Page 14 of Stepping Into Tomorrow

Anger welled in his chest that his actions had made her doubt herself. “Not at all, sweetness. And anyone who told you different is a lying dick.”

Her shoulders lowered and she let out a sigh seemingly in relief. A small smile curved her lips before she nodded. “Thanks. Uh, you have a good . . . life.” She laughed awkwardly and stepped out of the cab. She shut the door with a click and walked towards the inn. She didn’t turn back once.

He waited until she was safely inside before putting his truck in reverse, backing out onto the road, and heading home. It felt as though he’d left something behind. Rather than turn around, he stepped harder on the gas pedal, putting as much distance as he could between himself and Bella. Nash was better off alone. And Bella didn’t even live on the same side of the country. The possibility of running into her again was slim to none. A woman like that deserved everything. And he was a man who knew nothing but guilt and failure.

If you could have anything in the world, what would you want?

Bella’s words flitted through his mind. He shook his head. Men like him didn’t get second chances.

Nash had too much to atone for. It was better he kept his distance—that way he couldn’t let anyone else down.

6

ISABELLA

Three Weeks Later

Isabella stared at the cup of tea in front of her, idly running her finger over the rays of sunlight streaming through the window onto the handle as she counted the days since she’d been on that boat again. Ugh, what was the point. She knew the answer already. She just didn’t know what to do about it.

“Mom?”

She blinked out of her daze, looking over to her son, Eli, who looked so much like his father. Same blue eyes and square chin. His dark hair and tan skin were the only things he’d inherited from her.

“Yes, sweetheart?”

“Is something wrong?” His attentive and too perceptive gaze focused on her. The last thing she wanted was her twelve-year-old son to worry about her on top of grieving his dad.

She smiled. “No. Just lost in my thoughts.”

“Do you want me to take the load in the garage to Goodwill?” Phillip, her late husband’s boyfriend, asked.

Their family was not traditional in the least. Not since Robert had come out as gay to her. It had been a shock but also a relief. For so long, she’d tried everything she could to be the perfect desirable wife. Turned out that was never the issue. They’d been planning to get divorced, and then he was diagnosed with ALS.

“I would appreciate that.” She turned to Phillip. “You sure you’re okay to hang out with Eli until I get back from my girls’ night?”

“Of course.” Phillip ruffled Eli’s hair. “He’s gonna do all the heavy lifting and save this old man’s back.” He laughed.

Eli shrugged his hand away. “Uncle Phillip, don’t mess up my hair.”

“Sorry, kid.” Phillip held his hands out, placating. “How about we get pizza afterwards?”

Eli’s eyes lit up. “Yeah!”

“Okay, I should be home by nine.” Isabella stood, taking her still full tea with her and setting it in the sink.

She stared out the window leading to the backyard she and Robert had walked through when they’d decided to buy the house. They’d planned barbecues and birthday parties for Eli there. It was a life they’d done their best to fit into with a marriage that never should have been more than a friendship.

She exhaled. At least Robert had found some happiness before he passed.

“What’s on your mind?” Phillip asked, leaning against the counter next to her. He was taller than Robert had been, thin and fit. She could see why Robert had been so taken with him.

She turned to check the table. Eli was nowhere to be seen.

“He went upstairs to fix his hair,” Phillip supplied.

She turned back to him. “Just have a lot to do before our move.” It was a half-truth. She wasn’t ready to voice what had her so out of sorts today.

“You know I’m here to help. Anything you need.”

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