Page 98 of Finding Wonderland

“Thanks, Mama,” Ellie mumbled against her.

Similar to Mason, Ellie often let Vera hold her as long as she needed to. They both seemed to know that their mama sometimes needed to hold them close. Vera would always be eternally grateful for that.

“We should go inside.” Isla smiled, putting her hand on Vera’s shoulder. It was her gentle way of saying hold it together. Not that there was any chance of that happening.

Vera loved seeing her kids thrive doing what they loved more than anything. She loved watching Mason run her own business and watching Brayden play hockey. And now she was ready to watch Ellie make her lead debut at the community theater.

Walking into the theater, Isla took Ellie backstage as Vera found their seats. Mason and the kids were already there, along with Eden, Nora, River, Walker, Maddie, and Chase. Vera sat beside Mason, leaving a seat for Isla at the end. Everleigh was on Mason’s lap but held her arms out to Vera.

“Mama hold you.”

“Always, baby.”

Taking Everleigh from Mason, Vera snuggled her close. At two, Vera knew she had to savor every single snuggle she could get out of Everleigh. Everleigh snuggled against Vera as she wrapped her arms around her neck and began twirling her hair. It was something she’d done often when she was sleepy, just like Ellie and Mason had when they were younger.

Although Vera would have happily held her all night, she was thankful they’d arranged for Cameron to watch her for the night. After a round of kisses and good nights, Mason took Everleigh outside to meet Cameron just before show time.

When the lights dimmed in the theater, Vera couldn’t contain her excitement. Ellie was absolutely amazing on the stage, and it wasn’t just because Vera birthed her and was insanely biased. The crowd's reactions made it clear that they loved her performance, too. Vera laughed and cried throughout the whole performance until the final curtain.

The entire crowd stood to their feet, clapping as the curtain rose again, and the cast gave their bows. Vera had tears streaming down her face, but she didn’t care. Her baby girl had just lived her dream, and Vera couldn’t be happier. As Ellie came out last to do her bow, their entire row erupted into the loudest cheers and claps of the night.

“Way to go, Ellie!” Vera called out as she held her hands above her head in a heart. Ellie did the same back, making Vera cry even more. On either side of her, Mason and Isla were doing the very same thing.

As the curtain closed and the lights came back on, Vera wiped the tears from her eyes and smiled at Isla.

“She did it.”

“She was amazing.”

“She gets it all from you,” Vera grinned as she leaned in to kiss Isla. “I’m so proud of her.”

“Me, too.” Isla kissed her again before looking over Vera’s shoulder to Mason. “Do you have the flowers?”

“Chase just went to the car to get them.”

“Perfect.”

They had set a meeting spot with Ellie for after the show, so they all made their way there. Several other theatergoers stopped to tell Isla and Vera how well Ellie did, and they both beamed with pride. But Vera wanted to see her little girl. She needed to squeeze her and hug her and tell her how proud she was of her. As Isla held the flowers, Vera smiled.

“I’m just so proud of her.”

“Really?” Isla smirked. “I couldn’t tell.”

Vera playfully shoved her shoulder. “Hey, we made that kid. I have a right to be proud of her.”

“Totally, baby.” Isla kissed her again.

A few moments later, the stage door to the theater opened as Ellie came out. She’d changed into the basketball shorts and a T-shirt Vera had packed her for after the show. Their little group applauded and cheered as Ellie hugged each of them. But when she saw Vera, she ran to her. Vera scooped her up into her arms and twirled her around as she giggled.

“I’m so proud of you, Ellie.” Vera covered her in kisses. “I love you so much, Care Bear.”

“I love you, too, Mama.” Ellie kissed Vera’s cheek as she sat her back down. Isla handed her the flowers. She hugged Isla as she smelled the flowers. “Thanks, Mommy!”

“You’re welcome, Ellie. We’re all so proud of you.”

While they all doated on Ellie, Vera couldn’t help but take in the scene around her. Their family meant the world to her. Never in her wildest dreams could she have seen where life would have taken her and Isla when they met all those years ago. Vera didn’t know what she did in life to deserve such an amazing family.

Mason must have sensed Vera’s thoughts because she wrapped her arm around her waist and hugged her. “I love you so much, Mama.”

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