Page 32 of Stepping Into Tomorrow

“It’s not my dad’s,” Eli not-so-helpfully supplied.

Isabella shot him a look. If she could be swallowed up by the floor right now, that would be great. She’d have to have a talk with him later about blurting out their life story to strangers.

“And the story thickens,” said Ricky. “Don’t go breaking my heart and tell me you’re already taken.”

Nash tensed and finally fixed his glower off her and towards his brother.

“No. He, uh, won’t be in the picture,” Bella said.

“Yeah, well, you don’t need that asshole anyways,” Nova encouraged.

Oh, if she only knew that asshole was sitting at this very table.

The tension radiating from Nash was palpable. Was he afraid she would expose him as the coward he was to his family? She just wanted this dinner to be over so she could go to bed and forget this night had ever happened.

“Of course you’ll be just fine. Besides, you have this young man’s help.” Renita pointed to Eli.

“Honestly, I know it was a surprise to him. It was to me too. I have a twelve-year-old and I never expected to start all over.” She forced a chuckle. “But we’ll find our way one day at a time. Anyways, this lamb is so tender and this macaroni and cheese is delicious. Thanks so much for inviting us,” Isabella said looking between Renita and James.

“Maybe he just needed a little time to get over the shock.” Nash’s voice slammed through the room like an electric current. Everyone at the table turned to look at him, but he held her gaze.

Isabella’s stomach flipped, nerves skittering up her spine. “Maybe.” Her voice cracked. Was he saying he was in this? Could she dare hope?

“So, most of you know I’ve been put in charge of helping with the town’s annual Juneteenth celebration.” Nova blessedly changed the subject.

Isabella focused on her friend.

“We celebrate Pride and Lovings Day at the same time. I need some more volunteers since half the rotary club came down with some sort of virus. So consider yourselves all signed up.”

“No way. I got a date that day,” Ricky objected.

“I’ll help. Ariel and I can sell raffle tickets,” Roman offered.

Nova smiled at him. “You are my favorite brother for a reason.”

“Hey! I thought I was your favorite!” Ricky pouted.

“That was before you chose to be with one of your many women rather than helping out your only sister when she was in dire need. You can bring your date and I’ll consider giving you back your spot.” Nova winked.

“I think I’ll live.” Ricky snorted.

Isabella laughed. It was entertaining to see the way the siblings interacted with each other. As an only child, she’d never gotten this experience. Would Eli get a taste of that with the little bean growing inside her? Isabella’s hand smoothed over her stomach.

“What about you two?” Nova asked her.

“I’m more than happy to help,” Isabella answered.

“Can I have more bread?” Eli asked, shoveling another bite of food from his plate. The boy was a bottomless pit lately. Thankfully, Renita had been understanding of his sensory issues with food after she explained and wanted to know more for next time. These people were so welcoming—well, except for Nash.

“Awesome. Daddy, you’re going to help with the grilling, right?” Nova confirmed.

“Of course.” His smile softened as James looked at his daughter.

“And I’m bringing some pies and honey for the raffle,” Renita said.

The rest of dinner passed without incident. Isabella tried to eat, but her stomach was uneasy under the weight of Nash’s gaze. As soon as Eli was finished with his second helping, she excused herself.

“I think we better head back. It’s getting late. Thank you again for a wonderful dinner.” Isabella stood and stacked Eli’s plate on top of hers, ready to take to the kitchen.

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