Page 46 of Stepping Into Tomorrow

He nodded and guided her back to her seat, one palm on her lower back, scorching her skin. The pulse of electricity was just as strong as it had been the night they’d spent together on this very boat. She shivered. Get it together, chica. Because you’re never going there again with him. It would be way too complicated.

Not that Nash would want to. The man had barely started speaking to her.

“Mom?” Eli asked as she settled in the seat.

She smiled. “I’m okay. Just morning sickness.”

His fingers uncrossed and his shoulders lowered as if in relief.

“Okay, bud. We’re gonna have to head back, but I’ll take you out again sometime,” Nash offered.

“But we didn’t even go fishing,” Eli protested. “You said we were going fishing.”

Isabella tensed, sensing a meltdown coming on. Maybe she could just manage another hour?

Nash bent to get on her son’s level. “I did say that, but your mom isn’t feeling well. Sometimes plans have to change when things come up. I promise you we’ll go out again soon. You and your mom can pick the day.”

“But—”

“And I’ll let you pilot the boat back to the marina—how ’bout that?” Nash asked.

Eli’s eyes widened. “The whole way?”

Nash nodded. “Yep.”

“Okay.” Eli turned back to the wheel, gripping it like Nash taught him.

Isabella’s lips turned up at the corners in gratitude despite her queasiness. Tears welled in her eyes. God, he’s good with my kid. Nash is going to be a great dad.

***

An hour later, Isabella took Nash’s hand and climbed out of his truck. Eli bounded ahead to the door, stopping before he entered as if just remembering something.

He turned to Nash. “Thank you for taking me out in your boat today and letting me steer. I’m ready to go back out as soon as my mom agrees.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Nash said.

He walked with her to the doorway before she turned to him on the porch, covering her mouth as she yawned. Exhaustion had gotten the better of her. She’d forgotten this part of pregnancy. But it would be worth it.

“Thank you again for this afternoon,” she said.

“It was fun. But you look like you need a rest. You should go lie down.”

Was that his way of telling her she looked like crap? “Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. I guess I’ll see you later?”

“Yup.”

She nodded and turned towards Eli, pulling open a magazine off the coffee table. “I’m gonna lie down for a little while. Stay in the house, okay?”

“Okay.”

“Can you lock the door on your way out?” she asked Nash.

“Sure.”

She headed upstairs on tired legs. It had been a long day. After stopping in the bathroom to relieve herself and brush her teeth, she crawled into bed and closed her eyes.

* * *

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