Page 99 of Authentically, Izzy
Chapter20
Brodie made quick work of the phone call, diffusing the confusion with the Gremton brothers and sending Anders a quick text of the results. Brodie still couldn’t believe Isabelle Edgewood waited on the roof of Sutherland’s of Skern on his little island just to be with him. His grin took another uptilt. He’d barely slept last night out of sheer delight in having her so near, meeting his family, seeing his world.
It had taken an entire day for the disbelief to finally melt into an eruption of gratitude. Gratitude that he’d meant enough to her that she’d brave a journey (with her history, not an easy one), taking her very first flight... to him.
Gratitude that she’d talk about young adult books with his little sister as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Gratitude that she’d held his hand and stared at him with those beautiful eyes as he pulled her through his family’s legacy. And it seemed perfectly natural to show her exactly how grateful he was in an extremely tangible sort of way. From her exuberant reciprocation, she didn’t seem to mind.
And it sealed his desire with even more certainty. He belonged with her. Plain and simple. Well, with an ocean separating them, perhaps not so simple, but certain. His smile slid off his face as he approached the ladder to the roof. But he had to tell her about the stipend and pray that she understood. That she recognized his heart over her fears.
He cleared his throat and topped the ladder. “All dastardliness of gremlins and thievery have been resolved.”
“Only a true hero could use the worddastardliness.” She lookedup from her phone and grinned. “I always knew you were the heroic sort.”
A sudden sting from her declaration dampened his levity. How could he tell her about the whole reason he’d joined Heart-to-Heart? “Careful, Karre, I am but flesh and bone as any other mortal, though I do feel as if my heart is a bit stronger and braver since meeting you.”
“You really do say the sweetest things.” She slid her phone back into her pocket, the slightest hint of a frown puckering her brow.
He took her hand. “What’s wrong?”
“Wrong?” Her gaze flickered to his and then she sighed. “I just got a text from Josephine.”
“Is she all right? The babies?”
She blinked a few times and nodded. “Yes, the babies are fine, it’s just that... well, even here, thousands of miles away, I feel like I shouldn’t be here.”
His hope deflated. “‘Shouldn’t’?”
“It’s not true. I know that in my head.” She placed her hand over his. “Iwantto be here. I mean, after surviving my first flight, I’m definitely planning on staying awhile.” Her smile almost resurrected. “It’s just... I don’t know. I feel stretched, I guess, like I’m supposed to be there, but... Iwantto be here.”
And here was the unvoiced dilemma. A world apart with people, hearts, and obligations on opposite sides. He wouldn’t broach that decision yet, but he’d known her long enough to speak to another.
“One of the things that drew me to you, besides your love of stories of course, was your intense loyalty to your family. It’s quite admirable. We have a kinship in that as well as so many other things but, Isabelle, it’s all right for you to step out into your dreams too.” He squeezed her hand. “Perhaps your family may need you to do so in order to makethemstronger.”
Her brow crinkled with a frown, and she looked down at theirbraided hands, the happy street sounds from below filtering up to them in the silence.
“I know it isn’t my place to say so, but sometimes loving people best means saying no, or taking your time to decide.” He tugged her closer, examining her face. “You are generous with your time and help for others. It’s a beautiful quality in you.” He brushed a thumb along her cheek. “But I’m afraid you are not very generous with yourself.”
She pressed her cheek into his palm, and he wanted to grab her and ask her to let him take care of her forever. To rest in just being who she was because that’s exactly who he... loved. He breathed in the word and let it settle deep.
“I’m so glad you’re here, Isabelle.” He pressed a kiss against her soft hair, breathing in another dose of sweetness. “I don’t take for granted what you overcame to be here. For me.”
But I hope foryouas well, he almost added, but the words didn’t come. Perhaps it was better if she sorted out that part on her own?
She seemed to rally from her momentary melancholy and stepped back, donning an almost authentic smile. “And I plan to enjoy every minute.” She looked around the roof and then her gaze settled on the rooftop door. “Thank you for introducing me to your world, your family, and to Sutherland’s Books.”
“And many more things, I hope.” He gestured toward the rooftop door with his head. “But I’m afraid much of my life is taken up with these bookshops.”
“Not a bad thing.”
“No.” He chuckled. “I’m assuming you approve of Sutherland’s of Skern then?”
“It’s a remarkable space.” The faintest shift in her smile sent off a warning. “I can’t imagine a better setting for a bookshop.”
Ah, yes. A careful choice of words and a slight hesitation. He’d read her myriad expressions correctly as she toured the shop. With aslight turn, he studied her profile and she actively avoided meeting his gaze. He smothered a groan. Was it as bad as all that?
He shook off the worry before he narrowed his gaze at her with determination. Even if he didn’t like it, he needed to hear her perspective. For Sutherland’s... and maybe for Isabelle too.
“Let’s sit.” He gestured with his chin toward a set of chairs along the corner of one side of the roof where his mother had attempted some sort of failed flower garden. He took a seat beside her and folded his arms across his chest as he leaned back, examining her. “All right, share your thoughts freely, Karre.”
