Page 125 of Authentically, Izzy
Izzy didn’t wait for a reply before placing the bundle into his arms. As soon as the blankets settled, Luke's expression melted into one of wonder. Ember looked more curious than anything else, and Izzy nearly burst into tears all over again.
So tender. So gentle.
Such love.
Brodie would be that way with kids.
The sudden thought nearly undid her careful control. How could she even think that about him after what she’d learned? But . . . butthe man she thought she’d known wouldn’t have used her for money. Never. He’d have been affronted at the very idea.
Just as Brodie had been.
She turned toward Josephine and took the empty seat at her side. “How are you doing?”
She rested her head back against the pillow and sighed. “I’m tired but so happy. They’re beautiful.” Josephine looked up at Patrick, her eyes glowing. “And they have a wonderful father.”
Patrick leaned down and kissed Josephine’s head, then groaned and stumbled back, pressing his fingers to his nose. His bruised nose.
Izzy winced, but Patrick only grinned. “Josephine was amazing, Izzy. What she had to do to bring our babies into the world? It’s”—his eyes brightened—“it’s a miracle.”
Izzy looked back at her cousins and their corresponding niece and nephew, and a sweet tenderness swelled through her. Family. Belonging. Love.
All of them took risks. Faith in those people loving you even when you’re not very loveable. Belief that they’ll speak truth into your life when you need to hear it... and give you a good nudge too. Yeah, she knew what authenticity looked like because she’d seen it her whole life, even if it came in imperfect ways.
And, her breath wobbled, she’d seen it in Brodie too.
Maybe shewasstrong enough now to trust her own heart.
“They’re beautiful. Both of them.” Izzy covered Josephine’s hand with her own. “I’m so happy for you and Patrick.”
Patrick chuckled and walked back over to Penelope and Luke, peering down at the newest little members of his family like the happiest man alive.
“I really don’t deserve him, Izzy.” Josephine shook her head and smoothed out the blanket covering her from waist to toes. “He’s the best man in all the world and I don’t know how he can put up with me, but I’m so glad he does.”
Izzy squeezed Josephine’s fingers. “He needed your liveliness, Josephine. Your passionate love for your family. You brought brightness to his quiet life, you know.”
Josephine’s dark gaze shifted from Izzy’s to fasten on Patrick, her smile wobbly. “I’m sure I got the better end of that decision, but thank you for saying so.” Her attention came back to Izzy. “Luke came and talked with me about... about what you’d struggled with and how Brodie”—her bottom lip wobbled a little—“about how he heard and saw all of your talents. About how he encouraged you to show them.” She cleared her throat. “I’m sorry I’m not the one who did that for you. I’ve only ever wanted you to be happy.”
The bridge of Izzy’s nose began to tingle with the warning of coming tears. Good grief. How did she have any more left to cry? “I know, Josie.”
Josephine offered a quick chuckle and nodded. “I’m so glad you’ve found that in Brodie. Every email or phone call just confirmed how good he is for you. Foryou.” She shook her head when Izzy attempted to interrupt. “I’ve thought about seeing you two together and then I reread your emails several times, especially the last few, and I could hear it through your words. You belong with him. I’ve never seen you as animated or excited or...youas when you’re with him.”
Izzy cleared her throat and drew in a deep breath. Now wasn’t the time to divulge all that had happened over the past two days. Her heart convulsed against the thought. Not even two days. And the pain she’d seen on Brodie’s face when she left?
The man who’d book bantered with her, encouraged her weirdness with his own, gave horrible Appalachian-Yoda impersonations. Her smile spread. Won a book battle over her, believed in her dreams... Her throat tightened. He believed inher. No, it couldn't have all been make-believe. And she needed to see him face-to-face to have him prove her fears wrong.
She reached over and pressed a kiss to Josephine’s head. “Thank you, Josephine.”
“For what?”
“For reminding me what is really important.”
Ember had just started fussing and poor Luke had her held away from him as if he didn’t know what he was supposed to do next, so Patrick swept the little, wriggling bundle from her uncle’s arms.
“She’s probably hungry.”
To which Luke bolted for the door, but oblivious Penelope just kept cooing over Noah as if they were the only people in the room.
Izzy met Luke at the door and walked out with him. “If I can get a flight for tonight, would you drive me to the airport?”
