Page 17 of Stepping Into Tomorrow

Lost. “Shocked. I . . . the only person I had sex with—it was only once and we used a condom.”

“They’re not foolproof, as many can attest. It’s possible it broke and you didn’t realize.”

Isabella closed her eyes, picturing that night. Nash’s face shutting down, growing cold and emotionless as he pulled out of her. She’d needed to clean up after, but it wasn’t a lot. She’d thought it was her fluids. Had Nash realized and not said anything? Was that why he’d grown distant?

The doctor tucked her brown curls behind her ear before she pulled up her tablet and tapped on it. “It looks like you were fertile on the date you gave me.”

Fuck. She’d wanted another baby for so long, but her husband had barely had sex with her. And then she’d found out why. But having a baby now? This was not ideal. What am I going to tell Eli? Can I do this alone? Raising a preteen with Asperger’s presented its own challenges. Will Eli not get the support he needs from me if I have another baby? And do I really want to do this again?

“Would you like to talk about your options?” the doctor asked, obviously sensing Isabella’s inner turmoil.

Isabella closed her eyes, picturing her life if she kept the baby. Her body growing with life once again. The adjustments they’d need to make. The changes to their routine that would be challenging to Eli. It would mean juggling more. Facing her son and explaining things. It would mean he’d get a little sister or brother. And that they could find a new normal.

She wiped the scene of Eli holding a little bundle from her mind and imagined her life without carrying to term. Returning to Shattered Cove with just Eli, going on with her plans to start fresh. It would be easier in all respects.

The question was, what did she want? Which path was right for her where she was in her life? She didn’t have a job, but Robert had made sure they were taken care of even after his death. Between his life insurance policy and selling their house, she had the rare privilege of taking this year off work—even more if she was careful. She wouldn’t take that for granted.

Isabella opened her eyes, placing a hand on her belly where the tiniest cells were replicating, changing her body even this very second.

“I think we’re gonna do this—I’m going to do this.” I’ll find a way to explain to Eli.

“Okay. You still have time to think about it. You came in quite early. For now, I’ll write you a prescription for prenatal vitamins and make an appointment in another six weeks or so and we can do an ultrasound to get a look.”

“Alright. Thank you. Um, I won’t need that appointment. I’m moving to New Hampshire.”

The doctor offered her a warm smile. “No problem. Good luck on your move. Did you want a copy of the test results for the father?”

Isabella’s eyes widened as a lump formed in her throat. God, she hadn’t even thought about telling Nash. She would have to though. He deserved to know, and decide for himself what kind of relationship he wanted with their child. “No, thank you. That won’t be necessary.”

“Alright. I’ll have the nurse come back with your discharge paperwork and information. Have a great day.”

“You too.” Isabella waited until the doctor left, and shifted on the table. Paper crinkled under her. She blew out a breath, sliding her hands over her face as she sighed.

“How am I going to tell Nash? Maybe just rip the Band-Aid off? ‘Hey, uh remember the fun time we had on the boat? Well, you left behind a little something. Surprise.’” She shook her head. Tipping her chin up, she stared at the white ceiling. “Is this what I get for following your advice, Robert?”

Isabella laughed—it was that or cry. She’d do that when she was alone in her bed. She’d tell Eli this week. She’d move to Shattered Cove and face her parents. And then she’d find Nash and give him the news. She’d figure this out. One day at a time.

One step at a time.

8

ISABELLA

Two Weeks Later

Isabella stretched her arms over her head. It had taken a full week to drive from Colorado to New Hampshire, four days longer than she’d anticipated, because Eli had needed more breaks to move around. As much as she’d tried to prepare him for the change in schedule, her son had a hard time with it. The sheets had been too scratchy, so she’d unpacked the trunk only to find his blankets had accidentally been packed with the moving crate that was set to be delivered to storage sometime this month. She’d found a bedding store and picked him out a new one. There had been a plethora of sensory triggers all along the way. Isabella did what any parent wishing to hold on to their sanity and help their child would do—she accommodated him as best as she could.

Isabella hefted the last box of her things from the trunk, watching her step as she headed towards the stairs leading to her parents’ flat above the marina. Her father led the way, a few paces ahead. She followed him into the home she’d grown up in. It was small—but cozy. With her and Eli’s things, it was cramped. They couldn’t stay here long, that was clear. She’d look for places tomorrow. Isabella passed through the open space serving as the living room, dining area, and kitchen all in one.

“Oh, mija, have you heard who else is back in town?” her mother asked, stepping in front of her, wiping her hands on her apron.

Isabella opened her mouth to reply but her mother, always eager to share gossip, spoke before she could.

“Luis Salvador. Remember him? I think he was a grade ahead of you. Well, Nancy Plotts told me that she heard from Sue that he’s back in town after a divorce.”

“Por favor, Mama? I just got into town. I am in no way looking to be set up.”

Her mother scoffed and waved a hand. “You’re not getting any younger, chica. Besides, Eli needs a man in his life, and you need someone to take care of you.”

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