Page 109 of Stepping Into Tomorrow

She backed up, pulling out of the parking lot onto the main road. Isabella’s phone rang.

Was it Nash? Had something happened and that was why he couldn’t be here?

She clicked the button to answer.

“Hello?” Tessa’s voice greeted her on speaker.

Oh, not Nash. Disappointment settled in her chest, morphing into heartbreak. “Hey.”

“What’s wrong, sweetheart?”

Isabella’s breath came out in a rush. “Why would you think something’s wrong?”

“Because I know you, and your voice hitches when you’re crying. Is it Nash? I swear I’ll cut his balls off if he’s hurt you.”

“He hasn’t done anything . . .” That’s the problem. He barely speaks to me. She let out a defeated sigh, shoulders slumping as she turned into town. “I’m having an emotional day is all. Nash is much the same as he has been since they discovered Anastasia’s remains—he’s pulled away emotionally. And he avoids us like the plague. He won’t let me in.”

“Oh, love, I’m sorry. Do they know for sure it’s her?”

“The report isn’t back, or at least that’s what Bently said. But based on what she was wearing the night she disappeared and the letter from the killer, they are assuming it is.”

“Oh, God. I can’t imagine how awful that must be for him to relive.”

“Yeah. I know. I’m trying to be understanding, but it’s like he’s just checked out. He’s drunk whenever I manage to see him or well on his way to it. He spends all day and most of the night up on that hill. He missed our appointment today after I reminded him—” Isabella wiped the tears away and made another turn, a small blue car pulling out right behind her.

“I get that he’s going through a hard time, but it’s been two weeks and he seems to be slipping further away. He’s not getting any better?” Tessa asked.

“No. I’m worried about him. But I don’t want to burden you with my problems when you’re supposed to be having fun in Ireland with your man.”

“That’s a tough situation to be in. And you’re never a burden. I love you and always have your back,” Tessa assured her. “So go ahead and lay it on me.”

“Thank you.” Isabella swallowed the emotion that rose in her throat. “I thought we were getting somewhere. I thought we had something . . . and then it all fell apart. I know it’s selfish of me, but I’m jealous of a ghost.”

“I don’t think it’s selfish to want love returned from a man who’s become such a big part of your life. Is he willing to see someone? Maybe get some help navigating through his grief?” Tessa asked.

“No.” Isabella sniffed. “I brought it up last week and he stormed out of the house. I didn’t see him again until the following night. His family have all tried to pull him out of this, but he’s shut us all out. I’m afraid he’s spiraling.”

“Babe, that’s it. I’m getting on a plane. I need to be there to hug you in person.”

“No, Tessa. You’re not leaving Ireland when you’re supposed to be meeting Roy’s family. I’ll be fine. I promise. I just . . . I’d hoped the baby would be enough to pull him out of this. But he didn’t show.” Her voice broke.

“I think you know from experience that babies never solve the root of the problem. In fact, they can complicate things further,” Tessa said, carefully.

“I don’t mean she was going to magically heal him or make him fall in love with me. I just meant, I hoped that giving him something to look forward to would help pull him out of this dark place.”

“The only one who can do that is him, sweetheart.” Tessa’s voice was full of sympathy.

“I know. I just don’t know what to do. I can’t keep going like this. But if he needs help—”

“Then he can ask for it. His family will be there for him. He has a whole bunch of people who care about him from what you’ve told me. It’s not your job to save him.”

Isabella nodded even though her friend couldn’t see as she swallowed more tears. “Tessa? Is there something wrong with me that makes me so unlovable?”

“No. Don’t you think that for one second, Bella! You are a smart, and sassy, gorgeous woman with a brilliant mind. You’re the best mother and an amazing partner who bends over backwards for the men in her life—maybe too much sometimes.”

The corners of Isabella’s mouth turned up. Tessa always gave her the truth.

“Someday you’ll find your Roy. I know I didn’t believe that there were good men out there before him, especially ones who could truly love a woman like me . . . but—”

---