed the line for the booth as Vera trailed behind her. But Mason stopped in her tracks, obviously confused.

“You two don’t want cider?” Mason laughed as she crossed her arms over her parka. “Geez, what’s wrong with you two?”

Isla and Vera exchanged glances. She knew that Mason would know the news within minutes now. Smiling, she silently gave Vera the go-ahead to tell her.

“I’m going to tell her.”

“Now?” Isla teased. “I thought we were waiting until Christmas?”

“She needs to know now.”

“Know what?” Mason was clearly aware that something was happening, but Isla wasn’t sure she’d fully figured it out yet.

“Mason, let’s go over here.” Looping her arm around Mason’s, Vera led her toward the rows of trees as they found a quiet place down one of the rows. It was apparent Mason knew something was up by the face she made. Her eyes were narrowed and she kept looking atVera.

“You both know you can’t leave me hanging like this,” Mason excitedly bounced back and forth from one foot to the other. “You know it doesn’t work for me.”

“Well,” Vera’s eyes sparkled as she smiled at Isla, then Mason, “does being a big sister work for you?”

Isla watched as Vera’s words slowly registered with Mason. She clapped her hands together excitedly before bear-hugging Vera.

“Mama, are you serious?”

“I am, baby.”

“You’re going to have a baby.”

“We are.” Vera held Mason as tightly as Mason held her. She smiled at Isla over Mason’s shoulder as Isla committed the image to her memory. “Are you happy?”

“I’m so happy. This is the best Christmas present ever.”

It was then they both realized Mason was crying. Vera tenderly pulled away just enough to see Mason’s face as she wiped her tears away with her thumbs. Isla placed a hand on her back as she moved closer to them.

“You’re going to be the best big sister, Mason. This baby will be so lucky to have you showing them the world.”

“I’m gonna be a big sister,” Mason repeated as she smiled at Isla. Leaving Vera’s arms, Mason moved into Isla’s embrace. “I wish Blake was here for this.”

Isla’s breath hitched in her throat. She had been thinking the same thing but hadn’t said it out loud yet. “Me too, Mace.”

They stayed locked in a hug until Mason pulled away. Isla made it a point to never pull out of a hug first, knowing Mason needed it. She gently cupped Mason's cheek in her hand as she smiled at her.

“But I’m so happy for the new baby.”

“Me too, honey.”

“Me three,” Vera chimed in as she hugged them both. “It’s going to be a wild ride, but there’s no one else I’d rather be on this ride with than you two.”

“Geez,” Mason laughed, “she’s already getting sentimental.”

Isla chuckled. “What are you talking about? She's always been like this.”

Vera playfully smacked Isla on the shoulder as they all laughed. They walked back toward the festival area near the barn as Isla eyed the cider booth once more. She put an arm around Vera’s waist and smiled.

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