Page 70 of Stepping Into Tomorrow

“Of what?”

His jaw twitched. “Of not being able to protect the baby.”

Isabella’s chest deflated as she took two steps forward to the man who towered over her. “That’s part of being a parent. It’s scary knowing that you won’t always be there to keep them from the dangers of this world. Having a child is the most terrifying thing because it’s a piece of your heart manifested outside of your body. A living, breathing embodiment of everything you hold most precious in this world in the most vulnerable package.” She turned to face the direction Eli and Ariel had wandered off in and found them snacking on apples at the end of one of the rows. “We won’t always be there to save them, but that’s why we do our best to make sure they have the tools to be capable of saving themselves one day.” Without debating it, she wrapped her arms around him and squeezed him into a hug. His salty musk blended with the sweet apples in the air.

Nash stiffened before his big arms wrapped around her too.

“You’re not alone in this. We get to be terrified together.”

Thick arms trembled slightly around her. Maybe Nova was right, and he really was much more terrified than Isabella had realized. Her heart tightened in sympathy as she pulled away, tipping her chin up to look at him.

Embers of want swirled in those dark eyes staring down at her. Her skin flushed. A steady, buzzing warmth pooled in her belly, spread to her limbs. God, it felt good to be in Nash’s arms. She should probably back away now, but it had been so long since she’d been held like this. When he touched her, it was like every synapse in her body fired alive, spinning her up and making her want things she shouldn’t.

“If you’re serious about your offer and you’re sure it won’t be too much, I’ll do it—move in with you, I mean. On the condition that we can keep being honest with each other.”

Relief flashed in his gaze before his eyes shuttered with some sort of struggle. His arms dropped to his sides, ending their embrace. “I’m glad. I’ll help you move in next weekend. Just tell me what day’s best.”

Nash turned and headed for the kids at the other end of the row.

At least he wasn’t running this time. That was progress.

32

ISABELLA

Sparks drifted into the sky riding billows of grey smoke to the dark heavens from the fire. Stacks of old pallets reaching higher than Isabella’s height flamed in the center of the meadow, giving off enough brightness that she could make out the faces of the people gathered around. Renita and James chatted with the Stone family, Mathew and Tilda. Remy, the Stones’ daughter, and their daughter-in-law, Mia, stood by Isabella, making small talk. The ladies’ husbands kept an eye on the younger kids watching the movie projected onto the side of the barn.

Ariel stayed close to her aunt Nova, sitting on her lap, her hands animatedly moving as Nova acted as translator between her and Eli. Her son sat beside them, attention locked on Ariel’s movements. He tried a few signs of his own.

Roman kept his attention divided between Andre Stone, Mikel Evans, and his daughter. He was always the watchful father when Ariel was around. How did he lose his wife?

Isabella’s skin bristled, her hair standing on end. She shivered, despite the massive heat the fire put out. Turning, she searched the field. Nash stood away from the others, beer in his hand as he stared at her. Flames reflected in his dark gaze. Shadows licked his skin, making him seem more like Hades than the god of the sea. Like gravity, his presence pulled her in. His arms were crossed, the bottle dangling from a few fingers. His expression was hard, his brow furrowed as if he were deep in thought. The urge to run her fingers over the lines and smooth them out like a sculptor, softening the ridges and finding the gentleness, lurched inside her.

“Where’s Lyra?” Mia asked, bringing her attention back to the women beside her.

Remy smiled. “Oh, she’s too cool to hang out with her parents on a Friday night. Sleepover at Jasmine’s. She and Zoey wanted some cousin time.”

“Dios, does it start that early? Ana’s only three, and Matteo, five, but I can’t imagine either one as a teenager.” Mia shook her head.

“It goes faster than you think. At least Phoenix is still seven. He’s a mama’s boy through and through.” Remy nodded towards the little boy running circles around his father.

“I think Lyra might be a little sad she missed this one, though, after I tell her how cute Eli is.” Remy snickered.

Isabella smiled. Oh, boy. Was she ready for crushes? That hadn’t been a bridge she and Eli had crossed yet.

“Speaking of crushes, you should tell Isabella how you got the bad boy of Shattered Cove to turn into such a family man,” Mia motioned between Remy and Mikel.

Remy turned to her husband and beamed, her eyes lighting up with so much affection, it stole Isabella’s breath. “It’s a long story, and not an easy one to hear. We almost didn’t make it. I think we need something a little stronger than cider to go over it.” She lifted her drink and laughed. “You should come to our book club meetings. They’re once a month and usually Pippa—she owns The Oyster Bookstore—hosts them. You don’t have to actually read the book if you don’t have time. Just come for the gossip and wine and sex toy samples.”

Sex toy samples? Now that would be useful. She’d need a little battery-powered help to get through the rest of this pregnancy. “That sounds pretty nice actually. Let me know when the next one is.”

“Who’s your favorite uncle?” Ricky asked, arriving with several white bags and holding them up.

The kids raced towards him, jumping at his feet and holding grabby hands upwards.

“Who needs some cider donuts? They’re still warm.” Ricky set them on a folding table laid out with snacks and hot cider. “The blue bag is gluten-free for Remy and Lyra.”

“Since your daughter isn’t here, I guess you get extra.” Mia laughed.

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