Page 102 of Stepping Into Tomorrow

Bella didn’t stir.

He kissed her temple and settled back into the pillow, adjusting her in his arms so he could hold her more securely. And, for the first time in forever, Nash was whole.

46

ISABELLA

A couple of weeks later, Isabella found herself covered in flour with dough stuck under her fingernails in Mama E’s big kitchen. The smell of freshly baked pastry, apple, sweet potato, and pumpkin filled the warm air.

“That’s the last one.” Renita slid the pie into the oven.

Isabella wiped her forehead in the warm kitchen and took a drink of her ice water. “I can’t believe you do this every week.”

Dragging a cloth over the counter, Renita smiled. “It helps that I get orders ahead of time. I only bring about five extra.”

“Still, fifteen pies this week, twenty last week. The holidays are right around the corner. I’m afraid to ask what those orders look like.”

Renita walked over to the table, taking the seat opposite Isabella with a chuckle. “Oh, Lord, for that I usually enlist the assistance of a few more helpers. And I set a limit. Last year, it was a hundred apple, pumpkin, and sweet potato. I think we might do a little more this year—and that’s just Thanksgiving.”

“I’m exhausted simply thinking about it.”

Renita patted her hand. “I appreciate your help, but you know you don’t have to if it’s too much.”

Isabella waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, I’m just joking. It actually sounds like a lot of fun. Reminds me of holidays with my family. My tías and tíos and cousins would come over. We’d all pitch in and make tamales in my mother’s tiny kitchen. The men would be sent out on some errand to keep them out of the house and my mother would break out her special tequila and make us all marguerites—virgin for those of us too young to indulge of course.”

“It sounds like your family is close.”

Isabella nodded. We used to be.

“I hope my son is making your life easier and not adding to the stress?” Renita sipped her coffee.

Isabella’s heart fluttered. She couldn’t contain her smile. “Nash has been wonderful. He’s great with Eli.” And me.

The morning after she’d stayed in his bed she’d woken early to sneak into her room before Eli woke, but Nash had pulled her back into his arms for a quick kiss before letting her go. Things had changed since last weekend. There was something new between them. He seemed more open.

“I think you moving in has been good for him. I worried for a long time that he wouldn’t ever climb out of his grief.”

He still hasn’t, but he’s getting there. Isabella wasn’t going to say that out loud to his mother. She just nodded with a small smile.

Renita sighed knowingly. “I’m not sure how much my son has told you about Anastasia. And it isn’t my place to say, but just know that Nash has been through a lot with that woman. And his previous relationships. He always seemed to attract users. I think it slowly chipped away at his self-esteem. And when everything happened with Ana, and she disappeared, the light in his eyes just went out.”

“Losing someone you love is one of the hardest things to have to go through,” Isabella said.

Renita’s dark eyes reminded her of Nash’s as she met her gaze. “Yes, it is. I thought we’d lost my boy for good. But lately, I’ve seen flickers of my son coming back to life—that spark he had for his future. And I think it’s because of you.”

Isabella closed her eyes and shook her head, holding back the tears. She couldn’t help the bubble of hope that grew inside of her. “I think it just helps having someone who understands the pain of grief.”

Renita patted her hand. “I wanted you to know I appreciate you being there for him, and I’m so grateful to have you as part of this family.”

“I’m glad to be a part of it.” Isabella took another sip of the cold water. Her head was starting to pound. She got to her feet. “I think I’m going to go lie down for a little while.”

“Of course. Thanks for your help.”

Isabella took her glass to the sink before she left the Emersons’ home, walking down a worn path leading to Nash’s. She carried her jacket on her arm, needing the chilly air after being in such a hot kitchen for hours. The sun shone. A few white puffs of clouds stuck out in the blue sky. The trees swayed in the light breeze, carrying the scent of dead leaves and burning firewood—no doubt from Mama Emerson’s home nearby. Today was beautiful. Maybe she’d nap on the porch with some warm blankets.

Isabella approached the mailbox at the end of Nash’s driveway. She pulled out the contents before heading into the house.

Her phone rang in her pocket. She pulled it out; Tessa’s name flashed on the screen. “Hello, beautiful.”

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