Page 89 of Isabella and the Slipper

Chase leaned down and kissed Isabella’s forehead. “You’re safe now. It’s over.”

Isabella clenched Chase’s hand, waiting for Child Protective Services to come get her. Savannah sat on the other chair, her face white. The police had taken Elenore and her stepsisters away. She was still sitting in her father’s home, but would not be for too much longer. She tried to memorize everything she could.

Chase’s thumb caressed Isabella’s hand. “Everything is going to be okay.”

She nodded but didn’t quite believe him.

“Wherever you end up, it’s got to be better than what you’ve gone through with Elenore.”

“No doubt,” Savannah said.

Isabella’s throat grew tight. What if she had to change schools? What if her foster parents were horrible? She didn’t want to think about the ways her life could be worse.

“Tell me something on your bucket list,” Chase said in an obvious attempt to distract her and change the subject.

She had to think about it for a moment. “I’ve always wanted to go to Paris and see the Louvre.”

“That would be cool. Where else would you go?”

“Chicago. My father took me when I was little, but I don’t remember much. It would be great to go back to see the art museums there.”

“What about someplace scenic?” Savannah said. “Have you ever wanted to go see Niagara Falls or something?”

She crossed her legs, her nerves making her want to bounce her foot. “I’ve always wanted to go to Canada. Maybe visit Banff. I’ve seen photos, and it’s amazing up there.”

A man walked into the room, and Isabella jumped up. “Mr.Kato?”

He grinned, his smile stretching for miles. “Hey, my little art mouse.”

“What are you doing here?”

He hitched up his pants. “I thought maybe you could come live with me and Nan for a while.”

Isabella rushed into his arms, warmth filling her chest. “Really?”

He nodded.

Emotion flooded through her. She wouldn’t have to go live with strangers. “I can’t believe it.”

“You know I’ve always thought of you as a daughter. We’re filling out the paperwork now. Things won’t be official for a while, but they said we could have temporary custody until it is.”

Isabella felt like crying and shouting at the same time. Living with Mr.and Mrs.Kato would be wonderful. Mr.Kato had been such a good friend of her father’s. He always treated her like a princess. She never thought she’d live like this, but here she was, all her dreams coming true.

Epilogue

Isabella snuggled her back into Chase’s chest, the fall breeze blowing leaves across the cement. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.

“This really is a perfect spot.” Chase kissed the top of her head.

The bench was wooden, like the one at Flatwater Park. And it was within walking distance from both of their apartments. Isabella watched the children running to catch a football in the grass. “It can be our secret rendezvous while we’re in college.”

“But no loose brick to hide notes under.”

“I guess we’ll have to be old-fashioned and just text each other.” Isabella grinned up at him, and he ran a finger down her cheek.

“You’re brilliant, as always.”

A couple of bikers rode past them. Isabella closed her eyes and laid her head on Chase’s shoulder. “I can’t believe Elenore is going to prison.”

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