Page 121 of Stepping Into Tomorrow

53

ISABELLA

Isabella sat in the uncomfortable hospital chair. Machines beeped and the tang of cleaning solution clung to the sterile air. Nash’s chest moved up and down, but his eyes remained closed. They said he’d woken a few times, coming in and out of consciousness since he, Eli, and her dad had been brought in yesterday evening. Eli was now safe at her parents’, resting with his abuelo and happily playing on his tablet, while his abuela spoiled him with treats. Isabella still needed to have a stern talking to him, but the loss of his boat had hit him hard.

Nash stirred, his eyes blinking open.

“Nash?” Isabella inched closer, taking his hand in hers.

He turned his head towards her and grimaced as if in pain. His eyelids drooped half closed. “Is Eli okay? Or did I dream it?”

“He’s fine. You and Papi saved him.”

She stood, grabbing the cup of water from the tray and offering him the straw. He sucked down a few sips and she put it back.

“Thank you, Nash. You risked your life for my son. I can never repay you.”

He shook his head, obsidian eyes falling on her with such weight she couldn’t breathe. “I made you a promise.”

“You did.”

He picked up her hand, rubbing his thumb over her flesh. “I’m sorry I shut you out. That I was an asshole, so stuck in my self-loathing that I took you for granted.”

“Nash—”

“No. I need to say this.” He cleared his throat. “I was on my way to the marina to tell you all this. And when I was on the boat, my biggest regret was I never got to look you in the eyes and tell you how I feel about you.”

His voice had come garbled through the radio, but she’d heard the confession. The truth through the white noise.

“I love you, sweetness. I didn’t think I was capable. Thought that part of me died a long time ago. Believed my heart was destroyed, and had nothing left to give. But you—you captured my soul. Somehow, without me realizing it, you’d caused my heart to beat again.”

She swallowed the emotion bubbling up in her throat.

“When you walked out the door, it broke me. It took me some time, but I realized that I’d just let the best thing that ever happened to me go because I was too caught up in my head to do something about it.”

“You’re grieving.”

“Yeah, but mostly I’m just blaming myself for things I can’t control. I decided I’m going to let the past go. I want a future with you. I know I fucked it all up. I never meant to hurt you with my proposal.”

She snorted and shook her head. “Is that what you call it?”

The corner of his mouth turned up. “No. I promise when I do it again, I’ll do it right.”

Her eyebrows rose. “Oh, you think you’ll get the chance to try it a second time?”

“I fucking hope so,” he grated. “But I’ll wait until I’ve earned your forgiveness.”

“I don’t need marriage, Nash.”

“I know. But I want you forever, sweetness. Whether that means a white dress someday or a promise.”

“I forgive you for being lost in your grief. But I can’t be with someone who turns to alcohol when they are hurting. That isn’t healthy.”

“I know. You’re right. And I won’t do it again.”

That was something only time would tell. But Nash had never gone back on his word.

“And I can’t be in a partnership with someone who won’t let me in. I love you, Nash, scars and all. In the same way that I hope you love me.”

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